Matrix metalloproteinase-9 induces a pro-angiogenic profile in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Targeting the tumor microenvironment: Potential strategy for cancer therapeutics

Cellular and stromal components including tumor cells, immune cells, mesenchymal cells, cancer-linked fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix, constituent tumor microenvironment (TME). TME plays a crucial role in reprogramming tumor initiation, uncontrolled proliferation, invasion and metastasis as well as response to therapeutic modalities. In recent years targeting the TME has developed as a potential strategy for treatment of cancer because of its life-threatening functions in restricting tumor development and modulating responses to standard-of-care medicines. Cold atmospheric plasma, oncolytic viral therapy, bacterial therapy, nano-vaccine, and repurposed pharmaceuticals with combination therapy, antiangiogenic drugs, and immunotherapies are among the most effective therapies directed by TME that have either been clinically authorized or are currently being studied. This article discusses above-mentioned therapies in light of targeting TME. We also cover problems related to the TME-targeted therapies, as well as future insights and practical uses in this rapidly growing field.

Bioinformatics analysis and identification of hub genes and immune-related molecular mechanisms in chronic myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant hyperplastic tumor of the bone marrow originating from pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has greatly improved the survival rate of patients with CML. However, TKI-resistance leads to the disease recurrence and progression. This study aimed to identify immune-related genes (IRGs) associated with CML progression.

METHODS

We extracted the gene's expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Bioinformatics analysis was used to determine the differentially expressed IRGs of CML and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Functional enrichment and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to explore its potential mechanism. Hub genes were identified using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) and the CytoHubba plugin. The hub genes' diagnostic value was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). The relative proportions of infiltrating immune cells in each CML sample were evaluated using CIBERSORT. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to validate the hub gene expression in clinical samples.

RESULTS

A total of 31 differentially expressed IRGs were identified. GO analyses revealed that the modules were typically enriched in the receptor ligand activity, cytokine activity, and endopeptidase activity. KEGG enrichment analysis of IRGs revealed that CML involved Th17 cell differentiation, the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. A total of 10 hub genes were selected using the PPI network. GSEA showed that these hub genes were related to the gamma-interferon immune response, inflammatory response, and allograft rejection. ROC curve analysis suggested that six hub genes may be potential biomarkers for CML diagnosis. Further analysis indicated that immune cells were associated with the pathogenesis of CML. The RT-qPCR results showed that proteinase 3 (PRTN3), cathepsin G (CTSG), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), resistin (RETN), eosinophil derived neurotoxin (RNase2), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP, RNase3) were significantly elevated in CML patients' PBMCs compared with healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

These results improved our understanding of the functional characteristics and immune-related molecular mechanisms involved in CML progression and provided potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

The extracellular matrix: A key player in the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells located in the bone marrow lay the foundation for multiple lineages of mature hematologic cells. Bone marrow niches are architecturally complex with specific cellular, physiochemical, and biomechanical factors. Increasing evidence suggests that the bone marrow microenvironment contributes to the pathogenesis of hematological neoplasms. Numerous studies have deciphered the role of genetic mutations and chromosomal translocations in the development hematologic malignancies. Significant progress has also been made in understanding how the cellular components and cytokine interactions within the bone marrow microenvironment promote the evolution of hematologic cancers. Although the extracellular matrix is known to be a key player in the pathogenesis of various diseases, it's role in the progression of hematologic malignancies is less understood. In this review, we discuss the interactions between the extracellular matrix and malignant cells, and provide an overview of the role of extracellular matrix remodeling in sustaining hematologic malignancies.

Increased levels of the cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers GDF15 and myostatin in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Individuals suffering from cancer, including hematological malignancies, are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Elevated levels of several biomarkers in blood are associated with an increased risk of CVD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a subset of such CVD risk biomarkers was elevated in patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Blood plasma and serum from 139 CLL patients and 71 healthy age-matched controls were analyzed for 11 proposed CVD risk biomarkers. The CLL cohort displayed a more heterogeneous pattern of biomarker expression compared to controls. The majority, eight out of 11, analyzed CVD risk biomarkers differed significantly in concentrations between CLL patients and controls. Increased levels of the biomarkers GDF15 and myostatin have not previously been reported in CLL. Further prospective studies are warranted to investigate whether these biomarkers predict future cardiovascular events in patients with CLL.