Hyaluronan: A modulator of the tumor microenvironment

Viscoelasticity of Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels Regulates Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Spinal Cord Organoid Patterning and Vascularization

Recently, it has been recognized that natural extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissues are viscoelastic, while only elastic properties have been investigated in the past. How the viscoelastic matrix regulates stem cell patterning is critical for cell-ECM mechano-transduction. Here, this study fabricated different methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels using covalent cross-linking, consisting of two gels with similar elasticity (stiffness) but different viscoelasticity, and two gels with similar viscoelasticity but different elasticity (stiffness). Meanwhile, a second set of dual network hydrogels are fabricated containing both covalent and coordinated cross-links. Human spinal cord organoid (hSCO) patterning in HA hydrogels and co-culture with isogenic human blood vessel organoids (hBVOs) are investigated. The viscoelastic hydrogels promote regional hSCO patterning compared to the elastic hydrogels. More viscoelastic hydrogels can promote dorsal marker expression, while softer hydrogels result in higher interneuron marker expression. The effects of viscoelastic properties of the hydrogels become more dominant than the stiffness effects in the co-culture of hSCOs and hBVOs. In addition, more viscoelastic hydrogels can lead to more Yes-associated protein nuclear translocation, revealing the mechanism of cell-ECM mechano-transduction. This research provides insights into viscoelastic behaviors of the hydrogels during human organoid patterning with ECM-mimicking in vitro microenvironments for applications in regenerative medicine.

Cloning, expression and characterization of novel hyaluronan lyases Vhylzx1 and Vhylzx2 from Vibrio sp. ZG1

Hyaluronidases are a class of enzymes that can degrade hyaluronic acid and have a wide range of applications in the medical field. In this study, the marine bacterium Vibrio sp. ZG1, which can degrade HA, was isolated, leading to the discovery of two novel hyaluronan lyases, Vhylzx1 and Vhylzx2, through genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. These lyases belong to the polysaccharide lyase-8 family. Vhylzx1 and Vhylzx2 specifically degrade HA, with highest activity at 35 °C, pH 5.7 and 50 °C, pH 7.1. Vhylzx1 and Vhylzx2 are endo-type enzymes that can fully degrade HA into unsaturated disaccharides. Sequence homology assessment and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the catalytic residues of Vhylzx1 are Asn231, His281, and Tyr290, and that the catalytic residues of Vhylzx2 are Asn227, His277, and Tyr286. Moreover, this study used consensus sequences to enhance the specific activity of Vhylzx2 mutants. Notably, the mutants V564I, N742D, L619F, and D658G increases the specific activity by 2.4, 2.2, 1.3, and 1.2-fold. These characteristics are useful for further basic research and applications, and have a promising application in the preparation of biologically active hyaluronic acid oligosaccharides.

The roles of hyaluronan in kidney development, physiology and disease

The hyaluronan (HA) matrix in the tissue microenvironment is crucial for maintaining homeostasis by regulating inflammatory signalling, endothelial-mesenchymal transition and cell migration. During development, covalent modifications and osmotic swelling of HA create mechanical forces that initiate midgut rotation, vascular patterning and branching morphogenesis. Together with its main cell surface receptor, CD44, HA establishes a physicochemical scaffold at the cell surface that facilitates the interaction and clustering of growth factors and receptors that is required for normal physiology. High-molecular-weight HA, tumour necrosis factor-stimulated gene 6, pentraxin 3 and CD44 form a stable pericellular matrix that promotes tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation. By contrast, breakdown of high-molecular-weight HA into depolymerized fragments by hyaluronidases triggers inflammatory signalling, leukocyte migration and angiogenesis, contributing to tissue damage and fibrosis in kidney disease. Targeting HA metabolism is challenging owing to its dynamic regulation and tissue-specific functions. Nonetheless, modulating HA matrix functions by targeting its binding partners holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for restoring tissue homeostasis and mitigating pathological processes. Further research in this area is warranted to enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches for kidney and other diseases characterized by dysregulated HA metabolism.

Nanocomposite Hydrogel Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting of Tumor Models

In vitro tumor models were successfully constructed by 3D bioprinting; however, bioinks with proper viscosity, good biocompatibility, and tunable biophysical and biochemical properties are highly desirable for tumor models that closely recapitulated the main features of native tumors. Here, we developed a nanocomposite hydrogel bioink that was used to construct ovarian and colon cancer models by 3D bioprinting. The nanocomposite bioink was composed of aldehyde-modified cellulose nanocrystals (aCNCs), aldehyde-modified hyaluronic acid (aHA), and gelatin. The hydrogels possessed tunable gelation time, mechanical properties, and printability by controlling the ratio between aCNCs and gelatin. In addition, ovarian and colorectal cancer cells embedded in hydrogels showed high survival rates and rapid growth. By the combination of 3D bioprinting, ovarian and colorectal tumor models were constructed in vitro and used for drug screening. The results showed that gemcitabine had therapeutic effects on ovarian tumor cells. However, the ovarian tumor model showed drug resistance for oxaliplatin treatment.

The function of the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitors in the development of disease

Through the formation of covalent connections with hyaluronic acid (HA), the inter-α-trypsin inhibitor (IαI) family collaborates to preserve the stability of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The five distinct homologous heavy chains (ITIH) and one type of light chain make up the IαI family. ITIH alone or in combination with bikunin (BK) has been proven to have important impacts in a number of earlier investigations. This implies that BK and ITIH might be crucial to both physiological and pathological processes. The functions of BK and ITIH in various pathophysiological processes are discussed independently in this paper. In the meanwhile, this study offers suggestions for further research on the roles of BK and ITIH in the course of disease and summarizes the plausible mechanisms of the previous studies.

HAS2 facilitates glioma cell malignancy and suppresses ferroptosis in an FZD7-dependent manner

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor in the central nervous system, and it is crucial to uncover the factors that influence prognosis. In this study, we utilized Mfuzz to identify a gene set that showed a negative correlation with overall survival in patients with glioma. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were then undertaken to gain insights into the functional characteristics and pathways associated with these genes. The expression distribution of Hyaluronan Synthase 2 (HAS2) was explored across multiple datasets, revealing its expression patterns. In vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out through gene knockdown and overexpression to validate the functionality of HAS2. Potential upstream transcription factors of HAS2 were predicted using transcriptional regulatory databases, and these predictions were experimentally validated using ChIP-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. The results showed that elevated expression of HAS2 in glioma indicates poor prognosis. HAS2 was found to play a role in activating an antiferroptosis pathway in glioma cells. Inhibiting HAS2 significantly increased cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis-inducing agents. Finally, we determined that the oncogenic effect of HAS2 is mediated by the key receptor of the WNT pathway, FZD7.

Application of CAR-T cell therapy targeting mesothelin in solid tumor treatment

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy is one of the most effective immunotherapies. CAR-T-cell therapy has achieved great success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, due to the characteristics of solid malignant tumors, such as on-target effects, off-tumor toxicity, an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and insufficient trafficking, CAR-T-cell therapy for solid tumors is still in the exploration stage. Mesothelin (MSLN) is a molecule expressed on the surface of various solid malignant tumor cells that is suitable as a target of tumor cells with high MSLN expression for CAR-T-cell therapy. This paper briefly described the development of CAR-T cell therapy and the structural features of MSLN, and especially summarized the strategies of structure optimization of MSLN-targeting CAR-T-cells and the enhancement methods of MSLN-targeting CAR-T cell anti-tumor efficacy by summarizing some preclinical experiment and clinical trials. When considering MSLN-targeting CAR-T-cell therapy as an example, this paper summarizes the efforts made by researchers in CAR-T-cell therapy for solid tumors and summarizes feasible treatment plans by integrating the existing research results.

