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Fan S, Zhang W, Zhou L, Wang D, Tang D. Potential role of the intratumoral microbiota in colorectal cancer immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 137:112537. [PMID: 38909493 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112537] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Despite the advances in current therapies, the mortality rate of CRC remains high. Among them, immunotherapy has achieved satisfactory results in some CRC patients, however, how to expand the use of immunotherapy in CRC patients remains an urgent challenge. Surprisingly, the intratumoral microbiota has been found in multiple tumor tissues, including CRC. It has been demonstrated that the intratumoral microbiota is associated with the progression and treatment of CRC, and is able to enhance or decrease anti-tumor immune responses via different mechanisms as well as influence the immunotherapy efficacy, providing new potential therapeutic targets for CRC immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on the characteristics of the intratumoral microbiota, its roles in the genesis and development of CRC, its modulation of anti-tumor immune responses and immunotherapy, and propose potential applications of the intratumoral microbiota in CRC immunotherapy. Additionally, we propose possible directions for future research on the intratumoral microbiota related to CRC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Fan
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, PR China.
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, PR China.
| | - Lujia Zhou
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, PR China.
| | - Daorong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, PR China.
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, PR China.
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2
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Li JP, Liu YJ, Wang SS, Lu ZH, Ye QW, Zhou JY, Zou X, Chen YG. EBF1-COX4I2 signaling axis promotes a myofibroblast-like phenotype in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and is associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112666. [PMID: 39002521 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112666] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has limited response rates in colorectal cancer (CRC) due to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Combining transcriptome sequencing, clinical specimens, and functional experiments, we identified a unique group of CAF subpopulations (COX4I2 + ) with inhibited mitochondrial respiration and enhanced glycolysis. Through bioinformatics predictions and luciferase reporter assays, we determined that EBF1 can upstreamly regulate COX4I2 transcription. COX4I2 + CAFs functionally and phenotypically resemble myofibroblasts, are important for the formation of the fibrotic TME, and are capable of activating the M2 phenotype of macrophages. In vitro experiments demonstrated that COX4I2 + CAFs promote immunosuppressive TME by blocking CD8 + T cell infiltration and inducing CD8 + T cell dysfunction. Using multiple independent cohorts, we also found a strong correlation between the immunotherapy response rate of CRC patients and COX4I2 expression in their tumors. Our results identify a CAF subpopulation characterized by activation of the EBF1-COX4I2 axis, and this group of CAFs can be targeted to improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Pin Li
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Wang
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Qian-Wen Ye
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jin-Yong Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Xi Zou
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yu-Gen Chen
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
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3
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Papavassiliou KA, Adamopoulos C, Papavassiliou AG. SOX17: escape route from immune destruction in early CRC. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:609-611. [PMID: 38594095 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.04.001] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
In a recent report in Nature, Goto et al. reveal a novel immune-evasion mechanism adopted by early colorectal cancer (CRC) cells that is based on the transcription factor sex determining region Y (SRY)-box transcription factor 17 (SOX17). Leveraging colorectal adenoma and cancer models to perform comprehensive transcriptomic/chromatin analyses, this work shows that SOX17 generates immune-silent leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5- (LGR5-) tumor cells, which suppress interferon gamma (IFNγ) signaling and promote immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, 'Sotiria' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Adamopoulos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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4
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Zheng E, Włodarczyk M, Węgiel A, Osielczak A, Możdżan M, Biskup L, Grochowska A, Wołyniak M, Gajewski D, Porc M, Maryńczak K, Dziki Ł. Navigating through novelties concerning mCRC treatment-the role of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy in mCRC. Front Surg 2024; 11:1398289. [PMID: 38948479 PMCID: PMC11211389 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1398289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the course of nearly six decades since the inception of initial trials involving 5-FU in the treatment of mCRC (metastatic colorectal cancer), our progressive comprehension of the pathophysiology, genetics, and surgical techniques related to mCRC has paved the way for the introduction of novel therapeutic modalities. These advancements not only have augmented the overall survival but have also positively impacted the quality of life (QoL) for affected individuals. Despite the remarkable progress made in the last two decades in the development of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and target therapies, mCRC remains an incurable disease, with a 5-year survival rate of 14%. In this comprehensive review, our primary goal is to present an overview of mCRC treatment methods following the latest guidelines provided by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). Emphasis has been placed on outlining treatment approaches encompassing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery's role in managing mCRC. Furthermore, our review delves into prospective avenues for developing new therapies, offering a glimpse into the future of alternative pathways that hold potential for advancing the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Zheng
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marcin Włodarczyk
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej Węgiel
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Osielczak
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Maria Możdżan
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Laura Biskup
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Agata Grochowska
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Maria Wołyniak
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Dominik Gajewski
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Mateusz Porc
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Kasper Maryńczak
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Dziki
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Nie SC, Jing YH, Lu L, Ren SS, Ji G, Xu HC. Mechanisms of myeloid-derived suppressor cell-mediated immunosuppression in colorectal cancer and related therapies. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1690-1704. [PMID: 38764816 PMCID: PMC11099432 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.1690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe immunosuppression is a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), one of the most abundant components of the tumor stroma, play an important role in the invasion, metastasis, and immune escape of CRC. MDSCs create an immunosuppressive microenvironment by inhibiting the proliferation and activation of immunoreactive cells, including T and natural killer cells, as well as by inducing the proliferation of immunosuppressive cells, such as regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages, which, in turn, promote the growth of cancer cells. Thus, MDSCs are key contributors to the emergence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment in CRC and play an important role in the breakdown of antitumor immunity. In this narrative review, we explore the mechanisms through which MDSCs contribute to the immunosuppressive microenvironment, the current therapeutic approaches and technologies targeting MDSCs, and the therapeutic potential of modulating MDSCs in CRC treatment. This study provides ideas and methods to enhance survival rates in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Chang Nie
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan-Hua Jing
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Si-Si Ren
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integration and Innovation of Classic Formula and Modern Chinese Medicine (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Han-Chen Xu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integration and Innovation of Classic Formula and Modern Chinese Medicine (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Shanghai 200032, China
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6
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Yin ZH, Tan WH, Jiang YL. Exploration of the Molecular Mechanism of Curcuma aromatica Salisb's Anticolorectal Cancer Activity via the Integrative Approach of Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:21426-21439. [PMID: 38764617 PMCID: PMC11097187 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Curcuma aromatica Salisb (Cur), a well-known herbal medicine, has a wide spectrum of anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant activities. However, the roles of its active compounds and potential mechanisms in colorectal cancer remain unknown. This research utilized network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the possible mechanisms by which Cur protects against colorectal cancer. The active compounds of Cur and related genes for colorectal cancer were obtained from public databases. The DrugBank database was used to search for anticolorectal cancer drugs licensed through the FDA and their targets, and a "drug-component-target" relationship network was created using the Cytoscape program. The String database produced the PPI network. The ability of these active ingredients to bind to core targets was confirmed by molecular docking using AutoDock Vina. Cell and animal experiments were then carried out. A total of 274 targets were obtained from Cur, 49 of which were potential therapeutic targets. Four key targets, PTGS2, AKT1, TP53, and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), were screened via the PPI network and the FDA drug-target network. Molecular docking results revealed that Cur had strong binding abilities to these targets. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that Cur suppressed the development of colorectal cancer by regulating its targets (PTGS2, AKT1, TP53, and ESR1), which play crucial roles in promoting apoptosis and suppressing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Collectively, Cur protects against colorectal cancer by regulating the AKT1/PTGS2/ESR1 and P53 pathways, which lays the groundwork for further research and clinical applications of Cur in colorectal cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hui Yin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Anorectal, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Wei-Hua Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Emergency Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yi-Ling Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Oncology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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7
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Zhang J, Wang P, Wang J, Wei X, Wang M. Unveiling intratumoral microbiota: An emerging force for colorectal cancer diagnosis and therapy. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107185. [PMID: 38615875 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other eukaryotic organisms, are commonly present in multiple organs of the human body and contribute significantly to both physiological and pathological processes. Nowadays, the development of sequencing technology has revealed the presence and composition of the intratumoral microbiota, which includes Fusobacterium, Bifidobacteria, and Bacteroides, and has shed light on the significant involvement in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we summarized the current understanding of the intratumoral microbiota in CRC and outline the potential translational and clinical applications in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of CRC. We focused on reviewing the development of microbial therapies targeting the intratumoral microbiota to improve the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy and immunotherapy for CRC and to identify biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. Finally, we emphasized the obstacles and potential solutions to translating the knowledge of the intratumoral microbiota into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjing Zhang
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Penghui Wang
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaojie Wei
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Mengchuan Wang
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.
