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Tomecka P, Kunachowicz D, Górczyńska J, Gebuza M, Kuźnicki J, Skinderowicz K, Choromańska A. Factors Determining Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8972. [PMID: 39201656 PMCID: PMC11354349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process in which an epithelial cell undergoes multiple modifications, acquiring both morphological and functional characteristics of a mesenchymal cell. This dynamic process is initiated by various inducing signals that activate numerous signaling pathways, leading to the stimulation of transcription factors. EMT plays a significant role in cancer progression, such as metastasis and tumor heterogeneity, as well as in drug resistance. In this article, we studied molecular mechanisms, epigenetic regulation, and cellular plasticity of EMT, as well as microenvironmental factors influencing this process. We included both in vivo and in vitro models in EMT investigation and clinical implications of EMT, such as the use of EMT in curing oncological patients and targeting its use in therapies. Additionally, this review concludes with future directions and challenges in the wide field of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Tomecka
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.G.); (M.G.); (J.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Dominika Kunachowicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211a, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Julia Górczyńska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.G.); (M.G.); (J.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Michał Gebuza
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.G.); (M.G.); (J.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Jacek Kuźnicki
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.G.); (M.G.); (J.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Skinderowicz
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.T.); (J.G.); (M.G.); (J.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Anna Choromańska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211a, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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2
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Shu LZ, Ding YD, Zhang JY, He RS, Xiao L, Pan BX, Deng H. Interactions between MDSCs and the Autonomic Nervous System: Opportunities and Challenges in Cancer Neuroscience. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:652-662. [PMID: 38568775 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a population of heterogeneous immune cells that are involved in precancerous conditions and neoplasms. The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is composed of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, is an important component of the tumor microenvironment that responds to changes in the internal and external environment mainly through adrenergic and cholinergic signaling. An abnormal increase of autonomic nerve density has been associated with cancer progression. As we discuss in this review, growing evidence indicates that sympathetic and parasympathetic signals directly affect the expansion, mobilization, and redistribution of MDSCs. Dysregulated autonomic signaling recruits MDSCs to form an immunosuppressive microenvironment in chronically inflamed tissues, resulting in abnormal proliferation and differentiation of adult stem cells. The two components of the ANS may also be responsible for the seemingly contradictory behaviors of MDSCs. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms has the potential to provide more insights into the complex roles of MDSCs in tumor development and lay the foundation for the development of novel MDSC-targeted anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Zhen Shu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabiliation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yi-Dan Ding
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabiliation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jin-Yao Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Rui-Shan He
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabiliation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Li Xiao
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabiliation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bing-Xing Pan
- Laboratory of Fear and Anxiety Disorders, Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huan Deng
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabiliation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Tumor Immunology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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3
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Kaviani M, Soleimanian S, Keshtkar S, Azarpira N, Asvar Z, Pakbaz S. Molecular Prospective on Malignant Transformation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells: An Issue in Cell Therapy. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:96-106. [PMID: 38917438 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2024.0026] [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] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) therapy, as a rapidly developing area of medicine, holds great promise for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. MSCs are multipotent stem cells that can be isolated from various tissues and could self-renew and differentiate. They secrete cytokines and trophic factors that create a regenerative microenvironment and have immunomodulatory properties. Although clinical trials have been conducted with MSCs in various diseases, concerns regarding the possibility of malignant transformation of these cells have been raised. The studies showed a higher rate of hematological malignancy and carcinogenesis in experimental models after MSC transplantation. The mechanisms underlying malignant transformation of MSCs are complex and not fully understood, but they are believed to involve the presence of special signaling molecules and alterations in cell behavior regulation pathways. Possible pathways that lead to MSCs' oncogenic transformation occur through two mechanisms: spontaneous and stimulated malignant transformation, including cell fusion, fusion proteins, and the tumor microenvironment. MSC-based therapies have the potential to revolutionize medicine, and addressing the issue of malignancy is crucial to ensure their safety and efficacy. Therefore, the purpose of the present review is to summarize the potential mechanisms of the malignant transformation of MSCs. [Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Kaviani
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeede Soleimanian
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Somayeh Keshtkar
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Asvar
- Nanotechnology School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Pakbaz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kim HD, Yeh CY, Chang YC, Kim CH. Dawn era for revisited cancer therapy by innate immune system and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167019. [PMID: 38211726 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer. However, it shows limited efficacy against certain tumor types. The activation of innate immunity can suppress tumors by mitigating inflammatory and malignant behaviors through immune surveillance. The tumor microenvironment, which is composed of immune cells and cancer cells, plays a crucial role in determining the outcomes of immunotherapy. Relying solely on immune checkpoint inhibitors is not an optimal approach. Instead, there is a need to consider the use of a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with other modulators of the innate immune system to improve the tumor microenvironment. This can be achieved through methods such as immune cell antigen presentation and recognition. In this review, we delve into the significance of innate immune cells in tumor regression, as well as the role of the interaction of tumor cells with innate immune cells in evading host immune surveillance. These findings pave the way for the next chapter in the field of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Do Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Glycobiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, SungKyunKwan University, Suwon, Gyunggi-Do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Chia-Ying Yeh
- Department of Biomedicine Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chan Chang
- Department of Biomedicine Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan.
