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Zourelidis A, Trojanowicz B, Sunami Y, Hause G, Vieweg D, Kleeff J. Distance-depending transcriptome changes of pancreatic stellate cells in paracrine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma co-culture models. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18030. [PMID: 39098880 PMCID: PMC11298529 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) are one source of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and play, therefore, an essential role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Paracrine signalling between PDA cells and CAF has been widely studied, yet external influences on paracrine crosstalk are poorly understood. This study aimed to gain a deeper insight into the communication of PSC and cancer cells under different co-culture conditions via analysis of PSC gene expression profiles. Two contactless co-culture models with tumor cells from the p48-Cre; lox-stop-lox-KrasG12D/+; lox-stop-lox-Trp53R172H/+ mouse model (KPC) and murine PSC separated through a microporous membrane and grown in different compartments (standard co-culture) or on different sides of the same membrane (inverse co-culture), were established. RNA-Sequencing analysis of PSC mRNA was performed 24 h and 72 h after co-culture with KPC cells. For selected genes, results were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Standard co-culture displayed 19 differentially expressed genes (DEG) at 24 h and 52 DEG at 72 h. In inverse co-culture, 800 DEG at 24 h and 2213 DEG at 72 h were enriched. PSC showed great heterogeneity in their gene expression profiles; however, mutually regulated genes of both co-cultures, such as VCAN and CHST11, could be identified. VCAN-protein-protein interaction-network analysis revealed several shared genes between co-culture models, such as SDC4 and FN1. In conclusion, PSC show a varying susceptibility to cancer cell signals depending on the co-culture method, with intensified transcriptome changes with closer proximity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anais Zourelidis
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospital Halle, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
| | - Bogusz Trojanowicz
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospital Halle, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Yoshiaki Sunami
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospital Halle, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Gerd Hause
- Biocenter, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - David Vieweg
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospital Halle, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Jörg Kleeff
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospital Halle, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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2
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Gupta P, Bermejo-Rodriguez C, Kocher H, Pérez-Mancera PA, Velliou EG. Chemotherapy Assessment in Advanced Multicellular 3D Models of Pancreatic Cancer: Unravelling the Importance of Spatiotemporal Mimicry of the Tumor Microenvironment. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300580. [PMID: 38327154 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a challenge for global health with very low survival rate and high therapeutic resistance. Hence, advanced preclinical models for treatment screening are of paramount importance. Herein, chemotherapeutic (gemcitabine) assessment on novel (polyurethane) scaffold-based spatially advanced 3D multicellular PDAC models is carried out. Through comprehensive image-based analysis at the protein level, and expression analysis at the mRNA level, the importance of stromal cells is confirmed, primarily activated stellate cells in the chemoresistance of PDAC cells within the models. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that, in addition to the presence of activated stellate cells, the spatial architecture of the scaffolds, i.e., segregation/compartmentalization of the cancer and stromal zones, affect the cellular evolution and is necessary for the development of chemoresistance. These results highlight that, further to multicellularity, mapping the tumor structure/architecture and zonal complexity in 3D cancer models is important for better mimicry of the in vivo therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gupta
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Camino Bermejo-Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Hemant Kocher
- Centre for Tumour Biology and Experimental Cancer Medicine, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Pedro A Pérez-Mancera
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Eirini G Velliou
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, W1W 7TY, UK
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3
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Joseph AM, Al Aiyan A, Al-Ramadi B, Singh SK, Kishore U. Innate and adaptive immune-directed tumour microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1323198. [PMID: 38384463 PMCID: PMC10879611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1323198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most deadly and aggressive cancers in the world, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), typically manifests at an advanced stage. PDAC is becoming more common, and by the year 2030, it is expected to overtake lung cancer as the second greatest cause of cancer-related death. The poor prognosis can be attributed to a number of factors, including difficulties in early identification, a poor probability of curative radical resection, limited response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and its immunotherapy resistance. Furthermore, an extensive desmoplastic stroma that surrounds PDAC forms a mechanical barrier that prevents vascularization and promotes poor immune cell penetration. Phenotypic heterogeneity, drug resistance, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment are the main causes of PDAC aggressiveness. There is a complex and dynamic interaction between tumor cells in PDAC with stromal cells within the tumour immune microenvironment. The immune suppressive microenvironment that promotes PDAC aggressiveness is contributed by a range of cellular and humoral factors, which itself are modulated by the cancer. In this review, we describe the role of innate and adaptive immune cells, complex tumor microenvironment in PDAC, humoral factors, innate immune-mediated therapeutic advances, and recent clinical trials in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Mary Joseph
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Al Aiyan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Basel Al-Ramadi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shiv K. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Uday Kishore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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4
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Mierke CT. Phenotypic Heterogeneity, Bidirectionality, Universal Cues, Plasticity, Mechanics, and the Tumor Microenvironment Drive Cancer Metastasis. Biomolecules 2024; 14:184. [PMID: 38397421 PMCID: PMC10887446 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor diseases become a huge problem when they embark on a path that advances to malignancy, such as the process of metastasis. Cancer metastasis has been thoroughly investigated from a biological perspective in the past, whereas it has still been less explored from a physical perspective. Until now, the intraluminal pathway of cancer metastasis has received the most attention, while the interaction of cancer cells with macrophages has received little attention. Apart from the biochemical characteristics, tumor treatments also rely on the tumor microenvironment, which is recognized to be immunosuppressive and, as has recently been found, mechanically stimulates cancer cells and thus alters their functions. The review article highlights the interaction of cancer cells with other cells in the vascular metastatic route and discusses the impact of this intercellular interplay on the mechanical characteristics and subsequently on the functionality of cancer cells. For instance, macrophages can guide cancer cells on their intravascular route of cancer metastasis, whereby they can help to circumvent the adverse conditions within blood or lymphatic vessels. Macrophages induce microchannel tunneling that can possibly avoid mechanical forces during extra- and intravasation and reduce the forces within the vascular lumen due to vascular flow. The review article highlights the vascular route of cancer metastasis and discusses the key players in this traditional route. Moreover, the effects of flows during the process of metastasis are presented, and the effects of the microenvironment, such as mechanical influences, are characterized. Finally, the increased knowledge of cancer metastasis opens up new perspectives for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth System Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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5
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Conceição ALC, Müller V, Burandt EC, Mohme M, Nielsen LC, Liebi M, Haas S. Unveiling breast cancer metastasis through an advanced X-ray imaging approach. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1448. [PMID: 38228854 PMCID: PMC10791658 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51945-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a significant global health burden, causing a substantial number of deaths. Systemic metastatic tumour cell dissemination is a major cause of poor outcomes. Understanding the mechanisms underlying metastasis is crucial for effective interventions. Changes in the extracellular matrix play a pivotal role in breast cancer metastasis. In this work, we present an advanced multimodal X-ray computed tomography, by combining Small-angle X-ray Scattering Tensor Tomography (SAXS-TT) and X-ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography (XRF-CT). This approach likely brings out valuable information about the breast cancer metastasis cascade. Initial results from its application on a breast cancer specimen reveal the collective influence of key molecules in the metastatic mechanism, identifying a strong correlation between zinc accumulation (associated with matrix metalloproteinases MMPs) and highly oriented collagen. MMPs trigger collagen alignment, facilitating breast cancer cell intravasation, while iron accumulation, linked to angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF, supports cell proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, these findings highlight the potential of the advanced multimodal X-ray computed tomography approach and pave the way for in-depth investigation of breast cancer metastasis, which may guide the development of novel therapeutic approaches and enable personalised treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre L C Conceição
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestr. 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Volkmar Müller
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eike-Christian Burandt
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malte Mohme
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leonard C Nielsen
- Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marianne Liebi
- Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Photon Science Division, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
- Institute of Materials, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvio Haas
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestr. 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
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6
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Kometani T, Kamo K, Kido T, Hiraoka N, Chibazakura T, Unno K, Sekine K. Development of a novel co-culture system using human pancreatic cancer cells and human iPSC-derived stellate cells to mimic the characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 658:1-9. [PMID: 37004297 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.03.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a serious disease with poor prognosis and prone to chemotherapy resistance. It is speculated that the tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC contributes to these characteristics. However, the detailed mechanisms of interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and stroma in the TME are unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish a co-culture system that mimics the TME, using cancer cells derived from PDAC patient specimens and stellate cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells as stromal cells. We succeeded in observing the interaction between cancer cells and stellate cells and reproduced some features of PDAC in vitro using our co-culture systems. In addition, we demonstrated the applicability of our co-culture system for drug treatment in vitro. To conclude, we propose our co-culture system as a novel method to analyze cell-cell interactions, especially in the TME of PDAC.
