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Gao J, Wang Z, Lin S, Tian Y, Wu H, Li Z, Liu F. CCR7/DUSP1 signaling Axis mediates iCAF to regulates head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth. Cell Signal 2024; 122:111305. [PMID: 39067836 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE C-C motif chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) significantly influences tumors onset and progression, yet its impact on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and specific mechanisms remain elusive. Inflammatory Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (iCAF), a vital subtype of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAF), play a critical role in regulating the TME and tumor growth, though the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aims to determine whether CCR7 participates in tumor regulation by iCAF and to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved. METHODS Differential gene analysis of CAF subtypes in CCR7 knockout and wild-type groups was conducted using single-cell data. Animal models facilitated the extraction of primary iCAF cells via flow cytometry sorting. Changes in DUSP1 expression and the efficiency of lentivirus-mediated knockdown and overexpression were examined through qPCR and Western Blot. MOC1 and MOC2 cells were co-cultured with iCAF, with subsequent validation of changes in tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion using CCK8, EdU, and wound healing assays. ELISA was employed to detect changes in TGF-β1 concentration in the iCAF supernatant. RESULTS CAF was categorized into three subtypes-myCAF, iCAF, and apCAF-based on single-cell data. Analysis revealed a significant increase in DUSP1 expression in iCAF from the CCR7 knockout group, confirmed by in vitro experiments. Co-culturing MOC1 and MOC2 cells with iCAF exhibiting lentivirus-mediated DUSP1 knockdown resulted in inhibited tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. In contrast, co-culture with iCAF overexpressing DUSP1 enhanced these capabilities. Additionally, the TGF-β1 concentration in the supernatant increased in the DUSP1 knockdown iCAF group, whereas it decreased in the DUSP1 overexpression group. CONCLUSION The CCR7/DUSP1 signaling axis regulates tumor growth by modulating TGF-β1 secretion in iCAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Gao
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China; Shigezhuang Community Health Service Center in Changping District, Beijing.
| | - Zengxu Wang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shanfeng Lin
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haoxuan Wu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenning Li
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fayu Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China.
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Guo T, Xu J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:1095-1116. [PMID: 38602594 PMCID: PMC11300527 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of TME and exhibit heterogeneous properties in their communication with tumor cells. This heterogeneity of CAFs can be attributed to various origins, including quiescent fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and mesothelial cells. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing has identified diverse phenotypes of CAFs, with myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) being the most acknowledged, alongside newly discovered subtypes like antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Due to these heterogeneities, CAFs exert multiple functions in tumorigenesis, cancer stemness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metabolism, and metastasis. As a result, targeted therapies aimed at the TME, particularly focusing on CAFs, are rapidly developing, fueling the promising future of advanced tumor-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Guo
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junfen Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
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Zhang TL, Zheng BW, Xia C, Wu PF, Zheng BY, Jiang LX, Li J, Lv GH, Zhou H, Huang W, Zou MX. Hypoxic Upregulation of IER2 Increases Paracrine GMFG Signaling of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-CAF to Promote Chordoma Progression via Targeting ITGB1. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2405421. [PMID: 39207055 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202405421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the oncogenic mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum stress-CAF (ERS-CAF) subpopulation in chordoma remains unknown. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler, data-independent acquisition proteomics, bulk RNA-seq, and multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence are used to unveil the precise molecular mechanism of how ERS-CAF affected chordoma progression. Results show that hypoxic microenvironment reprograms CAFs into ERS-CAF subtype. Mechanistically, this occurrs via hypoxia-mediated transcriptional upregulation of IER2. Overexpression of IER2 in CAFs promotes chordoma progression, which can be impeded by IER2 knockdown or use of ERS inhibitors. IER2 also induces expression of ERS-CAF marker genes and results in production of a pro-tumorigenic paracrine GMFG signaling, which exert its biological function via directly binding to ITGB1 on tumor cells. ITGB1 inhibition attenuates tumor malignant progression, which can be partially reversed by exogenous GMFG intervention. Further analyses reveal a positive correlation between ITGB1high tumor cell counts and SPP1+ macrophage density, as well as the spatial proximity of these two cell types. Clinically, a significant correlation of high IER2/ITGB1 expression with tumor aggressive phenotype and poor patient survival is observed. Collectively, the findings suggest that ERS-CAF regulates SPP1+ macrophage to aggravate chordoma progression via the IER2/GMFG/ITGB1 axis, which may be targeted therapeutically in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Lan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Bo-Wen Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Chao Xia
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Peng-Fei Wu
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, National Children's Medical Center for South Central Region, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China
| | - Bo-Yv Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430061, China
| | - Ling-Xiang Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Guo-Hua Lv
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Wei Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Health Management Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Ming-Xiang Zou
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
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Lin G, Lin J, Wang H, Wang L, Zhan F, Wu L, Xue L, Dong Y, Wei W, Liu L. Characterization of the stem cell landscape and identification of a stemness-associated prognostic signature in bladder cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:299. [PMID: 39182054 PMCID: PMC11344935 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03465-4] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
It is accepted that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are key to the occurrence, progression, drug resistance, and recurrence of bladder cancer (BLCA). Here, we aimed to characterize the landscapes of CSCs and investigate the biological and clinical signatures based on a prognostic model constructed by genes associated with CSCs. The malignant epithelial cells were discovered and sorted into six clusters through single cell analysis. C2 was identified as the CSCs. The signaling involved in the interactions between C2, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and immune cells mainly consisted of MK, THBS, ANGPTL, VISFATIN, JAM, and ncWNT pathways. The CSC-like prognostic index (CSCLPI) constructed by the random survival forest was a reliable risk factor for BLCA and had a stable and powerful effect on predicting the overall survival of patients with BLCA. The level of CAFs was higher among patients with higher CSCLPI scores, suggesting that CAFs play a significant role in regulating biological characteristics. The CSCLPI-developed survival prediction nomogram has the potential to be applied clinically to predict the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival of patients with BLCA. The CSCLPI can be used for prognostic prediction and drug treatment evaluation in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoteng Lin
- Department of Urology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiamei Lin
- Burn Plastic Surgery And Wound Repair Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
- Baise Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology in Tumors, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Jiefang South Road, No. 199, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liucheng Wang
- Department of Urology, Lianshui People's Hospital of Kangda College Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 223400, China
| | - Fangfang Zhan
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, National Regional Medical Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350212, China
| | - Liqian Wu
- Department of Urology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liang Xue
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Jiefang South Road, No. 199, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Jiefang South Road, No. 199, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221009, China
| | - Wanqing Wei
- Department of Urology, Lianshui People's Hospital of Kangda College Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 223400, China.