Enzymatically stable unsaturated hyaluronan-derived oligosaccharides with selective cytostatic properties

Hyaluronan, a linear glycosaminoglycan comprising D-N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucuronic acid, is the main component of the extracellular matrix. Its influence on cell proliferation, migration, inflammation, signalling, and other functions, depends heavily on its molecular weight and chemical modification. Unsaturated HA oligosaccharides are available in defined length and purity. Their potential therapeutic utility can be further improved by chemical modification, e. g., reduction. No synthesis of such modified oligosaccharides, either stepwise or by hyaluronan cleavage, has been reported yet. Here we show a three-step synthesis (esterification, depolymerization and reduction) of unsaturated even numbered hyaluronan oligosaccharides with carboxylates and the reducing terminus reduced to an alcohol. Particular oligosaccharides were synthesised. The modified oligosaccharides are not cleaved by mammalian or bacterial hyaluronidase and do not affect the growth of mouse and human fibroblasts. Further, MTT and NRU viability tests showed that they inhibit the growth of human colon carcinoma cells HT-29 by 20-50 % in concentrations 500-1000 μg/mL. Interestingly, this effect takes place regardless of CD44 receptor expression and was not observed with unmodified HA oligosaccharides. These compounds could serve as enzymatically stable building blocks for biologically active substances.

Hyaluronated nanohydroxyapatite responsively released from injectable hydrogels for targeted therapy of melanoma

Nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) has attracted significant attention for its tumor suppression and tumor microenvironment modulation capabilities. However, a strong tendency to aggregate greatly affects its anti-tumor efficiency. To address this issue, a hydrogel platform consisting of thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) modified nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp-HA) and HA-SH was developed for sustained delivery of nHAp for melanoma therapy. The hydrophilic and negatively charged HA-SH significantly improved the size dispersion and stability of nHAp in aqueous media while conferring nHAp targeting effects. Covalent sulfhydryl self-cross-linking between HA-SH and nHAp-HA groups ensured homogeneous dispersion of nHAp in the matrix material. Meanwhile, the modification of HA-SH conferred the targeting properties of nHAp and enhanced cellular uptake through the HA/CD44 receptor. The hydrogel platform could effectively reduce the aggregation of nHAp and release nHAp in a sustained and orderly manner. Antitumor experiments showed that the modified nHAp-HA retained the tumor cytotoxicity of nHAp in vitro and inhibited the growth of highly malignant melanomas up to 78.6% while being able to induce the differentiation of macrophages to the M1 pro-inflammatory and antitumor phenotype. This study will broaden the application of nanohydroxyapatite in tumor therapy.

Metabolism and structure of PDA as the target for new therapies: possibilities and limitations for nanotechnology

INTRODUCTION

Certainly, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma poses one of the greatest challenges in current oncology. The dense extracellular matrix and low vessel density in PDA tumor impede the effective delivery of drugs, primarily due to the short pharmacokinetics of most drugs and potential electrostatic interactions with stroma components.

AREA COVERED

Owing to the distinctive metabolism of PDA and challenges in accessing nutrients, there is a growing interest in cell metabolism inhibitors as a potential means to inhibit cancer development. However, even if suitable combinations of inhibitors are identified, the question about their administration remains, as the same hindrances that impede effective treatment with conventional drugs will also hinder the delivery of inhibitors. Methods including nanotechnology to increase drugs in PDA penetrations are reviewed and discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult tumors to treat due to the small number of blood vessels, high content of extracellular matrix, and specialized resistance mechanisms of tumor cells. One possible method of treating this tumor is the use of metabolic inhibitors in combinations that show synergy. Despite promising results in in vitro tests, their effect is uncertain due to the tumor's structure. In the case of pancreatic cancer, priming of the tumor tissue is required through the sequential administration of drugs that generate blood vessels, increase blood flow, and enhance vascular permeability and extracellular matrix. The use of drug carriers with a size of 10-30 nm may be crucial in the therapy of this cancer.

Naked mole-rat hyaluronan

Naked mole rats (NMRs) are renowned for their exceptional longevity and remarkable maintenance of health throughout their lifetime. Their subterranean lifestyle has led to adaptations that have resulted in elevated levels of a very high molecular weight hyaluronan in their tissues. Hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan, is a key component of the extracellular matrix, which plays a critical role in maintaining tissue structure and regulating cell signaling pathways. This phenomenon in NMRs is attributed to a higher processing and production capacity by some of their hyaluronan synthases, along with lower degradation by certain hyaluronidases. Furthermore, this adaptation indirectly confers several advantages to NMRs, such as the preservation of skin elasticity and youthful appearance, accelerated wound healing, protection against oxidative stress, and resistance to conditions such as cancer and arthritis, largely attributable to CD44 signaling and other intricate mechanisms. Thus, the main objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive study of the distinctive features of NMR hyaluronan, particularly emphasizing the currently known molecular mechanisms that contribute to its beneficial properties. Furthermore, this research delves into the potential applications of NMR hyaluronan in both cosmetic and therapeutic fields, as well as the challenges involved.

Characteristics of the Antitumor Effect of Doxorubicin and Pegylated Hyaluronidase on Models of Rat Brain Tumors

Hyaluronidase increases tissue permeability and diffusion of the extracellular fluid by cleaving hyaluronan, the primary component of the extracellular matrix. Hyaluronidase pegylation (Hyal-PEG) decreases its clearance and enhances biodistribution. The pro- and anticancer activity of Hyal-PEG and a combination of Hyal-PEG with doxorubicin were studied in vitro (morphological analysis of rat glioblastoma 101.8 spheroids) and in vivo (by the survival time of rats after intracerebral transplantation of the tumor and morphological analysis). In the presence of doxorubicin and Hyal-PEG in the culture medium in vitro, spheroids lost their ability to adhere to the substrate and disintegrate into individual cells. Intracerebral transplantation of the tumor tissue with Hyal-PEG did not accelerate glioblastoma growth. The mean survival time for animals receiving transplantation of the tumor alone and in combination with Hyal-PEG was 13 and 20 days, respectively. In one rat with transplanted tumor and Hyal-PEG, this parameter increased by 53%. The survival time of rats receiving systemic therapy with doxorubicin and Hyal-PEG significantly increased (p=0.003). Antitumor effect of therapeutic doses of doxorubicin combined with Hyal-PEG was demonstrated on the model of rat glioblastoma 101.8 in vitro. Hyal-PEG inhibited adhesion of tumor cells, but did not cause their death. Transplantation of Hyal-PEG-treated tumor did not reduce animal survival time. Systemic administration of therapeutic doses of doxorubicin with Hyal-PEG increased survival time of rats with glioblastoma 101.8.

