1
|
Wang H, Zhou Z, Zhang J, Hao T, Wang P, Wu P, Su R, Yang H, Deng G, Chen S, Gu L, He Y, Zeng L, Zhang C, Yin S. Pumilio1 regulates NPM3/NPM1 axis to promote PD-L1-mediated immune escape in gastric cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 581:216498. [PMID: 38029539 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216498] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal regulation of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) plays an essential role in tumorigenesis and progression, but their functions and mechanisms remain largely elusive. Previously, we reported that Pumilio 1 (PUM1), a RBP, could regulate glycolysis metabolism and promote the progression of gastric cancer (GC). However, the role of PUM1 in tumor immune regulation remains largely elusive. In this study, we report that PUM1 induces immune escape through posttranscriptional regulation of PD-L1 in GC. We used multiplexed immunohistochemistry to analyze the correlation between PUM1 expression and immune microenvironment in GC. The effect of PUM1 deficiency on tumor killing of T cells was examined in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanism of PUM1 was evaluated via RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, and RNA stability assays. Clinically, elevated PUM1 expression is associated with high-expression of PD-L1, lack of CD8+ T cell infiltration and poor prognosis in GC patients. PUM1 positively regulates PD-L1 expression and PUM1 reduction enhances T cell killing of tumors. Mechanistically, PUM1 directly binds to nucleophosmin/nucleoplasmin 3 (NPM3) mRNA and stabilizes NPM3. NPM3 interacts with NPM1 to promote NPM1 translocation into the nucleus and increase the transcription of PD-L1. PUM1 inhibits the anti-tumor activity of T cells through the PUM1/NPM3/PD-L1 axis. In summary, this study reveals the critical post-transcriptional effect of PUM1 in the modulation of PD-L1-dependent GC immune escape, thus provides a novel indicator and potential therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Junchang Zhang
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tengfei Hao
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Pengliang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Pei Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical university, Chongqing, China
| | - Rishun Su
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Guofei Deng
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Songyao Chen
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Gu
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulong He
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Leli Zeng
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Changhua Zhang
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Songcheng Yin
- Digestive Diseases Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang G, Wei W, Luo Q, Chen L, Bao X, Tao X, He X, Zhan B, Liang H, Jiang J, Ye L. The role and mechanisms of PD-L1 in immune evasion during Talaromyces marneffei infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111255. [PMID: 37984251 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111255] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Talaromycosis, caused by Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei), is a systemic fungal disease that involves dissemination throughout the body. The ability of T. marneffei to evade the immune system is considered a crucial factor in its persistent infection, although the specific mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence of latent T. marneffei infection and immune evasion. The gene expression profile analysis in T. marneffei-infected mouse revealed that Pd-l1 exhibited the highest correlation strength with other hub genes, with a median of 0.60 (IQR: 0.50-0.69). T. marneffei infection upregulated the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in PBMCs from HIV patients, which was also observed in the T. marneffei-infected mouse and macrophage models. Treatment with a PD-L1 inhibitor significantly reduced fungal burden in the liver and spleen tissues of infected mice and in the kupffer-CTLL-2 co-culture system. PD-L1 inhibitor treatment increased CTLL-2 cell proliferation and downregulated the expression of PD-1, SHP-2, and p-SHP-2, indicating the activation of T cell viability and T cell receptor signaling pathway. Additionally, treatment with a PI3K inhibitor downregulated PD-L1 in T. marneffei-infected kupffer cells. Similar results were observed with treatment using the T. marneffei cell wall virulence factor β-glucan. Overall, T. marneffei infection upregulated PD-L1 expression in HIV / T. marneffei patients, mice, and kupffer cells. Treatment with a PD-L1 inhibitor significantly reduced fungal burden, while activating T cell activity and proliferation, thereby promoting fungal clearance. Furthermore, the PI3K signaling pathway may be involved in the regulation of PD-L1 by T. marneffei.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China; Institute of Oncology, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Wudi Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China; Guangxi-ASEAN Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Qiang Luo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China; Guangxi-ASEAN Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Lixiang Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiuli Bao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xing Tao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaotao He
