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Mirshahidi S, Yuan IJ, Chen Z, Simental A, Lee SC, Andrade Filho PA, Murry T, Zeng F, Duerksen-Hughes P, Wang C, Yuan X. Tumor Cell Stemness and Stromal Cell Features Contribute to Oral Cancer Outcome Disparity in Black Americans. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2730. [PMID: 39123459 PMCID: PMC11311411 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152730] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Black Americans (BAs) with head and neck cancer (HNC) have worse survival outcomes compared to the White patients. While HNC disparities in patient outcomes for BAs have been well recognized, the specific drivers of the inferior outcomes remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the biologic features of patient tumor specimens obtained during the surgical treatment of oral cancers and performed a follow-up study of the patients' post-surgery recurrences and metastases with the aim to explore whether tumor biologic features could be associated with the poorer outcomes among BA patients compared with White American (WA) patients. We examined the tumor stemness traits and stromal properties as well as the post-surgery recurrence and metastasis of oral cancers among BA and WA patients. It was found that high levels of tumor self-renewal, invasion, tumorigenesis, metastasis, and tumor-promoting stromal characteristics were linked to post-surgery recurrence and metastasis. There were more BA than WA patients demonstrating high stemness traits and strong tumor-promoting stromal features in association with post-surgery tumor recurrences and metastases, although the investigated cases displayed clinically comparable TNM stages and histological grades. These findings demonstrated that the differences in tumor stemness and stromal property among cancers with comparable clinical diagnoses contribute to the outcome disparity in HNCs. More research is needed to understand the genetic and molecular basis of the biologic characteristics underlying the inferior outcomes among BA patients, so that targeting strategies can be developed to reduce HNC disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saied Mirshahidi
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Cancer Center Biospecimen Laboratory, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Isabella J. Yuan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Zhong Chen
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Alfred Simental
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Steve C. Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Pedro A. Andrade Filho
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Thomas Murry
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Feng Zeng
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Penelope Duerksen-Hughes
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Charles Wang
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Xiangpeng Yuan
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
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Sayed IM, Vo DT, Alcantara J, Inouye KM, Pranadinata RF, Luo L, Boland CR, Goyal NP, Kuo DJ, Huang SC, Sahoo D, Ghosh P, Das S. Molecular Signatures for Microbe-Associated Colorectal Cancers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.26.595902. [PMID: 38853996 PMCID: PMC11160670 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.26.595902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Genetic factors and microbial imbalances play crucial roles in colorectal cancers (CRCs), yet the impact of infections on cancer initiation remains poorly understood. While bioinformatic approaches offer valuable insights, the rising incidence of CRCs creates a pressing need to precisely identify early CRC events. We constructed a network model to identify continuum states during CRC initiation spanning normal colonic tissue to pre-cancer lesions (adenomatous polyps) and examined the influence of microbes and host genetics. Methods A Boolean network was built using a publicly available transcriptomic dataset from healthy and adenoma affected patients to identify an invariant Microbe-Associated Colorectal Cancer Signature (MACS). We focused on Fusobacterium nucleatum ( Fn ), a CRC-associated microbe, as a model bacterium. MACS-associated genes and proteins were validated by RT-qPCR, RNA seq, ELISA, IF and IHCs in tissues and colon-derived organoids from genetically predisposed mice ( CPC-APC Min+/- ) and patients (FAP, Lynch Syndrome, PJS, and JPS). Results The MACS that is upregulated in adenomas consists of four core genes/proteins: CLDN2/Claudin-2 (leakiness), LGR5/leucine-rich repeat-containing receptor (stemness), CEMIP/cell migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) and IL8/Interleukin-8 (inflammation). MACS was induced upon Fn infection, but not in response to infection with other enteric bacteria or probiotics. MACS induction upon Fn infection was higher in CPC-APC Min+/- organoids compared to WT controls. The degree of MACS expression in the patient-derived organoids (PDOs) generally corresponded with the known lifetime risk of CRCs. Conclusions Computational prediction followed by validation in the organoid-based disease model identified the early events in CRC initiation. MACS reveals that the CRC-associated microbes induce a greater risk in the genetically predisposed hosts, suggesting its potential use for risk prediction and targeted cancer prevention.
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Ye C, Zhang X, Wang Y, Jing Y, Song Y, Celentano A, Ni Y. Effects of cancer-associated fibroblasts deletion using HSVtk suicide system in OSCC. Oral Dis 2024; 30:1981-1988. [PMID: 37203377 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14612] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the biological characteristics of oral cancer cells co-cultured with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-HSVtk and to assess the reliability of the CAFs-HSVtk suicide system in a co-culture model. METHODS CAFs were lentivirus-transfected with PCDH-HSVtk. Ganciclovir (GCV) was added and the survival rates of the CAFs-HSVtk were measured. In parallel with the selective elimination of CAFs, comparison was made of the effects of CAF-HSVtk on tumor cell proliferation/migration in a CAFs-tumor co-cultural system. Cell death of co-cultured oral cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Q-PCR analysis showed that the expression of HSVtk in the CAFs-HSVtk group was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.01). The survival rates of CAFs-HSVtk with GCV were significantly reduced (p < 0.01). Following selective depletion of CAFs-HSVtk, the growth and migration rates of oral cancer cells co-cultured with CAFs-HSVtk were reduced in a mixture ratio of 1:2 (p < 0.01, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Enhanced proliferation and migration rates of oral cancer cells in co-culture were seriously impaired after deleting CAFs using the HSVtk suicide system, while oral tumor cell death was not affected. Therefore, CAFs-HSVtk can be utilized as a valid model for CAF signature identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjin Ye
- Department of Oral Pathology, Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Jing
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxian Song
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Antonio Celentano
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yanhong Ni
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Lee DU, Han BS, Jung KH, Hong SS. Tumor Stroma as a Therapeutic Target for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2024; 32:281-290. [PMID: 38590092 PMCID: PMC11063484 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2024.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis owing to its desmoplastic stroma. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting this tumor stroma should be developed. In this study, we describe the heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their diverse roles in the progression, immune evasion, and resistance to treatment of PDAC. We subclassified the spatial distribution and functional activity of CAFs to highlight their effects on prognosis and drug delivery. Extracellular matrix components such as collagen and hyaluronan are described for their roles in tumor behavior and treatment outcomes, implying their potential as therapeutic targets. We also discussed the roles of extracellular matrix (ECM) including matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors in PDAC progression. Finally, we explored the role of the adaptive and innate immune systems in shaping the PDAC microenvironment and potential therapeutic strategies, with a focus on immune cell subsets, cytokines, and immunosuppressive mechanisms. These insights provide a comprehensive understanding of PDAC and pave the way for the development of prognostic markers and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Ui Lee
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Seok Han
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, The Graduate School, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Jung
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, The Graduate School, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
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Chang K, Jiao Y, Zhang B, Hou L, He X, Wang D, Li D, Li R, Wang Z, Fan P, Zhang J. MGP + and IDO1 + tumor-associated macrophages facilitate immunoresistance in breast cancer revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111818. [PMID: 38460300 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111818] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is widely applied for the treatment of breast cancer, but to which some patients respond poorly or develop resistance. Therefore, the mechanism needs to be further studied. Transcriptomic data of 31 breast cancer patients treated with anti-programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) was downloaded from the VIB-KULeuven Center for Cancer Biology to analyze the changes in myeloid cells in tumor tissues before and after immunotherapy. And 24 cell populations that may be immune-related were further identified. Representative cell populations were also screened and validated through cellular and animal experiments to evaluate the relevant molecular expression and pathways of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment. The results demonstrated that MGP+ TAMs and IDO1+ TAMs influenced the efficacy of immunotherapy in breast cancer patients. After anti-PD-1 treatment, Increased numbers of MGP+ TAMs and IDO1+ TAMs in breast cancer patients upregulated pro-tumorigenic factors associated with resistance to immunosuppressive therapy. This study provides new biomarkers for immunotherapy to predict therapeutic responses and overcome potential resistance to immunotherapy. It is an important complement to the immunosuppression caused by TAMs after immunotherapy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Chang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yangchi Jiao
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Lan Hou
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xiangmei He
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Donghui Wang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Danxi Li
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ruolei Li
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Pengyu Fan
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Juliang Zhang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Zhou D, Zheng L. Recent advances in cancer-associated fibroblast: Biomarkers, signaling pathways, and therapeutic opportunities. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:638-650. [PMID: 38420743 PMCID: PMC10950138 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003031] [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: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Anti-cancer therapies usually focus on tumor cells, but non-tumor stromal components in the tumor microenvironment also play vital roles in tumor initiation and progression, which may be the prognostic factors and potential therapeutic targets. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the essential component in the tumor environment, exhibiting high heterogeneity in their cell origin and phenotype with diverse functions that influence tumor angiogenesis, immune systems, and metabolism. Single-cell RNA sequencing and genetically engineered mouse models have increased our understanding of CAF diversity, and many subtypes have been defined. However, the precise functions of these subtypes need to be studied and validated. Studies of signaling pathways and epigenetic changes in CAFs facilitate understanding of the phenotypes of CAFs and the crosstalk between tumor cells and CAFs to provide potential therapeutic targets. Some clinical trials, including phase III trials targeting CAFs, have been performed recently. However, few of these trials have generated promising results, which indicates that the complexity of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment remains largely unknown, and in-depth investigations of CAFs should be performed. This review summarizes the research on CAFs, focusing on the heterogeneity of their phenotypes and functions, specific signaling pathways, and the therapeutic strategies involving CAFs. Additionally, we briefly discuss the current technologies commonly used in CAF studies and describe the challenges and future perspectives of CAF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donger Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center for Clinical Research and Care, and The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Immunotherapy at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Pan T, Li J, Zhang O, Zhu Y, Zhou H, Ma M, Yu Y, Lyu J, Chen Y, Xu L. Knockdown of ribosome RNA processing protein 15 suppresses migration of hepatocellular carcinoma through inhibiting PATZ1-associated LAMC2/FAK pathway. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:334. [PMID: 38475740 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12065-4] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ribosomal RNA processing protein 15 (RRP15) has been found to regulate the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the extent to which it contributes to the spread of HCC cells remains uncertain. Thus, the objective of this research was to assess the biological function of RRP15 in the migration of HCC. METHODS The expression of RRP15 in HCC tissue microarray (TMA), tumor tissues and cell lines were determined. In vitro, the effects of RRP15 knockdown on the migration, invasion and adhesion ability of HCC cells were assessed by wound healing assay, transwell and adhesion assay, respectively. The effect of RRP15 knockdown on HCC migration was also evaluated in vivo in a mouse model. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis showed that high expression of RRP15 was significantly associated with low survival rate of HCC. The expression level of RRP15 was strikingly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines compared with the corresponding controls, and TMA data also indicated that RRP15 was a pivotal prognostic factor for HCC. RRP15 knockdown in HCC cells reduced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibited migration in vitro and in vivo, independent of P53 expression. Mechanistically, blockade of RRP15 reduced the protein level of the transcription factor POZ/BTB and AT hook containing zinc finger 1 (PATZ1), resulting in decreased expression of the downstream genes encoding laminin 5 subunits, LAMC2 and LAMB3, eventually suppressing the integrin β4 (ITGB4)/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/nuclear factor κB kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS RRP15 promotes HCC migration by activating the LAMC2/ITGB4/FAK pathway, providing a new target for future HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Pan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinhai Li