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Jiefang South Road, No. 199, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Solovyeva AI, Afanasev RV, Popova MA, Enukashvily NI. Dysregulation of Transposon Transcription Profiles in Cancer Cells Resembles That of Embryonic Stem Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:8576-8599. [PMID: 39194722 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46080505] [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: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) comprise a substantial portion of the mammalian genome, with potential implications for both embryonic development and cancer. This study aimed to characterize the expression profiles of TEs in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), cancer cell lines, tumor tissues, and the tumor microenvironment (TME). We observed similarities in TE expression profiles between cancer cells and ESCs, suggesting potential parallels in regulatory mechanisms. Notably, four TE RNAs (HERVH, LTR7, HERV-Fc1, HERV-Fc2) exhibited significant downregulation across cancer cell lines and tumor tissues compared to ESCs, highlighting potential roles in pluripotency regulation. The strong up-regulation of the latter two TEs (HERV-Fc1, HERV-Fc2) in ESCs has not been previously demonstrated and may be a first indication of their role in the regulation of pluripotency. Conversely, tandemly repeated sequences (MSR1, CER, ALR) showed up-regulation in cancer contexts. Moreover, a difference in TE expression was observed between the TME and the tumor bulk transcriptome, with distinct dysregulated TE profiles. Some TME-specific TEs were absent in normal tissues, predominantly belonging to LTR and L1 retrotransposon families. These findings not only shed light on the regulatory roles of TEs in both embryonic development and cancer but also suggest novel targets for anti-cancer therapy. Understanding the interplay between cancer cells and the TME at the TE level may pave the way for further research into therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna I Solovyeva
- Lab of the Non-Coding DNA Studies, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Roman V Afanasev
- Lab of the Non-Coding DNA Studies, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Marina A Popova
- Lab of the Non-Coding DNA Studies, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Applied Genomics Laboratory, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, 191002 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natella I Enukashvily
- Lab of the Non-Coding DNA Studies, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Cytology and Histology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
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6
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Tuo Z, Zhang Y, Li D, Wang Y, Wu R, Wang J, Yu Q, Ye L, Shao F, Wusiman D, Yang Y, Yoo KH, Ke M, Okoli UA, Cho WC, Heavey S, Wei W, Feng D. Relationship between clonal evolution and drug resistance in bladder cancer: A genomic research review. Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107302. [PMID: 39004242 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer stands as a prevalent global malignancy, exhibiting notable sex-based variations in both incidence and prognosis. Despite substantial strides in therapeutic approaches, the formidable challenge of drug resistance persists. The genomic landscape of bladder cancer, characterized by intricate clonal heterogeneity, emerges as a pivotal determinant in fostering this resistance. Clonal evolution, encapsulating the dynamic transformations within subpopulations of tumor cells over time, is implicated in the emergence of drug-resistant traits. Within this review, we illuminate contemporary insights into the role of clonal evolution in bladder cancer, elucidating its influence as a driver in tumor initiation, disease progression, and the formidable obstacle of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouting Tuo
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Dengxiong Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yetong Wang
- The Fourth Corps of Students of the Basic Medical College, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ruicheng Wu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qingxin Yu
- Department of Pathology, Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province 315211, China
| | - Luxia Ye
- Department of Public Research Platform, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Fanglin Shao
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Dilinaer Wusiman
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Yubo Yang
- Department of Urology, Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, Wanzhou 404000, China
| | - Koo Han Yoo
- Department of Urology, Kyung Hee University, South Korea
| | - Mang Ke
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Uzoamaka Adaobi Okoli
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7TS, UK; Basic and Translational Cancer Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR China.
| | - Susan Heavey
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7TS, UK.
| | - Wuran Wei
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Dechao Feng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7TS, UK.
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Li J, Kong Z, Qi Y, Wang W, Su Q, Huang W, Zhang Z, Li S, Du E. Single-cell and bulk RNA-sequence identified fibroblasts signature and CD8 + T-cell - fibroblast subtype predicting prognosis and immune therapeutic response of bladder cancer, based on machine learning: bioinformatics multi-omics study. Int J Surg 2024; 110:4911-4931. [PMID: 38759695 PMCID: PMC11325897 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000001516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are found in primary and advanced tumours. They are primarily involved in tumour progression through complex mechanisms with other types of cells in the tumour microenvironment. However, essential fibroblasts-related genes (FRG) in bladder cancer still need to be explored, and there is a shortage of an ideal predictive model or molecular subtype for the progression and immune therapeutic assessment for bladder cancer, especially muscular-invasive bladder cancer based on the FRG. MATERIALS AND METHODS CAF-related genes of bladder cancer were identified by analysing single-cell RNA sequence datasets, and bulk transcriptome datasets and gene signatures were used to characterize them. Then, 10 types of machine learning algorithms were utilised to determine the hallmark FRG and construct the FRG index (FRGI) and subtypes. Further molecular subtypes combined with CD8+ T-cells were established to predict the prognosis and immune therapy response. RESULTS Fifty-four BLCA-related FRG were screened by large-scale scRNA-sequence datasets. The machine learning algorithm established a 3-genes FRGI. High FRGI represented a worse outcome. Then, FRGI combined clinical variables to construct a nomogram, which shows high predictive performance for the prognosis of bladder cancer. Furthermore, the BLCA datasets were separated into two subtypes - fibroblast hot and cold types. In five independent BLCA cohorts, the fibroblast hot type showed worse outcomes than the cold type. Multiple cancer-related hallmark pathways are distinctively enriched in these two types. In addition, high FRGI or fibroblast hot type shows a worse immune therapeutic response. Then, four subtypes called CD8-FRG subtypes were established under the combination of FRG signature and activity of CD8+ T-cells, which turned out to be effective in predicting the prognosis and immune therapeutic response of bladder cancer in multiple independent datasets. Pathway enrichment analysis, multiple gene signatures, and epigenetic alteration characterize the CD8-FRG subtypes and provide a potential combination strategy method against bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the authors established a novel FRGI and CD8-FRG subtype by large-scale datasets and organised analyses, which could accurately predict clinical outcomes and immune therapeutic response of BLCA after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxian Li
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University
| | - Zheng Kong
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University
| | - Yuanjiong Qi
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University
| | - Wei Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University
| | - Qiang Su
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University
| | - Wei Huang
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University
| | - Zhihong Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - E Du
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University
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Dai S, Liu Y, Liu Z, Li R, Luo F, Li Y, Dai L, Peng X. Cancer-associated fibroblasts mediate resistance to anti-EGFR therapies in cancer. Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107304. [PMID: 39002870 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Over the last decade, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies have transformed the treatment landscape for patients with advanced solid tumors. Despite these advances, resistance to anti-EGFR therapies is still a significant clinical challenge. While cell-autonomous mechanisms of resistance are well-documented, they do not fully elucidate the complexity of drug resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), key mediators within the tumor microenvironment (TME), have emerged as pivotal players in cancer progression and chemoresistance. Recent evidence implicates CAFs in resistance to anti-EGFR therapies, suggesting they may undermine treatment efficacy. This review synthesizes current data, highlighting the critical role of CAFs in resistance pathogenesis and summarizing recent therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs. We underscore the challenges and advocate for the exploration of CAFs as a potential dual-targeted approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Dai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yingtong Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zheran Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, China
| | - Ruidan Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xingchen Peng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, China.