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8
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Zhou J, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Ling F, Zheng J, Yao X, Lyu Z, Feng H, Li Y. Comprehensive analysis of a novel subtype of immune microenvironment-derived HPV-infected colorectal cancer. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105315. [PMID: 38417673 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105315] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study proposed a novel subtype, Human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected colorectal cancer (CRC), to understand the impact of HPV on CRC. METHODS We assessed the prevalence and clinical implications of HPV in CRC by integrating a single cohort in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and public datasets. Differential gene, pathway enrichment, and immune infiltration analysis were conducted to explore the patterns in HPV-infected CRC. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, cell proliferation, scratch, and flow cytometry assays were employed to validate the impact of HPV on CRC. RESULTS The study revealed a high prevalence of HPV infection in CRC, with infection rates ranging from 10% to 31%. There was also a significant increase in tumor proliferation in HPV-infected CRC. The study showed increased immune cell infiltration, including T cells, γδ T cells, cytotoxic cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in HPV-infected CRC (P < 0.05). Furthermore, our findings confirmed that HPV infection promoted M1 polarization. Our results demonstrated that low ISM2 expression was associated with a less advanced clinical stage (P < 0.001) and better survival outcomes (P = 0.039). Low ISM2 expression correlated with a strong tumor immune response, potentially contributing to the improved survival observed in HPV-infected CRC. CONCLUSIONS These findings provided a novel subtype of HPV-infected CRC. The subtype with a better prognosis showed a "hot" tumor immune microenvironment that may be responsive to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlong Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yongfeng Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yucheng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Fa Ling
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Jiabin Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Xueqing Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Ganzhou Hospital (Ganzhou Municipal Hospital), Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Zejian Lyu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Huolun Feng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
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9
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Yan S, He Y, Zhu Y, Ye W, Chen Y, Zhu C, Zhan F, Ma Z. Human patient derived organoids: an emerging precision medicine model for gastrointestinal cancer research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1384450. [PMID: 38638528 PMCID: PMC11024315 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1384450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers account for approximately one-third of the total global cancer incidence and mortality with a poor prognosis. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Most of these diseases lack effective treatment, occurring as a result of inappropriate models to develop safe and potent therapies. As a novel preclinical model, tumor patient-derived organoids (PDOs), can be established from patients' tumor tissue and cultured in the laboratory in 3D architectures. This 3D model can not only highly simulate and preserve key biological characteristics of the source tumor tissue in vitro but also reproduce the in vivo tumor microenvironment through co-culture. Our review provided an overview of the different in vitro models in current tumor research, the derivation of cells in PDO models, and the application of PDO model technology in gastrointestinal cancers, particularly the applications in combination with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, tumor microenvironment simulation, drug screening, drug development, and personalized medicine. It also elucidates the ethical status quo of organoid research and the current challenges encountered in clinical research, and offers a forward-looking assessment of the potential paths for clinical organoid research advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicheng Yan
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan He
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuehong Zhu
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wangfang Ye
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, China
| | - Cong Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, China
| | - Fuyuan Zhan
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhihong Ma
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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10
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Marks J, Sridhar A, Ai A, Kiel L, Kaufman R, Abioye O, Mantz C, Florez N. Precision Immuno-Oncology in NSCLC through Gender Equity Lenses. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1413. [PMID: 38611091 PMCID: PMC11010825 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071413] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision immuno-oncology involves the development of personalized cancer treatments that are influenced by the unique nature of an individual's DNA, immune cells, and their tumor's molecular characterization. Biological sex influences immunity; females typically mount stronger innate and adaptive immune responses than males. Though more research is warranted, we continue to observe an enhanced benefit for females with lung cancer when treated with combination chemoimmunotherapy in contrast to the preferred approach of utilizing immunotherapy alone in men. Despite the observed sex differences in response to treatments, women remain underrepresented in oncology clinical trials, largely as a result of gender-biased misconceptions. Such exclusion has resulted in the development of less efficacious treatment guidelines and clinical recommendations and has created a knowledge gap in regard to immunotherapy-related survivorship issues such as fertility. To develop a more precise approach to care and overcome the exclusion of women from clinical trials, flexible trial schedules, multilingual communication strategies, financial, and transportation assistance for participants should be adopted. The impact of intersectionality and other determinants of health that affect the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in women must also be considered in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the unique impact of immunotherapy in all women with lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Marks
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | | | - Angela Ai
- Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Lauren Kiel
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (L.K.); (R.K.); (O.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Rebekah Kaufman
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (L.K.); (R.K.); (O.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Oyepeju Abioye
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (L.K.); (R.K.); (O.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Courtney Mantz
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (L.K.); (R.K.); (O.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Narjust Florez
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (L.K.); (R.K.); (O.A.); (C.M.)
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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11
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Pan QZ, Zhao JJ, Liu L, Zhang DS, Wang LP, Hu WW, Weng DS, Xu X, Li YZ, Tang Y, Zhang WH, Li JY, Zheng X, Wang QJ, Li YQ, Xiang T, Zhou L, Yang SN, Wu C, Huang RX, He J, Du WJ, Chen LJ, Wu YN, Xu B, Shen Q, Zhang Y, Jiang JT, Ren XB, Xia JC. XELOX (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) plus bevacizumab (anti-VEGF-A antibody) with or without adoptive cell immunotherapy in the treatment of patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer: a multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled, phase 3 trial. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:79. [PMID: 38565886 PMCID: PMC10987514 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01788-2] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluoropyrimidine-based combination chemotherapy plus targeted therapy is the standard initial treatment for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but the prognosis remains poor. This phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03950154) assessed the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of the combination of PD-1 blockade-activated DC-CIK (PD1-T) cells with XELOX plus bevacizumab as a first-line therapy in patients with mCRC. A total of 202 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either first-line XELOX plus bevacizumab (the control group, n = 102) or the same regimen plus autologous PD1-T cell immunotherapy (the immunotherapy group, n = 100) every 21 days for up to 6 cycles, followed by maintenance treatment with capecitabine and bevacizumab. The main endpoint of the trial was progression-free survival (PFS). The median follow-up was 19.5 months. Median PFS was 14.8 months (95% CI, 11.6-18.0) for the immunotherapy group compared with 9.9 months (8.0-11.8) for the control group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60 [95% CI, 0.40-0.88]; p = 0.009). Median overall survival (OS) was not reached for the immunotherapy group and 25.6 months (95% CI, 18.3-32.8) for the control group (HR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.33-0.98]; p = 0.043). Grade 3 or higher AEs occurred in 20.0% of patients in the immunotherapy group and 23.5% in the control groups, with no toxicity-associated deaths reported. The addition of PD1-T cells to first-line XELOX plus bevacizumab demonstrates significant clinical improvement of PFS and OS with well tolerability in patients with previously untreated mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Zhong Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Liang Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy/Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Dong-Sheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Li-Ping Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Wen-Wei Hu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - De-Sheng Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, PR China
| | - Yi-Zhuo Li
- Imaging Diagnosis and Interventional Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Yan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Wei-Hong Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy/Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Jie-Yao Li
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - Qi-Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Yong-Qiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Tong Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy/Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Shuang-Ning Yang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Chen Wu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - Rong-Xing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Jia He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Wei-Jiao Du
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy/Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Lu-Jun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - Yue-Na Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - Qiong Shen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China.
| | - Jing-Ting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China.
