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Olaoba OT, Yang M, Adelusi TI, Maidens T, Kimchi ET, Staveley-O’Carroll KF, Li G. Targeted Therapy for Highly Desmoplastic and Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1470. [PMID: 38672552 PMCID: PMC11048089 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081470] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a very poor prognosis. Despite advancements in treatment strategies, PDAC remains recalcitrant to therapies because patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The advanced stage of PDAC is characterized by metastasis, which typically renders it unresectable by surgery or untreatable by chemotherapy. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC comprises highly proliferative myofibroblast-like cells and hosts the intense deposition of a extracellular matrix component that forms dense fibrous connective tissue, a process called the desmoplastic reaction. In desmoplastic TMEs, the incessant aberration of signaling pathways contributes to immunosuppression by suppressing antitumor immunity. This feature offers a protective barrier that impedes the targeted delivery of drugs. In addition, the efficacy of immunotherapy is compromised because of the immune cold TME of PDAC. Targeted therapy approaches towards stromal and immunosuppressive TMEs are challenging. In this review, we discuss cellular and non-cellular TME components that contain actionable targets for drug development. We also highlight findings from preclinical studies and provide updates about the efficacies of new investigational drugs in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olamide T. Olaoba
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
| | - Temitope I. Adelusi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Tessa Maidens
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
| | - Eric T. Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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Wei H, Ren H. Precision treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216636. [PMID: 38278471 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216636] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor comprising pancreatic cancer cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, vascular epithelial cells, and other cells in the mesenchymal tissue. PDAC is difficult to treat because of the complexity of the tissue components; therefore, achieving therapeutic effects with a single therapeutic method or target is problematic. Recently, precision therapy has provided new directions and opportunities for treating PDAC using genetic information from an individual's disease to guide treatment. It selects and applies appropriate therapeutic methods for each patient, with an aim to minimize medical damage and costs, while maximizing patient benefits. Molecular targeted therapy is effective in most clinical studies; however, it has been ineffective in large-scale randomized controlled trials of PDAC, mainly because the enrolled populations were not stratified on a molecular basis. Molecular stratification allows the identification of the PDAC population being treated, optimizing therapeutic effect. However, a systematic review of precision therapies for patients with highly heterogeneous PDAC backgrounds has not been conducted. Here, we review the molecular background and current potential therapeutic targets related to PDAC and provide new directions for PDAC precision therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China.
| | - He Ren
- Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China.
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Deng Z, Fan T, Xiao C, Tian H, Zheng Y, Li C, He J. TGF-β signaling in health, disease, and therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:61. [PMID: 38514615 PMCID: PMC10958066 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01764-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multifunctional cytokine expressed by almost every tissue and cell type. The signal transduction of TGF-β can stimulate diverse cellular responses and is particularly critical to embryonic development, wound healing, tissue homeostasis, and immune homeostasis in health. The dysfunction of TGF-β can play key roles in many diseases, and numerous targeted therapies have been developed to rectify its pathogenic activity. In the past decades, a large number of studies on TGF-β signaling have been carried out, covering a broad spectrum of topics in health, disease, and therapeutics. Thus, a comprehensive overview of TGF-β signaling is required for a general picture of the studies in this field. In this review, we retrace the research history of TGF-β and introduce the molecular mechanisms regarding its biosynthesis, activation, and signal transduction. We also provide deep insights into the functions of TGF-β signaling in physiological conditions as well as in pathological processes. TGF-β-targeting therapies which have brought fresh hope to the treatment of relevant diseases are highlighted. Through the summary of previous knowledge and recent updates, this review aims to provide a systematic understanding of TGF-β signaling and to attract more attention and interest to this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqin Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chu Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - He Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yujia Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, 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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Tindall RR, Bailey-Lundberg JM, Cao Y, Ko TC. The TGF-β superfamily as potential therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1362247. [PMID: 38500662 PMCID: PMC10944957 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1362247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily has important physiologic roles and is dysregulated in many pathologic processes, including pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancer diagnoses, and current therapies are largely ineffective due to tumor resistance and late-stage diagnosis with poor prognosis. Recent efforts are focused on the potential of immunotherapies in improving therapeutic results for patients with pancreatic cancer, among which TGF-β has been identified as a promising target. This review focuses on the role of TGF-β in the diseased pancreas and pancreatic cancer. It also aims to summarize the current status of therapies targeting the TGF-β superfamily and postulate potential future directions in targeting the TGF-β signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R. Tindall
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Bailey-Lundberg
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yanna Cao
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tien C. Ko
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Peng X, Liu K, Hu X, Gong D, Zhang G. Hesperitin-Copper(II) Complex Regulates the NLRP3 Pathway and Attenuates Hyperuricemia and Renal Inflammation. Foods 2024; 13:591. [PMID: 38397567 PMCID: PMC10888018 DOI: 10.3390/foods13040591] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperuricaemia (HUA) is a disorder of purine metabolism in the body. We previously synthesized a hesperitin (Hsp)-Cu(II) complex and found that the complex possessed strong uric acid (UA)-reducing activity in vitro. In this study we further explored the complex's UA-lowering and nephroprotective effects in vivo. METHODS A mouse with HUA was used to investigate the complex's hypouricemic and nephroprotective effects via biochemical analysis, RT-PCR, and Western blot. RESULTS Hsp-Cu(II) complex markedly decreased the serum UA level and restored kidney tissue damage to normal in HUA mice. Meanwhile, the complex inhibited liver adenosine deaminase (ADA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities to reduce UA synthesis and modulated the protein expression of urate transporters to promote UA excretion. Hsp-Cu(II) treatment significantly suppressed oxidative stress and inflammatory in the kidney, reduced the contents of cytokines and inhibited the activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory pathway. CONCLUSIONS Hsp-Cu(II) complex reduced serum UA and protected kidneys from renal inflammatory damage and oxidative stress by modulating the NLRP3 pathway. Hsp-Cu(II) complex may be a promising dietary supplement or nutraceutical for the therapy of hyperuricemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (X.P.); (K.L.); (X.H.); (D.G.)
- Department of Biological Engineering, Jiangxi Biotech Vocational College, Nanchang 330200, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (X.P.); (K.L.); (X.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Xing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (X.P.); (K.L.); (X.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Deming Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (X.P.); (K.L.); (X.H.); (D.G.)
| | - Guowen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (X.P.); (K.L.); (X.H.); (D.G.)
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