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9
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Zhang Y, Yang Y, Qi X, Cui P, Kang Y, Liu H, Wei Z, Wang H. SLC14A1 and TGF-β signaling: a feedback loop driving EMT and colorectal cancer metachronous liver metastasis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:208. [PMID: 39061061 PMCID: PMC11282742 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03114-8] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) metachronous liver metastasis is a significant clinical challenge, largely attributable to the late detection and the intricate molecular mechanisms that remain poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the role of Solute Carrier Family 14 Member 1 (SLC14A1) in the pathogenesis and progression of CRC metachronous liver metastasis. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive analysis of CRC patient data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and GSE40967 databases, focusing on the differential expression of genes associated with non-metachronous liver metastasis and metachronous liver metastasis. Functional assays, both in vitro and in vivo, were performed to assess the biological impact of SLC14A1 modulation in CRC cells. Gene set enrichment analysis, molecular assays and immunohistochemical analyses on clinical specimens were employed to unravel the underlying mechanisms through which SLC14A1 exerts its effects. RESULTS SLC14A1 was identified as a differentially expressed gene, with its overexpression significantly correlating with poor relapse-free and overall survival. Mechanistically, elevated SLC14A1 levels enhanced CRC cell invasiveness and migratory abilities, corroborated by upregulated TGF-β/Smad signaling and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. SLC14A1 interacted with TβRII and stabilized TβRII protein, impeding its Smurf1-mediated K48-linked ubiquitination and degradation, amplifying TGF-β/Smad signaling. Furthermore, TGF-β1 reciprocally elevated SLC14A1 mRNA expression, with Snail identified as a transcriptional regulator, binding downstream of SLC14A1's transcription start site, establishing a positive feedback loop. Clinically, SLC14A1, phosphorylated Smad2, and Snail were markedly upregulated in CRC patients with metachronous liver metastasis, underscoring their potential as prognostic markers. CONCLUSIONS Our findings unveil SLC14A1 as a critical regulator in CRC metachronous liver metastasis, providing novel insights into the molecular crosstalk between SLC14A1 and TGF-β/Smad signaling. These discoveries not only enhance our understanding of CRC metachronous liver metastasis pathogenesis, but also highlight SLC14A1 as a promising target for therapeutic intervention and predictive marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixun Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yumeng Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men Wai, Beijing, 100069, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men Wai, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Qi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men Wai, Beijing, 100069, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men Wai, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Cui
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Lab of Digestive Health, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Kang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Haiyi Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhigang Wei
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 85 Jiefang Nan Lu, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Haibo Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men Wai, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men Wai, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men Wai, Beijing, China.
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10
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Xu Y, Ren Z, Zeng F, Yang H, Hu C. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived WNT5A promotes cell proliferation, metastasis, stemness and glycolysis in gastric cancer via regulating HK2. World J Surg Oncol 2024; 22:193. [PMID: 39054546 PMCID: PMC11270928 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-024-03482-7] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor progression. This study aims to explore the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in GC and the underlying mechanism. METHODS Cell viability, proliferation, invasion and migration were assessed by MTT, EdU, transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Sphere formation assay was used to evaluate cell stemness. Glucose consumption, lactate production and ATP consumption were measured to assess glycolysis. In addition, The RNA and protein expression were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. The interaction between wingless Type MMTV Integration Site Family, Member 5 A (WNT5A) and hexokinase 2 (HK2) was verified by Co-immunoprecipitation. The xenograft model was established to explore the function of CAFs on GC tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS CAFs promoted the proliferation, metastasis, stemness and glycolysis of GC cells. WNT5A was upregulated in CAFs, and CAFs enhanced WNT5A expression in GC cells. Knockdown of WNT5A in either GC cells or CAFs repressed the progression of GC cells. In addition, WNT5A promoted HK2 expression, and overexpression of HK2 reversed the effect of WNT5A knockdown in CAFs on GC cells. Besides, knockdown of WNT5A in CAFs inhibits tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION CAF-derived WNT5A facilitates the progression of GC via regulating HK2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsu Xu
- Nursing Department, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhengju Ren
- School of Nursing, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Fang Zeng
- Hemodialysis Room, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Public Welfare Services Division, The Affiliated Dazu's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1073, South Second Ring Road, Hongxing Community, Tangxiang Street, Dazu District, Chongqing, 402360, China.
| | - Chengju Hu
- Health Management Center, The Affiliated Dazu's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1073, South Second Ring Road, Hongxing Community, Tangxiang Street, Dazu District, Chongqing, 402360, China.