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Joshi VB, Gutierrez Ruiz OL, Razidlo GL. The Cell Biology of Metastatic Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer: Updates and Mechanistic Insights. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072169. [PMID: 37046830 PMCID: PMC10093482 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This is largely due to the lack of routine screening protocols, an absence of symptoms in early-stage disease leading to late detection, and a paucity of effective treatment options. Critically, the majority of patients either present with metastatic disease or rapidly develop metastatic disease. Thus, there is an urgent need to deepen our understanding of metastasis in PDAC. During metastasis, tumor cells escape from the primary tumor, enter the circulation, and travel to a distant site to form a secondary tumor. In order to accomplish this relatively rare event, tumor cells develop an enhanced ability to detach from the primary tumor, migrate into the surrounding matrix, and invade across the basement membrane. In addition, cancer cells interact with the various cell types and matrix proteins that comprise the tumor microenvironment, with some of these factors working to promote metastasis and others working to suppress it. In PDAC, many of these processes are not well understood. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in the cell biology of the early steps of the metastatic cascade in pancreatic cancer. Specifically, we will examine the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PDAC and its requirement for metastasis, summarize our understanding of how PDAC cells invade and degrade the surrounding matrix, and discuss how migration and adhesion dynamics are regulated in PDAC to optimize cancer cell motility. In addition, the role of the tumor microenvironment in PDAC will also be discussed for each of these invasive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidhu B Joshi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Omar L Gutierrez Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Gina L Razidlo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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8
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Li X, Pan J, Liu T, Yin W, Miao Q, Zhao Z, Gao Y, Zheng W, Li H, Deng R, Huang D, Qiu S, Zhang Y, Qi Q, Deng L, Huang M, Tang PMK, Cao Y, Chen M, Ye W, Zhang D. Novel TCF21 high pericyte subpopulation promotes colorectal cancer metastasis by remodelling perivascular matrix. Gut 2023; 72:710-721. [PMID: 36805487 PMCID: PMC10086488 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Haematogenous dissemination is a prevalent route of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. However, as the gatekeeper of vessels, the role of tumour pericytes (TPCs) in haematogenous metastasis remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of TPCs and their effects on CRC metastasis. DESIGN TPCs were isolated from patients with CRC with or without liver metastases and analysed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Clinical CRC specimens were collected to analyse the association between the molecular profiling of TPCs and CRC metastasis. RNA-sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing and bisulfite-sequencing were performed to investigate the TCF21-regulated genes and mechanisms underlying integrin α5 on TCF21 DNA hypermethylation. Pericyte-conditional Tcf21-knockout mice were constructed to investigate the effects of TCF21 in TPCs on CRC metastasis. Masson staining, atomic force microscopy, second-harmonic generation and two-photon fluorescence microscopy were employed to observe perivascular extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. RESULTS Thirteen TPC subpopulations were identified by scRNA-seq. A novel subset of TCF21high TPCs, termed 'matrix-pericytes', was associated with liver metastasis in patients with CRC. TCF21 in TPCs increased perivascular ECM stiffness, collagen rearrangement and basement membrane degradation, establishing a perivascular metastatic microenvironment to instigate colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM). Tcf21 depletion in TPCs mitigated perivascular ECM remodelling and CRCLM, whereas the coinjection of TCF21high TPCs and CRC cells markedly promoted CRCLM. Mechanistically, loss of integrin α5 inhibited the FAK/PI3K/AKT/DNMT1 axis to impair TCF21 DNA hypermethylation in TCF21high TPCs. CONCLUSION This study uncovers a previously unidentified role of TPCs in haematogenous metastasis and provides a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinghua Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tongzheng Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenqian Yin
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qun Miao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhan Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yufeng Gao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hang Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rong Deng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dandan Huang
- Department of Coloproctology & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Sun Yat-sen University Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shenghui Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiran Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lijuan Deng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Maohua Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yihai Cao
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Minfeng Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wencai Ye
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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9
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Yang XY, Lu YF, Xu JX, Du YZ, Yu RS. Recent Advances in Well-Designed Therapeutic Nanosystems for the Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Treatment Dilemma. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031506. [PMID: 36771172 PMCID: PMC9920782 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant tumor with an extremely poor prognosis and low survival rate. Due to its inconspicuous symptoms, PDAC is difficult to diagnose early. Most patients are diagnosed in the middle and late stages, losing the opportunity for surgery. Chemotherapy is the main treatment in clinical practice and improves the survival of patients to some extent. However, the improved prognosis is associated with higher side effects, and the overall prognosis is far from satisfactory. In addition to resistance to chemotherapy, PDAC is significantly resistant to targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The failure of multiple treatment modalities indicates great dilemmas in treating PDAC, including high molecular heterogeneity, high drug resistance, an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and a dense matrix. Nanomedicine shows great potential to overcome the therapeutic barriers of PDAC. Through the careful design and rational modification of nanomaterials, multifunctional intelligent nanosystems can be obtained. These nanosystems can adapt to the environment's needs and compensate for conventional treatments' shortcomings. This review is focused on recent advances in the use of well-designed nanosystems in different therapeutic modalities to overcome the PDAC treatment dilemma, including a variety of novel therapeutic modalities. Finally, these nanosystems' bottlenecks in treating PDAC and the prospect of future clinical translation are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Yang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yuan-Fei Lu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jian-Xia Xu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 318 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Yong-Zhong Du
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence: (Y.-Z.D.); (R.-S.Y.); Tel.: +86-571-88208435 (Y.-Z.D.); +86-571-87783925 (R.-S.Y.)
| | - Ri-Sheng Yu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Correspondence: (Y.-Z.D.); (R.-S.Y.); Tel.: +86-571-88208435 (Y.-Z.D.); +86-571-87783925 (R.-S.Y.)
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10
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Yin Z, Zhao Y, Zhou W, You C, Bai Y, You B, Lu D, Liao S, Zheng L, Sun Y, Wu Y. A 20-Gene Signature Predicting Survival in Patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Based on Basement Membrane. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:1302278. [PMID: 37089260 PMCID: PMC10118896 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1302278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), has a high heterogeneity and aggressive nature. The basement membrane (BM) is known to play a vital role in tumor metastasis. BM-related genes remain untested in ccRCC, however, in terms of their prognostic significance. Methods BM-related genes were gleaned from the most recent cutting-edge research. The RNA-seq and clinical data of the ccRCC were obtained from TCGA and GEO databases, respectively. The multigene signature was constructed using the univariate Cox regression and the LASSO regression algorithm. Then, clinical features and prognostic signatures were combined to form a nomogram to predict individual survival probabilities. Using functional enrichment analysis and immune-correlation analysis, we investigated potential enrichment pathways and immunological characteristics associated with BM-related-gene signature. Results In this study, we built a model of 20 BM-related genes and classified them as high-risk or low-risk, with each having its anticipated risk profile. Patients in the high-risk group showed significantly reduced OS compared with patients in the low-risk group in the TCGA cohort, as was confirmed by the testing dataset. Functional analysis showed that the BM-based model was linked to cell-substrate adhesion and tumor-related signaling pathways. Comparative analysis of immune cell infiltration degrees and immune checkpoints reveals a central role for BM-related genes in controlling the interplay between the immune interaction and the tumor microenvironment of ccRCC. Conclusions We combined clinical characteristics known to predict the prognosis of ccRCC patients to create a gene signature associated with BM. Our findings may also be useful for forecasting how well immunotherapies would work against ccRCC. Targeting BM may be a therapeutic alternative for ccRCC, but the underlying mechanism still needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Yin
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian 365001, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Medical and Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian 365001, China
| | - Weiwen Zhou
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian 365001, China
| | - Chengcheng You
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, China
| | - Yuanyuan Bai
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian 365001, China
| | - Bingyong You
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian 365001, China
| | - Dongming Lu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian 365001, China
| | - Shangfan Liao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian 365001, China
| | - Luoping Zheng
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian 365001, China
| | - Yingming Sun
- Department of Medical and Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian 365001, China
| | - Yongyang Wu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian 365001, China
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11
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Qian S, Mao J, Liu Z, Zhao B, Zhao Q, Lu B, Zhang L, Mao X, Cheng L, Cui W, Zhang Y, Sun X. Stem cells for organoids. SMART MEDICINE 2022; 1:e20220007. [PMID: 39188738 PMCID: PMC11235201 DOI: 10.1002/smmd.20220007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Organoids are three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems that simulate the structures and functions of organs, involving applications in disease modeling, drug screening, and cellular developmental biology. The material matrix in organoids can provide a 3D environment for stem cells to differentiate into different cell types and continuously self-renew, thereby realizing the in vitro culture of organs, which has received extensive attention in recent years. However, some challenges still exist in organoids, including low maturity, high heterogeneity, and lack of spatiotemporal regulation. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the culturing protocols and various applications of stem cell-derived organoids and proposed insightful thoughts for engineering stem cells into organoids in view of the current shortcomings, to achieve the further application and clinical translation of stem cells and engineered stem cells in organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shutong Qian
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jiayi Mao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Zhimo Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Binfan Zhao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Qiuyu Zhao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Bolun Lu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Liucheng Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiyuan Mao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Liying Cheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wenguo Cui
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint DiseasesShanghai Institute of Traumatology and OrthopaedicsRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yuguang Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoming Sun
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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12
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D'Angelo A, Shibata K, Tokunaga M, Furutani-Seiki M, Bagby S. Generation of murine tumour-reactive T cells by co-culturing murine pancreatic cancer organoids and peripheral blood lymphocytes. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 32:101365. [PMID: 36237445 PMCID: PMC9552097 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is commonly diagnosed at a late stage and becomes resistant to several treatments. Significant clinical effects have been reported for cancer immunotherapies on a subset of patients diagnosed with epithelial cancers. Cancer organoid co-culture with autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes offers an innovative immunotherapeutic approach that is increasingly being tested, although there is a lack of cutting-edge platforms enabling the investigation of cancer-T cell interactions for individual patients. In this study, a pancreatic cancer organoid culture from a genetically engineered pancreatic cancer murine model was established and co-cultured with autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes to induce a tumour-specific T cell response to pancreatic cancer. Co-culturing autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes with cancer organoids can be an effective strategy to enrich tumour-reactive T cells from the peripheral blood of murine models; this approach could potentially be transferred to humans. Co-culture of peripheral blood lymphocytes and cancer organoids could provide an unbiased approach to evaluating the sensitivity of tumour cells to T cell-mediated priming on an individual patient level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto D'Angelo
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom,Corresponding author.