| | - Cheorl-Ho Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Glycobiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, SungKyunKwan University, Suwon, Gyunggi-Do 16419, Republic of Korea; Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Science and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Wang M, Deng C, Yang C, Yan M, Lu H, Zhang Y, Liu H, Tong Z, Ma J, Wang J, Zhang Y, Wang J, Xuan Y, Cheng H, Zhao K, Zhang J, Chai C, Li M, Yu Z. Unraveling temporal and spatial biomarkers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer: insights into the crucial role of immunosuppressive cells. J Transl Med 2023; 21:794. [PMID: 37940972 PMCID: PMC10633927 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04600-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and progression of tumors can be established through a complex interplay among tumor cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasive factors and immune cells. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatially resolved transcriptomics (ST) to evaluate the pseudotime trajectory and spatial interactive relationship between EMT-invasive malignant tumors and immune cells in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues at different stages (stage I/II and stage III with tumor deposit). Our research characterized the spatiotemporal relationship among different invasive tumor programs by constructing pseudotime endpoint-EMT-invasion tumor programs (EMTPs) located at the edge of ST, utilizing evolution trajectory analysis integrated with EMT-invasion genes. Strikingly, the invasive and expansive process of tumors undergoes remarkable spatial reprogramming of regulatory and immunosuppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), regulatory T cells (Treg), and exhausted T cells (Tex). These EMTP-adjacent cell are linked to EMT-related invasion genes, especially the C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) and CXCL8 genes that are important for CRC prognosis. Interestingly, the EMTPs in stage I mainly produce an inflammatory margin invasive niche, while the EMTPs in stage III tissues likely produce a hypoxic pre-invasive niche. Our data demonstrate the crucial role of regulatory and immunosuppressive cells in tumor formation and progression of CRC. This study provides a framework to delineate the spatiotemporal invasive niche in CRC samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhong Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Chunyu Deng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Mingze Yan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Haibo Lu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Honghao Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Zhekuan Tong
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiaao Ma
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiaming Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yuhong Xuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Haiyue Cheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Cuicui Chai
- Digestive Disease Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Mingzhe Li
- Digestive Disease Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Zhiwei Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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Zhu L, Yu X, Cao T, Deng H, Tang X, Lin Q, Zhou Q. Immune cell membrane-based biomimetic nanomedicine for treating cancer metastasis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
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8
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Jia F, Li Y, Gao Y, Wang X, Lu J, Cui X, Pan Z, Xu C, Deng X, Wu Y. Sequential-delivery nanocomplex for combined anti-angiogenesis and gene therapy against colorectal cancer. Int J Pharm 2023; 637:122850. [PMID: 36990169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Neovascularization can provide tumors with essential nutrients and oxygen, as well as maintain a microenvironment for tumor cell growth. In this study, we combined anti-angiogenic therapy and gene therapy for synergistic anti-tumor therapy. We co-delivered the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor fruquintinib (Fru) and small interfering RNA CCAT1 (siCCAT1) inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition using 1,2-distearoyl-snglycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N- [methoxy (polyethylene glycol)] with a pH-responsive benzoic imine linker bond (DSPE-Hyd-mPEG) and polyethyleneimine-poly (d, l-lactide) (PEI-PDLLA) nanocomplex (Fru and siCCAT1 co-delivery NP, FCNP). Due to the characteristics of pH-response, DSPE-Hyd-mPEG removed from FCNP after enrichment at the tumor site, which had a protective effect in the body. Meanwhile, Fru acting on the peritumor blood vessels was rapidly released, and then the nanoparticles loaded with siCCAT1 (CNP) was engulfed by cancer cells and facilitate the successful lysosomal escape of siCCAT1 in, playing the role of silencing CCAT1. Efficient silencing of CCAT1 by FCNP was observed, and simultaneously, the expression of VEGFR-1 was also down-regulated. Furthermore, FCNP elicited significant synergistic antitumor efficacy via anti-angiogenesis and gene therapy in the SW480 subcutaneous xenograft model with favorable biosafety and biocompatibility during the treatment. Overall, FCNP was considered a promising strategy for the combined anti-angiogenesis-gene treatment against colorectal cancer.