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11
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Grausenburger R, Herek P, Shariat SF, Englinger B. Recent contributions of single-cell and spatial profiling to the understanding of bladder cancer. Curr Opin Urol 2024; 34:236-243. [PMID: 38650456 PMCID: PMC11155276 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Current risk stratification and treatment decision-making for bladder cancer informed by histopathology as well as molecular diagnostics face limitations. This review summarizes recent advancements in single-cell and spatial omics methodologies for understanding bladder cancer biology and their potential impact on development of novel therapeutic strategies. RECENT FINDINGS Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial omics techniques offer unprecedented insights into various aspects of tumor microenvironment (TME), bladder cancer heterogeneity, cancer stemness, and cellular plasticity. Studies have identified multiple malignant cell subpopulations within tumors, revealing diverse transcriptional states and clonal evolution. Additionally, intratumor heterogeneity has been linked to tumor progression and therapeutic response. Immune cell composition analysis has revealed immunosuppressive features in the TME, impacting treatment response. Furthermore, studies have elucidated the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells in shaping the tumor immune landscape and response to therapy. SUMMARY Single-cell and spatial omics technologies have revolutionized our understanding of bladder cancer biology, uncovering previously unseen complexities. These methodologies provide valuable insights into tumor heterogeneity and microenvironmental interactions, with implications for therapeutic development. However, challenges remain in translating research findings into clinical practice and implementing personalized treatment strategies. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation are essential for overcoming these challenges and leveraging the full potential of single-cell and spatial omics in improving bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Grausenburger
- Department of Urology and Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paula Herek
- Department of Urology and Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shahrokh F. Shariat
- Department of Urology and Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Urology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Division of Urology, Department of Special Surgery, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Research Center for Evidence Medicine, Urology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Karl Landsteiner Institute of Urology and Andrology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Englinger
- Department of Urology and Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Nössing C, Herek P, Shariat SF, Berger W, Englinger B. Advances in preclinical assessment of therapeutic targets for bladder cancer precision medicine. Curr Opin Urol 2024; 34:251-257. [PMID: 38602053 PMCID: PMC11155291 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Bladder cancer incidence is on the rise, and until recently, there has been little to no change in treatment regimens over the last 40 years. Hence, it is imperative to work on strategies and approaches to untangle the complexity of intra- and inter-tumour heterogeneity of bladder cancer with the aim of improving patient-specific care and treatment outcomes. The focus of this review is therefore to highlight novel targets, advances, and therapy approaches for bladder cancer patients. RECENT FINDINGS The success of combining an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with immunotherapy has been recently hailed as a game changer in treating bladder cancer patients. Hence, interest in other ADCs as a treatment option is also rife. Furthermore, strategies to overcome chemoresistance to standard therapy have been described recently. In addition, other studies showed that targeting genomic alterations (e.g. mutations in FGFR3 , DNA damage repair genes and loss of the Y chromosome) could also be helpful as prognostic and treatment stratification biomarkers. The use of single-cell RNA sequencing approaches has allowed better characterisation of the tumour microenvironment and subsequent identification of novel targets. Functional precision medicine could be another avenue to improve and guide personalized treatment options. SUMMARY Several novel preclinical targets and treatment options have been described recently. The validation of these advances will lead to the development and implementation of robust personalized treatment regimens for bladder cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paula Herek
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Shahrokh F. Shariat
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Urology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute for Urology, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Research center for Evidence Medicine, Urology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Karl Landsteiner Institute of Urology and Andrology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Berger
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Englinger
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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13
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Yan B, Luo P, Qiu H, Wang J, Xiong Q, Hu W, Wang F, Liu G, Zhi Y, Fang Q, Shi C, Li W. PC4 promotes bladder cancer progression and stemness by directly interacting with Sp1 to transcriptionally activate the Wnt5a/β-catenin pathway. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 259:155369. [PMID: 38820928 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a common malignancy with a poor prognosis worldwide. Positive cofactor 4 (PC4) is widely reported to promote malignant phenotypes in various tumors. Nonetheless, the biological function and mechanism of PC4 in bladder cancer remain unclear. Here, for the first time, we report that PC4 is elevated in bladder cancer and is associated with patient survival. Moreover, PC4 deficiency obviously inhibited bladder cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by reducing the expression of genes related to cancer stemness (CD44, CD47, KLF4 and c-Myc). Through RNA-seq and experimental verification, we found that activation of the Wnt5a/β-catenin pathway is involved in the malignant function of PC4. Mechanistically, PC4 directly interacts with Sp1 to promote Wnt5a transcription. Thus, our study furthers our understanding of the role of PC4 in cancer stemness regulation and provides a promising strategy for bladder cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benhuang Yan
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Peng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Heping Qiu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Jianwu Wang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Qin Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Weiwei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Fulong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Gaoyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yi Zhi
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Qiang Fang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Chunmeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Weibing Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China.
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14
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Ma J, Xue K, Jiang Y, Wang X, He D, Guo P. Down-regulation of SLC14A1 in prostate cancer activates CDK1/CCNB1 and mTOR pathways and promotes tumor progression. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14914. [PMID: 38942821 PMCID: PMC11213927 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66020-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer among men in the United States and the leading cause of cancer-related death. The Solute Carrier Family 14 Member 1 (SLC14A1) is a member of urea transporters which are important for the regulation of urine concentration. However, the physiological significance of SLC14A1 in PCa still remains unclear. In the present study, via bioinformatics analysis and experiments, we found that expression of SLC14A1 is significantly decreased in PCa progression, which could be attributed to hypermethylation on SLC14A1 promoter region. Moreover, its low expression and hypermethylation on SLC14A1 promoter are closely related to the poor prognosis of PCa patients. On the other hand, overexpression of SLC14A1 inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis while its overexpression also suppressed CDK1/CCNB1 pathway and mTOR/MMP-9 signaling pathway. Additionally, SLC14A1 expression is enriched in prostate basal-type cells. In summary, our study indicates that its low expression level and promoter hypermethylation of SLC14A1 may represent novel indicators for PCa progression and prognosis, and SLC14A1 could inhibit the progression of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbin Ma
- Department of Urology, Qujiang Hospital, Northwest Corner of Huang Qutou Road Number Two and Changming Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kaihua Xue
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yan-Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yifan Jiang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yan-Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinyang Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yan-Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dalin He
- Department of Urology, Qujiang Hospital, Northwest Corner of Huang Qutou Road Number Two and Changming Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yan-Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yan-Ta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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15
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Xiao Y, Wang Z, Gu M, Wei P, Wang X, Li W. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: heterogeneity and their role in the tumor immune response. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:126. [PMID: 38864912 PMCID: PMC11169017 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01375-3] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, many reports have been published on the composition and function of the tumor microenvironment (TME), among which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have received much attention. CAFs have different degrees of heterogeneity in terms of their origin, phenotype, and function and can be divided into different subpopulations. These subgroups may play different roles in the occurrence and development of tumors. In addition, CAFs are closely associated with tumor immunity and have been found to regulate immune cell activity and to suppress the tumor immune response. In this review, we systematize the heterogeneity and characteristics of CAFs, discuss how specific CAF subgroups contribute to cancer progression by inducing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and finally, we examine the future clinical applications of CAF subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Xiao
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Gu
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Panjian Wei
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojue Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Weiying Li
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China.