| | - Kensuke Shibata
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Yamaguchi, Ube, Japan
| | - Masayuki Tokunaga
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Yamaguchi, Ube, Japan
| | | | - Stefan Bagby
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
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Bacterial Involvement in Progression and Metastasis of Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194886. [PMID: 36230809 PMCID: PMC9562638 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Infectious bacteria influence primary gastric carcinogenesis, organotropism, and metastatic progression by altering the microenvironment at the primary and secondary tumors. Key species include Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Mycoplasma hyorhinis (M. hyorhinis). Inflammation caused by H. pylori virulence factors, such as CagA, VacA, and oipA, disrupt epithelial integrity, which allows the primary tumor to progress through the metastatic process. Evidence supports the activation of aquaporin-5 by CagA-positive H. pylori infection, promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK/ERK) pathway, thus laying the foundation for metastatic disease. M. hyorhinis has also been implicated in gastric neoplasia via β-catenin stabilization and subsequent activation of the WNT-signaling pathway, promoting gastric cancer cell motility and inciting cancer progression. Abstract Gastric cancer metastasis is a process in which the tumor microenvironment may carry significant influence. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is well-established as a contributor to gastric carcinoma. However, the role that these bacteria and others may play in gastric carcinoma metastasis is a current focus of study. A review of the literature was conducted to elucidate the process by which gastric adenocarcinoma metastasizes, including its ability to utilize both the lymphatic system and the venous system to disseminate. Studies that investigate the tumor microenvironment at both the primary and secondary sites were assessed in detail. H. pylori and Mycoplasma hyorhinis (M. hyorhinis) were found to be important drivers of the pathogenesis of gastric adenocarcinoma by modifying various steps in cell metastasis, including epithelial–mesenchymal transition, cell migration, and cell invasion. H. pylori is also a known driver of MALT lymphoma, which is often reversible simply with the eradication of infection. M. hyorhinis has been implicated in gastric neoplasia via β-catenin stabilization and subsequent activation of the WNT-signaling pathway, promoting gastric cancer cell motility and inciting cancer progression. Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) and its association with worse prognosis in diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma are also reviewed. Recognition of the roles that bacteria play within the metastatic cascade is vital in gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma treatment and potential reoccurrence. Further investigation is needed to establish potential treatment for metastatic gastric carcinoma by targeting the tumor microenvironment.
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14
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Tu Q, Liu X, Yao X, Li R, Liu G, Jiang H, Li K, Chen Q, Huang X, Chang Q, Xu G, Zhu H, Shi P, Zhao B. RETSAT associates with DDX39B to promote fork restarting and resistance to gemcitabine based chemotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:274. [PMID: 36109793 PMCID: PMC9476698 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02490-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Severe hypoxia is a prominent character of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) microenvironment. In the process of gemcitabine based chemotherapy, PDAC cells are insulted from replication stresses co-induced by hypoxia and gemcitabine. However, PDAC cells get outstanding abilities to resist to such harsh conditions and keep proliferating, causing a major obstacle for current therapy. RETSAT (Retinol Saturase) is defined as a hypoxia convergent gene recently, with high expression in PDAC hypoxic sectors. This study aimed to explore the roles of RETSAT in replication stress resistance and hypoxia adaptation in PDAC cells, and decipher the underlying mechanism.
Methods
The expression of RETSAT was examined in TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas), human pancreatic cancer microarray, clinical specimens and cell lines. Functions of RETSAT were studied by means of DNA fiber assay and comet assay in monolayer cultured PDAC cell lines, three dimensional spheroids, patient derived organoids and cell derived xenograft mouse models. Mechanism was investigated by using iPOND (isolate proteins on nascent DNA) combined with mass spectrometry, immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting.
Results
First, we found the converse relationship of RETSAT expression and PDAC chemotherapy. That is, PDAC patients with high RETSAT expression correlated with poor survival, while ones holding low RETSAT expression were benefitted more in Gemcitabine based chemotherapy. Second, we identified RETSAT as a novel replication fork associated protein. HIF-1α signaling promotes RETSAT expression under hypoxia. Functionally, RETSAT promoted fork restarting under replication stress and maintained genomic stability. Third, we uncovered the interaction of RETSAT and R-loop unwinding helicase DDX39B. RETSAT detained DDX39B on forks to resolve R-loops, through which avoided fork damage and CHK1 initiated apoptosis. Targeting DDX39B using chemical CCT018159 sensitized PDAC cells and organoids to gemcitabine induced apoptosis, highlighting the synergetic application of CCT018159 and gemcitabine in PDAC chemotherapy.
Conclusions
This study identified RETSAT as a novel replication fork protein, which functions through interacting with DDX39B mediated R-loop clearance to promote fork restarting, leading to cellular resistance to replication stresses co-induced by tumor environmental hypoxia and gemcitabine in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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15
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Heterogeneity of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163994. [PMID: 36010986 PMCID: PMC9406547 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Stroma-targeting therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been extensively investigated, but no candidates have shown efficacy at the clinical trial stage. Studies of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) depletion in a mouse model suggested that CAFs have not only tumor-promoting function but also tumor-suppressive activity. Recently, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revealed the complex tumor microenvironment within PDAC, and subpopulations of functionally distinct CAFs and their association with tumor immunity have been reported. However, the existence of tumor suppressive CAFs and CAFs involved in the maintenance of PDAC differentiation has also been reported. In the future, therapeutic strategies should be developed considering these CAF subpopulations, with the hope of improving the prognosis of PDAC. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers, with a 5-year survival rate of 9%. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have historically been considered tumor-promoting. However, multiple studies reporting that suppression of CAFs in PDAC mouse models resulted in more aggressive tumors and worse prognosis have suggested the existence of a tumor-suppressive population within CAFs, leading to further research on heterogeneity within CAFs. In recent years, the benefits of cancer immunotherapy have been reported in various carcinomas. Unfortunately, the efficacy of immunotherapies in PDAC has been limited, and the CAF-driven cancer immunosuppressive microenvironment has been suggested as the cause. Thus, clarification of heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment, including CAFs and tumor immunity, is urgently needed to establish effective therapeutic strategies for PDAC. In this review, we report the latest findings on the heterogeneity of CAFs and the functions of each major CAF subtype, which have been revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing in recent years. We also describe reports of tumor-suppressive CAF subtypes and the existence of CAFs that maintain a differentiated PDAC phenotype and review the potential for targeted therapy.
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Monteiro MV, Ferreira LP, Rocha M, Gaspar VM, Mano JF. Advances in bioengineering pancreatic tumor-stroma physiomimetic Biomodels. Biomaterials 2022; 287:121653. [PMID: 35803021 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer exhibits a unique bioarchitecture and desmoplastic cancer-stoma interplay that governs disease progression, multi-resistance, and metastasis. Emulating the biological features and microenvironment heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer stroma in vitro is remarkably complex, yet highly desirable for advancing the discovery of innovative therapeutics. Diverse bioengineering approaches exploiting patient-derived organoids, cancer-on-a-chip platforms, and 3D bioprinted living constructs have been rapidly emerging in an endeavor to seamlessly recapitulate major tumor-stroma biodynamic interactions in a preclinical setting. Gathering on this, herein we showcase and discuss the most recent advances in bio-assembling pancreatic tumor-stroma models that mimic key disease hallmarks and its desmoplastic biosignature. A reverse engineering perspective of pancreatic tumor-stroma key elementary units is also provided and complemented by a detailed description of biodesign guidelines that are to be considered for improving 3D models physiomimetic features. This overview provides valuable examples and starting guidelines for researchers envisioning to engineer and characterize stroma-rich biomimetic tumor models. All in all, leveraging advanced bioengineering tools for capturing stromal heterogeneity and dynamics, opens new avenues toward generating more predictive and patient-personalized organotypic 3D in vitro platforms for screening transformative therapeutics targeting the tumor-stroma interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luís P Ferreira
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marta Rocha
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Vítor M Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Increased Stiffness Downregulates Focal Adhesion Kinase Expression in Pancreatic Cancer Cells Cultured in 3D Self-Assembling Peptide Scaffolds. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081835. [PMID: 36009384 PMCID: PMC9405295 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that participates in integrin-mediated signal transduction and contributes to different biological processes, such as cell migration, survival, proliferation and angiogenesis. Moreover, FAK can be activated by autophosphorylation at position Y397 and trigger different signaling pathways in response to increased extracellular matrix stiffness. In addition, FAK is overexpressed and/or hyperactivated in many epithelial cancers, and its expression correlates with tumor malignancy and invasion potential. One of the characteristics of solid tumors is an over deposition of ECM components, which generates a stiff microenvironment that promotes, among other features, sustained cell proliferation and survival. Researchers are, therefore, increasingly developing cell culture models to mimic the increased stiffness associated with these kinds of tumors. In the present work, we have developed a new 3D in vitro model to study the effect of matrix stiffness in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells as this kind of tumor is characterized by a desmoplastic stroma and an increased stiffness compared to its normal counterpart. For that, we have used a synthetic self-assembling peptide nanofiber matrix, RAD16-I, which does not suffer a significant degradation in vitro, thus allowing to maintain the same local stiffness along culture time. We show that increased matrix stiffness in synthetic 3D RAD16-I gels, but not in collagen type I scaffolds, promotes FAK downregulation at a protein level in all the cell lines analyzed. Moreover, even though it has classically been described that stiff 3D matrices promote an increase in pFAKY397/FAK proteins, we found that this ratio in soft and stiff RAD16-I gels is cell-type-dependent. This study highlights how cell response to increased matrix stiffness greatly depends on the nature of the matrix used for 3D culture.