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, PR China.
| | - Xiu-Bao Ren
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
- Department of Biotherapy/Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
| | - Jian-Chuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China.
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12
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Xiang J, Liu S, Chang Z, Li J, Liu Y, Wang H, Zhang H, Wang C, Yu L, Tang Q, Wang G. Integrating transcriptomics and machine learning for immunotherapy assessment in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:162. [PMID: 38565865 PMCID: PMC10987483 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01934-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent and lethal malignancy worldwide. Although immunotherapy has substantially improved CRC outcomes, intolerance remains a major concern among most patients. Considering the pivotal role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in tumor progression and treatment outcomes, profiling the TME at the transcriptomic level can provide novel insights for developing CRC treatment strategies. Seventy-seven TME-associated signatures were acquired from previous studies. To elucidate variations in prognosis, clinical features, genomic alterations, and responses to immunotherapy in CRC, we employed a non-negative matrix factorization algorithm to categorize 2595 CRC samples of 27 microarrays from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Three machine learning techniques were employed to identify a signature specific to immunotherapy. Subsequently, the mechanisms by which this signature interacts with TME subtypes and immunotherapy were investigated. Our findings revealed five distinct TME subtypes (TMESs; TMES1-TMES5) in CRC, each exhibiting a unique pattern of immunotherapy response. TMES1, TMES4, and TMES5 had relatively inferior outcomes, TMES2 was associated with the poorest prognosis, and TMES3 had a superior outcome. Subsequent investigations revealed that activated dendritic cells could enhance the immunotherapy response rate, with their augmentation effect closely associated with the activation of CD8+T cells. We successfully classified CRC into five TMESs, each demonstrating varying response rates to immunotherapy. Notably, the application of machine learning to identify activated dendritic cells helped elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to these differences. We posit that these TMESs hold promising clinical implications for prognostic evaluation and guidance of immunotherapy strategies, thereby providing valuable insights to inform clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shihao Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zewen Chang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yunxiao Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hufei Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chunlin Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Qingchao Tang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Guiyu Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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13
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Weng X, Ma T, Chen Q, Chen BW, Shan J, Chen W, Zhi X. Decreased expression of H19/miR-675 ameliorates hypoxia-induced oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27027. [PMID: 38449593 PMCID: PMC10915565 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic microenvironment, a hallmark of solid tumors, contributes to chemoresistance, and long noncoding (lnc) RNAs are involved in hypoxia-induced drug resistance. However, the role of lncRNAs in hypoxic tumor chemotherapy resistance remains unclear. Here, we aimed to elucidate the effects of lncRNAs in hypoxia-mediated resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as the underlying mechanisms. The results indicated that the expression of lncRNA H19 was enhanced in hypoxia- or oxaliplatin-treated CRC cells; moreover, H19 contributed to drug resistance in CRC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, H19 was noted to act as a competitive endogenous RNA of miR-675-3p to regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Notably, an miR-675-3p mimic could attenuate the effects of H19 deficiency in CRC cells with hypoxia-induced chemoresistance. In conclusion, H19 downregulation may counteract hypoxia-induced chemoresistance by sponging miR-675-3p to regulate EMT; as such, the H19/miR-675-3p axis might be a promising therapeutic target for drug resistance in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyue Weng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.79, Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.79, Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.79, Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Bryan Wei Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.79, Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Jianzhen Shan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.79, Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao Zhi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.79, Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
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14
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Li Y, Yuan Z, Wang L, Yang J, Pu P, Le Y, Chen X, Wang C, Gao Y, Liu Y, Wang J, Gao X, Li Y, Wang H, Zou C. Prolyl isomerase Pin1 sculpts the immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111041. [PMID: 38199598 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111041] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Pin1, a peptide prolyl cis-trans isomerase, is overexpressed and/or overactivated in many human malignancies. However, whether Pin1 regulates the immunosuppressive TME has not been well defined. In this study, we detected the effect of Pin1 on immune cells and immune checkpoint PD-L1 in the TME of CRC and explored the anti-tumor efficacy of Pin1 inhibitor ATRA combined with PD-1 antibody. We found that Pin1 facilitated the immunosuppressive TME by raising the proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and declining the percentage of CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells. Pin1 restrained PD-L1 protein expression in CRC cells and the effect was tempered by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducers. Mechanically, Pin1 overexpression decreased the stability of PD-L1 and promoted its degradation by mitigating ER stress. Silencing or inhibiting Pin1 promoted PD-L1 protein expression by inducing ER stress. Hence, Pin1 inhibitor ATRA enhanced the anti-tumor efficacy of PD-1 antibody in the CRC allograft by upregulating PD-L1. Our results reveal the critical and pleiotropic effects of Pin1 on managing the immune cells and immune checkpoint PD-L1 in the TME of CRC, providing a new promising candidate for combination with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Zhongnan Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Pei Pu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yunting Le
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - XianWei Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Chongyang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yating Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Jialin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Xu Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medicine Sciences, Harbin 150081, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research of Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150081, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yanze Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.
| | - Hefei Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.
| | - Chaoxia Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medicine Sciences, Harbin 150081, China.
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15
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Qin L, Shi L, Wang Y, Yu H, Du Z, Chen M, Cai Y, Cao Y, Deng S, Wang J, Cheng D, Heng Y, Xu J, Cai K, Wu K. Fumarate Hydratase Enhances the Therapeutic Effect of PD-1 Antibody in Colorectal Cancer by Regulating PCSK9. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:713. [PMID: 38398104 PMCID: PMC10887080 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the notable achievements of programmed death 1 (PD-1) antibodies in treating various cancers, the overall efficacy remains limited in the majority of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases. Metabolism reprogramming of tumors inhibits the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, leading to down-regulation of fumarate hydratase (FH), which is related to poor prognosis in CRC patients. By establishing a tumor-bearing mouse model of CRC with Fh1 expression deficiency, we confirmed that the therapeutic effect of PD-1 antibodies alone was suboptimal in mice with low Fh1 expression, which was improved by combination with a protein invertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor. Mechanistically, FH binds to Ras-related nucleoprotein (RAN), which inhibits the nuclear import of the PCSK9 transcription factor SREBF1/2, thus reducing the expression of PCSK9. This leads to increased clonal expansion of CD8+ T cells while the number of Tregs remains unchanged, and the expression of PD-L1 does not change significantly, thus enhancing the immunotherapy response. On the contrary, the expression of PCSK9 increased in CRC cells with low FH expression, which antagonized the effects of immunotherapy. Overall, CRC patients with low FH expression may benefit from combinatorial therapy with PD-1 antibodies and PCSK9 inhibitors to enhance the curative effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Qin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (L.Q.); (L.S.); (M.C.); (Y.C.); (S.D.); (J.W.); (D.C.)