An oncolytic vaccinia virus encoding hyaluronidase reshapes the extracellular matrix to enhance cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

The redundant extracellular matrix (ECM) within tumor microenvironment (TME) such as hyaluronic acid (HA) often impairs intratumoral dissemination of antitumor drugs. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are being studied extensively for cancer therapy either alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Here, we designed a novel recombinant vaccinia virus encoding a soluble version of hyaluronidase Hyal1 (OVV-Hyal1) to degrade the HA and investigated its antitumor effects in combination with chemo drugs, polypeptide, immune cells, and antibodies.

METHODS

We constructed a recombinant oncolytic vaccinia virus encoding the hyaluronidase, and investigated its function in remodeling the ECM of the TME, the antitumor efficacy both in vitro and in several murine solid tumors either alone, or in combination with chemo drugs including doxorubicin and gemcitabine, with polypeptide liraglutide, with immune therapeutics such as PD-L1/PD-1 blockade, CD47 antibody, and with CAR-T cells.

RESULTS

Compared with control OVV, intratumoral injection of OVV-Hyal1 showed superior antitumor efficacies in a series of mouse subcutaneous tumor models. Moreover, HA degradation by OVV-Hyal1 resulted in increased intratumoral dissemination of chemo drugs, infiltration of T cells, NK cells, macrophages, and activation of CD8+ T cells. When OVV-Hyal1 was combined with some antitumor therapeutics, for example, doxorubicin, gemcitabine, liraglutide, anti-PD-1, anti-CD47 blockade, or CAR-T cells, more profound therapeutic outcomes were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

OVV-Hyal1 effectively degrades HA to reshape the TME, therefore overcoming some major hurdles in current cancer therapy, such as limited OVs spread, unfavored dissemination of chemo drugs, polypeptides, antibodies, and insufficient infiltration of effector immune cells. OVV-Hyal1 holds the promise to improve the antitumor outcomes of current cancer therapeutics.

The role of CEMIP in cancers and its transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation

CEMIP is a protein known for inducing cell migration and binding to hyaluronic acid. Functioning as a hyaluronidase, CEMIP primarily facilitates the breakdown of the extracellular matrix component, hyaluronic acid, thereby regulating various signaling pathways. Recent evidence has highlighted the significant role of CEMIP in different cancers, associating it with diverse pathological states. While identified as a biomarker for several diseases, CEMIP's mechanism in cancer seems distinct. Accumulating data suggests that CEMIP expression is triggered by chemical modifications to itself and other influencing factors. Transcriptionally, chemical alterations to the CEMIP promoter and involvement of transcription factors such as AP-1, HIF, and NF-κB regulate CEMIP levels. Similarly, specific miRNAs have been found to post-transcriptionally regulate CEMIP. This review provides a comprehensive summary of CEMIP's role in various cancers and explores how both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms control its expression.

Inflammation-Associated Cytotoxic Agents in Tumorigenesis

Chronic inflammatory processes are related to all stages of tumorigenesis. As inflammation is closely associated with the activation and release of different cytotoxic agents, the interplay between cytotoxic agents and antagonizing principles is highlighted in this review to address the question of how tumor cells overcome the enhanced values of cytotoxic agents in tumors. In tumor cells, the enhanced formation of mitochondrial-derived reactive species and elevated values of iron ions and free heme are antagonized by an overexpression of enzymes and proteins, contributing to the antioxidative defense and maintenance of redox homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, tumor cells can even survive additional stress caused by radio- and chemotherapy. Through the secretion of active agents from tumor cells, immune cells are suppressed in the tumor microenvironment and an enhanced formation of extracellular matrix components is induced. Different oxidant- and protease-based cytotoxic agents are involved in tumor-mediated immunosuppression, tumor growth, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. Considering the special metabolic conditions in tumors, the main focus here was directed on the disturbed balance between the cytotoxic agents and protective mechanisms in late-stage tumors. This knowledge is mandatory for the implementation of novel anti-cancerous therapeutic approaches.

Molecular and epigenetic mechanisms governing ocular surface squamous neoplasia: opportunities for diagnostics

INTRODUCTION

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is the most common ocular malignancy; the pathophysiology is influenced by molecular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms. The incidence of OSSN is associated with the anatomy and physiology of the ocular surface, limbal stem cell configuration, limbal vulnerability, cancer stem cells, dysplasia, neoplasia, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. The key etiological factors involved are human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), immunosuppression, p53 tumor suppressor gene, hypovitaminosis A, and failure of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair mechanisms.

AREAS COVERED

This special report is a focussed attempt to understand the molecular mechanism, genetic and epigenetic mechanism, and diagnostic modalities for OSSN.

EXPERT OPINION

While these mechanisms contribute to genome instability, promoter-specific hypermethylation might facilitate and promote tumor formation by silencing tumor suppressor genes. OSSN understanding has improved with increased literature available on various genetic, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms, although the exact genetic and epigenetic mechanisms still need to be elucidated. It is important to note that the molecular mechanisms of OSSN can vary among individuals, and further research is required to elucidate the underlying processes fully. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the development of targeted therapies and improved management of OSSN.

Enzyme-Silenced Nanosponges Prolong Intratumoral Lifetime to Facilitate Intercellular Relay Drug Delivery and Treatment Efficacy

The clinical application of nanomedicines faces the dilemma of improved safety but restricted efficacy due to the poor intratumoral bioavailability of chemotherapeutics. We here design an enzyme-silenced nanosponge that shares a long-term lifespan to reversibly exhale/inhale doxorubicin (DOX) for continuous intercellular relay delivery and improved intratumoral retention. The nanosponge is composed of a cationic lipid overlaying a hyaluronic acid derivative polyampholyte core for enveloping of DOX and hyaluronidase-1-targeted siRNA (siHyal1), and a lipoprotein shell decorated with fusion peptide 4F-tLyP-1 that was fused with apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) mimetic peptide 4F and tLyP-1 for tumor homing and extravasation into the tumor interstitium. Triggered by the intra/intercellular pH variation, the nanosponge core could reversibly swell in endo/lysosome (pH 5.0) for DOX release. Owing to the deprotonation, the nanosponge core shrinks back in cytoplasm (pH 7.4) for DOX reloading and continues the behavior after being secreted to the extracellular matrix (pH 6.8) via Golgi apparatus, which dramatically improves intratumoral DOX retention and availability. Concurrently, the intratumoral lifespan of the nanosponge is prolonged by siHyal1-specific silencing, ensuring spatiotemporal consistency of carrier and drug when shuttling multilayer tumor cells. As a result, the nanosponge achieves efficient tumor inhibition in 99.1% of tumor spheroids and 80.1% of orthotopic tumor models. Collectively, this study provides an intelligent nanosponge design for active intercellular relay drug delivery, achieving improved intratumoral bioavailability of drugs and amplified chemotherapy on solid tumors.

Hyaluronan Metabolism in Urologic Cancers

Hyaluronan (HA) is one of the major components of the extracellular matrix in tumor tissue. Recent reports have made it clear that the balance of HA synthesis and degradation is critical for tumor progression. HA is synthesized on the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane by hyaluronan synthases (HAS) and extruded into the extracellular space. Excessive HA production in cancer is associated with enhanced HA degradation in the tumor microenvironment, leading to the accumulation of HA fragments with small molecular weight. These perturbations in both HA synthesis and degradation may play important roles in tumor progression. Recently, it has become increasingly clear that small HA fragments can induce a variety of biological events, such as angiogenesis, cancer-promoting inflammation, and tumor-associated immune suppression. Progression of urologic malignancies, particularly of prostate and bladder cancers, as well as of certain types of kidney cancer show markedly perturbed metabolism of tumor-associated HA. This review highlights the recent research findings regarding HA metabolism in tumor microenvironments with a special focus on urologic cancers. It also will discuss the potential implications of these findings for the development of novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers.