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Baili Zhan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Hao Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China; Guangxi-ASEAN Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
| | - Junjun Jiang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China; Guangxi-ASEAN Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
| | - Li Ye
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ouyang Y, Ou Z, Zhong W, Yang J, Fu S, Ouyang N, Chen J, Xu L, Wu D, Qian J, Lin Y, Lin T, Huang J. FGFR3 Alterations in Bladder Cancer Stimulate Serine Synthesis to Induce Immune-Inert Macrophages That Suppress T-cell Recruitment and Activation. Cancer Res 2023; 83:4030-4046. [PMID: 37768887 PMCID: PMC10722136 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1065] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
FGFR3 alterations are common in patients with bladder cancer. While the FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor erdafitinib has been approved as a targeted therapy for patients with FGFR3-altered (aFGFR3) bladder cancer, the response rate remains suboptimal, prompting development of strategies to improve treatment response. Here, we observed an immune-desert tumor microenvironment (TME) phenotype in human aFGFR3 bladder cancer and demonstrated that mutant FGFR3 indirectly induces a "cold" TME in mouse bladder cancer models. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed the central role of macrophages in inducing the cold TME of aFGFR3 tumors. Macrophages in aFGFR3 tumors exhibited reduced T-cell recruitment and antigen presentation capabilities. Increased serine synthesis in bladder cancer cells that was induced by mutant FGFR3 activated the PI3K/Akt pathway in macrophages, shifting them to an immune-inert phenotype. Targeting PI3K in aFGFR3 tumors with duvelisib achieved promising efficacy by reversing the macrophage phenotype, and combination therapy with duvelisib and erdafitinib demonstrated increased antitumor activity. Overall, these findings reveal the critical role of enhanced serine synthesis efflux from cancer cells with mutant FGFR3 in shifting macrophages to an immune-inert phenotype. Reversing the macrophage phenotype holds promise for enhancing erdafitinib efficacy. SIGNIFICANCE Metabolic reprogramming of bladder cancer cells driven by mutant FGFR3 increases serine synthesis that suppresses macrophage immunostimulatory functions to generate an immunosuppressive TME, which can be overcome by targeting PI3K.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ouyang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ziwei Ou
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenlong Zhong
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jin Yang
- Clinical Medical College & Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Sha Fu
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Nengtai Ouyang
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Longhao Xu
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Daqin Wu
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Junan Qian
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tianxin Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen X, Sun Z, Zhou S, Jiang W, Li J, Song G, Zhu X. SH3 domain-binding kinase 1 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of cervical cancer via activating the Wnt/β-catenin and Raf/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1147-1162. [PMID: 37132991 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
SH3 domain-binding kinase 1 (SBK1), is a member of the serine/threonine protein kinases family, and was confirmed to be upregulated in cervical cancer in our previous study. Nonetheless, the role of SBK1 in regulating cancer occurrence and development is unclear. In this study, the stable SBK1-knockdown and -overexpressed cell models were constructed by plasmid transfection technology. Cell viability and growth were assessed through CCK-8, colony formation, and BrdU methods. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The JC-1 staining assay was used to explore mitochondrial membrane potential. The scratch and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the cell metastatic ability. The nude mice models were utilized to explore the SBK1 expression affecting tumor growth in vivo. Our research indicated a high expression of SBK1 both in tissues and cells of cervical cancer. The proliferative, migratory, as well as invasive capacities of cervical cancer cells, were suppressed, and apoptosis was enhanced after SBK1 silence, whereas SBK1 upregulation led to opposite results. In addition, Wnt/β-catenin and Raf/ERK1/2 pathways were activated by SBK1 upregulation. Furthermore, downregulation of c-Raf or β-catenin, reversed the proliferation promotion and apoptosis inhibition effects in SBK1-overexpressed cells. The same results were observed with the use of the specific Raf inhibitor. SBK1 overexpression also contributed to tumor growth in vivo. Overall, SBK1 played a vital role in cervical tumorigenesis via activating the Wnt/β-catenin and Raf/ERK1/2 pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhengwei Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shengjie Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Women and Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenxiao Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jieyi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gendi Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Women and Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen XQ, Ma J, Xu D, Xiang ZL. Comprehensive analysis of KLF2 as a prognostic biomarker associated with fibrosis and immune infiltration in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:270. [PMID: 37386390 PMCID: PMC10308631 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05391-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Most Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are in advanced or metastatic stage at the time of diagnosis. Prognosis for advanced HCC patients is dismal. This study was based on our previous microarray results, and aimed to explore the promising diagnostic and prognostic markers for advanced HCC by focusing on the important function of KLF2. METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Cancer Genome Consortium database (ICGC), and the Gene Expression Comprehensive Database (GEO) provided the raw data of this study research. The cBioPortal platform, CeDR Atlas platform, and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) website were applied to analyze the mutational landscape and single-cell sequencing data of KLF2. Basing on the results of single-cell sequencing analyses, we further explored the molecular mechanism of KLF2 regulation in the fibrosis and immune infiltration of HCC. RESULTS Decreased KLF2 expression was discovered to be mainly regulated by hypermethylation, and indicated a poor prognosis of HCC. Single-cell level expression analyses revealed KLF2 was highly expressed in immune cells and fibroblasts. The function enrichment analysis of KLF2 targets indicated the crucial association between KLF2 and tumor matrix. 33-genes related with cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were collected to identify the significant association of KLF2 with fibrosis. And SPP1 was validated as a promising prognostic and diagnostic marker for advanced HCC patients. CXCR6 CD8+ T cells were noted as a predominant proportion in the immune microenvironment, and T cell receptor CD3D was discovered to be a potential therapeutic biomarker for HCC immunotherapy. CONCLUSION This study identified that KLF2 is an important factor promoting HCC progression by affecting the fibrosis and immune infiltration, highlighting its great potential as a novel prognostic biomarker for advanced HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qin Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Di Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Zuo-Lin Xiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital Ji'an hospital, Jiangxi, 343000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Younis M, Wu Y, Fang Q, Shan H, Huang X. Synergistic therapeutic antitumor effect of PD-1 blockade cellular vesicles in combination with Iguratimod and Rhodium nanoparticles. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 649:929-942. [PMID: 37392683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has emerged as a significant therapeutic development in immunotherapy during the past decade. However, only a small percentage of cancer patients respond to checkpoint blockade, suggesting that a fundamental knowledge of the underlying processes of immune checkpoint receptor signaling remains elusive and that novel therapeutic medications are needed. Here, the programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1) expressing nanovesicles were developed to enhance T cell activity. Iguratimod (IGU) and Rhodium (Rh) nanoparticles (NPs) were loaded in PD-1 nanovesicles (NVs) for synergistic therapeutic antitumor effects against lung cancer and metastasis. For the first time, this study revealed that IGU exhibits an antitumor effect by inhibiting the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Rh-NPs provided a photothermal effect by improving reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent apoptosis in lung cancer cells. IGU-Rh-PD-1 NVs also reduced the migration ability through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Furthermore, IGU-Rh-PD-1 NVs reached the targeted site and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. This strategy could boost T cell performance and simultaneously possess chemotherapeutic and photothermal therapy to serve as a new combination therapy for lung cancer and potentially other aggressive cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Younis
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, 519000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, 519000, China
| | - Yongjian Wu
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, 519000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, 519000, China
| | - Qiongyan Fang
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, 519000, China
| | - Hong Shan
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, 519000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, 519000, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, 519000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, 519000, China.
| |
Collapse
|