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi 832008, China; (Y.H.); (J.X.)
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (L.Q.); (L.S.); (M.C.); (Y.C.); (S.D.); (J.W.); (D.C.)
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China;
| | - Haixin Yu
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Cancer Center, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (H.Y.); (Z.D.); (Y.C.)
| | - Zhouyuan Du
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Cancer Center, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (H.Y.); (Z.D.); (Y.C.)
| | - Mian Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (L.Q.); (L.S.); (M.C.); (Y.C.); (S.D.); (J.W.); (D.C.)
| | - Yuxuan Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (L.Q.); (L.S.); (M.C.); (Y.C.); (S.D.); (J.W.); (D.C.)
| | - Yinghao Cao
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Cancer Center, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (H.Y.); (Z.D.); (Y.C.)
| | - Shenghe Deng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (L.Q.); (L.S.); (M.C.); (Y.C.); (S.D.); (J.W.); (D.C.)
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (L.Q.); (L.S.); (M.C.); (Y.C.); (S.D.); (J.W.); (D.C.)
| | - Denglong Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (L.Q.); (L.S.); (M.C.); (Y.C.); (S.D.); (J.W.); (D.C.)
| | - Yixin Heng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi 832008, China; (Y.H.); (J.X.)
| | - Jiaxin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi 832008, China; (Y.H.); (J.X.)
| | - Kailin Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (L.Q.); (L.S.); (M.C.); (Y.C.); (S.D.); (J.W.); (D.C.)
| | - Ke Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (L.Q.); (L.S.); (M.C.); (Y.C.); (S.D.); (J.W.); (D.C.)
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16
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Li H, Zheng N, Guo A, Tang W, Li M, Cao Y, Ma X, Cao H, Ma Y, Wang H, Zhao S. FSTL3 promotes tumor immune evasion and attenuates response to anti-PD1 therapy by stabilizing c-Myc in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:107. [PMID: 38302412 PMCID: PMC10834545 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06469-0] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PDL1)/programmed cell death 1 (PD1) blockade immunotherapy provides a prospective strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), but various constraints on the effectiveness of the treatment are still remaining. As reported in previous studies, follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) could mediate inflammatory response in macrophages by induction lipid accumulation. Herein, we revealed that FSTL3 were overexpressed in malignant cells in the CRC microenvironment, notably, the expression level of FSTL3 was related to tumor immune evasion and the clinical efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy. Further studies determined that hypoxic tumor microenvironment induced the FSTL3 expression via HIF1α in CRC cells, FSTL3 could bind to the transcription factor c-Myc (354-406 amino acids) to suppress the latter's ubiquitination and increase its stability, thereby to up-regulated the expression of PDL1 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). The results in the immunocompetent tumor models verified that FSLT3 knockout in tumor cells increased the proportion of CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment, reduced the proportion of regulatory T cells (CD25+ Foxp3+) and exhausted T cells (PD1+ CD8+), and synergistically improved the anti-PD1 therapy efficacy. To sum up, FSTL3 enhanced c-Myc-mediated transcriptional regulation to promote immune evasion and attenuates response to anti-PD1 therapy in CRC, suggesting the potential of FSTL3 as a biomarker of immunotherapeutic efficacy as well as a novel immunotherapeutic target in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Li
- Department of general surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Na Zheng
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Anning Guo
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Muxin Li
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinhua Ma
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyong Cao
- Department of general surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yong Ma
- Department of general surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hanjin Wang
- Department of general surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shuli Zhao
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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17
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Wang H, Yan W, Yu Z. Association of TOP1MT with immune infiltration and checkpoint in colorectal cance. Asian J Surg 2024; 47:1042-1044. [PMID: 37923603 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2023.10.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongqiang Wang
- Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wanneng Yan
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Ze Yu
- Laboratory of Cytobiology & Molecular Biology, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China.
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18
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Tang X, Xu X, Chen R, Zhang M, Mei Z, Zhang S. Immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with microsatellite instability-high colorectal cancer: protocol of a pooled analysis of clinical trials. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1331937. [PMID: 38234398 PMCID: PMC10792030 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1331937] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) is a distinct molecular subtype of CRC that occurs in approximately 15% of all cases. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for patients with MSI-H colorectal cancer, exhibiting higher response rates than standard chemotherapies. To assess the effectiveness and safety of ICIs for the treatment of patients with MSI-H CRC, we propose a comprehensive pooled analysis of clinical trial data. Methods and analysis A systematic search of multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov, will be conducted from their inception until September, 2023 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies. Inclusion criteria comprise studies of adult patients with histologically confirmed MSI-H CRC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, with a comparison to a control group receiving conventional therapies. Outcomes of interest will be overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and incidence of treatment-related adverse events (AEs). The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool will be employed to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies. A random-effects model using the DerSimonian and Laird method will be applied for pooling the effect estimates, calculating hazard ratios (HRs) or risk ratios (RRs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity will be assessed using I² statistics, and subgroup analysis and meta-regression will be performed to explore potential effect modifiers in case of substantial heterogeneity. Publication bias will be evaluated with funnel plots and Egger's test. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted to assess the robustness of the results. Discussion This meta-analysis will synthesize available evidence from clinical trials on immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating MSI-H colorectal cancer. The findings will offer valuable information about the effectiveness and safety of ICIs in this patient population, contributing to the refinement of clinical guidelines and enhancing the decision-making process for healthcare providers, policy-makers, and patients. The comprehensive analysis of subgroups and sensitivity allows for an in-depth understanding of potential effect modification, providing essential directions for future research. Ethics and dissemination This study will involve the use of published data; hence, ethical approval is not required. The results of the study will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant conferences. The findings will potentially impact clinical decision-making and contribute to the development of evidence-based treatment recommendations for patients with MSI-H colorectal cancer. Clinical trial registration Open Science Framework identifier, 10.17605/OSF.IO/ZHJ85.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Tang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xinshu Xu
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruobing Chen
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zubing Mei
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Anorectal Disease Institute of Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuangxi Zhang
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Wang Y, Liu F, Du X, Shi J, Yu R, Li S, Na R, Zhao Y, Zhou M, Guo Y, Cheng L, Wang G, Zheng T. Combination of Anti-PD-1 and Electroacupuncture Induces a Potent Antitumor Immune Response in Microsatellite-Stable Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:26-35. [PMID: 37956404 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are ineffective against microsatellite-stable (MSS) colorectal cancer. Electroacupuncture (EA) has oncosuppressive and immunomodulatory properties. Here, we investigated the antitumor effects of EA and explored the feasibility of EA combined with anti-PD-1 in MSS colorectal cancer. Results showed that EA exerted its antitumor effect in an intensity-specific manner, and moderate-intensity EA (1.0 mA) induced maximal tumor inhibition. EA enhanced antitumor immune responses by increasing lymphocytes and granzyme B (GzmB) levels, as well as activating the stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway. EA combined with anti-PD-1 showed superior efficacy compared with either monotherapy in multiple MSS colorectal cancer mouse models. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that cotreatment reprogrammed the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), as characterized by enhancement of cytotoxic functions. Mechanically, we found that the potentiated effect of EA was dependent upon the STING pathway. Collectively, EA reshapes the TIME of MSS colorectal cancer and sensitizes tumors to anti-PD-1 in a STING pathway-dependent manner. These results provide a mechanistic rationale for using EA as an immunomodulatory strategy to improve the clinical efficacy of anti-PD-1 in MSS colorectal cancer. EA is safe, well-tolerated, and feasible for clinical translation as a promising strategy for treating MSS colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Department of Phase 1 Trials Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Fengyi Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxue Du
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Department of Phase 1 Trials Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Phase 1 Trials Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Rui Yu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Ruisi Na
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Department of Phase 1 Trials Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Department of Phase 1 Trials Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Department of Phase 1 Trials Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Ying Guo