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18
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Chong YP, Peter EP, Lee FJM, Chan CM, Chai S, Ling LPC, Tan EL, Ng SH, Masamune A, Ghafar SAA, Ismail N, Ho KL. Conditioned media of pancreatic cancer cells and pancreatic stellate cells induce myeloid-derived suppressor cells differentiation and lymphocytes suppression. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12315. [PMID: 35853996 PMCID: PMC9296552 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16671-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
As pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the two major cell types that comprise the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, we aimed to investigate the role of conditioned medium derived from PCCs and PSCs co-culture on the viability of lymphocytes. The conditioned medium (CM) collected from PCCs and/or PSCs was used to treat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to determine CM ability in reducing lymphocytes population. A proteomic analysis has been done on the CM to investigate the differentially expressed protein (DEP) expressed by two PCC lines established from different stages of tumor. Subsequently, we investigated if the reduction of lymphocytes was directly caused by CM or indirectly via CM-induced MDSCs. This was achieved by isolating lymphocyte subtypes and treating them with CM and CM-induced MDSCs. Both PCCs and PSCs were important in suppressing lymphocytes, and the PCCs derived from a metastatic tumor appeared to have a stronger suppressive effect than the PCCs derived from a primary tumor. According to the proteomic profiles of CM, 416 secreted proteins were detected, and 13 DEPs were identified between PANC10.05 and SW1990. However, CM was found unable to reduce lymphocytes viability through a direct pathway. In contrast, CM that contains proteins secreted by PCC and/or PSC appear immunogenic as they increase the viability of lymphocytes subtypes. Lymphocyte subtype treated with CM-induced MDSCs showed reduced viability in T helper 1 (Th1), T helper 2 (Th2), and T regulatory (Treg) cells, but not in CD8+ T cells, and B cells. As a conclusion, the interplay between PCCs and PSCs is important as their co-culture displays a different trend in lymphocytes suppression, hence, their co-culture should be included in future studies to better mimic the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen Ping Chong
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Evelyn Priya Peter
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Feon Jia Ming Lee
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chu Mun Chan
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shereen Chai
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lorni Poh Chou Ling
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Eng Lai Tan
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sook Han Ng
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Siti Aisyah Abd Ghafar
- Department of Basic Science and Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Seremban, Malaysia
| | - Norsharina Ismail
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ket Li Ho
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Shiihara M, Furukawa T. Application of Patient-Derived Cancer Organoids to Personalized Medicine. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050789. [PMID: 35629212 PMCID: PMC9146789 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell models are indispensable for the research and development of cancer therapies. Cancer medications have evolved with the establishment of various cell models. Patient-derived cell lines are very useful for identifying characteristic phenotypes and susceptibilities to anticancer drugs as well as molecularly targeted therapies for tumors. However, conventional 2-dimensional (2D) cell cultures have several drawbacks in terms of engraftment rate and phenotypic changes during culture. The organoid is a recently developed in vitro model with cultured cells that form a three-dimensional structure in the extracellular matrix. Organoids have the capacity to self-renew and can organize themselves to resemble the original organ or tumor in terms of both structure and function. Patient-derived cancer organoids are more suitable for the investigation of cancer biology and clinical medicine than conventional 2D cell lines or patient-derived xenografts. With recent advances in genetic analysis technology, the genetic information of various tumors has been clarified, and personalized medicine based on genetic information has become clinically available. Here, we have reviewed the recent advances in the development and application of patient-derived cancer organoids in cancer biology studies and personalized medicine. We have focused on the potential of organoids as a platform for the identification and development of novel targeted medicines for pancreatobiliary cancer, which is the most intractable cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Toru Furukawa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-22-717-8149; Fax: +81-22-717-8053
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Subtypes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma based on niche factor dependency show distinct drug treatment responses. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:89. [PMID: 35272688 PMCID: PMC8908673 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02301-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by abundant stroma in which microenvironmental (niche) factors promote PDAC progression. In mouse models, reduction of the stroma increased the proportion of poorly differentiated PDAC with a worse prognosis. Here, we aimed to clarify the effects of stroma on PDAC that may define the PDAC phenotype and induce distinct therapeutic responses. Methods The molecular features of PDAC based on differentiation grade were clarified by genome and transcriptome analysis using PDAC organoids (PDOs). We identified the dependency on niche factors that might regulate the differentiation grade. A three-dimensional co-culture model with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) was generated to determine whether CAFs provide niche factors essential for differentiated PDAC. PDOs were subtyped based on niche factor dependency, and the therapeutic responses for each subtype were compared. Results The expression profiles of PDOs differed depending on the differentiation grade. Consistent with the distinct profiles, well differentiated types showed high niche dependency, while poorly differentiated types showed low niche dependency. The three-dimensional co-culture model revealed that well differentiated PDOs were strongly dependent on CAFs for growth, and moderately differentiated PDOs showed plasticity to change morphology depending on CAFs. Differentiated PDOs upregulated the expression of mevalonate pathway-related genes correlated with the niche dependency and were more sensitive to simvastatin than poorly differentiated PDOs. Conclusions Our findings suggest that CAFs maintain the differentiated PDAC phenotype through secreting niche factors and induce distinct drug responses. These results may lead to the development of novel subtype-based therapeutic strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02301-9.
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21
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Potential Metabolite Markers for Pancreatic Cancer Identified by Metabolomic Analysis of Induced Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061375. [PMID: 35326527 PMCID: PMC8945883 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fibroblasts in normal tissues conduct energy metabolism via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). However, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) produce energy (i.e., ATP) via glycolysis. Nonetheless, whether intracellular metabolism transitions from OXPHOS to glycolysis when normal tissue fibroblasts differentiate into CAFs remains to be determined. Here, we established an experimental system and induced the in vitro differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to CAFs and performed detailed metabolomic and RNA sequencing analyses. We found that the intracellular metabolic pathway was reprogrammed to the glycolytic pathway when mesenchymal stem cells were co-cultured with pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, we identified CAF-specific metabolites that were expressed post reprogramming. These metabolites have also been observed in pancreatic cancer mouse models, suggesting their potential as cancer biomarkers. Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment perform glycolysis to produce energy, i.e., ATP. Since the origin of CAFs is unidentified, it is not determined whether the intracellular metabolism transitions from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis when normal tissue fibroblasts differentiate into CAFs. In this study, we established an experimental system and induced the in vitro differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to CAFs. Additionally, we performed metabolomic and RNA-sequencing analyses before and after differentiation to investigate changes in the intracellular metabolism. Consequently, we discovered that OXPHOS, which was the primary intracellular metabolism in MSCs, was reprogrammed to glycolysis. Furthermore, we analyzed the metabolites in pancreatic tumor tissues in a mice model. The metabolites extracted as candidates in the in vitro experiments were also detected in the in vivo experiments. Thus, we conclude that normal tissue fibroblasts that differentiate into CAFs undergo a metabolic reprogramming from OXPHOS to glycolysis. Moreover, we identified the CAF-specific metabolites expressed during metabolic reprogramming as potential future biomarkers for pancreatic cancer.