- Department of Liver and Gall Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 325200, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ouyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuqin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongfei Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengchen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanwen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaojian Lyu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Lishui People's Hospital, 323000, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongping Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Liang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Zhou H, Li R, Liu J, Long J, Chen T. Characterization and verification of CAF-relevant prognostic gene signature to aid therapy in bladder cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23873. [PMID: 38317915 PMCID: PMC10839800 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are significantly involved in determining the patient's prognosis and response to bladder cancer (BLCA) therapy. CAFs can induce epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) as well as complex interaction with immune cells. Hence, it is imperative to identify potential markers for enhancing our understanding of CAFs in BLCA progression and immune regulation. A variety of algorithms and analyses were employed in the study, leading to the development of a novel prognostic feature for CAFs-Stromal-EMT (CSE)-prognostic feature. This feature was constructed based on the genes MFAP5, PCOLCE2, and JUN. Furthermore, we revealed that patients with higher CSE risk scores responded to immunotherapy better compared to those with lower. Finally, we verified two CSE-related genes using in vitro experiments. Our results suggested that the CSE-prognostic feature could predict the prognosis and evaluate the response of patients to immune and chemotherapies. This would aid clinicians in designing treatment strategies for patients with BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidong Zhou
- Department of Urology, Changsha Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruqi Li
- Department of Electrocardiography, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinghong Liu
- Department of Urology, Changsha Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianhua Long
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Urology, Changsha Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Lee S, Jue M, Lee K, Paulson B, Oh J, Cho M, Kim JK. Early-stage diagnosis of bladder cancer using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms in a rat model. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 246:115915. [PMID: 38081101 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115915] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Early diagnosis and accurate assessment of tumor development facilitate early bladder cancer resection and initiation of drug therapy. This study enabled an early, accurate, label-free, noninvasive diagnosis of bladder tumors by analyzing nano-biomarkers in a single drop of urine through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In a standard N-butyl-N-4-hydroxybutyl nitrosamine-induced rat model of bladder cancer, cancer stage and polyp tumor development were monitored using a small endoscope with a diameter of 1.2 mm in a minimally invasive manner without the need to kill the rats. Samples were divided into cancer-free, early-stage, and polyp-form cancer. Training data were classified according to micro-cystoscopic 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence diagnosis, and specimens were postmortem verified through histopathological analysis. A drop of urine from each sample group was placed on an Au-coated zinc oxide nanoporous chip to filter nano-biomaterials and selectively enhance the Raman signals of nanoscale analytes via SERS. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the dimensionality of the collected Raman spectra, and partial least squares discriminant analysis was used to find diagnostic clusters based on the labeled samples. The combination of SERS and machine learning achieved an accuracy ≥99.6% in diagnosing both early- and polyp-stage bladder tumors. With an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve greater than 0.996, the accuracy of the diagnosis in the rat model suggests that SERS-based diagnostic methods are promising when coupled with machine learning. Low-cost, label-free, and noninvasive surface-enhanced Raman spectra are ideal for developing clinically relevant point-of-care diagnostic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghwa Lee
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Miyeon Jue
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea; Apollon, Inc., 68 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwanhee Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Bjorn Paulson
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea; Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Jeongmin Oh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Minju Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Ki Kim
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
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Lu J, Li X, Chen M, Yang P, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Qin Z, Cao Y. Perivesical Fat Invasive Pattern as Prognostic Factor and Predictor of Response to Adjuvant Chemotherapy in T3 Stage Bladder Cancer. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2023; 21:e422-e428. [PMID: 37286409 DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2023.05.005] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic value of the distinction between microscopic (pT3a) and macroscopic (pT3b) perivesical fat invasions remains a subject of debate. To explore whether the pattern of perivesical fat invasion can serve as a prognostic factor to better subgroup T3 stage bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and forty-nine patients diagnosed with T3 stage bladder cancer at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) were selected for the experimental cohort in this study. Ninety-seven T3 stage bladder cancer patients with pathological slices at the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were selected as validation cohort in this study. The perivesical fat invasive pattern was examined with hematoxylin and eosin-stained pathological slides by two pathologists independently. Two different perivesical fat invasive patterns, fibrous-surrounded (FS) pattern, and nonfibrous-surrounded (NFS) pattern were assessed. RESULTS Perivesical fat invasion pattern had a significant influence on overall survival in T3 stage bladder cancer. Compared to the NFS pattern, the FS pattern was related to a better prognosis in both the SYSUCC cohort and TCGA cohort. The patients with NFS pattern tumor who underwent cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy experienced an obvious improvement compared to observation after radical cystectomy in overall survival in the SYSUCC cohort. CONCLUSION The perivesical fat invasion pattern could predict prognosis and clinically different chemotherapeutic survival outcomes in patients with T3 stage bladder cancer after radical cystectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangli Lu
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Mingkun Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yijun Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhuowei Liu
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zike Qin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Yun Cao
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
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11
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Huang L, Xie Q, Deng J, Wei WF. The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in bladder cancer progression. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19802. [PMID: 37809511 PMCID: PMC10559166 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that critically contribute to cancer initiation and progression. In bladder cancer (BCa), there is emerging evidence that BCa CAFs are actively involved in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. This review outlines the present knowledge of BCa CAFs, with a particular emphasis on their origin and function in BCa progression, and provides further insights into their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Qun Xie
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Deng
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Fei Wei
- Department of Gynecology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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12
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Zhang Y, Beachy PA. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of Hedgehog signalling. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:668-687. [PMID: 36932157 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00591-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The Hedgehog signalling pathway has crucial roles in embryonic tissue patterning, postembryonic tissue regeneration, and cancer, yet aspects of Hedgehog signal transmission and reception have until recently remained unclear. Biochemical and structural studies surprisingly reveal a central role for lipids in Hedgehog signalling. The signal - Hedgehog protein - is modified by cholesterol and palmitate during its biogenesis, thereby necessitating specialized proteins such as the transporter Dispatched and several lipid-binding carriers for cellular export and receptor engagement. Additional lipid transactions mediate response to the Hedgehog signal, including sterol activation of the transducer Smoothened. Access of sterols to Smoothened is regulated by the apparent sterol transporter and Hedgehog receptor Patched, whose activity is blocked by Hedgehog binding. Alongside these lipid-centric mechanisms and their relevance to pharmacological pathway modulation, we discuss emerging roles of Hedgehog pathway activity in stem cells or their cellular niches, with translational implications for regeneration and restoration of injured or diseased tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiao Zhang
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Philip A Beachy
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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13
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Lintern N, Smith AM, Jayne DG, Khaled YS. Photodynamic Stromal Depletion in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4135. [PMID: 37627163 PMCID: PMC10453210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164135] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid malignancies, with a five-year survival of less than 10%. The resistance of the disease and the associated lack of therapeutic response is attributed primarily to its dense, fibrotic stroma, which acts as a barrier to drug perfusion and permits tumour survival and invasion. As clinical trials of chemotherapy (CT), radiotherapy (RT), and targeted agents have not been successful, improving the survival rate in unresectable PDAC remains an urgent clinical need. Photodynamic stromal depletion (PSD) is a recent approach that uses visible or near-infrared light to destroy the desmoplastic tissue. Preclinical evidence suggests this can resensitise tumour cells to subsequent therapies whilst averting the tumorigenic effects of tumour-stromal cell interactions. So far, the pre-clinical studies have suggested that PDT can successfully mediate the destruction of various stromal elements without increasing the aggressiveness of the tumour. However, the complexity of this interplay, including the combined tumour promoting and suppressing effects, poses unknowns for the clinical application of photodynamic stromal depletion in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Lintern
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Andrew M. Smith