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Liang Cheng
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, NHC Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Guangyu Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Department of Phase 1 Trials Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Tongsen Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Department of Phase 1 Trials Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Cancer Institute, Harbin, P. R. China
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20
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Ma J, Liu Y, Yuan J, Ma Y, Zhao X, Chen K, Zhang X, Zhang F, Wang H. Bcl-xL mediates interferon-beta secretion by protease-activated receptor 2 deficiency through the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in colorectal cancer metastasis. Cancer Lett 2024; 580:216483. [PMID: 37972702 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity and immune escape are synergistic drivers of tumor colonization in metastatic organs. Activation of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) signaling promotes metastasis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The role of PAR2 in regulating the immune microenvironment and cancer progression remains unclear. We demonstrated that the regulation of liver metastasis by PAR2 requires a competent immune system. PAR2 knockdown enhanced liver infiltration of activated CD8+ T cells prior to metastatic foci formation in an interferon receptor-dependent manner. PAR2 depletion increased interferon (IFN)-β production via the cGAS-STING and RIG-1 pathways. PAR2 inhibition increased mitochondrial permeability and cytosolic accumulation of mitochondrial DNA, which was reversed by Bcl-xL expression. Strikingly, shRNA against PAR2 with an immune checkpoint blocker (ICB) acted synergistically to suppress liver metastasis. Analysis of single-cell sequence data and 24 paired samples confirmed the regulatory effect of PAR2 on the metastatic immune environment in human CRC. Therefore, PAR2 signaling is involved in stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane and regulating the immune microenvironment through IFN-β during liver metastasis in CRC. The synergistic effect of the PAR2 inhibitor and ICB provides a potential therapeutic strategy for metastatic CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Junhu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Department of Injury and Repair, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Fanyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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21
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Yu L, Zhou Y, Sun S, Wang R, Yu W, Xiao H, Yu Z, Luo C. Tumor-suppressive effect of Reg3A in COAD is mediated by T cell activation in nude mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115922. [PMID: 38011786 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115922] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Regenerating family protein 3 A (Reg3A) is highly expressed in a variety of organs and inflammatory tissues, and is closely related to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, clinical statistics show that high expression of Reg3A is associated with better prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, suggesting a tumor-suppressive effect. The precise action and underlying mechanism of Reg3A in CRC remain controversial. The present study sought to investigate the relationship among Reg3A expression, CRC development, and immune cell alteration in patients using the TCGA, GEPIA, PrognoScan, TIMER and TISIDB databases. Reg3A-overexpressing LoVo cell line (LoVo-Reg3A), a representative of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), was constructed and the action of Reg3A was assessed in a xenograft nude mouse model. Our bioinformatical analyses revealed that Reg3A upregulation is highly associated with CRC, along with increased frequency of immune cell infiltration. In the xenograft nude mice, Reg3A overexpression offered a tumor-suppressive effect by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. The result of RNA-seq suggested a positive regulation of leukocytes and an upregulation of T cells in LoVo-Reg3A tumor tissue. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumors, splenic Reg3A-reactive IFN-γ+/CD4+ T cells, and serum TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 were significantly increased by Reg3A overexpression. In the ex vivo co-culture experiment, elevated cytotoxic effect, increased proportion of CD3ε+ T cells, and upregulated expressions of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 were detected in the PBMCs isolated from LoVo-Reg3A cell-xenografted nude mice. In conclusion, high expression of Reg3A could activate and recruit T cells in COAD leading to the cytotoxic tumor-suppressive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luting Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China; School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yihan Zhou
- School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shaozheng Sun
- College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, United States
| | - Runlin Wang
- School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weihong Yu
- School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanyu Xiao
- School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhuxi Yu
- Department of critical care medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Chen Luo
- School of Life Science & Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Nature Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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22
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Hong WF, Zhu DX, Chen YJ, Shen XZ, Cui YH, Du SS, Liu TS, Liang L. Coiled-coil domain-containing 154 promotes colorectal cancer proliferation and metastasis via interacting with minichromosome maintenance complex component 2. Cancer Lett 2023; 578:216460. [PMID: 37863352 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216460] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing (CCDC) is a large class of structural proteins containing left-handed supercoiled structure. The clinical value and the functional implication of CCDC in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unknown. Based on the genetic, transcriptional, and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, five of thirty-six CCDC proteins were differentially expressed in the CRC and associated with the survival of patients with CRC. A CCDC-score model was established to evaluate the prognosis of patients. The potential function of Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing 154 (CCDC154) was investigated using bioinformatical methods, which unveiled that high expression of CCDC154 indicates poor survival for patients with CRC and correlates with low infiltration of CD8+ T cells and high infiltration of neutrophils, indicating that CCDC154 enhances tumor growth and metastasis. CCDC154 interacts with Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 2 (MCM2) protein and promotes malignant phenotype via MCM2. We validated the expression level and survival prediction value of CCDC154 in clinical samples, and analyzed its co-expression of MCM2, Ki-67 and p53. This work discloses the role of CCDC in clinical setting and CCDC154 functions in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Feng Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Xiang Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Zhong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Hong Cui
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Suo Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tian-Shu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China; Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China; Department of Cancer Screening and Prevention, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China; Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, NO. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Zhao J, Quan J, Chen W, Xie X. Grid2 interacting protein is a potential biomarker related to immune infiltration in colorectal cancer. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:511. [PMID: 37964339 PMCID: PMC10644545 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01468-x] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the three deadliest malignant tumors in the world, posing a severe hazard to human health. Nonetheless, the 5-year survival rate for advanced CRC remains unsatisfactory. Grid2 interacting protein (GRID2IP) is a Purkinje fiber postsynaptic scaffold protein implicated in a number of signal transduction pathways in the nervous system. Previous studies have shown that Grid2 is closely related to the occurrence and prognosis of gastric cancer and many other diseases. Therefore, we aim to identify the relationship between GRID2IP and the occurrence and prognosis of CRC. METHODS Transcriptome data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to analyze the differential expression of GRID2IP in a variety of malignant tumors and then validate it by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction(Q-PCR) and Western Blot in HT29 and SW480 cells. "DESeq2" package was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the high- and low-GRID2IP subgroups. In relation to DEGs, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were employed to examine DEGs-associated signaling pathways and GRID2IP-associated immune cell infiltration levels. Besides, overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free interval (PFI) were compared between the two subgroups using a Kaplan-Meier analysis. In addition, a prognostic model for GRID2IP and clinical characteristics was developed using the univariate Cox regression method. The "pRRophetic" package was applied to predict the drug sensitivity of different subgroups. Moreover, we also performed single-cell analysis of GRID2IP using the TISCH database. RESULTS GRID2IP is upregulated in CRC patients. The rise of GRID2IP inhibits the invasion of tumor-associated immune cells resulting in a lower immune score. In addition, high GRID2IP expression was associated with poor prognosis in different clinical subgroups. Analysis of single cells revealed that GRID2IP was predominantly expressed in immune cells, myofibroblasts, and cancerous cells. In terms of chemotherapy drug sensitivity, the subgroup with high GRID2IP expression was less sensitive to gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that rising GRID2IP promotes tumor-associated immune cell infiltration and suggests adverse outcomes in CRC patients, which may be a useful biomarker for determining the prognosis of CRC and a potential target molecule for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Jiazheng Quan
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Biological Therapy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Weilin Chen
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Biological Therapy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Xiaojun Xie
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China.