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16
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Zhang Q, Wang C, Qin M, Ye Y, Mo Y, Meng Q, Yang G, Feng G, Lin R, Xian S, Wei J, Chen S, Wang S, Mo Z. Investigating cellular similarities and differences between upper tract urothelial carcinoma and bladder urothelial carcinoma using single-cell sequencing. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1298087. [PMID: 38903524 PMCID: PMC11187293 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1298087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) both originate from uroepithelial tissue, sharing remarkably similar clinical manifestations and therapeutic modalities. However, emerging evidence suggests that identical treatment regimens may lead to less favorable outcomes in UTUC compared to BLCA. Therefore, it is imperative to explore molecular processes of UTUC and identify biological differences between UTUC and BLCA. Methods In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on three UTUC cases and four normal ureteral tissues. These data were combined with publicly available datasets from previous BLCA studies and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data for both cancer types. This pooled analysis allowed us to delineate the transcriptional differences among distinct cell subsets within the microenvironment, thus identifying critical factors contributing to UTUC progression and phenotypic differences between UTUC and BLCA. Results scRNA-seq analysis revealed seemingly similar but transcriptionally distinct cellular identities within the UTUC and BLCA ecosystems. Notably, we observed striking differences in acquired immunological landscapes and varied cellular functional phenotypes between these two cancers. In addition, we uncovered the immunomodulatory functions of vein endothelial cells (ECs) in UTUC, and intercellular network analysis demonstrated that fibroblasts play important roles in the microenvironment. Further intersection analysis showed that MARCKS promote UTUC progression, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining revealed that the diverse expression patterns of MARCKS in UTUC, BLCA and normal ureter tissues. Conclusion This study expands our multidimensional understanding of the similarities and distinctions between UTUC and BLCA. Our findings lay the foundation for further investigations to develop diagnostic and therapeutic targets for UTUC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyun Zhang
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chengbang Wang
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Min Qin
- Human Sperm Bank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yu Ye
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yingxi Mo
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qinggui Meng
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guanglin Yang
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guanzheng Feng
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Rui Lin
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shinan Xian
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jueling Wei
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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17
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Yi Y, Qin G, Yang H, Jia H, Zeng Q, Zheng D, Ye S, Zhang Z, Liu TM, Luo KQ, Deng CX, Xu RH. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Increase the Natural Killer Resistance of Circulating Tumor Cells via Intercellular Signaling of cGAS-STING-IFNβ-HLA. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400888. [PMID: 38638003 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) shed from primary tumors must overcome the cytotoxicity of immune cells, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, to cause metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) protects tumor cells from the cytotoxicity of immune cells, which is partially executed by cancer-associated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). However, the mechanisms by which MSCs influence the NK resistance of CTCs remain poorly understood. This study demonstrates that MSCs enhance the NK resistance of cancer cells in a gap junction-dependent manner, thereby promoting the survival and metastatic seeding of CTCs in immunocompromised mice. Tumor cells crosstalk with MSCs through an intercellular cGAS-cGAMP-STING signaling loop, leading to increased production of interferon-β (IFNβ) by MSCs. IFNβ reversely enhances the type I IFN (IFN-I) signaling in tumor cells and hence the expression of human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) on the cell surface, protecting the tumor cells from NK cytotoxicity. Disruption of this loop reverses NK sensitivity in tumor cells and decreases tumor metastasis. Moreover, there are positive correlations between IFN-I signaling, HLA-I expression, and NK tolerance in human tumor samples. Thus, the NK-resistant signaling loop between tumor cells and MSCs may serve as a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yi
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Guihui Qin
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Hao Jia
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Qibing Zeng
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Dejin Zheng
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Sen Ye
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Tzu-Ming Liu
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Ren-He Xu
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
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18
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Qian J, Zhang Q, Cao Y, Chu X, Gao Y, Xu H, Cai H, Wu J. Perfusion drugs for non‑muscle invasive bladder cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 27:267. [PMID: 38659423 PMCID: PMC11040539 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14400] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The high recurrence rate and poor prognosis of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (BC) are challenges that need to be urgently addressed. Transurethral cystectomy for bladder tumors is often combined with bladder perfusion therapy, which can effectively reduce the recurrence and progression rates of BC. The present review integrated and analyzed currently available bladder perfusion drugs, mainly including chemotherapeutic agents, immunotherapeutic agents and other adjuvant perfusion drugs. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) perfusion was the pioneering immunotherapy for early BC and still ranks high in the selection of perfusion drugs. However, BCG infusion has a high toxicity profile and has been shown to be ineffective in some patients. Due to the limitations of BCG, new bladder perfusion drugs are constantly being developed. Immunotherapeutic agents have opened a whole new chapter in the selection of therapeutic agents for bladder perfusion. The present review explored the mechanism of action, clinical dosage and adverse effects of a variety of bladder perfusion drugs currently in common use, described combined perfusion and compared the effects of certain drugs on BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Qian
- Department of Nursing, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Qiuchen Zhang
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Xi Chu
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Yiyang Gao
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Haifei Xu
- Department of Urology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu 226006, P.R. China
| | - Hongzhou Cai
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Jiajia Wu
- Department of Nursing, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
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19
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Xie M, Zhou L, Li T, Lin Y, Zhang R, Zheng X, Zeng C, Zheng L, Zhong L, Huang X, Zou Y, Kang T, Wu Y. Targeting the KAT8/YEATS4 Axis Represses Tumor Growth and Increases Cisplatin Sensitivity in Bladder Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2310146. [PMID: 38526153 PMCID: PMC11165526 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202310146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common tumors characterized by a high rate of relapse and a lack of targeted therapy. Here, YEATS domain-containing protein 4 (YEATS4) is an essential gene for BC cell viability using CRISPR-Cas9 library screening is reported, and that HUWE1 is an E3 ligase responsible for YEATS4 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation by the Protein Stability Regulators Screening Assay. KAT8-mediated acetylation of YEATS4 impaired its interaction with HUWE1 and consequently prevented its ubiquitination and degradation. The protein levels of YEATS4 and KAT8 are positively correlated and high levels of these two proteins are associated with poor overall survival in BC patients. Importantly, suppression of YEATS4 acetylation with the KAT8 inhibitor MG149 decreased YEATS4 acetylation, reduced cell viability, and sensitized BC cells to cisplatin treatment. The findings reveal a critical role of the KAT8/YEATS4 axis in both tumor growth and cisplatin sensitivity in BC cells, potentially generating a novel therapeutic strategy for BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miner Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- Department of HematologyGuangzhou First People's HospitalSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Liwen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Yujie Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Ruhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Xianchong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Cuiling Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Lisi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Li Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- Center of Digestive DiseaseScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518107P. R. China