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22
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Seely KD, Morgan AD, Hagenstein LD, Florey GM, Small JM. Bacterial Involvement in Progression and Metastasis of Colorectal Neoplasia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1019. [PMID: 35205767 PMCID: PMC8870662 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
While the gut microbiome is composed of numerous bacteria, specific bacteria within the gut may play a significant role in carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Certain microbial species are known to be associated with specific cancers; however, the interrelationship between bacteria and metastasis is still enigmatic. Mounting evidence suggests that bacteria participate in cancer organotropism during solid tumor metastasis. A critical review of the literature was conducted to better characterize what is known about bacteria populating a distant site and whether a tumor depends upon the same microenvironment during or after metastasis. The processes of carcinogenesis, tumor growth and metastatic spread in the setting of bacterial infection were examined in detail. The literature was scrutinized to discover the role of the lymphatic and venous systems in tumor metastasis and how microbes affect these processes. Some bacteria have a potent ability to enhance epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a critical step in the metastatic cascade. Bacteria also can modify the microenvironment and the local immune profile at a metastatic site. Early targeted antibiotic therapy should be further investigated as a measure to prevent metastatic spread in the setting of bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D. Seely
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA; (A.D.M.); (L.D.H.)
| | - Amanda D. Morgan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA; (A.D.M.); (L.D.H.)
| | - Lauren D. Hagenstein
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, USA; (A.D.M.); (L.D.H.)
| | - Garrett M. Florey
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80134, USA;
| | - James M. Small
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80134, USA;
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3D microgels to quantify tumor cell properties and therapy response dynamics. Biomaterials 2022; 283:121417. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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24
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Pancreatic Cancer Organoids in the Field of Precision Medicine: A Review of Literature and Experience on Drug Sensitivity Testing with Multiple Readouts and Synergy Scoring. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030525. [PMID: 35158794 PMCID: PMC8833348 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary New treatments are urgently needed for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma because it is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers, detected too late and resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Tumors in most patients feature a similar set of core mutations but so far it has not been possible to design a one-fits-all treatment strategy. Instead, efforts are underway to personalize the therapies. To find the treatments that might work the best for each patient, entirely new experimental platforms based on living miniature tumors, organoids, have been developed. We review here the latest international findings in designing personalized treatments pancreatic cancer patients using organoids as testing beds. Our own work adds important clues about how such testing could, and perhaps should, be conducted. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a silent killer, often diagnosed late. However, it is also dishearteningly resistant to nearly all forms of treatment. New therapies are urgently needed, and with the advent of organoid culture for pancreatic cancer, an increasing number of innovative approaches are being tested. Organoids can be derived within a short enough time window to allow testing of several anticancer agents, which opens up the possibility for functional precision medicine for pancreatic cancer. At the same time, organoid model systems are being refined to better mimic the cancer, for example, by incorporation of components of the tumor microenvironment. We review some of the latest developments in pancreatic cancer organoid research and in novel treatment design. We also summarize our own current experiences with pancreatic cancer organoid drug sensitivity and resistance testing (DSRT) in 14 organoids from 11 PDAC patients. Our data show that it may be necessary to include a cell death read-out in ex vivo DSRT assays, as metabolic viability quantitation does not capture actual organoid killing. We also successfully adapted the organoid platform for drug combination synergy discovery. Lastly, live organoid culture 3D confocal microscopy can help identify individual surviving tumor cells escaping cell death even during harsh combination treatments. Taken together, the organoid technology allows the development of novel precision medicine approaches for PDAC, which paves the way for clinical trials and much needed new treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients.
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Wang L, Liu Z, Zhou Q, Gu S, Liu X, Huang J, Jiang H, Wang H, Cao L, Sun J, Shen Y, Meng H, Liu X. Prodrug nanoparticles rationally integrating stroma modification and chemotherapy to treat metastatic pancreatic cancer. Biomaterials 2021; 278:121176. [PMID: 34656882 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that stromal modifications improve chemotherapeutic outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, combination regimens of stroma-modifying agents and small-molecule cytotoxic drugs have achieved only limited improvements in the clinic, probably due to unsatisfactory pharmacokinetic profiles and restricted drug distribution in tumors. Here, we developed self-assembled prodrug nanoparticles integrating a stromal reprogramming inducer, calcipotriol (CAL), and a potent chemotherapeutic agent, 7-Ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38), to treat PDAC. While SN38 is conjugated to the block polymer backbone, CAL is loaded into the inner hydrophobic space during polymer self-assembly into nanoparticles. To achieve an efficient drug co-package, a planar and hydrophobic cholesterol domain was introduced to stabilize the hydrophobic CAL. Notably, the blood circulation time of CAL significantly improved as CAL|SN38 nanoparticle (CAL|SN38 NP). In addition, CAL|SN38 NP treatment significantly decreased the expression of N-cadherin, collagen, and fibronectin in tumors, which play critical roles in PDAC metastasis. Potent inhibition of primary tumor growth and vigorous anti-metastasis effects were observed after systemic administration of CAL|SN38 NP to stroma-rich PDAC orthotopic tumor-bearing mice. These findings provide a promising paradigm for developing tailor-made nanoparticles with potent stroma-modification capability to combat metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Zimo Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Sufang Gu
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xiangsheng Liu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Jianxiang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Haiping Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China
| | - Huifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Liping Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Jihong Sun
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Youqing Shen
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Huan Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Xiangrui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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The Diverse Applications of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Organoids. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194979. [PMID: 34638463 PMCID: PMC8508245 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal solid malignancies. While immortalized cancer cell lines and genetically engineered murine models have increased our understanding of PDAC tumorigenesis, they do not recapitulate inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity. PDAC patient derived organoid (PDO) biobanks have overcome this hurdle, and provide an opportunity for the high throughput screening of potential new therapies. This review provides a summary of the PDAC PDO biobanks established to date, and discusses how they have advanced our understanding of PDAC biology. Looking forward, the development of coculturing techniques for specific immune or stromal cell populations will enable a better understanding of the crosstalk that occurs within the tumor microenvironment, and the impact of this crosstalk on treatment response.
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Koikawa K, Kibe S, Suizu F, Sekino N, Kim N, Manz TD, Pinch BJ, Akshinthala D, Verma A, Gaglia G, Nezu Y, Ke S, Qiu C, Ohuchida K, Oda Y, Lee TH, Wegiel B, Clohessy JG, London N, Santagata S, Wulf GM, Hidalgo M, Muthuswamy SK, Nakamura M, Gray NS, Zhou XZ, Lu KP. Targeting Pin1 renders pancreatic cancer eradicable by synergizing with immunochemotherapy. Cell 2021; 184:4753-4771.e27. [PMID: 34388391 PMCID: PMC8557351 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by notorious resistance to current therapies attributed to inherent tumor heterogeneity and highly desmoplastic and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Unique proline isomerase Pin1 regulates multiple cancer pathways, but its role in the TME and cancer immunotherapy is unknown. Here, we find that Pin1 is overexpressed both in cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and correlates with poor survival in PDAC patients. Targeting Pin1 using clinically available drugs induces complete elimination or sustained remissions of aggressive PDAC by synergizing with anti-PD-1 and gemcitabine in diverse model systems. Mechanistically, Pin1 drives the desmoplastic and immunosuppressive TME by acting on CAFs and induces lysosomal degradation of the PD-1 ligand PD-L1 and the gemcitabine transporter ENT1 in cancer cells, besides activating multiple cancer pathways. Thus, Pin1 inhibition simultaneously blocks multiple cancer pathways, disrupts the desmoplastic and immunosuppressive TME, and upregulates PD-L1 and ENT1, rendering PDAC eradicable by immunochemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Koikawa
- Division of Translational Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shin Kibe
- Division of Translational Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Futoshi Suizu
- Division of Translational Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Cancer Biology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0815, Japan
| | - Nobufumi Sekino
- Division of Translational Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Nami Kim
- Division of Translational Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Theresa D Manz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Benika J Pinch
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dipikaa Akshinthala
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ana Verma
- Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Giorgio Gaglia
- Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yutaka Nezu
- Division of Translational Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shizhong Ke
- Division of Translational Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Chenxi Qiu
- Division of Translational Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kenoki Ohuchida
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tae Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Babara Wegiel
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Division of Surgical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - John G Clohessy
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Preclinical Murine Pharmacogenetics Facility, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nir London
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Sandro Santagata
- Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gerburg M Wulf
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Senthil K Muthuswamy
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xiao Zhen Zhou
- Division of Translational Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Kun Ping Lu
- Division of Translational Therapeutics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Sagara A, Nakata K, Matsumoto S, Guan W, Shinkawa T, Iwamoto C, Ikenaga N, Ohuchida K, Nakamura M. Repositioning of duloxetine to target pancreatic stellate cells. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:744. [PMID: 34466156 PMCID: PMC8387862 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) are surrounded by an abundant stroma, which is produced by pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). PSCs promote tumor cell proliferation and invasion. The objective of the current study was to identify compounds that suppress PSC activation. Gene expression profiles of cancer-derived fibroblasts and normal fibroblasts were used, and the pathway analysis suggested altered pathways that were chosen for validation. It was found that the ‘neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction’ pathway from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis was one of the altered pathways. Several compounds related with this pathway were chosen, and changes in PSC activity were investigated using fluorescence staining of lipid droplets, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting, and invasion and migration assays. Among these candidates, duloxetine, a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, was found to suppress PSC activation and disrupt tumor-stromal interaction. Thus, duloxetine may be a potential drug for suppressing PSC activation and pancreatic cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Sagara
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kohei Nakata
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Sokichi Matsumoto
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Weiyu Guan
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Shinkawa
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Chika Iwamoto
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Naoki Ikenaga
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kenoki Ohuchida
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Patched 1-interacting Peptide Represses Fibrosis in Pancreatic Cancer to Augment the Effectiveness of Immunotherapy. J Immunother 2021; 43:121-133. [PMID: 31834207 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is resistant to immunotherapy. As a factor of resistance, the dense fibrosis of this cancer acts as a barrier to inhibit immune cell infiltration into a tumor. We examined the influence of a Hedgehog signal inhibitor, Patched 1-interacting peptide, on fibrosis, infiltration of immune cells, and immunotherapeutic effects on PDAC. We found that this peptide inhibited proliferation and migration of cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer cells. Furthermore, this peptide reduced the production of extracellular matrix and transforming growth factor β1 in cancer-associated fibroblasts and induced expression of HLA-ABC in PDAC cells and interferon-γ in lymphocytes. In vivo, the peptide suppressed fibrosis of PDAC and increased immune cell infiltration into tumors. The combination of this peptide and an anti-programmed death-1 antibody augmented the antitumor effect, and this combination showed the same effect in experiments using cancer cells and autologous lymphocytes. These results indicate that, in addition to the direct effect of tumor suppression, the Patched 1-interacting peptide increases the infiltration of immune cells by reducing fibrosis of PDAC and consequently enhances the effect of immunotherapy. Therefore, treatment with this peptide may be a novel therapy with 2 different mechanisms: direct tumor suppression and enhancing the immune response against PDAC.