Engineered hydrogel reveals contribution of matrix mechanics to esophageal adenocarcinoma and identifies matrix-activated therapeutic targets

Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness has been implicated in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. However, the underlying protumorigenic pathways are yet to be defined. Additional work is needed to develop physiologically relevant in vitro 3D culture models that better recapitulate the human tumor microenvironment and can be used to dissect the contributions of matrix stiffness to EAC pathogenesis. Here, we describe a modular, tumor ECM-mimetic hydrogel platform with tunable mechanical properties, defined presentation of cell-adhesive ligands, and protease-dependent degradation that supports robust in vitro growth and expansion of patient-derived EAC 3D organoids (EAC PDOs). Hydrogel mechanical properties control EAC PDO formation, growth, proliferation, and activation of tumor-associated pathways that elicit stem-like properties in the cancer cells, as highlighted through in vitro and in vivo environments. We also demonstrate that the engineered hydrogel serves as a platform for identifying potential therapeutic targets to disrupt the contribution of protumorigenic matrix mechanics in EAC. Together, these studies show that an engineered PDO culture platform can be used to elucidate underlying matrix-mediated mechanisms of EAC and inform the development of therapeutics that target ECM stiffness in EAC.

Application of hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles for cancer combination therapy

Cancer is a significant public health problem in the world. The treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, phototherapy, and immunotherapy. Due to their respective limitations, the treatment effect is often unsatisfactory, laying hidden dangers for metastasis and recurrence. Since their exceptional biocompatibility and excellent targeting capabilities, hyaluronic acid-based biomaterials have generated great interest as drug delivery methods for tumor therapy. Moreover, modified HA can self-assemble into hydrogels or nanoparticles (NPs) for precise drug administration. This article summarizes the application of HA-based NPs in combination therapy. Ultimately, it is anticipated that this research will offer guidance for creating various HA-based NPs utilized in numerous cancer therapies.

Inhibition of hyaluronic acid degradation pathway suppresses glioma progression by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest

BACKGROUND

Abnormal hyaluronic acid (HA) metabolism is a major factor in tumor progression, and the metabolic regulation of HA mainly includes HA biosynthesis and catabolism. In glioma, abnormal HA biosynthesis is intimately involved in glioma malignant biological properties and the formation of immunosuppressive microenvironment; however, the role of abnormal HA catabolism in glioma remains unclear.

METHODS

HA catabolism is dependent on hyaluronidase. In TCGA and GEPIA databases, we found that among the 6 human hyaluronidases (HYAL1, HYAL2, HYAL3, HYAL4, HYALP1, SPAM1), only HYAL2 expression was highest in glioma. Next, TCGA and CGGA database were further used to explore the correlation of HYAL2 expression with glioma prognosis. Then, the mRNA expression and protein level of HYAL2 was determined by qRT-PCR, Western blot and Immunohistochemical staining in glioma cells and glioma tissues, respectively. The MTT, EdU and Colony formation assay were used to measure the effect of HYAL2 knockdown on glioma. The GSEA enrichment analysis was performed to explore the potential pathway regulated by HYAL2 in glioma, in addition, the HYAL2-regulated signaling pathways were detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. Finally, small molecule compounds targeting HYAL2 in glioma were screened by Cmap analysis.

RESULTS

In the present study, we confirmed that Hyaluronidase 2 (HYAL2) is abnormally overexpressed in glioma. Moreover, we found that HYAL2 overexpression is associated with multiple glioma clinical traits and acts as a key indicator for glioma prognosis. Targeting HYAL2 could inhibit glioma progression by inducing glioma cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these observations suggest that HYAL2 overexpression could promote glioma progression. Thus, treatments that disrupt HA catabolism by altering HYAL2 expression may serve as effective strategies for glioma treatment.

CEMIP (HYBID, KIAA1199): structure, function and expression in health and disease

CEMIP (cell migration-inducing protein), also known as KIAA1199 or HYBID, is a protein involved in the depolymerisation of hyaluronic acid (HA), a major glycosaminoglycan component of the extracellular matrix. CEMIP was originally described in patients affected by nonsyndromic hearing loss and has subsequently been shown to play a key role in tumour initiation and progression, as well as arthritis, atherosclerosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Despite the vast literature associating CEMIP with these diseases, its biology remains elusive. The present review article summarises all the major scientific evidence regarding its structure, function, role and expression, and attempts to cast light on a protein that modulates EMT, fibrosis and tissue inflammation, an unmet key aspect in several inflammatory disease conditions.

Promotor methylation in ocular surface squamous neoplasia development: epigenetics implications in molecular diagnosis

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is heavily influenced by epigenetic mechanisms that include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA. A considerable proportion of human malignancies are believed to be associated with global DNA hypomethylation, with localized hypermethylation at promoters of certain genes.

AREA COVERED

The present review aims to emphasize on recent investigations on the epigenetic landscape of ocular surface squamous neoplasia, that could be targeted/explored using novel approaches such as personalized medicine.

EXPERT OPINION

While the former is thought to contribute to genomic instability, promoter-specific hypermethylation might facilitate tumorigenesis by silencing tumor suppressor genes. Ocular surface squamous neoplasia, the most prevalent type of ocular surface malignancy, is suggested to be affected by epigenetic mechanisms, as well. Although the exact role of epigenetics in ocular surface squamous neoplasia has mostly been unexplored, recent findings have greatly contributed to our understanding regarding this pathology of the eye.

Receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM) defines an invasive niche associated with tumor progression and predicts poor outcomes in breast cancer patients

Breast cancer invasion and metastasis result from a complex interplay between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Key oncogenic changes in the TME include aberrant synthesis, processing, and signaling of hyaluronan (HA). Hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (RHAMM, CD168; HMMR) is an HA receptor enabling tumor cells to sense and respond to this aberrant TME during breast cancer progression. Previous studies have associated RHAMM expression with breast tumor progression; however, cause and effect mechanisms are incompletely established. Focused gene expression analysis of an internal breast cancer patient cohort confirmed that increased RHAMM expression correlates with aggressive clinicopathological features. To probe mechanisms, we developed a novel 27-gene RHAMM-related signature (RRS) by intersecting differentially expressed genes in lymph node (LN)-positive patient cases with the transcriptome of a RHAMM-dependent model of cell transformation, which we validated in an independent cohort. We demonstrate that the RRS predicts for poor survival and is enriched for cell cycle and TME-interaction pathways. Further analyses using CRISPR/Cas9-generated RHAMM-/- breast cancer cells provided direct evidence that RHAMM promotes invasion in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemistry studies highlighted heterogeneous RHAMM protein expression, and spatial transcriptomics associated the RRS with RHAMM-high microanatomic foci. We conclude that RHAMM upregulation leads to the formation of 'invasive niches', which are enriched in RRS-related pathways that drive invasion and could be targeted to limit invasive progression and improve patient outcomes. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

N-aryltetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives as HA-CD44 interaction inhibitors: Design, synthesis, computational studies, and antitumor effect

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a crucial role in tumor growth and invasion through its interaction with cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), a non-kinase transmembrane glycoprotein, among other hyaladherins. CD44 expression is elevated in many solid tumors, and its interaction with HA is associated with cancer and angiogenesis. Despite efforts to inhibit HA-CD44 interaction, there has been limited progress in the development of small molecule inhibitors. As a contribution to this endeavour, we designed and synthesized a series of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives based on existing crystallographic data available for CD44 and HA. Hit 2e was identified within these structures for its antiproliferative effect against two CD44⁺ cancer cell lines, and two new analogs (5 and 6) were then synthesized and evaluated as CD44-HA inhibitors by applying computational and cell-based CD44 binding studies. Compound 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-5-ol (5) has an EC₅₀ value of 0.59 μM against MDA-MB-231 cells and is effective to disrupt the integrity of cancer spheroids and reduce the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest lead 5 as a promising candidate for further investigation in cancer treatment.