| | - Xiaodan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Yezi Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- School of MedicineShenzhen Campus of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhen518107P. R. China
| | - Tiebang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Yuanzhong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
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20
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Chen E, Wu J, Huang J, Zhu W, Sun H, Wang X, Lin D, Li X, Shi D, Liu Z, Huang J, Chen M, Xie F, Deng W. FLI1 promotes IFN-γ-induced kynurenine production to impair anti-tumor immunity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4590. [PMID: 38816360 PMCID: PMC11139667 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48397-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)-mediated immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME) frequently culminates in the failure of otherwise promising immunotherapies. In this study, we identify tumor-intrinsic FLI1 as a critical mediator in impairing T cell anti-tumor immunity. A mechanistic inquiry reveals that FLI1 orchestrates the expression of CBP and STAT1, facilitating chromatin accessibility and transcriptional activation of IDO1 in response to T cell-released IFN-γ. This regulatory cascade ultimately leads to augmented IDO1 expression, resulting in heightened synthesis of kynurenine (Kyn) in tumor cells. This, in turn, fosters CD8+ T cell exhaustion and regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation. Intriguingly, we find that pharmacological inhibition of FLI1 effectively obstructs the CBP/STAT1-IDO1-Kyn axis, thereby invigorating both spontaneous and checkpoint therapy-induced immune responses, culminating in enhanced tumor eradication. In conclusion, our findings delineate FLI1-mediated Kyn metabolism as an immune evasion mechanism in NPC, furnishing valuable insights into potential therapeutic interventions.
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MESH Headings
- Kynurenine/metabolism
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Animals
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/genetics
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/metabolism
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
- Humans
- Mice
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- STAT1 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/immunology
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/metabolism
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/genetics
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/pathology
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/drug therapy
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/immunology
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/metabolism
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/genetics
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Tumor Escape/drug effects
- Mice, Knockout
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Affiliation(s)
- Enni Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Wu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wancui Zhu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haohui Sun
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dagui Lin
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodi Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingbo Shi
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiao Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Fangyun Xie
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wuguo Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong, China.
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21
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Kang J, Lee JH, Cha H, An J, Kwon J, Lee S, Kim S, Baykan MY, Kim SY, An D, Kwon AY, An HJ, Lee SH, Choi JK, Park JE. Systematic dissection of tumor-normal single-cell ecosystems across a thousand tumors of 30 cancer types. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4067. [PMID: 38744958 PMCID: PMC11094150 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48310-4] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the tumor microenvironment poses significant challenges in cancer therapy. Here, to comprehensively investigate the tumor-normal ecosystems, we perform an integrative analysis of 4.9 million single-cell transcriptomes from 1070 tumor and 493 normal samples in combination with pan-cancer 137 spatial transcriptomics, 8887 TCGA, and 1261 checkpoint inhibitor-treated bulk tumors. We define a myriad of cell states constituting the tumor-normal ecosystems and also identify hallmark gene signatures across different cell types and organs. Our atlas characterizes distinctions between inflammatory fibroblasts marked by AKR1C1 or WNT5A in terms of cellular interactions and spatial co-localization patterns. Co-occurrence analysis reveals interferon-enriched community states including tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) components, which exhibit differential rewiring between tumor, adjacent normal, and healthy normal tissues. The favorable response of interferon-enriched community states to immunotherapy is validated using immunotherapy-treated cancers (n = 1261) including our lung cancer cohort (n = 497). Deconvolution of spatial transcriptomes discriminates TLS-enriched from non-enriched cell types among immunotherapy-favorable components. Our systematic dissection of tumor-normal ecosystems provides a deeper understanding of inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junho Kang
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hyeong Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongui Cha
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhyeon An
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonha Kwon
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cancer Data Science, National Cancer Center, Bioinformatics Branch, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongwoo Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongryong Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mert Yakup Baykan
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyeon An
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Young Kwon
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung An
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Hoon Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung Kyoon Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Penta Medix Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Eun Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Loh JJ, Ma S. Hallmarks of cancer stemness. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:617-639. [PMID: 38701757 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.004] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stemness is recognized as a key component of tumor development. Previously coined "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) and believed to be a rare population with rigid hierarchical organization, there is good evidence to suggest that these cells exhibit a plastic cellular state influenced by dynamic CSC-niche interplay. This revelation underscores the need to reevaluate the hallmarks of cancer stemness. Herein, we summarize the techniques used to identify and characterize the state of these cells and discuss their defining and emerging hallmarks, along with their enabling and associated features. We also highlight potential future directions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Translational and Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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23