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Cruz-Acuña R, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Burdick JA, Rustgi AK. Emerging technologies provide insights on cancer extracellular matrix biology and therapeutics. iScience 2021; 24:102475. [PMID: 34027324 PMCID: PMC8131321 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent engineering technologies have transformed traditional perspectives of cancer to include the important role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in recapitulating the malignant behaviors of cancer cells. Novel biomaterials and imaging technologies have advanced our understanding of the role of ECM density, structure, mechanics, and remodeling in tumor cell-ECM interactions in cancer biology and have provided new approaches in the development of cancer therapeutics. Here, we review emerging technologies in cancer ECM biology and recent advances in engineered systems for evaluating cancer therapeutics and provide new perspectives on how engineering tools present an opportunity for advancing the modeling and treatment of cancer. This review offers the cell biology and cancer cell biology communities insight into how engineering tools can improve our understanding of cancer ECM biology and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Cruz-Acuña
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jason A. Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anil K. Rustgi
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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31
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Bone marrow-derived macrophages converted into cancer-associated fibroblast-like cells promote pancreatic cancer progression. Cancer Lett 2021; 512:15-27. [PMID: 33961925 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a desmoplastic reaction caused by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which provokes treatment resistance. CAFs are newly proposed to be heterogeneous populations with different functions within the PDAC microenvironment. The most direct sources of CAFs are resident tissue fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells, however, the origins and functions of CAF subtypes remain unclear. Here, we established allogeneic bone marrow (BM) transplantation models using spontaneous PDAC mice, and then investigated what subtype cells derived from BM modulate the tumor microenvironment and affect the behavior of pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs). BM-derived multilineage hematopoietic cells were engrafted in recipient pancreas, and accumulated at the invasive front and central lesion of PDAC. We identified BM macrophages-derived CAFs in tumors. BM-derived macrophages treated with PCC-conditioned media expressed CAF markers. BM-derived macrophages led the local invasion of PCCs in vitro and enhanced the tumor invasive growth in vivo. Our data suggest that BM-derived cells are recruited to the pancreas during carcinogenesis and that the specific subpopulation of BM-derived macrophages partially converted into CAF-like cells, acted as leading cells, and facilitated pancreatic cancer progression. The control of the conversion of BM-derived macrophages into CAF-like cells may be a novel therapeutic strategy to suppress tumor growth.
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Monteiro MV, Gaspar VM, Mendes L, Duarte IF, Mano JF. Stratified 3D Microtumors as Organotypic Testing Platforms for Screening Pancreatic Cancer Therapies. SMALL METHODS 2021; 5:e2001207. [PMID: 34928079 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202001207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated pancreatic stellate cells installed in periacinar/periductal regions are master players in generating the characteristic biophysical shield found in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recreating this unique PDAC stromal architecture and its desmoplastic microenvironment in vitro is key to discover innovative treatments. However, this still remains highly challenging to realize. Herein, organotypic 3D microtumors that recapitulate PDAC-stroma spatial bioarchitecture, as well as its biomolecular, metabolic, and desmoplastic signatures, are bioengineered. Such newly engineered platforms, termed stratified microenvironment spheroid models - STAMS - mimic the spatial stratification of cancer-stromal cells, exhibit a reproducible morphology and sub-millimeter size. In culture, 3D STAMS secrete the key molecular biomarkers found in human pancreatic cancer, namely TGF-β, FGF-2, IL-1β, and MMP-9, among others. This is accompanied by an extensive desmoplastic reaction where collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) de novo deposition is observed. These stratified models also recapitulate the resistance to various chemotherapeutics when compared to standard cancer-stroma random 3D models. Therapeutics resistance is further evidenced upon STAMS inclusion in a tumor extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic hydrogel matrix, reinforcing the importance of mimicking PDAC-stroma bioarchitectural features in vitro. The 3D STAMS technology represents a next generation of biomimetic testing platforms with improved potential for advancing high-throughput screening and preclinical validation of innovative pancreatic cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Vítor M Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Luís Mendes
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Iola F Duarte
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
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Feng H, Moriyama T, Ohuchida K, Sheng N, Iwamoto C, Shindo K, Shirahane K, Ikenaga N, Nagai S, Nakata K, Mizumoto K, Nakamura M. N-acetyl cysteine induces quiescent-like pancreatic stellate cells from an active state and attenuates cancer-stroma interactions. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:133. [PMID: 33858491 PMCID: PMC8050903 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01939-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) occupy the majority of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment, contributing to aggressive behavior of pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs). Recently, anti-fibrotic agents have proven to be an effective strategy against cancer, but clinical trials have shown little efficacy, and the driving mechanism remains unknown. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is often used for pulmonary cystic fibrosis. Pioglitazone, an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, was habitually used for type II diabetes, but recently reported to inhibit metastasis of PCCs. However, few studies have focused on the effects of these two agents on cancer-stromal interactions. METHOD We evaluated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and the number of lipid droplets in PSCs cultured with or without NAC. We also evaluated changes in invasiveness, viability, and oxidative level in PSCs and PCCs after NAC treatment. Using an indirect co-culture system, we investigated changes in viability, invasiveness, and migration of PSCs and PCCs. Combined treatment effects of NAC and Pioglitazone were evaluated in PSCs and PCCs. In vivo, we co-transplanted KPC-derived organoids and PSCs to evaluate the effects of NAC and Pioglitazone's combination therapy on subcutaneous tumor formation and splenic xenografted mouse models. RESULTS In vitro, NAC inhibited the viability, invasiveness, and migration of PSCs at a low concentration, but not those of PCCs. NAC treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress level and expression of α-SMA, collagen type I in PSCs, which apparently present a quiescent-like state with a high number of lipid droplets. Co-cultured PSCs and PCCs mutually promoted the viability, invasiveness, and migration of each other. However, these promotion effects were attenuated by NAC treatment. Pioglitazone maintained the NAC-induced quiescent-like state of PSCs, which were reactivated by PCC-supernatant, and enhanced chemosensitivity of PCCs. In vivo, NAC and Pioglitazone's combination suppressed tumor growth and liver metastasis with fewer stromal components and oxidative stress level. CONCLUSION NAC suppressed activated PSCs and attenuated cancer-stromal interactions. NAC induces quiescent-like PSCs that were maintained in this state by pioglitazone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimin Feng
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Taiki Moriyama
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Endoscopic Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kenoki Ohuchida
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
- Cancer Center of Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Nan Sheng
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Chika Iwamoto
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Koji Shindo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kengo Shirahane
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Naoki Ikenaga
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Nagai
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kohei Nakata
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Mizumoto
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Cancer Center of Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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Golan T, Atias D, Stossel C, Raitses-Gurevich M. Patient-derived xenograft models of BRCA-associated pancreatic cancers. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 171:257-265. [PMID: 33617901 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a dismal disease. The majority of patients diagnosed at an advanced, metastatic stage, and poor overall survival rates. The most clinically meaningful subtype obtained from PDAC genomic classification is represented by unstable genomes, and co-segregated with inactivation of DNA damage repair genes, e.g., Breast cancer 1/2 (BRCA1/2). The FDA and EMA has recently approved olaparib, a Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, as a maintenance strategy for platinum-sensitive advanced PDAC patients with BRCA mutations. However, susceptibility to treatment varies, and resistance may develop. Resistance can be defined as innate or acquired resistance to platinum/PARP-inhibition. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models have been utilized in cancer research for many years. We generated a unique PDX model, obtained from BRCA-associated PDAC patients at distinct time points of the disease recapitulating the different clinical scenario. In this review we discuss the relevant PDX-derived models for investigating BRCA-associated PDAC and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Golan
- Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Dikla Atias
- Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chani Stossel
- Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Development of a system combining comprehensive genotyping and organoid cultures for identifying and testing genotype-oriented personalised medicine for pancreatobiliary cancers. Eur J Cancer 2021; 148:239-250. [PMID: 33752134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatobiliary cancer is a highly aggressive tumour with a dismal prognosis. Personalised medicine represents a promising and effective therapeutic approach for this intractable disease. In this study, we aimed to establish a system for identifying and testing genotype-oriented targeted drugs for pancreatobiliary cancers by combining exome sequencing and organoid culture of primary tumours. METHODS Tumour cells isolated from resected tumours were subjected to organoid cultures based on published protocols with modifications. Exome sequencing was performed on the primary tumours. Histopathological and molecular features of the primary tumours were validated in the corresponding organoids. Genotype-oriented candidate targeted drugs were identified from exome sequencing, and their efficacies were tested in the organoids. RESULTS Organoid cultures succeeded in 30 of 54 (55.6%) cases. Six primary cancers of the biliary tract and gall bladder were subjected to exome sequencing, which revealed a variety of somatic mutations of genes involved in signalling pathways, epigenetic modifiers, genome maintenance and metabolic enzymes. Most of the organoids of these 6 cases showed identical histopathological features and genomic aberrations as those of the primary tumours. Some of the aberrations were candidates for targeted therapies. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) was one such candidate target, and an ILK inhibitor was confirmed to suppress proliferation of patient-derived organoids. CONCLUSIONS By combining exome sequencing and organoid culture, our model enabled to identify genotype-oriented targets for personalised medicine and to test efficacies of candidate targeted drugs in the organoids. The current proof-of-concept approach could increase therapeutic opportunities for patients with pancreatobiliary cancers.