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - David G. Jayne
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Yazan S. Khaled
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
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14
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Zage PE, Huo Y, Subramonian D, Le Clorennec C, Ghosh P, Sahoo D. Identification of a novel gene signature for neuroblastoma differentiation using a Boolean implication network. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2023; 62:313-331. [PMID: 36680522 PMCID: PMC10257350 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23124] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Although induction of differentiation represents an effective strategy for neuroblastoma treatment, the mechanisms underlying neuroblastoma differentiation are poorly understood. We generated a computational model of neuroblastoma differentiation consisting of interconnected gene clusters identified based on symmetric and asymmetric gene expression relationships. We identified a differentiation signature consisting of series of gene clusters comprised of 1251 independent genes that predicted neuroblastoma differentiation in independent datasets and in neuroblastoma cell lines treated with agents known to induce differentiation. This differentiation signature was associated with patient outcomes in multiple independent patient cohorts and validated the role of MYCN expression as a marker of neuroblastoma differentiation. Our results further identified novel genes associated with MYCN via asymmetric Boolean implication relationships that would not have been identified using symmetric computational approaches and that were associated with both neuroblastoma differentiation and patient outcomes. Our differentiation signature included a cluster of genes involved in intracellular signaling and growth factor receptor trafficking pathways that is strongly associated with neuroblastoma differentiation, and we validated the associations of UBE4B, a gene within this cluster, with neuroblastoma cell and tumor differentiation. Our findings demonstrate that Boolean network analyses of symmetric and asymmetric gene expression relationships can identify novel genes and pathways relevant for neuroblastoma tumor differentiation that could represent potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E. Zage
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
| | - Yuchen Huo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
| | - Divya Subramonian
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
| | - Christophe Le Clorennec
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
| | - Pradipta Ghosh
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, La Jolla, CA
| | - Debashis Sahoo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jacobs School of Engineering, UCSD, La Jolla, CA
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15
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Peng Z, Tong Z, Ren Z, Ye M, Hu K. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and its derived exosomes: a new perspective for reshaping the tumor microenvironment. Mol Med 2023; 29:66. [PMID: 37217855 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00665-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). They extensively communicate with the other cells. Exosome-packed bioactive molecules derived from CAFs can reshape the TME by interacting with other cells and the extracellular matrix, which adds a new perspective for their clinical application in tumor targeted therapy. An in-depth understanding of the biological characteristics of CAF-derived exosomes (CDEs) is critical for depicting the detailed landscape of the TME and developing tailored therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. In this review, we have summarized the functional roles of CAFs in the TME, particularly focusing on the extensive communication mediated by CDEs that contain biological molecules such as miRNAs, proteins, metabolites, and other components. In addition, we have also highlighted the prospects for diagnostic and therapeutic applications based on CDEs, which could guide the future development of exosome-targeted anti-tumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Peng
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Zhiwei Tong
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Zihao Ren
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Manping Ye
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Kongwang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, Hefei, 230022, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Fuyang Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, Fuyang, 236000, China.
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16
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Yu X, Li W, Feng Y, Gao Z, Wu Q, Xia Y. The prognostic value of hedgehog signaling in bladder cancer by integrated bioinformatics. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6241. [PMID: 37069207 PMCID: PMC10110581 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33140-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is the second most prevalent urological malignancy. It's a big contributor to cancer-related deaths throughout the globe. Researchers discovered that the hedgehog signaling (HhS) pathway contributed to the onset and spread of many different kinds of cancer. Nevertheless, the present understanding of the function of HhS in the bladder cancer molecular landscape is incomplete. Raw data were gotten from the IMvigor210, the Gene Expression Omnibus, and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Bioinformatics was used to examine the HhS score of each sample, and the enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentiation characteristics, immunological infiltration, and metabolic activity. The HhS prognostic signature was developed with significant assistance from the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and Cox regression. An HhS-related nomogram was developed to assist in the prediction of patients' survival probability. We found that HhS was linked to poor prognosis in bladder cancer, and its activation was linked to the Basal subtype of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer with high HhS activity has higher glycolysis, nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and other cancer-promoting metabolic activities. Furthermore, HhS mediates an immunosuppressive microenvironment in bladder cancer on the basis that HhS negatively correlates with the CD8 + T cells and correlates positively with immune checkpoints and T cell exhaustion scores. Finally, an HhS-related signature was developed for predicting the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. Targeting HhS may be a potential therapy choice for bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenge Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Artemed Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjun Feng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Artemed Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijie Gao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Wu
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yue Xia
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Chhabra Y, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in cancer: Unity in heterogeneity. Cell 2023; 186:1580-1609. [PMID: 37059066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells do not exist in isolation in vivo, and carcinogenesis depends on the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of a myriad of cell types and biophysical and biochemical components. Fibroblasts are integral in maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, even before a tumor develops, pro-tumorigenic fibroblasts in close proximity can provide the fertile 'soil' to the cancer 'seed' and are known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In response to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, CAFs reorganize the TME enabling metastasis, therapeutic resistance, dormancy and reactivation by secreting cellular and acellular factors. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries on CAF-mediated cancer progression with a particular focus on fibroblast heterogeneity and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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18
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Wieder R. Fibroblasts as Turned Agents in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072014. [PMID: 37046676 PMCID: PMC10093070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated epithelial cells reside in the homeostatic microenvironment of the native organ stroma. The stroma supports their normal function, their G0 differentiated state, and their expansion/contraction through the various stages of the life cycle and physiologic functions of the host. When malignant transformation begins, the microenvironment tries to suppress and eliminate the transformed cells, while cancer cells, in turn, try to resist these suppressive efforts. The tumor microenvironment encompasses a large variety of cell types recruited by the tumor to perform different functions, among which fibroblasts are the most abundant. The dynamics of the mutual relationship change as the sides undertake an epic battle for control of the other. In the process, the cancer “wounds” the microenvironment through a variety of mechanisms and attracts distant mesenchymal stem cells to change their function from one attempting to suppress the cancer, to one that supports its growth, survival, and metastasis. Analogous reciprocal interactions occur as well between disseminated cancer cells and the metastatic microenvironment, where the microenvironment attempts to eliminate cancer cells or suppress their proliferation. However, the altered microenvironmental cells acquire novel characteristics that support malignant progression. Investigations have attempted to use these traits as targets of novel therapeutic approaches.
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19
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Yaghoubi A, Movaqar A, Asgharzadeh F, Derakhshan M, Ghazvini K, Hasanian SM, Avan A, Mostafapour A, Khazaei M, Soleimanpour S. Anticancer activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa derived peptide with iRGD in colon cancer therapy. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:768-776. [PMID: 37396945 PMCID: PMC10311979 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.68331.14913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Colon cancer is well-known as a life-threatening disease. Since the current treatment modalities for this type of cancer are powerful yet face some limitations, finding novel treatments is required to achieve better outcomes with fewer side effects. Here we investigated the therapeutic potential of Azurin-p28 alone or along with iRGD (Ac-CRGDKGPDC-amide) as a tumor-penetrating peptide and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for colon cancer. Materials and Methods Inhibitory effect of p28 with or without iRGD/5-FU was studied in CT26 and HT29, as well as the xenograft animal model of cancer. The effect of p28 alone or along with iRGD/5-FU on cell migration, apoptotic activity, and cell cycle of the cell lines was assessed. Level of the BAX and BCL2 genes, tumor suppressor genes [(p53 and collagen type-Iα1 (COL1A1), collagen type-Iα2 (COL1A2)] were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Results These findings show that using p28 with or without iRGD and 5-FU raised the level of p53 and BAX but decreased BCL2, compared with control and 5-FU groups in tissues of the tumor, which result in raising the apoptosis. Conclusion It seems that p28 may be used as a new therapeutic approach in colon cancer therapy that can enhance the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Yaghoubi
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Aref Movaqar
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Asgharzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Derakhshan
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kiarash Ghazvini
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hasanian
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical, Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Asma Mostafapour
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saman Soleimanpour
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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20
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Abstract
Among the factors that have been strongly implicated in regulating cancerous transformation, the primary monocilium (cilium) has gained increasing attention. The cilium is a small organelle extending from the plasma membrane, which provides a localized hub for concentration of transmembrane receptors. These receptors transmit signals from soluble factors (including Sonic hedgehog (SHH), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AA), WNT, TGFβ, NOTCH, and others) that regulate cell growth, as well as mechanosensory cues provided by flow or extracellular matrix. Ciliation is regulated by cell cycle, with most cells that are in G0 (quiescent) or early G1 ciliation and cilia typically absent in G2/M cells. Notably, while most cells organized in solid tissues are ciliated, cancerous transformation induces significant changes in ciliation. Most cancer cells lose cilia; medulloblastomas and basal cell carcinomas, dependent on an active SHH pathway, rely on ciliary maintenance. Changes in cancer cell ciliation are driven by core oncogenic pathways (EGFR, KRAS, AURKA, PI3K), and importantly ciliation status regulates functionality of those pathways. Ciliation is both influenced by targeted cancer therapies and linked to therapeutic resistance; recent studies suggest ciliation may also influence cancer cell metabolism and stem cell identity. We review recent studies defining the relationship between cilia and cancer.