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Ma XY, Chen MM, Meng LH. Second messenger 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (2'3'-cGAMP): the cell autonomous and non-autonomous roles in cancer progression. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:890-899. [PMID: 38177693 PMCID: PMC11053103 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01210-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is frequently accumulated in cancer cells due to chromosomal instability or exogenous stimulation. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) acts as a cytosolic DNA sensor, which is activated upon binding to dsDNA to synthesize the crucial second messenger 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (2'3'-cGAMP) that in turn triggers stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling. The canonical role of cGAS-cGAMP-STING pathway is essential for innate immunity and viral defense. Recent emerging evidence indicates that 2'3'-cGAMP plays an important role in cancer progression via cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms. Beyond its role as an intracellular messenger to activate STING signaling in tumor cells, 2'3'-cGAMP also serves as an immunotransmitter produced by cancer cells to modulate the functions of non-tumor cells especially immune cells in the tumor microenvironment by activating STING signaling. In this review, we summarize the synthesis, transmission, and degradation of 2'3'-cGAMP as well as the dual functions of 2'3'-cGAMP in a STING-dependent manner. Additionally, we discuss the potential therapeutic strategies that harness the cGAMP-mediated antitumor response for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Ma
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Man-Man Chen
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ling-Hua Meng
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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24
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Liu J, Liu C, Ma Y, Pan X, Chu R, Yao S, Chen J, Liu C, Chen Z, Sheng C, Zhang K, Xue Y, Schiöth HB, Kong B, Zhang Q, Song K. STING inhibitors sensitize platinum chemotherapy in ovarian cancer by inhibiting the CGAS-STING pathway in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216700. [PMID: 38373690 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216700] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer hampers cure rates, with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) playing a pivotal role. Despite their known impact on cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance, the specific mechanism by which CAFs regulate the tumor inflammatory environment remains unclear. This study reveals that cisplatin facilitates DNA transfer from ovarian cancer cells to CAFs, activating the CGAS-STING-IFNB1 pathway in CAFs and promoting IFNB1 release. Consequently, this reinforces cancer cell resistance to platinum drugs. High STING expression in the tumor stroma was associated with a poor prognosis, while inhibiting STING expression enhanced ovarian cancer sensitivity. Understanding the relevance of the CGAS-STING pathway in CAFs for platinum resistance suggests targeting STING as a promising combination therapy for ovarian cancer, providing potential avenues for improved treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chenmian Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yana Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiyu Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ran Chu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Shu Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhongshao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chenchen Sheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ying Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Kun Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China.
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25
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Sun J, Du R, Li X, Liu C, Wang D, He X, Li G, Zhang K, Wang S, Hao Q, Zhang Y, Li M, Gao Y, Zhang C. CD63 + cancer-associated fibroblasts confer CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance to breast cancer cells by exosomal miR-20. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216747. [PMID: 38403110 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216747] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and CDK6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have rapidly received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a new type of therapy for patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. However, with the widespread application of CDK4/6i, drug resistance has become a new challenge for clinical practice and has greatly limited the treatment effect. Here, the whole microenvironment landscape of ER+ breast cancer tumors was revealed through single-cell RNA sequencing, and a specific subset of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CD63+ CAFs) was identified as highly enriched in CDK4/6i resistant tumor tissues. Then, we found that CD63+ CAFs can distinctly promote resistance to CDK4/6i in breast cancer cells and tumor xenografts. In addition, it was discovered that miR-20 is markedly enriched in the CD63+ CAFs-derived exosomes, which are used to communicate with ER+ breast cancer cells, leading to CDK4/6i resistance. Furthermore, exosomal miR-20 could directly target the RB1 mRNA 3'UTR and negatively regulate RB1 expression to decrease CDK4/6i sensitivity in breast cancer cells. Most importantly, we designed and synthesized cRGD-miR-20 sponge nanoparticles and found that they can enhance the therapeutic effect of CDK4/6i in breast cancer. In summary, our findings reveal that CD63+ CAFs can promote CDK4/6i resistance via exosomal miR-20, which induces the downregulation of RB1 in breast cancer cells, and suggest that CD63+ CAFs may be a novel therapeutic target to enhance CDK4/6i sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Ruoxin Du
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xiaoju Li
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China; Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Chenlin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Donghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xiangmei He
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Guodong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Kuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Shuning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Qiang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yingqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Meng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China.
| | - Yuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China.
| | - Cun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China.
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26
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Colangelo NW, Gerber NK, Vatner RE, Cooper BT. Harnessing the cGAS-STING pathway to potentiate radiation therapy: current approaches and future directions. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1383000. [PMID: 38659582 PMCID: PMC11039815 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1383000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this review, we cover the current understanding of how radiation therapy, which uses ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells, mediates an anti-tumor immune response through the cGAS-STING pathway, and how STING agonists might potentiate this. We examine how cGAS-STING signaling mediates the release of inflammatory cytokines in response to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA entering the cytoplasm. The significance of this in the context of cancer is explored, such as in response to cell-damaging therapies and genomic instability. The contribution of the immune and non-immune cells in the tumor microenvironment is considered. This review also discusses the burgeoning understanding of STING signaling that is independent of inflammatory cytokine release and the various mechanisms by which cancer cells can evade STING signaling. We review the available data on how ionizing radiation stimulates cGAS-STING signaling as well as how STING agonists may potentiate the anti-tumor immune response induced by ionizing radiation. There is also discussion of how novel radiation modalities may affect cGAS-STING signaling. We conclude with a discussion of ongoing and planned clinical trials combining radiation therapy with STING agonists, and provide insights to consider when planning future clinical trials combining these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W. Colangelo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Naamit K. Gerber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ralph E. Vatner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Benjamin T. Cooper