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24
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Yang J, Zhao S, Su J, Liu S, Wu Z, Ma W, Tang M, Wu J, Mao E, Han L, Liu M, Zhang J, Cao L, Shao J, Shang Y. Comprehensive genomic profiling reveals prognostic signatures and insights into the molecular landscape of colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1285508. [PMID: 38023196 PMCID: PMC10680082 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1285508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy with diverse molecular characteristics. The NGS-based approach enhances our comprehension of genomic landscape of CRC and may guide future advancements in precision oncology for CRC patients. Method In this research, we conducted an analysis using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) on samples collected from 111 individuals who had been diagnosed with CRC. We identified somatic and germline mutations and structural variants across the tumor genomes through comprehensive genomic profiling. Furthermore, we investigated the landscape of driver mutations and their potential clinical implications. Results Our findings underscore the intricate heterogeneity of genetic alterations within CRC. Notably, BRAF, ARID2, KMT2C, and GNAQ were associated with CRC prognosis. Patients harboring BRAF, ARID2, or KMT2C mutations exhibited shorter progression-free survival (PFS), whereas those with BRAF, ARID2, or GNAQ mutations experienced worse overall survival (OS). We unveiled 80 co-occurring and three mutually exclusive significant gene pairs, enriched primarily in pathways such as TP53, HIPPO, RTK/RAS, NOTCH, WNT, TGF-Beta, MYC, and PI3K. Notably, co-mutations of BRAF/ALK, BRAF/NOTCH2, BRAF/CREBBP, and BRAF/FAT1 correlated with worse PFS. Furthermore, germline AR mutations were identified in 37 (33.33%) CRC patients, and carriers of these variants displayed diminished PFS and OS. Decreased AR protein expression was observed in cases with AR germline mutations. A four-gene mutation signature was established, incorporating the aforementioned prognostic genes, which emerged as an independent prognostic determinant in CRC via univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Noteworthy BRAF and ARID2 protein expression decreases detected in patients with their respective mutations. Conclusion The integration of our analyses furnishes crucial insights into CRC's molecular characteristics, drug responsiveness, and the construction of a four-gene mutation signature for predicting CRC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Yang
- Second Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Sihui Zhao
- Second Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Junyan Su
- Department of Scientific Research Projects, Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Siyao Liu
- Department of Scientific Research Projects, Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Zaozao Wu
- Second Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ming Tang
- Department of Pathology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Jingcui Wu
- Second Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Erdong Mao
- Second Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Li Han
- Department of Scientific Research Projects, Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Mengyuan Liu
- Department of Scientific Research Projects, Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- Department of Scientific Research Projects, Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Scientific Research Projects, Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jingyi Shao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yun Shang
- Second Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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Yu C, Yang W, Tian L, Qin Y, Gong Y, Cheng W. Construction of immunogenic cell death-related molecular subtypes and prognostic signature in colorectal cancer. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230836. [PMID: 38025525 PMCID: PMC10655694 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for advanced colorectal cancers (CRCs). However, immunotherapy resistance remains a common problem. Immunogenic cell death (ICD), a form of regulated cell death, induces adaptive immunity, thereby enhancing anti-tumor immunity. Research increasingly suggests that inducing ICD is a promising avenue for cancer immunotherapy and identifying ICD-related biomarkers for CRCs would create a new direction for targeted therapies. Thus, this study used bioinformatics to address these questions and create a prognostic signature, aiming to improve individualized CRC treatment. We identified two ICD -related molecular subtypes of CRCs. The high subtype showed pronounced immune cell infiltration, high immune activity, and high expression of human leukocyte antigen and immune checkpoints genes. Subsequently, we constructed and validated a prognostic signature comprising six genes (CD1A, TSLP, CD36, TIMP1, MC1R, and NRG1) using random survival forest analyses. Further analysis using this prediction model indicated that patients with CRCs in the low-risk group exhibited favorable clinical outcomes and better immunotherapy responses than those in the high-risk group. Our findings provide novel insights into determining the prognosis and design of personalized immunotherapeutic strategies for patients with CRCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing210029, China
| | - Weixuan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Huai’an, Huai’an223300, China
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zigong Fourth People’s Hospital, Zigong643000, China
| | - Yue Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing210029, China
| | - Yaoyao Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing210029, China
| | - Wenfang Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing210029, China
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Li Z, Liu Y, Guo P, Wei Y. Construction and validation of a novel angiogenesis pattern to predict prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:12413-12450. [PMID: 37938164 PMCID: PMC10683615 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that the tumor microenvironment (TME) affects the tumor active response to immunotherapy. Tumor angiogenesis is closely related to the TME. Nonetheless, the effects of angiogenesis on the TME of colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unknown. METHODS We comprehensively assessed the angiogenesis patterns in CRC based on 36 angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs). Subsequently, we evaluated the prognostic values and therapeutic sensitivities of angiogenesis patterns using multiple methods. We then performed the machine learning algorithm and functional experiments to identify the prognostic key ARGs. Ultimately, the regulation of gut microbiota on the expression of ARGs was further investigated by using whole genome sequencing. RESULTS Two angiogenesis clusters were identified and angiogenesis cluster B was characterized by increased stromal and immunity activation with unfavorable odds of survival. Further, an ARG_score including 9 ARGs to predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) was established and its predominant predictive ability was confirmed. The low ARG_score patients were characterized by a high mutation burden, high microsatellite instability, and immune activation with better prognosis. Moreover, patients with high KLK10 expression were associated with a hot tumor immune microenvironment, poorer immune checkpoint blocking treatment, and shorter survival. The in vitro experiments also indicated that Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.n) infection significantly induced KLK10 expression in CRC. CONCLUSIONS The quantification of angiogenesis patterns could contribute to predict TME characteristics, prognosis, and individualized immunotherapy strategies. Furthermore, our findings suggest that F.n may influence CRC progression through ARGs, which could serve as a clinical biomarker and therapeutic target for F.n-infected CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Li
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Xicheng, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Surgery Division, Ningbo Second Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Xicheng, Beijing 100044, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Peking University People’s Hospital, Xicheng, Beijing 100044, China
- Laboratory of Surgery Oncology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Xicheng, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yunwei Wei
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Surgery Division, Ningbo Second Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Intestinal Microecology and Human Major Diseases, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
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Yu X, Yang X, Nie H, Jiang W, He X, Ou C. Immunological role and prognostic value of somatostatin receptor family members in colon adenocarcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1255809. [PMID: 37900156 PMCID: PMC10603271 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1255809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, ranking as the third most prevalent malignancy in incidence and mortality. The somatostatin receptor (SSTR) family comprises G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which couple to inhibitory G proteins (Gi and Go) upon binding to somatostatin (SST) analogs. GPCRs are involved in hormone release, neurotransmission, cell growth inhibition, and cancer suppression. However, their roles in COAD remain unclear. This study used bioinformatics to investigate the expression, prognosis, gene alterations, functional enrichment, and immunoregulatory effects of the SSTR family members in COAD. SSTR1-4 are differentially downregulated in COAD, and low SSTR2 expression indicates poor survival. Biological processes and gene expression enrichment of the SSTR family in COAD were further analyzed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology. A strong correlation was observed between SSTR expression and immune cell infiltration. We also quantified SSTR2 expression in 25 COAD samples and adjacent normal tissues using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We analyzed its correlation with the dendritic cell-integrin subunit alpha X marker gene. The biomarker exploration of the solid tumors portal was used to confirm the correlation between SSTR2 with immunomodulators and immunotherapy responses. Our results identify SSTR2 as a promising target for COAD immunotherapy. Our findings provide new insights into the biological functions of the SSTR family and their implications for the prognosis of COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Yu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuejie Yang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Nie
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenying Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Departments of Ultrasound Imaging, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chunlin Ou