Conditional expression of endorepellin in the tumor vasculature attenuates breast cancer growth, angiogenesis and hyaluronan deposition

The tumor stroma of most solid malignancies is characterized by a pathological accumulation of pro-angiogenic and pro-tumorigenic hyaluronan driving tumorigenesis and metastatic potential. Of all three hyaluronan synthase isoforms, HAS2 is the primary enzyme that promotes the build-up of tumorigenic HA in breast cancer. Previously, we discovered that endorepellin, the angiostatic C-terminal fragment of perlecan, evokes a catabolic mechanism targeting endothelial HAS2 and hyaluronan via autophagic induction. To explore the translational implications of endorepellin in breast cancer, we created a double transgenic, inducible Tie2CreERT2;endorepellin(ER)Ki mouse line that expresses recombinant endorepellin specifically from the endothelium. We investigated the therapeutic effects of recombinant endorepellin overexpression in an orthotopic, syngeneic breast cancer allograft mouse model. First, adenoviral delivery of Cre evoking intratumor expression of endorepellin in ERKi mice suppressed breast cancer growth, peritumor hyaluronan and angiogenesis. Moreover, tamoxifen-induced expression of recombinant endorepellin specifically from the endothelium in Tie2CreERT2;ERKi mice markedly suppressed breast cancer allograft growth, hyaluronan deposition in the tumor proper and perivascular tissues, and tumor angiogenesis. These results provide insight into the tumor suppressing activity of endorepellin at the molecular level and implicate endorepellin as a promising cancer protein therapy that targets hyaluronan in the tumor microenvironment.

CEMIP-mediated hyaluronan metabolism facilitates SCLC metastasis by activating TLR2/c-Src/ERK1/2 axis

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly metastatic and recalcitrant malignancy. Metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with SCLC but its mechanism remains poorly understood. An imbalance of hyaluronan catabolism in the extracellular matrix accelerates malignant progression in solid cancers due to the accumulation of low-molecular-weight HA. We previously found that CEMIP, a novel hyaluronidase, may act as a metastatic trigger in SCLC. In the present study, we found that both CEMIP and HA levels were higher in SCLC tissues than in paracancerous tissues from patient specimens and in vivo orthotopic models. Additionally, high expression of CEMIP was associated with lymphatic metastasis in patients with SCLC, and in vitro results showed that CEMIP expression was elevated in SCLC cells relative to human bronchial epithelial cells. Mechanistically, CEMIP facilitates the breakdown of HA and accumulation of LMW-HA. LMW-HA activates its receptor TLR2, and subsequently recruits c-Src to activate ERK1/2 signalling, thereby promoting F-actin rearrangement as well as migration and invasion of SCLC cells. In addition, the in vivo results verified that depletion of CEMIP attenuated HA levels and the expressions of TLR2, c-Src, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, as well as liver and brain metastasis in SCLC xenografts. Furthermore, the application of the actin filament inhibitor latrunculin A significantly inhibited the liver and brain metastasis of SCLC in vivo. Collectively, our findings reveal the critical role of CEMIP-mediated HA degradation in SCLC metastasis and suggest its translational potential as an attractive target and a novel strategy for SCLC therapy.

One-Pot Synthesis of Bioadhesive Double-Network Hydrogel Patch as Disposable Wound Dressing

Inventions of materials to achieve biocompatibility, bioadhesion, and easy manufacturing are the urgent demand for promoting wound healing in clinical treatment. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is probably the ideal candidate for current dressing materials due to its well-known biocompatibility. However, the unavoidable problem for HA dressings is their inherent low adhesiveness to wounds, which severely impairs their treatment efficacy, especially during body movement. Here, we report a one-pot facile fabrication of hybrid double-network polydopamine-HA (PDA-HA) hydrogel with significantly enhanced adhesiveness compared to the HA hydrogel. Besides the easy manufacturing and promoted effectiveness, the PDA-HA hydrogel could be vacuum-dried to form a patch, further benefitting from the convenience for storage and distribution. When applied on the wound, the PDA-HA patch quickly rehydrated by absorbing exudate and stuck tightly to the wound. The applied PDA-HA patches keep the wounds covered for more than 7 days against strenuous exercise. Thus, mouse full-thickness wounds treated with the PDA-HA patches exhibited increased healing rates, where epithelization was finished within 14 days. Moreover, the hydrogel dressing exhibited promoting effects on vascularization and cell proliferation/migration. Together with the easy manufacturing procedure, good adhesion/adaptation, and promotion of wound healing, the PDA-HA patch holds great potential for future clinical translation.

The role of hyaluronan in renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with high mortality rates worldwide and survival among RCC patients has not improved significantly in the past few years. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of RCC can enable the development of more effective therapeutic strategies against RCC. Hyaluronan (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan located in the extracellular matrix (ECM) that has several roles in biology, medicine, and physiological processes, such as tissue homeostasis and angiogenesis. Dysregulated HA and its receptors play important roles in fundamental cellular and molecular biology processes such as cell signaling, immune modulation, tumor progression and angiogenesis. There is emerging evidence that alterations in the production of HA regulate RCC development, thereby acting as important biomarkers as well as specific therapeutic targets. Therefore, targeting HA or combining it with other therapies are promising therapeutic strategies. In this Review, we summarize the available data on the role of abnormal regulation of HA and speculate on its potential as a therapeutic target against RCC.

Targeting LAYN inhibits colorectal cancer metastasis and tumor-associated macrophage infiltration induced by hyaluronan oligosaccharides

The accumulation of hyaluronan oligosaccharides (oHA) in colorectal cancer (CRC) is closely related to tumor metastasis, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we first described that LAYN, a novel HA receptor, was upregulated in CRC tissue. Aberrant LAYN expression correlated with CRC metastasis and poor prognosis and positively correlated with tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration and M2 macrophage polarization in the tumor environment. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that LAYN is activated by oHA and subsequently induces CRC metastasis and macrophage infiltration. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that oHA activates LAYN by binding to the 60-68th amino acid region of the extracellular segment. oHA-induced LAYN activation promoted metastasis and CCL20 secretion through the NF-kB pathway in CRC cells. Furthermore, targeting LAYN using a blocking antibody prevented oHA-mediated tumor metastasis, TAM infiltration and M2 polarization. This study revealed the LAYN activation mechanism and identified a potential target for the treatment of CRC tumor exhibiting high oHA levels.