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21
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Wang J, Cui B, Li X, Zhao X, Huang T, Ding X. The emerging roles of Hedgehog signaling in tumor immune microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1171418. [PMID: 37213270 PMCID: PMC10196179 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1171418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is pervasively involved in human malignancies, making it an effective target for cancer treatment for decades. In addition to its direct role in regulating cancer cell attributes, recent work indicates that it has an immunoregulatory effect on tumor microenvironments. An integrated understanding of these actions of Hh signaling pathway in tumor cells and tumor microenvironments will pave the way for novel tumor treatments and further advances in anti-tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the most recent research about Hh signaling pathway transduction, with a particular emphasis on its role in modulating tumor immune/stroma cell phenotype and function, such as macrophage polarity, T cell response, and fibroblast activation, as well as their mutual interactions between tumor cells and nonneoplastic cells. We also summarize the recent advances in the development of Hh pathway inhibitors and nanoparticle formulation for Hh pathway modulation. We suggest that targeting Hh signaling effects on both tumor cells and tumor immune microenvironments could be more synergistic for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Institute of Geriatrics, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baiping Cui
- Institute of Geriatrics, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojie Li
- Institute of Geriatrics, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyue Zhao
- Institute of Geriatrics, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Taomin Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Taomin Huang, ; Xiaolei Ding,
| | - Xiaolei Ding
- Institute of Geriatrics, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Taomin Huang, ; Xiaolei Ding,
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22
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Wang X, Wu C, Zhang S, Yu P, Li L, Guo C, Li R. A novel deep learning segmentation model for organoid-based drug screening. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1080273. [PMID: 36588731 PMCID: PMC9794595 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1080273] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoids are self-organized three-dimensional in vitro cell cultures derived from stem cells. They can recapitulate organ development, tissue regeneration, and disease progression and, hence, have broad applications in drug discovery. However, the lack of effective graphic algorithms for organoid growth analysis has slowed the development of organoid-based drug screening. In this study, we take advantage of a bladder cancer organoid system and develop a deep learning model, the res-double dynamic conv attention U-Net (RDAU-Net) model, to improve the efficiency and accuracy of organoid-based drug screenings. In this RDAU-Net model, the dynamic convolution and attention modules are integrated. The feature-extracting capability of the encoder and the utilization of multi-scale information are substantially enhanced, and the semantic gap caused by skip connections has been filled, which substantially improved its anti-interference ability. A total of 200 images of bladder cancer organoids on culture days 1, 3, 5, and 7, with or without drug treatment, were employed for training and testing. Compared with the other variations of the U-Net model, the segmentation indicators, such as Intersection over Union and dice similarity coefficient, in the RDAU-Net model have been improved. In addition, this algorithm effectively prevented false identification and missing identification, while maintaining a smooth edge contour of segmentation results. In summary, we proposed a novel method based on a deep learning model which could significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of high-throughput drug screening and evaluation using organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Wang
- School of Information, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Chunyue Wu
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Shudi Zhang
- School of Information, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Pengfei Yu
- School of Information, Yunnan University, Kunming, China,*Correspondence: Pengfei Yu, ; Rui Li,
| | - Lu Li
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Chunming Guo
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Pengfei Yu, ; Rui Li,
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23
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Qi Y, Wang H, Zhang Q, Liu Z, Wang T, Wu Z, Wu W. CAF-Released Exosomal miR-20a-5p Facilitates HCC Progression via the LIMA1-Mediated β-Catenin Pathway. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233857. [PMID: 36497115 PMCID: PMC9740131 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, exosomes derived from Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) have reportedly been involved in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumour microenvironment (TME). LIM domain and actin binding 1 (LIMA1) is an actin-binding protein that is involved in controlling the biological behaviour and progression of specific solid tumours. We aimed to determine the effect of LIMA1 and exosome-associated miR-20a-5p in HCC development. LIMA1 and miR-20a-5p expression levels were examined by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting or immunohistochemistry (IHC). Functional experiments, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, colony formation assays, wound healing assays, and Transwell invasion assays, were performed to investigate the effect of LIMA1 and miR-20a-5p. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the interaction of miR-20a-5p and LIMA1. Exosomes were characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and western blotting. We noted that LIMA1 was downregulated in human HCC tissues and cells and remarkably correlated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). LIMA1 overexpression suppressed HCC cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, while LIMA1 knockdown had the opposite effects. A mechanistic investigation showed that LIMA1 inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway by binding to BMI1 and inducing its destabilisation. Additionally, we found that LIMA1 expression in HCC cells could be suppressed by transferring CAF-derived exosomes harbouring oncogenic miR-20a-5p. In summary, LIMA1 is a tumour suppressor that inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and is downregulated by CAF-derived exosomes carrying oncogenic miR-20a-5p in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Qi
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Department of Graduate School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Department of Graduate School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Qikun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Department of Graduate School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Department of Graduate School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Tianbing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui No. 2 Provinicial People’s Hospital, Hefei 230011, China
| | - Zhengsheng Wu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (W.W.); Tel.: +86-13965012315 (Z.W.); +86-13805694400 (W.W.)
| | - Wenyong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Department of Graduate School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui No. 2 Provinicial People’s Hospital, Hefei 230011, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (W.W.); Tel.: +86-13965012315 (Z.W.); +86-13805694400 (W.W.)