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Wang S, Zhao X, Zhu S, Xu J, Luo T. F-Box and Leucine-Rich Repeat Protein 7 Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Is Correlated with the Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2023; 27:325-338. [PMID: 37862037 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2023.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy of the digestive system, but its specific mechanisms of occurrence and development remain incompletely understood. F-Box and leucine-rich repeat protein 7 (FBXL7) is a subunit of the Skp-cullin-F-box ubiquitin ligase, involved in cell cycle regulation, endothelial cell damage, and inflammatory immunological responses. However, the role of FBXL7 in CRC remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the clinical significance and potential mechanism of FBXL7 expression in CRC progression. Methods: We utilized data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the University of California Santa Cruz Xena (UCSC Xena) database for bioinformatic analyses. Clinical CRC samples were used to confirm FBXL7 expression. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and various databases, such as TCGA, UCSC Xena, cBioPortal, University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis portal, MethSurv, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), TIMER2.0, Tumor-Immune System Interaction Database, and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion Database (TIDB), were used to investigate the role of FBXL7 in CRC. Statistical analysis was performed using R (v.3.6.3) or GraphPad Prism 8.0. Results: Our findings revealed the predictive significance of FBXL7 in CRC patients. FBXL7 expression was associated with tumor stage, lymph node stage, pathological stage, perineural invasion, and lymphatic invasion. GSEA analysis identified associations between FBXL7 and extracellular matrix organization, as well as immune-related pathways. Immunological analysis revealed a correlation between high FBXL7 expression and the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Conclusion: Identifying FBXL7 as a novel biomarker for CRC could shed light on the promotion of CRC development by the immune environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xunping Zhao
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyuan Zhu
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Luo
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Mao D, Zhou Z, Chen H, Liu X, Li D, Chen X, He Y, Liu M, Zhang C. Pleckstrin-2 promotes tumour immune escape from NK cells by activating the MT1-MMP-MICA signalling axis in gastric cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 572:216351. [PMID: 37591356 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Immune escape is a major challenge in tumour immunotherapy. Pleckstrin-2(PLEK2) plays a critical role in tumour progression, but its role in immune escape in gastric cancer (GC) remains uncharacterized. RNA sequencing was used to explore the differentially expressed genes in a GC cell line that was resistant to the antitumor effect of Natural killer (NK) cells. Apoptosis and the expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). PLEK2 expression was examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). PLEK2 was upregulated in MGC803R cells that were resistant to the antitumor effect of NK cells. PLEK2 knockout increased the sensitivity of GC cells to NK cell killing. PLEK2 expression was negatively correlated with MICA and positively correlated with MT1-MMP expression both in vitro and in vivo. PLEK2 promoted Sp1 phosphorylation through the PI3K-AKT pathway, thereby upregulating MT1-MMP expression, which ultimately led to MICA shedding. In mouse xenograft models, PLEK2 knockout inhibited intraperitoneal metastasis of GC cells and promoted NK cell infiltration. In summary, PLEK2 suppressed NK cell immune surveillance by promoting MICA shedding, which serves as a potential therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deli Mao
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, United States
| | - Hengxing Chen
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinran Liu
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongsheng Li
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiancong Chen
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulong He
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China.
| | - Changhua Zhang
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China.
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Zhuang YP, Zhou HL, Chen HB, Zheng MY, Liang YW, Gu YT, Li WT, Qiu WL, Zhou HG. Gut microbiota interactions with antitumor immunity in colorectal cancer: From understanding to application. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115040. [PMID: 37364479 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of highly prevalent cancer. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has dramatically changed the landscape of treatment for many advanced cancers, but CRC still exhibits suboptimal response to immunotherapy. The gut microbiota can affect both anti-tumor and pro-tumor immune responses, and further modulate the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the context of therapy with ICIs. Therefore, a deeper understanding of how the gut microbiota modulates immune responses is crucial to improve the outcomes of CRC patients receiving immunotherapy and to overcome resistance in nonresponders. The present review aims to describe the relationship between the gut microbiota, CRC, and antitumor immune responses, with a particular focus on key studies and recent findings on the effect of the gut microbiota on the antitumor immune activity. We also discuss the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences host antitumor immune responses as well as the prospective role of intestinal flora in CRC treatment. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential and limitations of different modulation strategies for the gut microbiota are also discussed. These insights may facilitate to better comprehend the interplay between the gut microbiota and the antitumor immune responses of CRC patients and provide new research pathways to enhance immunotherapy efficacy and expand the patient population that could be benefited by immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Pei Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Li Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai-Bin Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming-Yue Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Wei Liang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Tian Gu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Ting Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Wen-Li Qiu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hong-Guang Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Yao S, Lan H, Han Y, Mao C, Yang M, Zhang X, Jin K. From organ preservation to selective surgery: How immunotherapy changes colorectal surgery? Surg Open Sci 2023; 15:44-53. [PMID: 37637243 PMCID: PMC10450522 DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2023.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immunotherapy has revolutionized the traditional treatment paradigm of colorectal cancer (CRC). Among them, immune checkpoint blockade has become the first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and has made significant progress in the treatment of locally advanced colorectal cancer (LACRC). We reviewed a series of clinical trials that have made breakthrough progress. We will emphasize the breakthrough progress in achieving organ preservation in patients with high microsatellite instability or DNA mismatch repair deficiency (MSI-H/dMMR), and based on this, we propose the concept of selective surgery, which includes selectively removing or preserving lymph nodes, with the aim of proving our idea through more research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiya Yao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, China
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China
| | - Yuejun Han
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, China
| | - Chunsen Mao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, China
| | - Mengxiang Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, China
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Chen J, Zhu T, Jiang G, Zeng Q, Li Z, Huang X. Target delivery of a PD-1-TREM2 scFv by CAR-T cells enhances anti-tumor efficacy in colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:131. [PMID: 37563723 PMCID: PMC10413520 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01830-x] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) -T cell therapy is an efficient therapeutic strategy for specific hematologic malignancies. However, positive outcomes of this novel therapy in treating solid tumors are curtailed by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), wherein signaling of the checkpoint programmed death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 directly inhibits T-cell responses. Although checkpoint-targeted immunotherapy succeeds in increasing the number of T cells produced to control tumor growth, the desired effect is mitigated by the action of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the TME. Previous studies have confirmed that targeting triggering-receptor-expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) on TAMs and MDSCs enhances the outcomes of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. METHODS We constructed carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-specific CAR-T cells for colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific antigens with an autocrine PD-1-TREM2 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) to target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, MDSCs and TAMs. RESULTS We found that the PD-1-TREM2-targeting scFv inhibited the activation of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. In addition, these secreted scFvs blocked the binding of ligands to TREM2 receptors present on MDSCs and TAMs, reduced the proportion of MDSCs and TAMs, and enhanced T-cell effector function, thereby mitigating immune resistance in the TME. PD-1-TREM2 scFv-secreting CAR-T cells resulted in highly effective elimination of tumors compared to that achieved with PD-1 scFv-secreting CAR-T therapy in a subcutaneous CRC mouse model. Moreover, the PD-1-TREM2 scFv secreted by CAR-T cells remained localized within tumors and exhibited an extended half-life. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results indicate that PD-1-TREM2 scFv-secreting CAR-T cells have strong potential as an effective therapy for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- Center for Infection and Immunity and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 519000, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianchuan Zhu
- Center for Infection and Immunity and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 519000, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanmin Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 519000, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 519000, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijian Li
- The Fourth People's Hospital of Foshan, 528000, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Center for Infection and Immunity and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 519000, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
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Lin Q, Wang X, Hu Y. The opportunities and challenges in immunotherapy: Insights from the regulation of PD-L1 in cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2023:216318. [PMID: 37454966 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive molecule programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is frequently upregulated in human cancers. Binding of PD-L1 to its receptor, programmed death-1 (PD-1), on activated T cells facilitates cancer cells to evade the host immune system. Antibody-based PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors can inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 interaction allowing reactivate cytotoxic T cells to eradicate advanced cancer cells. However, the majority of cancer patients fail to respond to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies and the molecular mechanisms for this remain poorly understood. Recent studies show that PD-L1 expression level on tumor cells affect the clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint therapies. Thus, furthering our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of PD-L1 expression in cancer cells will be critical to improve clinical response rates and the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 immune therapies. Here we review recent studies, primarily focusing on the mechanisms that regulate PD-L1 expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and protein level, with the purpose to drive the development of more targeted and effective anti-PD-1/PD-L1 cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi-modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China
| | - Xingwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi-modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China
| | - Ying Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi-modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China.