ECM-targeting bacteria enhance chemotherapeutic drug efficacy by lowering IFP in tumor mouse models

Bacterial cancer therapies aim to manipulate bacteria to effectively deploy therapeutic payloads to tumors. Attenuated bacteria alone often cannot eradicate solid tumors. Attenuated Salmonella can be engineered to deliver cytotoxic drugs to either trigger an immune response or increase antitumor efficacy when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding cancer cells forms a barrier that often limits the ability of chemotherapeutic and cytotoxic drugs to penetrate and eliminate tumors. To overcome this limitation, we developed a strategy to combine chemotherapy with an attenuated Salmonella typhimurium strain engineered to secrete HysA protein (from Staphylococcus aureus; Hyaluronidase, HAase) in tumors. The engineered Salmonella effectively degraded hyaluronan (HA), which is a major ECM constituent in tumors, and suppressed tumor growth in mouse models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (ASPC-1) and breast cancer (4T1). Furthermore, it prolonged survival when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs (doxorubicin or gemcitabine). Upon bacterial colonization, the HAase-mediated ECM degradation decreased interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, HA degradation using HAase-expressing bacteria in vivo led to decreased binding to the receptor, CD44, expressed in tumors. This may modulate proliferation- and apoptosis-related signal pathways. Therefore, ECM-targeting bacteria can be used as a synergistic anticancer therapeutic agent to maximize chemotherapeutic drug delivery into highly invasive tumors.

Host-Derived Cytotoxic Agents in Chronic Inflammation and Disease Progression

At inflammatory sites, cytotoxic agents are released and generated from invading immune cells and damaged tissue cells. The further fate of the inflammation highly depends on the presence of antagonizing principles that are able to inactivate these host-derived cytotoxic agents. As long as the affected tissues are well equipped with ready-to-use protective mechanisms, no damage by cytotoxic agents occurs and resolution of inflammation is initiated. However, long-lasting and severe immune responses can be associated with the decline, exhaustion, or inactivation of selected antagonizing principles. Hence, cytotoxic agents are only partially inactivated and contribute to damage of yet-unperturbed cells. Consequently, a chronic inflammatory process results. In this vicious circle of permanent cell destruction, not only novel cytotoxic elements but also novel alarmins and antigens are liberated from affected cells. In severe cases, very low protection leads to organ failure, sepsis, and septic shock. In this review, the major classes of host-derived cytotoxic agents (reactive species, oxidized heme proteins and free heme, transition metal ions, serine proteases, matrix metalloproteases, and pro-inflammatory peptides), their corresponding protective principles, and resulting implications on the pathogenesis of diseases are highlighted.

'Two-faces' of hyaluronan, a dynamic barometer of disease progression in tumor microenvironment

Hyaluronan (HA) is a linear polysaccharide consisting of disaccharide units which are the D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. As the largest component of the extracellular matrix in microenvironment, HA polymers with different molecular weights vary in properties to molecular biology function. High molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) is mainly found in normal tissue or physiological condition, and exhibits lubrication and protection properties due to its good water retention and viscoelasticity. On the other hand, an increase in HA catabolism leads to the accumulation of low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) under pathological circumstances such as inflammation, pre-cancerous and tumor microenvironment. LMW-HA acts as extracellular signals to enhance tumorigenic and metastatic phenotype, such as energy reprogramming, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. This review discusses the basic properties of this simplest carbohydrate molecule in ECM with enormous potential, and its regulatory role between tumorigenesis and microenvironmental homeostasis. The extensive discoveries of the mechanisms underlying the roles of HA in various physiological and pathological processes would provide more information for future research in the fields of biomimetic materials, pharmaceutical and clinical applications.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the 35kDa Hyaluronic Acid Fragment (B-HA/HA35)

Background

Hyaluronic acid (HA) and HA fragments interact with a variety of human body receptors and are involved in the regulation of various physiological functions and leukocyte trafficking in the body. Accordingly, the development of an injectable HA fragment with good tissue permeability, the identification of its indications, and molecular mechanisms are of great significance for its clinical application. The previous studies showed that the clinical effects of injectable 35kDa B-HA result from B-HA binding to multiple receptors in different cells, tissues, and organs. This study lays the foundation for further studies on the comprehensive clinical effects of injectable B-HA.

Methods

We elaborated on the production process, bioactivity assay, efficacy analyses, and safety evaluation of an injectable novel HA fragment with an average molecular weight of 35 kDa (35 kDa B-HA), produced by recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 digestion.

Results

The results showed that 35 kDa B-HA induced human erythrocyte aggregation (rouleaux formation) and accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rates through the CD44 receptor. B-HA application and injection treatment significantly promoted the removal of mononuclear cells from the site of inflammation and into the lymphatic circulation. At a low concentration, 35 kDa B-HA inhibited production of reactive oxygen species and tumor necrosis factor by neutrophils; at a higher concentration, 35 kDa B-HA promoted the migration of monocytes. Furthermore, 35 kDa B-HA significantly inhibited the migration of neutrophils with or without lipopolysaccharide treatment, suggesting that in local tissues, higher concentrations of 35 kDa B-HA have antiinflammatory effects. After 99mTc radiolabeled 35 kDa B-HA was intravenously injected into mice, it quickly entered into the spleen, liver, lungs, kidneys and other organs through the blood circulation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the HA fragment B-HA has good tissue permeability and antiinflammatory effects, laying a theoretical foundation for further clinical studies.

CEMIP as a prognostic biomarker for cancers: a meta- and bioinformatic analysis

OBJECTIVE

Cell migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein (CEMIP) is overexpressed in several cancers and is related to prognosis in cancer patients. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the prognostic effects of CEMIP in cancer patients.

METHODS

Relevant published studies were systematically searched in four databases. The role of CEMIP was evaluated using pooled hazard ratios (HRs), odd ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to investigate the prognostic value of CEMIP in various cancers.

RESULTS

11 literatures with 1355 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that overexpression of CEMIP was significantly associated with poor OS (HR = 3.03; 95% CI: 2.00-4.59; p < 0.001), DFS (HR = 3.38; 95% CI: 2.41-4.74; p < 0.001). Elevated CEMIP expression is associated with advanced clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor histological grade. In addition, TCGA datasets were used to verify that CEMIP was found highly expressed in multiple cancers and was associated with poorer survival.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated that CEMIP could be a novel prognostic biomarker for cancer patients. However, because the included studies mainly focused on Asian populations, further research is needed to verify its applicability.

CEMIP, a Promising Biomarker That Promotes the Progression and Metastasis of Colorectal and Other Types of Cancer

Simple Summary

CEMIP (cell migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including colorectal and other forms of cancer. The molecular functions of CEMIP are currently under investigation and include the degradation of the extracellular matrix component hyaluronic acid (HA), as well as the regulation of a number of signaling pathways. In this review, we survey our current understanding of how CEMIP contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, focusing particularly on colorectal cancer, for which it serves as a promising biomarker.