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24
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Burley A, Rullan A, Wilkins A. A review of the biology and therapeutic implications of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1000888. [PMID: 36313650 PMCID: PMC9608345 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1000888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a fundamental role in the development of cancers and their response to therapy. In recent years, CAFs have returned to the spotlight as researchers work to unpick the mechanisms by which they impact tumour evolution and therapy responses. However, study of CAFs has largely been restricted to a select number of common cancers, whereas research into CAF biology in bladder cancer has been relatively neglected. In this review, we explore the basics of CAF biology including the numerous potential cellular origins of CAFs, alongside mechanisms of CAF activation and their diverse functionality. We find CAFs play an important role in the progression of bladder cancer with significant implications on tumour cell signaling, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and the capacity to modify components of the immune system. In addition, we highlight some of the landmark papers describing CAF heterogeneity and find trends in the literature to suggest that the iCAF and myCAF subtypes defined in bladder cancer share common characteristics with CAF subtypes described in other settings such as breast and pancreatic cancer. Moreover, based on findings in other common cancers we identify key therapeutic challenges associated with CAFs, such as the lack of specific CAF markers, the paucity of research into bladder-specific CAFs and their relationship with therapies such as radiotherapy. Of relevance, we describe a variety of strategies used to target CAFs in several common cancers, paying particular attention to TGFβ signaling as a prominent regulator of CAF activation. In doing so, we find parallels with bladder cancer that suggest CAF targeting may advance therapeutic options in this setting and improve the current poor survival outcomes in bladder cancer which sadly remain largely unchanged over recent decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Burley
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Rullan
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Head and Neck Unit, Royal Marsden National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Wilkins
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Radiotherapy, Royal Marsden National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Jiang J. Hedgehog signaling mechanism and role in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 85:107-122. [PMID: 33836254 PMCID: PMC8492792 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell communication through evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways governs embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Deregulation of these signaling pathways has been implicated in a wide range of human diseases including cancer. One such pathway is the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, which was originally discovered in Drosophila and later found to play a fundamental role in human development and diseases. Abnormal Hh pathway activation is a major driver of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and medulloblastoma. Hh exerts it biological influence through a largely conserved signal transduction pathway from the activation of the GPCR family transmembrane protein Smoothened (Smo) to the conversion of latent Zn-finger transcription factors Gli/Ci proteins from their repressor (GliR/CiR) to activator (GliA/CiA) forms. Studies from model organisms and human patients have provided deep insight into the Hh signal transduction mechanisms, revealed roles of Hh signaling in a wide range of human cancers, and suggested multiple strategies for targeting this pathway in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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26
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Zhang Z, Zhang H, Shi L, Wang D, Tang D. Heterogeneous cancer-associated fibroblasts: A new perspective for understanding immunosuppression in pancreatic cancer. Immunology 2022; 167:1-14. [PMID: 35569095 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown promising efficacy in the treatment of a wide range of cancers; however, it has had little effect on pancreatic cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the predominant mesenchymal cells present in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment, are powerful supporters of the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer. CAFs can modify the microenvironment, establish a refuge to aid cancer cells in immune escape by secreting large amounts of extracellular matrix, and produce soluble cytokines and exosomal vesicles. Hence, CAFs are important contributors to the failure of immunotherapy. Current in-depth studies of CAFs have shown that CAFs are a heterogeneous population of mesenchymal cells; therefore, the functional complexity of their populations needs in-depth explorations in future studies. This review summarizes how heterogeneous CAFs help cancer cells achieve immune escape and suggests potential directions for using CAFs as targets to address immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Daorong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China
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27
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Lee YC, Lam HM, Rosser C, Theodorescu D, Parks WC, Chan KS. The dynamic roles of the bladder tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:515-533. [PMID: 35764795 PMCID: PMC10112172 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00608-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a prevalent but currently understudied cancer type and patient outcomes are poor when it progresses to the muscle-invasive stage. Current research in bladder cancer focuses on the genetic and epigenetic alterations occurring within the urothelial cell compartment; however, the stromal compartment receives less attention. Dynamic changes and intercellular communications occur in the tumour microenvironment (TME) of the bladder - a new concept and niche that we designate as the bladder TME (bTME) - during tumour evolution, metastatic progression and in the context of therapeutic response. Collagens and their cognate receptors, the discoidin domain receptors, have a role in various steps of the metastatic cascade and in immune checkpoint resistance. Furthermore, the presence of another TME niche, the metastatic TME (met-TME), is a novel concept that could support divergent progression of metastatic colonization in different organs, resulting in distant metastases with distinct characteristics and genetics from the primary tumour. The stroma has divergent roles in mediating therapeutic response to BCG immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, as well as conventional chemotherapy or trimodality therapy (that is, maximal transurethral resection of bladder tumour, chemotherapy and radiotherapy). The local bTME and distant met-TME are currently conceptually and therapeutically unexploited niches that should be actively investigated. New biological insights from these TMEs will enable rational design of strategies that co-target the tumour and stroma, which are expected to improve the outcomes of patients with advanced bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cheng Lee
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ming Lam
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charles Rosser
- Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dan Theodorescu
- Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William C Parks
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keith Syson Chan
- Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Academic Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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28
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Heterogeneity of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163994. [PMID: 36010986 PMCID: PMC9406547 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Stroma-targeting therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been extensively investigated, but no candidates have shown efficacy at the clinical trial stage. Studies of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) depletion in a mouse model suggested that CAFs have not only tumor-promoting function but also tumor-suppressive activity. Recently, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revealed the complex tumor microenvironment within PDAC, and subpopulations of functionally distinct CAFs and their association with tumor immunity have been reported. However, the existence of tumor suppressive CAFs and CAFs involved in the maintenance of PDAC differentiation has also been reported. In the future, therapeutic strategies should be developed considering these CAF subpopulations, with the hope of improving the prognosis of PDAC. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers, with a 5-year survival rate of 9%. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have historically been considered tumor-promoting. However, multiple studies reporting that suppression of CAFs in PDAC mouse models resulted in more aggressive tumors and worse prognosis have suggested the existence of a tumor-suppressive population within CAFs, leading to further research on heterogeneity within CAFs. In recent years, the benefits of cancer immunotherapy have been reported in various carcinomas. Unfortunately, the efficacy of immunotherapies in PDAC has been limited, and the CAF-driven cancer immunosuppressive microenvironment has been suggested as the cause. Thus, clarification of heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment, including CAFs and tumor immunity, is urgently needed to establish effective therapeutic strategies for PDAC. In this review, we report the latest findings on the heterogeneity of CAFs and the functions of each major CAF subtype, which have been revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing in recent years. We also describe reports of tumor-suppressive CAF subtypes and the existence of CAFs that maintain a differentiated PDAC phenotype and review the potential for targeted therapy.
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29
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Canonical Hedgehog Pathway and Noncanonical GLI Transcription Factor Activation in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162523. [PMID: 36010600 PMCID: PMC9406872 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog signaling pathway is one of the fundamental pathways required for development and regulation of postnatal regeneration in a variety of tissues. The pathway has also been associated with cancers since the identification of a mutation in one of its components, PTCH, as the cause of Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome, which is associated with several cancers. Our understanding of the pathway in tumorigenesis has expanded greatly since that initial discovery over two decades ago. The pathway has tumor-suppressive and oncogenic functions depending on the context of the cancer. Furthermore, noncanonical activation of GLI transcription factors has been reported in a number of tumor types. Here, we review the roles of canonical Hedgehog signaling pathway and noncanonical GLI activation in cancers, particularly epithelial cancers, and discuss an emerging concept of the distinct outcomes that these modes have on cancer initiation and progression.
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30
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Fluorescence-Based Microendoscopic Sensing System for Minimally Invasive In Vivo Bladder Cancer Diagnosis. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12080631. [PMID: 36005027 PMCID: PMC9406178 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bladder cancer is commonly diagnosed by evaluating the tissue morphology through cystoscopy, and tumor resection is used as the primary treatment approach. However, these methods are limited by lesion site specificity and resection margin, and can thereby fail to detect cancer lesions at early stages. Nevertheless, rapid diagnosis without biopsy may be possible through fluorescence sensing. Herein, we describe a minimally invasive imaging system capable of sensing even small tumors through a 1.2 mm diameter flexible fiber bundle microprobe. We demonstrate that this new device can be used for the early diagnosis of bladder cancer in rats. Bladder cancer was induced in rats using the carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN), and a togglable filter capable of PpIX fluorescence sensing was installed in the microendoscopic system. Following 5-aminolevulinic acid administration, tissue in the early stages of bladder cancer was successfully identified with fluorescence detection and confirmed with hematoxylin/eosin and ferrochelatase staining. Although the time required for BBN to induce bladder cancer varied between 3 and 4 weeks among the rats, the microendoscopic system allowed the minimally invasive follow-up on cancer development.
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31
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Jackson AR, Narla ST, Bates CM, Becknell B. Urothelial progenitors in development and repair. Pediatr Nephrol 2022; 37:1721-1731. [PMID: 34471946 PMCID: PMC8942604 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-021-05239-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Urothelium is a specialized multilayer epithelium that lines the urinary tract from the proximal urethra to the kidney. In addition to proliferation and differentiation during development, urothelial injury postnatally triggers a robust regenerative capacity to restore the protective barrier between the urine and tissue. Mounting evidence supports the existence of dedicated progenitor cell populations that give rise to urothelium during development and in response to injury. Understanding the cellular and molecular basis for urothelial patterning and repair will inform tissue regeneration therapies designed to ameliorate a number of structural and functional defects of the urinary tract. Here, we review the current understanding of urothelial progenitors and the signaling pathways that govern urothelial development and repair. While most published studies have focused on bladder urothelium, we also discuss literature on upper tract urothelial progenitors. Furthermore, we discuss evidence supporting existence of context-specific progenitors. This knowledge is fundamental to the development of strategies to regenerate or engineer damaged or diseased urothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R Jackson
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute At Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, W308, Columbus, 43205, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sridhar T Narla
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Rangos Research Building, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15224, PA, USA
| | - Carlton M Bates
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Rangos Research Building, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15224, PA, USA.