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Lee HJ, Mun S, Pham DM, Kim P. Extracellular Matrix-Based Hydrogels to Tailoring Tumor Organoids. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4128-4135. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jin Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Siwon Mun
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Duc M. Pham
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Pilnam Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
- Institute for Health Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
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Chen H, Zhuo Q, Ye Z, Xu X, Ji S. Organoid model: A new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1875:188466. [PMID: 33160014 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a rapidly progressing disease with a poor prognosis. We still have many questions about the pathogenesis, early diagnosis and precise treatment of this disease. Organoids, a rapidly emerging technology, can simulate the characteristics of pancreatic tumors. Using the organoid model of pancreatic cancer, we can study and explore the characteristics of pancreatic cancer, thereby effectively guiding clinical practice and improving patient prognosis. This review introduces the development of organoids, comparisons of organoids with other preclinical models and the status of organoids in basic research and clinical applications for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidi Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qifeng Zhuo
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeng Ye
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowu Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunrong Ji
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Miyazaki Y, Oda T, Mori N, Kida YS. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts in vitro. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 10:2268-2281. [PMID: 32931156 PMCID: PMC7609785 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key components of the dense, proliferating stroma observed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and CAF subpopulations drive tumor heterogeneity and play a major role in PDAC progression and drug resistance. CAFs consist of heterogenous subpopulations such as myoblastic CAF (myCAF) and inflammatory CAF (iCAF), and each has distinct essential roles. However, it is not clear how CAF subpopulations are formed in PDAC. Adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs), which possess a high multilineage potential and self-renewal capacity, are reported to be one of the in vivo CAF sources. Here, we aimed to investigate whether AD-MSCs can act as precursors for CAFs in vitro. We recorded morphological features and collected omics data from two in vitro co-culture models for recapitulating clinical PDAC. Additionally, we tested the advantages of the co-culture model in terms of accurately modeling morphology and CAF heterogeneity. We showed that AD-MSCs differentiate into two distinct CAF subpopulations: Direct contact co-culture with PDAC cell line Capan-1 induced differentiation into myCAFs and iCAFs, while indirect co-culture induced differentiation into only iCAFs. Using these co-culture systems, we also identified novel CAF markers that may be helpful for elucidating the mechanisms of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In conclusion, AD-MSCs can differentiate into distinct CAF subtypes depending on the different co-culture conditions in vitro, and the identification of potential CAF markers may aid in future investigations of the mechanisms underlying the role of CAFs in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Miyazaki
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research InstituteNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)TsukubaJapan
| | - Tatsuya Oda
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Nobuhito Mori
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research InstituteNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)TsukubaJapan
| | - Yasuyuki S. Kida
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research InstituteNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)TsukubaJapan
- Advanced Photonics and Biosensing Open Innovation LaboratoryThe National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)TsukubaJapan
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Mejia I, Bodapati S, Chen KT, Díaz B. Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Invasiveness and the Tumor Microenvironment: From Biology to Clinical Trials. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E401. [PMID: 33050151 PMCID: PMC7601142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) originates in the glandular compartment of the exocrine pancreas. Histologically, PDAC tumors are characterized by a parenchyma that is embedded in a particularly prominent stromal component or desmoplastic stroma. The unique characteristics of the desmoplastic stroma shape the microenvironment of PDAC and modulate the reciprocal interactions between cancer and stromal cells in ways that have profound effects in the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease. Here, we review some of the most recent findings regarding the regulation of PDAC cell invasion by the unique microenvironment of this tumor, and how new knowledge is being translated into novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Mejia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Hematology Oncology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
| | - Sandhya Bodapati
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Kathryn T. Chen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
| | - Begoña Díaz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Hematology Oncology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Porter RJ, Murray GI, McLean MH. Current concepts in tumour-derived organoids. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:1209-1218. [PMID: 32728094 PMCID: PMC7555542 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0993-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer comprises a collection of highly proliferative and heterogeneous cells growing within an adaptive and evolving tumour microenvironment. Cancer survival rates have significantly improved following decades of cancer research. However, many experimental and preclinical studies do not translate to the bedside, reflecting the challenges of modelling the complexities and multicellular basis of human disease. Organoids are novel, complex, three-dimensional ex vivo tissue cultures that are derived from embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells or tissue-resident progenitor cells, and represent a near-physiological model for studying cancer. Organoids develop by self-organisation, and can accurately represent the diverse genetic, cellular and pathophysiological hallmarks of cancer. In addition, co-culture methods and the ability to genetically manipulate these organoids have widened their utility in cancer research. Organoids thus offer a new and exciting platform for studying cancer and directing personalised therapies. This review aims to highlight how organoids are shaping the future of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross J Porter
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Graeme I Murray
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Mairi H McLean
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
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Slapak EJ, Duitman J, Tekin C, Bijlsma MF, Spek CA. Matrix Metalloproteases in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Key Drivers of Disease Progression? BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9040080. [PMID: 32325664 PMCID: PMC7235986 DOI: 10.3390/biology9040080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a dismal disorder that is histologically characterized by a dense fibrotic stroma around the tumor cells. As the extracellular matrix comprises the bulk of the stroma, matrix degrading proteases may play an important role in pancreatic cancer. It has been suggested that matrix metalloproteases are key drivers of both tumor growth and metastasis during pancreatic cancer progression. Based upon this notion, changes in matrix metalloprotease expression levels are often considered surrogate markers for pancreatic cancer progression and/or treatment response. Indeed, reduced matrix metalloprotease levels upon treatment (either pharmacological or due to genetic ablation) are considered as proof of the anti-tumorigenic potential of the mediator under study. In the current review, we aim to establish whether matrix metalloproteases indeed drive pancreatic cancer progression and whether decreased matrix metalloprotease levels in experimental settings are therefore indicative of treatment response. After a systematic review of the studies focusing on matrix metalloproteases in pancreatic cancer, we conclude that the available literature is not as convincing as expected and that, although individual matrix metalloproteases may contribute to pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis, this does not support the generalized notion that matrix metalloproteases drive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne J. Slapak
- Center of Experimental and Molecular Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.J.S.); (J.D.); (C.T.)
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Oncode Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - JanWillem Duitman
- Center of Experimental and Molecular Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.J.S.); (J.D.); (C.T.)
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Cansu Tekin
- Center of Experimental and Molecular Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.J.S.); (J.D.); (C.T.)
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Oncode Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten F. Bijlsma
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Oncode Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C. Arnold Spek
- Center of Experimental and Molecular Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.J.S.); (J.D.); (C.T.)
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
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Dynamic Culture Systems and 3D Interfaces Models for Cancer Drugs Testing. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1230:137-159. [PMID: 32285369 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-36588-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The mass use of biological agents for pharmaceutical purposes started with the development and distribution of vaccines, followed by the industrial production of antibiotics. The use of dynamic systems, such as bioreactors, had been already applied in the food industry in fermentation processes and started being used for the development of pharmaceutical agents from this point on. In the last decades, the use of bioreactors and microfluidic systems has been expanded in different fields. The emergence of the tissue engineering led to the development of in vitro models cultured in dynamic systems. This is particularly relevant considering the urgent reduction of the total dependence on animal disease models that is undermining the development of novel drugs, using alternatively human-based models to make the drug discovery process more reliable. The failure out coming from animal models has been more prevalent in certain types of cancer, such as glioblastoma multiform and in high-grade metastatic cancers like bone metastasis of breast or prostatic cancer. The difficulty in obtaining novel drugs for these purposes is mostly linked to the barriers around the tumors, which these bioactive molecules have to overcome to become effective. For that reason, the individualized study of each interface is paramount and is only realistic once applying human-based samples (e.g. cells or tissues) in three-dimensions for in vitro modeling under dynamic conditions. In this chapter, the most recent approaches to model these interfaces in 3D systems will be explored, highlighting their major contributions to the field. In this section, these systems' impact on increased knowledge in relevant aspects of cancer aggressiveness as invasive or motile cellular capacity, or even resistance to chemotherapeutic agents will have particular focus. The last section of this chapter will focus on the integration of the tumor interfaces in dynamic systems, particularly its application on high-throughput drug screening. The industrial translation of such platforms will be discussed, as well as the main upcoming challenges and future perspectives.