Abstract

Originally discovered as a hypothetical protein with unknown function, CEMIP (cell migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including deafness, arthritis, atherosclerosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and cancer. Although a comprehensive definition of its molecular functions is still in progress, major functions ascribed to CEMIP include the depolymerization of the extracellular matrix component hyaluronic acid (HA) and the regulation of a number of signaling pathways. CEMIP is a promising biomarker for colorectal cancer. Its expression is associated with poor prognosis for patients suffering from colorectal and other types of cancer and functionally contributes to tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we review our current understanding of how CEMIP is able to foster the process of tumor growth and metastasis, focusing particularly on colorectal cancer. Studies in cancer cells suggest that CEMIP exerts its pro-tumorigenic and pro-metastatic activities through stimulating migration and invasion, suppressing cell death and promoting survival, degrading HA, regulating pro-metastatic signaling pathways, inducing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) program, and contributing to the metabolic reprogramming and pre-metastatic conditioning of future metastatic microenvironments. There is also increasing evidence indicating that CEMIP may be expressed in cells within the tumor microenvironment that promote tumorigenesis and metastasis formation, although this remains in an early stage of investigation. CEMIP expression and activity can be therapeutically targeted at a number of levels, and preliminary findings in animal models show encouraging results in terms of reduced tumor growth and metastasis, as well as combating therapy resistance. Taken together, CEMIP represents an exciting new player in the progression of colorectal and other types of cancer that holds promise as a therapeutic target and biomarker.

Deregulated hyaluronan metabolism in the tumor microenvironment drives cancer inflammation and tumor-associated immune suppression

Hyaluronan (HA) is known to be a prominent component of the extracellular matrix in tumors, and many solid cancers are characterized by aberrant HA metabolism resulting in increased production in tumor tissue. HA has been implicated in regulating a variety of cellular functions in tumor cells and tumor-associated stromal cells, suggesting that altered HA metabolism can influence tumor growth and malignancy at multiple levels. Importantly, increased HA production in cancer is associated with enhanced HA degradation due to high levels of expression and activity of hyaluronidases (Hyal). Understanding the complex molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in abnormal HA metabolism and catabolism in solid cancers could have important implications for the design of future cancer therapeutic approaches. It appears that extensive crosstalk between immune cells and HA-enriched stroma contributes to tumor growth and progression in several ways. Specifically, the interaction of tumor-recruited Hyal2-expressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) of bone marrow origin with HA-producing cancer-associated fibroblasts and epithelial tumor cells results in enhanced HA degradation and accumulation of small pro-inflammatory HA fragments, which further drives cancer-related inflammation. In addition, hyaluronan-enriched stroma supports the transition of tumor-recruited Hyal2⁺MDSCs to the PD-L1⁺ tumor-associated macrophages leading to the formation of an immunosuppressive and tolerogenic tumor microenvironment. In this review, we aim to discuss the contribution of tumor-associated HA to cancer inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumor-associated immune suppression. We also highlight the recent findings related to the enhanced HA degradation in the tumor microenvironment.

Analysis of the potential role of photocurable hydrogel in patient-derived glioblastoma organoid culture through RNA sequencing

Patient-derived glioblastoma organoid (GBO) growth in hydrogels recapitulates key features of parental tumors, making GBOs a useful tool for fundamental research on cancer biology and offer deeper insight into the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Matrigel as a natural hydrogel has been widely used for 3D culture in most tumor organoid studies, but the volatility in its biochemical and biophysical properties makes it difficult to be further applied in GBO cultures. Thus, several kinds of biomimetic hydrogels from synthetic or biological polymers have been developed for tumor organoid growth. Here, we innovatively utilize a photocurable hydrogel-based biomimetic instructive system containing gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) mixed with a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel as a scaffold for generating GBOs. Furthermore, we evaluated the GBO biological properties at the transcriptome level, which showed that GBOs cultured with this hydrogel retain the expression profile of key neurodevelopmental markers, driving mutations and alternative splicing of parental tumors. Notably, GBOs cultured with the photocurable hydrogel may provide a platform for precision cancer medicine, bridging the gap between basic research and clinical application. Although significant challenges remain, biomimetic hydrogels can provide an exceptional window for the construction of tumor organoids to ensure the accuracy of the research and clinical data.

Detection of PD-L1-Expressing Myeloid Cell Clusters in the Hyaluronan-Enriched Stroma in Tumor Tissue and Tumor-Draining Lymph Nodes

Expression of the transmembrane protein PD-L1 is frequently upregulated in cancer. Because PD-L1-expressing cells can induce apoptosis or anergy of T lymphocytes through binding to the PD1 receptor, the PD-L1-mediated inhibition of activated PD1⁺ T cells is considered a major pathway for tumor immune escape. However, the mechanisms that regulate the expression of PD-L1 in the tumor microenvironment are not fully understood. Analysis of organotypic tumor tissue slice cultures, obtained from mice with implanted syngeneic tumors (MBT2 bladder tumors in C3H mice, Renca kidney, and CT26 colon tumors in BALB/c mice), as well as from patients with cancer, revealed that tumor-associated hyaluronan (HA) supports the development of immunosuppressive PD-L1⁺ macrophages. Using genetically modified tumor cells, we identified epithelial tumor cells and cancer-associated mesenchymal fibroblast-like cells as a major source of HA in the tumor microenvironment. These HA-producing tumor cells, and particularly the vimentin-positive fibroblast-like cells of bone marrow origin, directly interact with tumor-recruited myeloid cells to form large stromal congregates/clusters that are highly enriched for both HA and PD-L1. Furthermore, similar cell clusters composed of HA-producing fibroblast-like cells and PD-L1⁺ macrophages were detected in tumor-draining, but not in distant, lymph nodes. Collectively, our findings indicate that the formation of multiple large HA-enriched stromal clusters that support the development of PD-L1-expressing APCs in the tumor microenvironment and draining lymph nodes could contribute to the immune escape and resistance to immunotherapy in cancer.

Recent advances in overcoming barriers to cell-based delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy strategies that use cell-based delivery systems have sparked much interest in the treatment of malignancies, owing to their high biocompatibility, excellent tumor targeting capability, and unique biofunctionalities in the tumor growth process. A variety of design principles for cell-based immunotherapy, including cell surface decoration, cell membrane coating, cell encapsulation, genetically engineered cell, and cell-derived exosomes, give cancer immunotherapy great potential to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse effects. However, the treatment efficacy of cell-based delivery methods for immunotherapy is still limited, and practical uses are hampered due to complex physiological and immunological obstacles, such as physical barriers to immune infiltration, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, upregulation of immunosuppressive pathways, and metabolic restriction. In this review, we present an overview of the design principles of cell-based delivery systems in cancer immunotherapy to maximize the therapeutic impact, along with anatomical, metabolic, and immunological impediments in using cell-based immunotherapy to treat cancer. Following that, a summary of novel delivery strategies that have been created to overcome these obstacles to cell-based immunotherapeutic delivery systems is provided. Also, the obstacles and prospects of next-step development of cell-based delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy are concluded in the end.

TMEM2 expression is downregulated as bladder cancer invades the muscle layer

Cell surface hyaluronidase transmembrane protein 2 (TMEM2), which also serves as a reportedly functions in malignancy of several solid tumors. However, TMEM2 involvement in bladder cancer (BCa) is unknown. Therefore, we investigate potential changes in expression of TMEM2 during BCa invasion and over the course of the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Immunohistochemical analysis of 127 clinical specimens revealed that TMEM2 expression changed with pathological stage (pT) and infiltration pattern (INF) and was highest in pTa-pT1 of INFa tumors and significantly lower at stages from pTa-pT1 to pT2 or 3 in INFb or INFc. E-cadherin expression was highest in INFa and lowest in INFc, a pattern comparable to TMEM2 expression. TMEM2 protein expression analysis of BCa cell lines showed that muscle-invasive T24 and YTS-1 cells with low TMEM2 expression exhibited EMT phenotypes in vitro, in contrast to high TMEM2-expressing non-muscle invasive RT4 cells. EMT-induced non-muscle invasive RT4 cells also showed significantly decreased plasma membrane expression of TMEM2. Our data suggested TMEM2 expression is higher in non-invasive cancers, whereas invasive cancer cells are less likely to express TMEM2 during muscle-invasion and "partial EMT".