- Division of Nephrology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Brian Becknell
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute At Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, W308, Columbus, 43205, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
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32
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Wei J, Yao J, Yan M, Xie Y, Liu P, Mao Y, Li X. The role of matrix stiffness in cancer stromal cell fate and targeting therapeutic strategies. Acta Biomater 2022; 150:34-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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33
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Feng S, Xu Y, Dai Z, Yin H, Zhang K, Shen Y. Integrative Analysis From Multicenter Studies Identifies a WGCNA-Derived Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Signature for Ovarian Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:951582. [PMID: 35874760 PMCID: PMC9304893 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.951582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major contributor to tumor stromal crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and boost tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. This study aimed to identify prognostic genes associated with CAFs that lead to high morbidity and mortality in ovarian cancer (OC) patients. We performed bioinformatics analysis in 16 multicenter studies (2,742 patients) and identified CAF-associated hub genes using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A machine learning methodology was used to identify COL16A1, COL5A2, GREM1, LUM, SRPX, and TIMP3 and construct a prognostic signature. Subsequently, a series of bioinformatics algorithms indicated risk stratification based on the above signature, suggesting that high-risk patients have a worse prognosis, weaker immune response, and lower tumor mutational burden (TMB) status but may be more sensitive to routine chemotherapeutic agents. Finally, we characterized prognostic markers using cell lines, immunohistochemistry, and single-cell sequencing. In conclusion, these results suggest that the CAF-related signature may be a novel pretreatment guide for anti-CAFs, and prognostic markers in CAFs may be potential therapeutic targets to inhibit OC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songwei Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Shen,
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34
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Martin A, Woolbright BL, Umar S, Ingersoll MA, Taylor JA. Bladder cancer, inflammageing and microbiomes. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:495-509. [PMID: 35798831 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00611-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ageing is correlated with elevated bladder cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality. Advanced age is also associated with elevated markers of chronic inflammation and perturbations in gut and urinary tract microbiota. One reason for the increased incidence and mortality of bladder cancer in the elderly might be that age-associated changes in multiple microbiomes induce systemic metabolic changes that contribute to immune dysregulation with potentially tumorigenic effects. The gut and urinary microbiomes could be dysregulated in bladder cancer, although the effect of these changes is poorly understood. Each of these domains - the immune system, gut microbiome and urinary microbiome - might also influence the response of patients with bladder cancer to treatment. Improved understanding of age-related alterations to the immune system and gut and urinary microbiomes could provide possible insight into the risk of bladder cancer development and progression in the elderly. In patients with bladder cancer, improved understanding of microbiota might also provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Martin
- Department of Urology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | - Shahid Umar
- Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Molly A Ingersoll
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France.,Mucosal Inflammation and Immunity group, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - John A Taylor
- Department of Urology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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35
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Heo J, Lee J, Nam YJ, Kim Y, Yun H, Lee S, Ju H, Ryu CM, Jeong SM, Lee J, Lim J, Cho YM, Jeong EM, Hong B, Son J, Shin DM. The CDK1/TFCP2L1/ID2 cascade offers a novel combination therapy strategy in a preclinical model of bladder cancer. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:801-811. [PMID: 35729325 PMCID: PMC9256744 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00786-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of embryogenesis-related molecular programs in urothelial bladder cancer (BC) is associated with stemness features related to oncogenic dedifferentiation and tumor metastasis. Recently, we reported that overexpression of transcription factor CP2-like protein-1 (TFCP2L1) and its phosphorylation at Thr177 by cyclin-dependent kinase-1 (CDK1) play key roles in regulating bladder carcinogenesis. However, the clinical relevance and therapeutic potential of this novel CDK1-TFCP2L1 molecular network remain elusive. Here, we demonstrated that inhibitor of DNA binding-2 (ID2) functions as a crucial mediator by acting as a direct repressive target of TFCP2L1 to modulate the stemness features and survival of BC cells. Low ID2 and high CDK1 expression were significantly associated with unfavorable clinical characteristics. TFCP2L1 downregulated ID2 by directly binding to its promoter region. Consistent with these findings, ectopic expression of ID2 or treatment with apigenin, a chemical activator of ID2, triggered apoptosis and impaired the proliferation, suppressed the stemness features, and reduced the invasive capacity of BC cells. Combination treatment with the specific CDK1 inhibitor RO-3306 and apigenin significantly suppressed tumor growth in an orthotopic BC xenograft animal model. This study demonstrates the biological role and clinical utility of ID2 as a direct target of the CDK1-TFCP2L1 pathway for modulating the stemness features of BC cells. Combination therapy with apigenin, a powerful antioxidant found in plants such as parsley and camomile, and a drug that inhibits the cell cycle protein CDK1 shows promise for developing therapies for bladder cancer (BC). Switching on genes usually activated in stem cells can cause cancer, including BC. Although CDK1 was known to activate one of these genes in BC cells, no way to suppress the activation had been identified. Jinbeom Heo at University of Ulsan College of Medicine, South Korea, and coworkers investigated CDK1’s role in BC. They found that the transcription factor activated by CDK1 suppressed a protein, ID2, that suppressed stem cell-like characteristics. Simultaneously suppressing CDK1 and boosting ID2 with apigenin strongly repressed tumor growth in a mouse model. These results help point the way to developing new treatment options for BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbeom Heo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Physiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinyoung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun Ji Nam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Physiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - YongHwan Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Physiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - HongDuck Yun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Physiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seungun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Physiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyein Ju
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Physiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chae-Min Ryu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Urology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Center for Cell Therapy, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seon Min Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Physiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinwon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Physiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jisun Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Physiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Mee Cho
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eui Man Jeong
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Bio-Health Materials Core-Facility Center and Practical Translational Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea
| | - Bumsik Hong
- Department of Urology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jaekyoung Son
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Dong-Myung Shin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. .,Department of Physiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. .,Center for Cell Therapy, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
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36
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Sharma T, Kapoor A, Mandal CC. Duality of bone morphogenetic proteins in cancer: A comprehensive analysis. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3127-3163. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanu Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences Central University of Rajasthan Ajmer Rajasthan India
| | - Anmol Kapoor
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences Central University of Rajasthan Ajmer Rajasthan India
| | - Chandi C. Mandal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences Central University of Rajasthan Ajmer Rajasthan India
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Lokeshwar SD, Lopez M, Sarcan S, Aguilar K, Morera DS, Shaheen DM, Lokeshwar BL, Lokeshwar VB. Molecular Oncology of Bladder Cancer from Inception to Modern Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112578. [PMID: 35681556 PMCID: PMC9179261 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the last forty years, seminal contributions have been made in the areas of bladder cancer (BC) biology, driver genes, molecular profiling, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets for improving personalized patient care. This overview includes seminal discoveries and advances in the molecular oncology of BC. Starting with the concept of divergent molecular pathways for the development of low- and high-grade bladder tumors, field cancerization versus clonality of bladder tumors, cancer driver genes/mutations, genetic polymorphisms, and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) as an early form of immunotherapy are some of the conceptual contributions towards improving patient care. Although beginning with a promise of predicting prognosis and individualizing treatments, "-omic" approaches and molecular subtypes have revealed the importance of BC stem cells, lineage plasticity, and intra-tumor heterogeneity as the next frontiers for realizing individualized patient care. Along with urine as the optimal non-invasive liquid biopsy, BC is at the forefront of the biomarker field. If the goal is to reduce the number of cystoscopies but not to replace them for monitoring recurrence and asymptomatic microscopic hematuria, a BC marker may reach clinical acceptance. As advances in the molecular oncology of BC continue, the next twenty-five years should significantly advance personalized care for BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soum D. Lokeshwar
- Department of Urology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
| | - Maite Lopez
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (M.L.); (S.S.); (K.A.); (D.S.M.)
| | - Semih Sarcan
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (M.L.); (S.S.); (K.A.); (D.S.M.)
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Karina Aguilar
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (M.L.); (S.S.); (K.A.); (D.S.M.)
| | - Daley S. Morera
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (M.L.); (S.S.); (K.A.); (D.S.M.)
| | - Devin M. Shaheen
- Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
| | - Bal L. Lokeshwar
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Research Service, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA
- Correspondence: (B.L.L.); (V.B.L.)
| | - Vinata B. Lokeshwar
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (M.L.); (S.S.); (K.A.); (D.S.M.)
- Correspondence: (B.L.L.); (V.B.L.)
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Wiessner GB, Plumber SA, Xiang T, Mendelsohn CL. Development, regeneration and tumorigenesis of the urothelium. Development 2022; 149:dev198184. [PMID: 35521701 PMCID: PMC10656457 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The urothelium of the bladder functions as a waterproof barrier between tissue and outflowing urine. Largely quiescent during homeostasis, this unique epithelium rapidly regenerates in response to bacterial or chemical injury. The specification of the proper cell types during development and injury repair is crucial for tissue function. This Review surveys the current understanding of urothelial progenitor populations in the contexts of organogenesis, regeneration and tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we discuss pathways and signaling mechanisms involved in urothelial differentiation, and consider the relevance of this knowledge to stem cell biology and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory B. Wiessner
- Departments of Urology, Genetics and Development, Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative and Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sakina A. Plumber
- Departments of Urology, Genetics and Development, Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative and Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Tina Xiang
- Departments of Urology, Genetics and Development, Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative and Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cathy L. Mendelsohn
- Departments of Urology, Genetics and Development, Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative and Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Feng B, Wu J, Shen B, Jiang F, Feng J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and resistance to anticancer therapies: status, mechanisms, and countermeasures. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:166. [PMID: 35488263 PMCID: PMC9052457 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02599-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are critical components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) with diverse functions such as extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, modulation of metabolism and angiogenesis, and crosstalk with both cancer cells and infiltrating immune cells by production of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Within the TME milieu, CAFs exhibit morphological and functional transitions with relatively specific markers and hold tremendous potential to facilitate tumorigenesis, development, and resistance towards multiple therapeutic strategies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, anti-angiogenesis therapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Accordingly, CAFs themselves and the downstream effectors and/or signaling pathways are potential targets for optimizing the sensitivity of anti-cancer therapies. This review aims to provide a detailed landscape of the role that CAFs play in conferring therapeutic resistance in different cancers and the underlying mechanisms. The translational and therapeutic perspectives of CAFs in the individualized treatment of malignant tumors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Feng
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jianzhong Wu
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Jifeng Feng
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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[Research Status of Tumor-associated Fibroblasts Regulating Immune Cells]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2022; 25:207-213. [PMID: 35340164 PMCID: PMC8976201 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2022.101.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-infiltrating immune cells are the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). They communicate with each other in tumor microenvironment and play a critical role in tumorigenesis and development. CAFs are very heterogeneous and different subtypes of CAFs display different functions. At the same time, it can contribute to the regulation of the function of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and eventually result in the carcinogenesis, tumor progression, invasion, metastasis and other biological behaviors of tumors by producting various growth factors and cytokines etc. Based on the current research results at home and abroad, this paper reviews the recent research progress on the regulation of CAFs on infiltrating immune cells in tumor microenvironment.