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Luo Y, Hu S, Wang F, Yang J, Gong D, Xu W, Xu X, Min L. miR-137 represses migration and cell motility by targeting COX-2 in non-small cell lung cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2022; 11:3803-3813. [PMID: 36388045 PMCID: PMC9641119 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-22-2177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is a common malignant tumor, with, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for about 80-85% of cases. This study investigated the expression of miR-137 in NSCLC tissues and cells and its effects on the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells and related mechanisms. METHODS We collected the neoplastic and paracancerous tissues of NSCLC patients, detected the expression of miR-137 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and analyzed the correlation between miR-137 expression and the clinicopathological features and survival of NSCLC. Following transfection with miR-137 mimic or inhibitor in NSCLC cell lines (A549 or H1299) to upregulate or downregulate the expression of miR-137, transwell assay was employed to detect the effects of miR-137 on migration or invasion. Online software was employed to predict and analyze the target gene of miR-137, and luciferase reporter gene system was adopted to validate it. The effects of miR-137 on the expressions of COX-2 and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) related proteins were investigated by Western blot. RESULTS Compared to paracancerous tissues and BEAS-2B cells, the expressions of miR-137 in NSCLC tissues, A549 and H1299 cells were dramatically down-regulated (P<0.01). After transfection with miR-137 mimic or inhibitor in A549 and H1299 cells, the miR-137 expressions were markedly up-regulated or down-regulated (P<0.01), respectively. The number of migrating or invading cells was observably decreased or increased (P<0.01) after transfected with mimic or inhibitor, respectively, while relative luciferase activity was evidently decreased in cells co-transfected with miR-137 mimic and wild type recombined vector of 3'UTR of COX-2. While the expressions of COX-2 and E-cadherin were both substantially reduced in A549 cells treated with miR-137 mimic, that of vimentin was substantially raised. The expression of miR-137 correlated with smoking history, lymph node metastasis, and TNM clinical stage, and patients with high miR-137 expression had apparent longer survival. CONCLUSIONS The expression of miR-137 was significantly down-regulated in NSCLC tissues and cells, and correlated with NSCLC progress. miR-137 suppressed the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells through regulating EMT relative proteins by targeting COX-2. miR-137 is expected to become a novel biomarker and therapeutic target of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutu Luo
- Clinical Medical School of Yangzhou University, Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Taizhou Second People’s Hospital, Medical School of Yangzhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Suwei Hu
- Medical Genetic Center, Affiliated Yangzhou Women and Children Hospital, Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Clinical Medical School of Yangzhou University, Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Junjun Yang
- Clinical Medical School of Yangzhou University, Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Daohui Gong
- Clinical Medical School of Yangzhou University, Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Clinical Medical School of Yangzhou University, Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xingxiang Xu
- Clinical Medical School of Yangzhou University, Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lingfeng Min
- Clinical Medical School of Yangzhou University, Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
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Chen Q, Zou J, He Y, Pan Y, Yang G, Zhao H, Huang Y, Zhao Y, Wang A, Chen W, Lu Y. A narrative review of circulating tumor cells clusters: A key morphology of cancer cells in circulation promote hematogenous metastasis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:944487. [PMID: 36059616 PMCID: PMC9434215 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.944487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that survive in the blood are playing an important role in the metastasis process of tumor. In addition, they have become a tool for tumor diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence monitoring. CTCs can exist in the blood as individual cells or as clumps of aggregated cells. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that clustered CTCs have stronger metastasis ability compared to single CTCs. With the deepening of studies, scholars have found that cancer cells can combine not only with each other, but also with non-tumor cells present in the blood, such as neutrophils, platelets, etc. At the same time, it was confirmed that non-tumor cells bound to CTCs maintain the survival and proliferation of cancer cells through a variety of ways, thus promoting the occurrence and development of tumor. In this review, we collected information on tumorigenesis induced by CTC clusters to make a summary and a discussion about them. Although CTC clusters have recently been considered as a key role in the transition process, many characteristics of them remain to be deeply explored. A detailed understanding of their vulnerability can prospectively pave the way for new inhibitors for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jueyao Zou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanhong Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gejun Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, China
| | - Aiyun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxing Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, China
| | - Yin Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, China