Suppression of the hyaluronic acid pathway induces M1 macrophages polarization via STAT1 in glioblastoma

Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is a crucial factor that impedes the success of tumor immunotherapy, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are essential for the formation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is highly important brick for glioblastoma microenvironment, but whether it contributes to TAM polarization and glioblastoma immunosuppressive microenvironment is less well known. In our study, we observed that disrupting glioblastoma HA synthesis or blocking HA binding to its receptor CD44 on macrophages increased the proportion of M1 macrophages by upregulating SIRPα in macrophages, the underlying mechanism was elevated SIRPα enhanced STAT1 phosphorylation and suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation in macrophages. Subsequently, the induced macrophages could inhibit glioblastoma growth via a feedback effect. In addition, 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU), a cholecystitis drug, can disrupt the CD47/SIRPα axis by disturbing glioblastoma HA synthesis. Collectively, these findings indicated that HA plays a crucial role in macrophages polarization and CD47/SIRPα signaling between glioblastoma cells and macrophages, and suppressing the HA pathway may be a new immunotherapeutic approach for glioblastoma.

Selective Anticancer Therapy Based on a HA-CD44 Interaction Inhibitor Loaded on Polymeric Nanoparticles

Hyaluronic acid (HA), through its interactions with the cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), acts as a potent modulator of the tumor microenvironment, creating a wide range of extracellular stimuli for tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. An innovative antitumor treatment strategy based on the development of a nanodevice for selective release of an inhibitor of the HA-CD44 interaction is presented. Computational analysis was performed to evaluate the interaction of the designed tetrahydroisoquinoline-ketone derivative (JE22) with CD44 binding site. Cell viability, efficiency, and selectivity of drug release under acidic conditions together with CD44 binding capacity, effect on cell migration, and apoptotic activity were successfully evaluated. Remarkably, the conjugation of this CD44 inhibitor to the nanodevice generated a reduction of the dosis required to achieve a significant therapeutic effect.

Tumor microenvironment remodeling modulates macrophage phenotype in breast cancer lymphangiogenesis

Hyaluronan (HA) is dynamically remodeled in tumor microenvironment (TME) and is reported to be closely related to tumor lymphatic metastasis by inducing lymphangiogenesis. Macrophages are known to be involved in neo-lymphatic vessels formation. However, few studies have investigated the role of HA-mediated TME remodeling on macrophages-dependent lymphangiogenesis. We previously showed that HA could drive macrophages to acquire the M2 phenotype. In this study, we attempt to study the crosstalk between HA in TME and macrophages dependent lymphangiogenesis. First, we found that the abundant assembly of HA in breast cancer tissue was accompanied by increased infiltration of macrophages featured by expressing lymphatic endothelial markers. Then, to further identify the remodeling of HA in regulating macrophage phenotype, we used HA fragments which are usually enriched in TME for this purpose. Our results showed that the reconstructed HA could induce bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) to express markers of lymphatic endothelium and form tube-like structures, suggesting a novel function of HA from TME on macrophages-dependent lymphangiogenesis. Finally, we found that inhibition of the HA-TLR4 pathway could reduce the ability of BMDMs to exhibit lymphatic endothelial phenotype. Our results provide new insight into tumor microenvironment remodeling and macrophages in breast cancer lymphangiogenesis.

Microfluidic Biosensor-Based Devices for Rapid Diagnosis and Effective Anti-cancer Therapeutic Monitoring for Breast Cancer Metastasis

Breast cancer with unpredictable metastatic recurrence is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Early cancer detection and optimized therapy are the principal determining factors for increased survival rate. Worldwide, researchers and clinicians are in search of efficient strategies for the timely management of cancer progression. Efficient preclinical models provide information on cancer initiation, malignancy progression, relapse, and drug efficacy. The distinct histopathological features and clinical heterogeneity allows no single model to mimic breast tumor. However, engineering three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models incorporating cells and biophysical cues using a combination of organoid culture, 3D printing, and microfluidic technology could recapitulate the tumor microenvironment. These models serve to be preferable predictive models bridging the translational research gap in drug development. Microfluidic device is a cost-effective advanced in vitro model for cancer research, diagnosis, and drug assay under physiologically relevant conditions. Integrating a biosensor with microfluidics allows rapid real-time analytical validation to provide highly sensitive, specific, reproducible, and reliable outcomes. In this manner, the multi-system approach in identifying biomarkers associated with cancer facilitates early detection, therapeutic window optimization, and post-treatment evaluation.This chapter showcases the advancements related to in vitro breast cancer metastasis models focusing on microfluidic devices. The chapter aims to provide an overview of microfluidic biosensor-based devices for cancer detection and high-throughput chemotherapeutic drug screening.

Comorbidity-associated glutamine deficiency is a predisposition to severe COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations have greatly reduced COVID-19 cases, but we must continue to develop our understanding of the nature of the disease and its effects on human immunity. Previously, we suggested that a dysregulated STAT3 pathway following SARS-Co-2 infection ultimately leads to PAI-1 activation and cascades of pathologies. The major COVID-19-associated metabolic risks (old age, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity) share high PAI-1 levels and could predispose certain groups to severe COVID-19 complications. In this review article, we describe the common metabolic profile that is shared between all of these high-risk groups and COVID-19. This profile not only involves high levels of PAI-1 and STAT3 as previously described, but also includes low levels of glutamine and NAD+, coupled with overproduction of hyaluronan (HA). SARS-CoV-2 infection exacerbates this metabolic imbalance and predisposes these patients to the severe pathophysiologies of COVID-19, including the involvement of NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps) and HA overproduction in the lung. While hyperinflammation due to proinflammatory cytokine overproduction has been frequently documented, it is recently recognized that the immune response is markedly suppressed in some cases by the expansion and activity of MDSCs (myeloid-derived suppressor cells) and FoxP3+ Tregs (regulatory T cells). The metabolomics profiles of severe COVID-19 patients and patients with advanced cancer are similar, and in high-risk patients, SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to aberrant STAT3 activation, which promotes a cancer-like metabolism. We propose that glutamine deficiency and overproduced HA is the central metabolic characteristic of COVID-19 and its high-risk groups. We suggest the usage of glutamine supplementation and the repurposing of cancer drugs to prevent the development of severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Microneedle-Mediated Vaccination: Innovation and Translation

Vaccine administration by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection is the most commonly prescribed route for inoculation, however, it is often associated with some deficiencies such as low compliance, high professionalism, and risk of infection. Therefore, the application of microneedles for vaccine delivery has gained widespread interests in the past few years due to its high compliance, minimal invasiveness, and convenience. This review focuses on recent advances in the development and application of microneedles for vaccination based on different delivery strategies, and introduces the current status of microneedle-mediated vaccination in clinical translation. The prospects for its application including opportunities and challenges are further discussed.