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Jiang J, Bai J, Qin T, Wang Z, Han L. NGF from pancreatic stellate cells induces pancreatic cancer proliferation and invasion by PI3K/AKT/GSK signal pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:5901-5910. [PMID: 32294802 PMCID: PMC7214160 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a continuously high lethal disease, and the tumour microenvironment plays a pivotal role during PC progression. Herein, we focus on that the Nerve growth factor (NGF)/Tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA), in pancreatic stellate cells-pancreatic cancer cells (PSCs-PC cells) co-culture system, influences PC proliferation and invasion. The model of PC cells and PSCs was directly co-cultured in a no-touch manner, using the Transwell as the co-culture system. NGF and TrkA expression was measured in cultured system by real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, Western blotting analysis or ELISA. Small interfering RNA transfection was used to regulate the expression of TrkA in PC cells. The promotion of cancer invasion was investigated using Matrigel Transwell assay. In our study, NGF/TrkA is overexpressed in PSCs-PC cells co-culture system and promotes the invasion and proliferation of PC cells. And the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related genes are influenced by si-TrkA. What's more, NGF/TrkA regulates the PC cell proliferation and invasion via activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK signalling. The present study demonstrated NGF/TrkA promoted the PC cell proliferation and invasion in the co-culture system by the activation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK signal cascade, providing a potential therapeutic target for PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Lin M, Gao M, Pandalai PK, Cavnar MJ, Kim J. An Organotypic Microcosm for the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E811. [PMID: 32231028 PMCID: PMC7225919 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the next few years. Unfortunately, the development of novel therapies for PDAC has been challenged by a uniquely complex tumor microenvironment. The development of in vitro cancer organoids in recent years has demonstrated potential to increase therapies for patients with PDAC. Organoids have been established from PDAC murine and human tissues and they are representative of the primary tumor. Further, organoids have been shown beneficial in studies of molecular mechanisms and drug sensitivity testing. This review will cover the use of organoids to study PDAC development, invasiveness, and therapeutic resistance in the context of the tumor microenvironment, which is characterized by a dense desmoplastic reaction, hindered immune activity, and pro-tumor metabolic signaling. We describe investigations utilizing organoids to characterize the tumor microenvironment and also describe their limitations. Overall, organoids have great potential to serve as a versatile model of drug response and may be used to increase available therapies and improve survival for patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Joseph Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (M.L.); (M.G.); (P.K.P.); (M.J.C.)
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Thomas D, Radhakrishnan P. Pancreatic Stellate Cells: The Key Orchestrator of The Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1234:57-70. [PMID: 32040855 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-37184-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging adenocarcinomas due to its hostile molecular behavior and complex tumor microenvironment. It has been recently postulated that pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), the resident lipid-storing cells of the pancreas, are important components of the tumor microenvironment as they can transdifferentiate into highly proliferative myofibroblasts in the context of tissue injury. Targeting tumor-stromal crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy against pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis. This chapter brings a broad view on the biological and pathological role of PSCs in the pancreas, activated stellate cells in the onset of tissue fibrosis, and tumor progression with particular emphasis on the bidirectional interactions between tumor cells and PSCs. Further, potential therapeutic regimens targeting activated PSCs in the pre-clinical and clinical trials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Thomas
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Prakash Radhakrishnan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. .,Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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47
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Patient-derived explants, xenografts and organoids: 3-dimensional patient-relevant pre-clinical models in endometrial cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 156:251-259. [PMID: 31767187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The majority of endometrial cancers are detected early with a favourable prognosis. However, for patients with advanced disease, chemotherapy response rates and overall survival remains poor. The endometrial cancer population is typically elderly with multiple co-morbidities and aggressive cytotoxic therapy may be hazardous. Therefore, there is an urgent need to define optimal treatment strategies for advanced and recurrent disease and personalise therapy based on individual tumour and patient characteristics. Three-dimensional (3D) models that preserve the tumour microenvironment and tumour-stromal interactions are increasingly important for translational research with the advent of immunotherapy and molecularly targeted agents. 3D patient-relevant pre-clinical models in endometrial cancer include spheroids, patient-derived organoids, microfluidic systems, patient-derived xenografts and patient-derived explants. Here we present a review of available 3D modelling systems in endometrial cancers, highlighting their current use, advantages, disadvantages and applications to translational research with a focus on the power of the patient-derived explant platform.
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48
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Xu S, Xu H, Wang W, Li S, Li H, Li T, Zhang W, Yu X, Liu L. The role of collagen in cancer: from bench to bedside. J Transl Med 2019; 17:309. [PMID: 31521169 PMCID: PMC6744664 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-2058-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen is the major component of the tumor microenvironment and participates in cancer fibrosis. Collagen biosynthesis can be regulated by cancer cells through mutated genes, transcription factors, signaling pathways and receptors; furthermore, collagen can influence tumor cell behavior through integrins, discoidin domain receptors, tyrosine kinase receptors, and some signaling pathways. Exosomes and microRNAs are closely associated with collagen in cancer. Hypoxia, which is common in collagen-rich conditions, intensifies cancer progression, and other substances in the extracellular matrix, such as fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, laminin, and matrix metalloproteinases, interact with collagen to influence cancer cell activity. Macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts play a role with collagen in cancer immunity and progression. Microscopic changes in collagen content within cancer cells and matrix cells and in other molecules ultimately contribute to the mutual feedback loop that influences prognosis, recurrence, and resistance in cancer. Nanoparticles, nanoplatforms, and nanoenzymes exhibit the expected gratifying properties. The pathophysiological functions of collagen in diverse cancers illustrate the dual roles of collagen and provide promising therapeutic options that can be readily translated from bench to bedside. The emerging understanding of the structural properties and functions of collagen in cancer will guide the development of new strategies for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaishuai Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaxiang Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenquan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianjiao Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wuhu Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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Yan Z, Ohuchida K, Fei S, Zheng B, Guan W, Feng H, Kibe S, Ando Y, Koikawa K, Abe T, Iwamoto C, Shindo K, Moriyama T, Nakata K, Miyasaka Y, Ohtsuka T, Mizumoto K, Hashizume M, Nakamura M. Inhibition of ERK1/2 in cancer-associated pancreatic stellate cells suppresses cancer-stromal interaction and metastasis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:221. [PMID: 31133044 PMCID: PMC6537367 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1226-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) have been related to multiple cancers, including breast cancer, hepatocellular cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. ERK1/2 inhibitor can suppress growth of KRAS-mutant pancreatic tumors by targeting cancer cell. However, no studies have shown the expression of ERK1/2 on pancreatic stromal and its effect on pancreatic cancer–stromal interaction. Methods Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were performed to detect the expression of p-ERK1/2 in pancreatic tissues and cells. Cell viability assay was used to study IC50 of ERK inhibitor on pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) and primary cancer-associated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Transwell migration, invasion, cell viability assay, senescence β-galactosidase staining were performed to determine the effect of ERK inhibitor on PCCs and PSCs in vitro and in vivo. The expression of key factors involved in autophagy and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process were evaluated by western blotting. The expression of key factors related to cell invasiveness and malignancy were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Co-transplantation of PCC Organoid and PSC using a splenic xenograft mouse model was used to evaluated combined treatment of ERK inhibitor and autophagy inhibitor. Results Immunohistochemical staining in pancreatic tumor samples and transgenetic mice detected p-ERK1/2 expression in both cancer cells and stromal cells. In pancreatic tissues, p-ERK1/2 was strongly expressed in cancer-associated PSCs compared with cancer cells and normal PSCs. PSCs were also significantly more sensitive to ERK1/2 inhibitor treatment. Inhibition of ERK1/2 suppressed EMT transition in HMPCCs, upregulated cellular senescence markers, activated autophagy in cancer-associated PSCs; and suppressed cancer–stromal interaction, which enhanced invasiveness and viability of cancer cells. We also found that chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, suppressed ERK inhibition-induced autophagy and promoted PSC cellular senescence, leading to significantly decreased cell proliferation. The combination of an ERK inhibitor and autophagy inhibitor suppressed liver metastasis in a splenic pancreatic cancer organoid xenograft mouse model. Conclusions These data indicate that inhibition of ERK1/2 in cancer-associated pancreatic stellate cells suppresses cancer–stromal interaction and metastasis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1226-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Yan
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kenoki Ohuchida
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan. .,Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Shuang Fei
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Biao Zheng
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiyu Guan
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Haimin Feng
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shin Kibe
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yohei Ando
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Koikawa
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Toshiya Abe
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Chika Iwamoto
- Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koji Shindo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Taiki Moriyama
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kohei Nakata
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Miyasaka
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takao Ohtsuka
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | | | - Makoto Hashizume
- Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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Khader S, Thyagarajan A, Sahu RP. Exploring Signaling Pathways and Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Approaches Using Genetic Models. Mini Rev Med Chem 2019; 19:1112-1125. [PMID: 30924420 DOI: 10.2174/1389557519666190327163644] [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: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite available treatment options, the overall survival rates of pancreatic cancer patients remain dismal. Multiple counter-regulatory pathways have been identified and shown to be involved in interfering with the efficacy of therapeutic agents. In addition, various known genetic alterations in the cellular signaling pathways have been implicated in affecting the growth and progression of pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, the significance of other unknown pathways is yet to be explored, which provides the rationale for the intervention of new approaches. Several experimental genetic models have been explored to define the impact of key signaling cascades, and their mechanisms in the pathophysiology as well as treatment approaches of pancreatic cancer. The current review highlights the recent updates, and significance of such genetic models in the therapeutic efficacy of anti-tumor agents including the standard chemotherapeutic agents, natural products, cell signaling inhibitors, immunebased therapies and the combination of these approaches in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shorooq Khader
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45345, United States
| | - Anita Thyagarajan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45345, United States
| | - Ravi P Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45345, United States
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