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Pouliquen DL, Boissard A, Henry C, Coqueret O, Guette C. Curcuminoids as Modulators of EMT in Invasive Cancers: A Review of Molecular Targets With the Contribution of Malignant Mesothelioma Studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:934534. [PMID: 35873564 PMCID: PMC9304619 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.934534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcuminoids, which include natural acyclic diarylheptanoids and the synthetic analogs of curcumin, have considerable potential for fighting against all the characteristics of invasive cancers. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process for embryonic morphogenesis, however, the last decade has confirmed it orchestrates many features of cancer invasiveness, such as tumor cell stemness, metabolic rewiring, and drug resistance. A wealth of studies has revealed EMT in cancer is in fact driven by an increasing number of parameters, and thus understanding its complexity has now become a cornerstone for defining future therapeutic strategies dealing with cancer progression and metastasis. A specificity of curcuminoids is their ability to target multiple molecular targets, modulate several signaling pathways, modify tumor microenvironments and enhance the host’s immune response. Although the effects of curcumin on these various parameters have been the subject of many reviews, the role of curcuminoids against EMT in the context of cancer have never been reviewed so far. This review first provides an updated overview of all EMT drivers, including signaling pathways, transcription factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and tumor microenvironment components, with a special focus on the most recent findings. Secondly, for each of these drivers the effects of curcumin/curcuminoids on specific molecular targets are analyzed. Finally, we address some common findings observed between data reported in the literature and the results of investigations we conducted on experimental malignant mesothelioma, a model of invasive cancer representing a useful tool for studies on EMT and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Pouliquen
- Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
- *Correspondence: Daniel L. Pouliquen,
| | - Alice Boissard
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Cécile Henry
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Olivier Coqueret
- Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Catherine Guette
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
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Dong P, Yan Y, Fan Y, Wang H, Wu D, Yang L, Zhang J, Yin X, Lv Y, Zhang J, Hou Y, Liu F, Yu X. The Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2022; 21:15330338221142472. [PMID: 36573015 PMCID: PMC9806441 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221142472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers, with a 5-year survival rate of about 10%. Early warning signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer are vague or nonexistent, and most patients are diagnosed in Stage IV, when surgery is not an option for about 80%-85% of patients. For patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer, current conventional treatment modalities such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) have suboptimal efficacy. Tumor progression is closely associated with the tumor microenvironment, which includes peripheral blood vessels, bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix. Tumor cells affect the microenvironment by releasing extracellular signaling molecules, inducing peripheral immune tolerance, and promoting tumor angiogenesis. In turn, the immune cells of the tumor affect the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells are key cellular components in the tumor microenvironment and exert immunosuppressive functions by producing cytokines, recognizing other immune cells, and promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells are the main regulator of the tumor immune response and a key target for tumor treatments. Since the combination of RT and immunotherapy is the main strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, it is very important to understand the immune mechanisms which lead to MDSCs generation and the failure of current therapies in order to develop new target-based therapies. This review summarizes the research advances on the role of Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the progression of pancreatic cancer and its treatment application in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Dong
- Department of oncology, The First affiliated hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of oncology, The First affiliated hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong, China
| | - Yujun Fan
- Medical Management Center,Health Commission of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of oncology, The First affiliated hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong, China
| | - Danzhu Wu
- Department of oncology, The First affiliated hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong, China
- Department of Oncology, Clinical Medical College of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Liyuan Yang
- Department of oncology, The First affiliated hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong, China
| | - Junpeng Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyang Yin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yajuan Lv
- Department of oncology, The First affiliated hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong, China
| | - Jiandong Zhang
- Department of oncology, The First affiliated hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong, China
| | - Yuzhu Hou
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, China
| | - Fengjun Liu
- Department of oncology, The First affiliated hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong, China
| | - Xinshuang Yu
- Department of oncology, The First affiliated hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong, China