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Shi X, Zhou X, Zhang L, Yue C, Gao S, Cheng J, Zuo L, Zhang L. Identification of a Novel Ferroptosis-Related Gene Signature for Prediction of Prognosis in Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma. Bladder Cancer 2022; 8:19-34. [PMID: 38994521 PMCID: PMC11181736 DOI: 10.3233/blc-211522] [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: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND sBladder urothelial carcinoma is the most prevalent type of bladder cancer, characterized by drug resistance, high recurrence rate, and unfavorable prognosis. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered type of non-apoptotic cell death, which has been reported to be strongly correlated with tumor occurrence and development. OBJECTIVE In this study, we characterized ferroptosis-specific biomarkers to elucidate the association between ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and bladder urothelial carcinoma. METHODS The TCGA and GEO database were adopted to obtain data and corresponding clinicopathological information. Univariate and multivariate cox regression were performed to establish a ferroptosis-related model. Besides, the KM plot visualized prognosis between high risk and low risk groups. Moreover, cBioportal platform was used to gather information on genetic alteration and DNA methylation of hub FRGs in BLCA patients. Additionally, the GSEA software was used to detect the difference in gene expression between high-risk and low-risk subgroups. RESULTS Six ferroptosis-related genes were identified to be highly correlated with overall survival. Besides, we explored the genetic variations of these FRGs, as well as the correlation between FRG expression and copy number values. Additionally, the DNA methylation status of these FRGs was determined. Moreover, we constructed a ferroptosis risk model with the six FRGs to predict the prognosis of BLCA. The results demonstrated that a higher risk score indicated an unfavorable prognosis. The ferroptosis signature was associated with clinical and molecular characteristics and could be regarded as an independent prognostic factor for BLCA patients. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we established and verified a ferroptosis risk model which had the potential to independently predict the prognosis of bladder urothelial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokai Shi
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Chuang Yue
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Shenglin Gao
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Jiasheng Cheng
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Li Zuo
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Lifeng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
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Miyai Y, Sugiyama D, Hase T, Asai N, Taki T, Nishida K, Fukui T, Chen-Yoshikawa TF, Kobayashi H, Mii S, Shiraki Y, Hasegawa Y, Nishikawa H, Ando Y, Takahashi M, Enomoto A. Meflin-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts enhance tumor response to immune checkpoint blockade. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/6/e202101230. [PMID: 35236758 PMCID: PMC8897596 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Meflin/ISLR is the marker of a cancer-associated fibroblast subset that enhances tumor response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an integral component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Most CAFs shape the TME toward an immunosuppressive milieu and attenuate the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. However, the detailed mechanism of how heterogeneous CAFs regulate tumor response to ICB therapy has not been defined. Here, we show that a recently defined CAF subset characterized by the expression of Meflin, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein marker of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells, is associated with survival and favorable therapeutic response to ICB monotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The prevalence of Meflin-positive CAFs was positively correlated with CD4-positive T-cell infiltration and vascularization within non-small cell lung cancer tumors. Meflin deficiency and CAF-specific Meflin overexpression resulted in defective and enhanced ICB therapy responses in syngeneic tumors in mice, respectively. These findings suggest the presence of a CAF subset that promotes ICB therapy efficacy, which adds to our understanding of CAF functions and heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Miyai
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sugiyama
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Hase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoya Asai
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Taki
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nishida
- Center for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takayuki Fukui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Hiroki Kobayashi
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Mii
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Shiraki
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hasegawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Ando
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
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Mizutani Y, Iida T, Ohno E, Ishikawa T, Kinoshita F, Kuwatsuka Y, Imai M, Shimizu S, Tsuruta T, Enomoto A, Kawashima H, Fujishiro M. Safety and efficacy of MIKE-1 in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: a study protocol for an open-label phase I/II investigator-initiated clinical trial based on a drug repositioning approach that reprograms the tumour stroma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:205. [PMID: 35209871 PMCID: PMC8867831 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09272-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an important component of the tumour microenvironment. Recent studies revealed CAFs are heterogeneous and CAF subset(s) that suppress cancer progression (cancer-restraining CAFs [rCAFs]) must exist in addition to well-characterised cancer-promoting CAFs (pCAFs). However, the identity and specific markers of rCAFs are not yet reported. We recently identified Meflin as a specific marker of rCAFs in pancreatic and colon cancers. Our studies revealed that rCAFs may represent proliferating resident fibroblasts. Interestingly, a lineage tracing experiment showed Meflin-positive rCAFs differentiate into α-smooth muscle actin-positive and Meflin-negative CAFs, which are generally hypothesised as pCAFs, during cancer progression. Using a pharmacological approach, we identified AM80, a synthetic unnatural retinoid, as a reagent that effectively converts Meflin-negative pCAFs to Meflin-positive rCAFs. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of a combination of AM80 and gemcitabine (GEM) and nab-paclitaxel (nab-PTX) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods The phase I part is a 3 + 3 design, open-label, and dose-finding study. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of these combination therapies would be evaluated for 4 weeks. After the DLT evaluation period, if no disease progression is noted based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 or if the patient has no intolerable toxicity, administration of AM80 with GEM and nab-PTX would be continued for up to 24 weeks. The phase II part is an open-label, single-arm study. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of AM80 with GEM and nab-PTX, determined in phase I, would be administered until intolerable toxicity or disease progression occurs, up to a maximum of 24 weeks, to confirm efficacy and safety. The primary endpoints are frequency of DLT and MTD of AM80 with GEM and nab-PTX in the phase I part and response rate based on the RECIST in the phase II part. Given the historical control data, we hope that the response rate will be over 23% in phase II. Discussion Strategies to convert pCAFs into rCAFs have been developed in recent years. We hypothesised that AM80 would be a promising enhancer of chemosensitivity and drug distribution through CAF conversion in the stroma. Trial registration Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT05064618, registered on 1 October 2021. jRCT: jRCT2041210056, registered on 27 August 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Mizutani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tadashi Iida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Eizaburo Ohno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takuya Ishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Fumie Kinoshita
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yachiyo Kuwatsuka
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Miwa Imai
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinobu Shimizu
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Tsuruta
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawashima
- Department of Endoscopy, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-Cho, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Mitsuhiro Fujishiro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Wang W, Cheng B, Yu Q. Cancer-associated fibroblasts as accomplices to confer therapeutic resistance in cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:889-901. [PMID: 36627901 PMCID: PMC9771752 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The "seed and soil" concept has reformed paradigms for cancer treatment in the past decade. Accumulating evidence indicates that the intimate crosstalk between cancer cells and stromal cells plays a tremendous role in tumor progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the largest population of stroma cells, influence therapeutic effects through diverse mechanisms. Herein, we summarize the recent advances in the versatile functions of CAFs regarding their heterogeneity, and we mainly discuss the pro-tumorigenic functions of CAFs which promote tumorigenesis and confer therapeutic resistance to tumors. Targeting CAFs is emerging as one of the most appealing strategies in anticancer therapies. The endeavors to target or reprogram the specific subtypes of CAFs provide great cancer treatment opportunities, which may provide a better clinical benefit to cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
- Cancer Precision Medicine, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Biopolis, Singapore 138672, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Correspondence to: Prof. Qiang Yu, Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore. E-mail:
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Chen Y, McAndrews KM, Kalluri R. Clinical and therapeutic relevance of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2021; 18:792-804. [PMID: 34489603 PMCID: PMC8791784 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00546-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 466] [Impact Index Per Article: 155.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) found in primary and metastatic tumours are highly versatile, plastic and resilient cells that are actively involved in cancer progression through complex interactions with other cell types in the tumour microenvironment. As well as generating extracellular matrix components that contribute to the structure and function of the tumour stroma, CAFs undergo epigenetic changes to produce secreted factors, exosomes and metabolites that influence tumour angiogenesis, immunology and metabolism. Because of their putative pro-oncogenic functions, CAFs have long been considered an attractive therapeutic target; however, clinical trials of treatment strategies targeting CAFs have mostly ended in failure and, in some cases, accelerated cancer progression and resulted in inferior survival outcomes. Importantly, CAFs are heterogeneous cells and their characteristics and interactions with other cell types might change dynamically as cancers evolve. Studies involving single-cell RNA sequencing and novel mouse models have increased our understanding of CAF diversity, although the context-dependent roles of different CAF populations and their interchangeable plasticity remain largely unknown. Comprehensive characterization of the tumour-promoting and tumour-restraining activities of CAF subtypes, including how these complex bimodal functions evolve and are subjugated by neoplastic cells during cancer progression, might facilitate the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In this Review, the clinical relevance of CAFs is summarized with an emphasis on their value as prognosis factors and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathleen M McAndrews
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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46
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Alterations of Chromatin Regulators in the Pathogenesis of Urinary Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236040. [PMID: 34885146 PMCID: PMC8656749 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Urinary bladder cancer is one of the ten major cancers worldwide, with higher incidences in males, in smokers, and in highly industrialized countries. New therapies beyond cytotoxic chemotherapy are urgently needed to improve treatment of these tumors. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying their development may help in this regard. Recently, it was discovered that a group of proteins regulating the state of chromatin and thus gene expression is exceptionally and frequently affected by gene mutations in bladder cancers. Altered function of these mutated chromatin regulators must therefore be fundamental in their development, but how and why is poorly understood. Here we review the current knowledge on changes in chromatin regulators and discuss their possible consequences for bladder cancer development and options for new therapies. Abstract Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most frequent histological type of cancer in the urinary bladder. Genomic changes in UC activate MAPK and PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathways, which increase cell proliferation and survival, interfere with cell cycle and checkpoint control, and prevent senescence. A more recently discovered additional category of genetic changes in UC affects chromatin regulators, including histone-modifying enzymes (KMT2C, KMT2D, KDM6A, EZH2), transcription cofactors (CREBBP, EP300), and components of the chromatin remodeling complex SWI/SNF (ARID1A, SMARCA4). It is not yet well understood how these changes contribute to the development and progression of UC. Therefore, we review here the emerging knowledge on genomic and gene expression alterations of chromatin regulators and their consequences for cell differentiation, cellular plasticity, and clonal expansion during UC pathogenesis. Our analysis identifies additional relevant chromatin regulators and suggests a model for urothelial carcinogenesis as a basis for further mechanistic studies and targeted therapy development.