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Sun S, Zhang Y, Li Y, Wei L. Crosstalk between colorectal cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment mediated by exosomal noncoding RNAs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1161628. [PMID: 37234178 PMCID: PMC10206140 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1161628] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system, and its morbidity rates are increasing worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as part of the tumor microenvironment (TME), are not only closely linked to normal fibroblasts, but also can secrete a variety of substances (including exosomes) to participate in the regulation of the TME. Exosomes can play a key role in intercellular communication by delivering intracellular signaling substances (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, non-coding RNAs), and an increasing number of studies have shown that non-coding RNAs of exosomal origin from CAFs are not only closely associated with the formation of the CRC microenvironment, but also increase the ability of CRC to grow in metastasis, mediate tumor immunosuppression, and are involved in the mechanism of drug resistance in CRC patients receiving. It is also involved in the mechanism of drug resistance after radiotherapy in CRC patients. In this paper, we review the current status and progress of research on CAFs-derived exosomal non-coding RNAs in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Linlin Wei
- Department of Radiotherapy, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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35
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Kasi PB, Mallela VR, Ambrozkiewicz F, Trailin A, Liška V, Hemminki K. Theranostics Nanomedicine Applications for Colorectal Cancer and Metastasis: Recent Advances. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097922. [PMID: 37175627 PMCID: PMC10178331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and metastatic CRC is a fatal disease. The CRC-affected tissues show several molecular markers that could be used as a fresh strategy to create newer methods of treating the condition. The liver and the peritoneum are where metastasis occurs most frequently. Once the tumor has metastasized to the liver, peritoneal carcinomatosis is frequently regarded as the disease's final stage. However, nearly 50% of CRC patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis do not have liver metastases. New diagnostic and therapeutic approaches must be developed due to the disease's poor response to present treatment choices in advanced stages and the necessity of an accurate diagnosis in the early stages. Many unique and amazing nanomaterials with promise for both diagnosis and treatment may be found in nanotechnology. Numerous nanomaterials and nanoformulations, including carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, liposomes, silica nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, core-shell polymeric nano-formulations, and nano-emulsion systems, among others, can be used for targeted anticancer drug delivery and diagnostic purposes in CRC. Theranostic approaches combined with nanomedicine have been proposed as a revolutionary approach to improve CRC detection and treatment. This review highlights recent studies, potential, and challenges for the development of nanoplatforms for the detection and treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phanindra Babu Kasi
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Venkata Ramana Mallela
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Ambrozkiewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Andriy Trailin
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Liška
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital in Pilsen and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 80, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Kari Hemminki
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Shi F, Huang X, Hong Z, Lu N, Huang X, Liu L, Liang T, Bai X. Improvement strategy for immune checkpoint blockade: A focus on the combination with immunogenic cell death inducers. Cancer Lett 2023; 562:216167. [PMID: 37031916 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies have yielded promising outcomes in various malignant tumors by blocking specific immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed cell death 1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4. However, only a few patients respond to immune checkpoint blockade therapy because of the poor immunogenicity of tumor cells and immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence suggests that chemotherapeutic agents, including oxaliplatin and doxorubicin, not only mediate direct cytotoxicity in tumor cells but also induce immunogenic cancer cell death to stimulate a powerful anti-cancer immune response in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in cancer combination therapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors plus immunogenic cell death inducers. Despite some clinical failures and challenges, immunogenic cell death inducers have displayed great potential when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors for anti-cancer treatment in both preclinical studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fukang Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhengtao Hong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Na Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingyue Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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Guo X, Gao C, Yang DH, Li S. Exosomal circular RNAs: A chief culprit in cancer chemotherapy resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 67:100937. [PMID: 36753923 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of the primary treatments for malignant tumors. However, the acquired drug resistance hinders clinical efficacy and leads to treatment failure in most patients. Exosomes are cell-derived vesicles with a diameter of 30-150 nm carrying and delivering substances such as DNAs, RNAs, lipids, and proteins for cellular communication in tumor development. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) present covalently closed-loop RNA structures, which regulate tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis by controlling different genes and signaling pathways. CircRNAs are abundant and stably expressed in exosomes. Recent studies have shown that they play critical roles in chemotherapy resistance in various cancers. In this review, we summarized the origin of exosomes and discussed the regulation mechanism of exosomal circRNAs in cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology,Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110042, China
| | - Congying Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Dong-Hua Yang
- New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mineola, NY, USA.
| | - Shenglong Li
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology,Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang Liaoning Province 110042, China.
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38
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Zhu Y, Li X. Advances of Wnt Signalling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030447. [PMID: 36766788 PMCID: PMC9913588 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents one of the most common cancers worldwide, with a high mortality rate despite the decreasing incidence and new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. CRC arises from both epidemiologic and molecular backgrounds. In addition to hereditary factor and genetic mutations, the strongly varying incidence of CRC is closely linked to chronic inflammatory disorders of the intestine and terrible dietary habits. The Wnt signalling pathway is a complex regulatory network that is implicated in many CRC physiological processes, including cancer occurrence, development, prognosis, invasion, and metastasis. It is currently believed to include classical Wnt/β-catenin, Wnt/PCP, and Wnt/Ca2+. In this review, we summarise the recent mechanisms and potential regulators of the three branches of the Wnt signalling pathway in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Zhu
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264200, China
| | - Xia Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264200, China
- Shandong Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Binzhou 256600, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0531-8838-2612
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