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13
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Quan Q, Wu J, Yu M, Tang J. Immune micro-environment and drug analysis of peritoneal endometriosis based on epithelial-mesenchymal transition classification. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1035158. [PMID: 36523599 PMCID: PMC9745086 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1035158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex event that drives polar epithelial cells transform from adherent cells to motile mesenchymal cells, in which are involved immune cells and stroma cells. EMT plays crucial roles in migration and invasion of endometriosis. The interaction of endometrial implants with the surrounding peritoneal micro-environment probably affects the development of peritoneal endometriosis. To date, very few studies have been carried out on peritoneal endometriosis sub-type classification and micro-environment analysis based on EMT. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential application of EMT-based classification in precise diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal endometriosis. METHOD Based on EMT hallmark genes, 76 peritoneal endometriosis samples were classified into two clusters by consistent cluster classification. EMT scores, which calculated by Z score of 8 epithelial cell marker genes and 8 mesenchymal cell marker genes, were compared in two clusters. Then, immune scores and the abundances of corresponding immune cells, stroma scores and the abundances of corresponding stroma cells were analyzed by the "xCell" package. Futhermore, a diagnostic model was constructed based on 9 diagnostic markers which related to immune score and stroma score by Lasso-Logistic regression analysis. Finally, based on EMT classification, a total of 8 targeted drugs against two clusters were screened out by drug susceptibility analysis via "pRRophetic" package. RESULTS Hallmark epithelial-mesenchymal transition was the mainly enriched pathway of differentially expressed genes between peritoneal endometriosis tissues and endometrium tissues. Compared with cluster 2, EMT score and the abundances of most infiltrating stroma cell were significantly higher, while the abundances of most infiltrating immune cells were dramatically less. The diagnostic model could accurately distinguish cluster 1 from cluster 2. Pathway analysis showed drug candidates targeting cluster 1 mainly act on the IGF-1 signaling pathway, and drug candidates targeting cluster 2 mainly block the EGFR signaling pathway. CONCLUSION In peritoneal endometriosis, EMT was probably promoted by stroma cell infiltration and inhibited by immune cell infiltration. Besides, our study highlighted the potential uses of the EMT classification in the precise diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingli Quan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qingli Quan, ; Jia Tang,
| | - Jiabao Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Meixing Yu
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qingli Quan, ; Jia Tang,
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Guo X, Piao H. Research Progress of circRNAs in Glioblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:791892. [PMID: 34881248 PMCID: PMC8645988 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.791892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of single-stranded covalently closed non-coding RNAs without a 5' cap structure or 3' terminal poly (A) tail, which are expressed in a variety of tissues and cells with conserved, stable and specific characteristics. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal tumor in the central nervous system, characterized by high recurrence and mortality rates. The specific expression of circRNAs in GBM has demonstrated their potential to become new biomarkers for the development of GBM. The specific expression of circRNAs in GBM has shown their potential as new biomarkers for GBM cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, which provides new ideas for GBM treatment. In this paper, we will review the biological properties and functions of circRNAs and their biological roles and clinical applications in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haozhe Piao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Qiu H, Shao Z, Wen X, Jiang J, Ma Q, Wang Y, Huang L, Ding X, Zhang L. TREM2: Keeping Pace With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:716710. [PMID: 34539652 PMCID: PMC8446424 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.716710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been successively approved and widely used in clinical cancer treatments, however, the overall response rates are very low and almost all cancer patients eventually progressed to drug resistance, this is mainly due to the intricate tumor microenvironment and immune escape mechanisms of cancer cells. One of the main key mechanisms leading to the evasion of immune attack is the presence of the immunosuppressive microenvironment within tumors. Recently, several studies illustrated that triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2), a transmembrane receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, was a crucial pathology-induced immune signaling hub, and it played a vital negative role in antitumor immunity, such as inhibiting the proliferation of T cells. Here, we reviewed the recent advances in the study of TREM2, especially focused on its regulation of tumor-related immune signaling pathways and its role as a novel target in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Qiu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhiying Shao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jinghua Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qinggong Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Long Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xin Ding
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Longzhen Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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