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Cascio S, Chandler C, Zhang L, Sinno S, Gao B, Onkar S, Bruno TC, Vignali DAA, Mahdi H, Osmanbeyoglu HU, Vlad AM, Coffman LG, Buckanovich RJ. Cancer-associated MSC drive tumor immune exclusion and resistance to immunotherapy, which can be overcome by Hedgehog inhibition. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabi5790. [PMID: 34767446 PMCID: PMC8589308 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi5790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the impact of cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells (CA-MSCs) on ovarian tumor immunity. In patient samples, CA-MSC presence inversely correlates with the presence of intratumoral CD8+ T cells. Using an immune “hot” mouse ovarian cancer model, we found that CA-MSCs drive CD8+ T cell tumor immune exclusion and reduce response to anti–PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) via secretion of numerous chemokines (Ccl2, Cx3cl1, and Tgf-β1), which recruit immune-suppressive CD14+Ly6C+Cx3cr1+ monocytic cells and polarize macrophages to an immune suppressive Ccr2hiF4/80+Cx3cr1+CD206+ phenotype. Both monocytes and macrophages express high levels of transforming growth factor β–induced (Tgfbi) protein, which suppresses NK cell activity. Hedgehog inhibitor (HHi) therapy reversed CA-MSC effects, reducing myeloid cell presence and expression of Tgfbi, increasing intratumoral NK cell numbers, and restoring response to ICI therapy. Thus, CA-MSCs regulate antitumor immunity, and CA-MSC hedgehog signaling is an important target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Cascio
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Chelsea Chandler
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Linan Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Sarah Sinno
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Bingsi Gao
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sayali Onkar
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Tullia C. Bruno
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Dario A. A. Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Haider Mahdi
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Hatice U. Osmanbeyoglu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Anda M. Vlad
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lan G. Coffman
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Ronald J. Buckanovich
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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48
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Takahashi M, Kobayashi H, Mizutani Y, Hara A, Iida T, Miyai Y, Asai N, Enomoto A. Roles of the Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Marker Meflin/Islr in Cancer Fibrosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:749924. [PMID: 34676218 PMCID: PMC8523999 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.749924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts synthesise the extracellular matrix (ECM) such as collagen and elastin, the excessive accumulation of which can lead to fibrosis and organ dysfunction under pathological conditions. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are major constituents of the tumour microenvironment (TME) that accompany the desmoplastic reaction responsible for anti-cancer treatment resistance. Thus, it is important to dissect the roles of CAFs in the TME to develop new therapeutic strategies for refractory cancers. Recent progress in the studies of CAF biology suggests that the functions of CAFs are complicated and that they are composed of functionally distinct populations, including cancer-promoting CAFs (pCAFs) and cancer-restraining CAFs (rCAFs). We recently identified a new cell surface marker for rCAFs in pancreatic and colon cancers, designated as Meflin (mesenchymal stromal cell- and fibroblast-expressing Linx paralogue)/Islr (immunoglobulin super family containing leucine-rich repeat). Based on the distribution of Meflin/Islr-positive cells, we also considered it a specific candidate marker for mesenchymal stroma/stem cells. Meflin/Islr-positive CAFs have been shown to suppress cancer progression by being involved in regulating collagen structures and BMP signalling in the TME. This review describes the function of Meflin/Islr in cancer fibrosis as well as in cardiac and lung fibrosis and its potential in the development of new cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahide Takahashi
- International Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kobayashi
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Mizutani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Hara
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tadashi Iida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuki Miyai
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoya Asai
- Department of Pathology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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49
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Park S, Rong L, Owczarek TB, Bernardo MD, Shoulson RL, Chua CW, Kim JY, Lankarani A, Chakrapani P, Syed T, McKiernan JM, Solit DB, Shen MM, Al-Ahmadie HA, Abate-Shen C. Novel Mouse Models of Bladder Cancer Identify a Prognostic Signature Associated with Risk of Disease Progression. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5161-5175. [PMID: 34470779 PMCID: PMC8609963 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To study the progression of bladder cancer from non-muscle-invasive to muscle-invasive disease, we have developed a novel toolkit that uses complementary approaches to achieve gene recombination in specific cell populations in the bladder urothelium in vivo, thereby allowing us to generate a new series of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) of bladder cancer. One method is based on the delivery of adenoviruses that express Cre recombinase in selected cell types in the urothelium, and a second uses transgenic drivers in which activation of inducible Cre alleles can be limited to the bladder urothelium by intravesicular delivery of tamoxifen. Using both approaches, targeted deletion of the Pten and p53 tumor suppressor genes specifically in basal urothelial cells gave rise to muscle-invasive bladder tumors. Furthermore, preinvasive lesions arising in basal cells displayed upregulation of molecular pathways related to bladder tumorigenesis, including proinflammatory pathways. Cross-species analyses comparing a mouse gene signature of early bladder cancer with a human signature of bladder cancer progression identified a conserved 28-gene signature of early bladder cancer that is associated with poor prognosis for human bladder cancer and that outperforms comparable gene signatures. These findings demonstrate the relevance of these GEMMs for studying the biology of human bladder cancer and introduce a prognostic gene signature that may help to stratify patients at risk for progression to potentially lethal muscle-invasive disease. SIGNIFICANCE: Analyses of bladder cancer progression in a new series of genetically engineered mouse models has identified a gene signature of poor prognosis in human bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soonbum Park
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Lijie Rong
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Tomasz B Owczarek
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Matteo Di Bernardo
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Rivka L Shoulson
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Chee-Wai Chua
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jaime Y Kim
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Amir Lankarani
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Prithi Chakrapani
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Talal Syed
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - James M McKiernan
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - David B Solit
- Departments of Human Oncology and Pathogenesis and Medicine, Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Michael M Shen
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Hikmat A Al-Ahmadie
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Cory Abate-Shen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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50
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Mao X, Xu J, Wang W, Liang C, Hua J, Liu J, Zhang B, Meng Q, Yu X, Shi S. Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment: new findings and future perspectives. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:131. [PMID: 34635121 PMCID: PMC8504100 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 808] [Impact Index Per Article: 269.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a stromal cell population with cell-of-origin, phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, are the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Through multiple pathways, activated CAFs can promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, along with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and even chemoresistance. Numerous previous studies have confirmed the critical role of the interaction between CAFs and tumor cells in tumorigenesis and development. However, recently, the mutual effects of CAFs and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) have been identified as another key factor in promoting tumor progression. The TIME mainly consists of distinct immune cell populations in tumor islets and is highly associated with the antitumor immunological state in the TME. CAFs interact with tumor-infiltrating immune cells as well as other immune components within the TIME via the secretion of various cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, exosomes and other effector molecules, consequently shaping an immunosuppressive TME that enables cancer cells to evade surveillance of the immune system. In-depth studies of CAFs and immune microenvironment interactions, particularly the complicated mechanisms connecting CAFs with immune cells, might provide novel strategies for subsequent targeted immunotherapies. Herein, we shed light on recent advances regarding the direct and indirect crosstalk between CAFs and infiltrating immune cells and further summarize the possible immunoinhibitory mechanisms induced by CAFs in the TME. In addition, we present current related CAF-targeting immunotherapies and briefly describe some future perspectives on CAF research in the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Mao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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