- Department of Radiation Oncology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Jia X, Li Z, Zhou R, Feng W, Yi L, Zhang H, Chen B, Li Q, Huang S, Zhu X. Single cell and bulk RNA sequencing identifies tumor microenvironment subtypes and chemoresistance-related IGF1 + cancer-associated fibroblast in gastric cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167123. [PMID: 38484940 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences prognosis and drug resistance in various tumors, yet its heterogeneity and the mechanisms affecting therapeutic response remain unclear in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS The heterogenous TME were explored with single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of 50 primary GC samples. We then identified four GC TME subtypes with nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) and constructed a pearson nearest-centroid classifier based on subtype-specific upregulated genes. Genomic features and clinical significance of four subtypes were comprehensively evaluated. We reclustered fibroblasts to identify cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subtype associated with poor clinical outcomes. RT-qPCR and double immunofluorescence staining were applied to validate the findings. Cellchat analysis elucidated potential molecular mechanisms of the CAF subtype in GC disease progression and chemotherapy resistance. FINDINGS The GC TME exhibited high heterogeneity, influencing chemo-sensitivity. Four TME-based subtypes predicting response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy were identified and validated in 1406 GC patients. Among which, ISG1 subtype displayed higher fibroblasts infiltration and heightened oncogenic pathways, and inferior response to chemotherapy with unfavorable prognosis. Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) GCs within four TME subtypes showed immunological heterogeneity. We then reported an IGF1-overexpressing CAF was associated with chemo-resistance and GC recurrence. Cell communication analysis revealed IGF1+ CAF may induce drug-resistant phenotypes in tumor cells through IGF1-α6β4 integrin ligand-receptor binding and activation of EMT biological process. INTERPRETATION We identified four TME-based subtypes with different clinical outcomes and IGF1+ CAFs contributing to poor clinical outcomes in GC, which might provide guidance for individualized treatment and facilitate the development of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiya Jia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ziteng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Runye Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wanjing Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lixia Yi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hena Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shenglin Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Xiaodong Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Zheng Q, Lu C, Yu L, Zhan Y, Chen Z. Exploring the metastasis-related biomarker and carcinogenic mechanism in liver cancer based on single cell technology. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27473. [PMID: 38509894 PMCID: PMC10950590 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27473] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal primary malignancy characterized by high invasion and migration. We aimed to explore the underlying metastasis-related mechanism supporting the development of HCC. Methods The dataset of single cell RNA-seq (GSE149614) were collected for cell clustering by using the Seurat R package, the FindAllMarkers function was used to find the highly expression and defined the cell cluster. The WebGestaltR package was used for the GO and KEGG function analysis of shared genes, the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSVA) was performed by clusterProfiler R package, the hTFtarget database was used to identify the crucial transcription factors (TFs), the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database was used for the drug sensitivity analysis. Finally, the overexpression and trans-well assay was used for gene function analysis. Results We obtained 9 cell clusters from the scRNA-seq data, including the nature killer (NK)/T cells, Myeloid cells, Hepatocytes, Epithelial cells, Endothelial cells, Plasma B cells, Smooth muscle cells, B cells, Liver bud hepatic cells. Further cell ecological analysis indicated that the Hepatocytes and Endothelial cell cluster were closely related to the cancer metastasis. Subsequently, the NDUFA4L2-Hepatocyte, GTSE1-Hepatocyte, ENTPD1-Endothelial and NDUFA4L2-Endothelial were defined as metastasis-supporting cell clusters, in which the NDUFA4L2-Hepatocyte cells was closely related to angiogenesis, while the NDUFA4L2-Endothelial was related with the inflammatory response and complement response. The overexpression and trans-well assay displayed that NDUFA4L2 exhibited clearly metastasis-promoting role in HCC progression. Conclusion We identified and defined 4 metastasis-supporting cell clusters by using the single cell technology, the specify shared gene was observed and played crucial role in promoting cancer progression, our findings were expected to provide new insight in control cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxiang Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, China
| | - Cuiping Lu
- Department of Oncology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, China
| | - Lian Yu
- Department of Hematology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, China
| | - Ying Zhan
- Department of Oncology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, China
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Department of Oncology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, China
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Liu D, Du J, Xie H, Tian H, Lu L, Zhang C, Xu GT, Zhang J. Wnt5a/β-catenin-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition: a key driver of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:75. [PMID: 38532410 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03068-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), accounts for up to 90% of AMD-associated vision loss, ultimately resulting in the formation of fibrotic scar in the macular region. The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD involves the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurring in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Here, we aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the Wnt signaling during the EMT of RPE cells and in the pathological process of subretinal fibrosis secondary to nAMD. METHODS In vivo, the induction of subretinal fibrosis was performed in male C57BL/6J mice through laser photocoagulation. Either FH535 (a β-catenin inhibitor) or Box5 (a Wnt5a inhibitor) was intravitreally administered on the same day or 14 days following laser induction. The RPE-Bruch's membrane-choriocapillaris complex (RBCC) tissues were collected and subjected to Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence to examine fibrovascular and Wnt-related markers. In vitro, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)-treated ARPE-19 cells were co-incubated with or without FH535, Foxy-5 (a Wnt5a-mimicking peptide), Box5, or Wnt5a shRNA, respectively. The changes in EMT- and Wnt-related signaling molecules, as well as cell functions were assessed using qRT-PCR, nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation assay, Western blot, immunofluorescence, scratch assay or transwell migration assay. The cell viability of ARPE-19 cells was determined using Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8. RESULTS The in vivo analysis demonstrated Wnt5a/ROR1, but not Wnt3a, was upregulated in the RBCCs of the laser-induced CNV mice compared to the normal control group. Intravitreal injection of FH535 effectively reduced Wnt5a protein expression. Both FH535 and Box5 effectively attenuated subretinal fibrosis and EMT, as well as the activation of β-catenin in laser-induced CNV mice, as evidenced by the significant reduction in areas positive for fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and active β-catenin labeling. In vitro, Wnt5a/ROR1, active β-catenin, and some other Wnt signaling molecules were upregulated in the TGFβ1-induced EMT cell model using ARPE-19 cells. Co-treatment with FH535, Box5, or Wnt5a shRNA markedly suppressed the activation of Wnt5a, nuclear translocation of active β-catenin, as well as the EMT in TGFβ1-treated ARPE-19 cells. Conversely, treatment with Foxy-5 independently resulted in the activation of abovementioned molecules and subsequent induction of EMT in ARPE-19 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals a reciprocal activation between Wnt5a and β-catenin to mediate EMT as a pivotal driver of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD. This positive feedback loop provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies to treat subretinal fibrosis in nAMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxiao Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China.
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Hu A, Sun L, Lin H, Liao Y, Yang H, Mao Y. Harnessing innate immune pathways for therapeutic advancement in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:68. [PMID: 38523155 PMCID: PMC10961329 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01765-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The innate immune pathway is receiving increasing attention in cancer therapy. This pathway is ubiquitous across various cell types, not only in innate immune cells but also in adaptive immune cells, tumor cells, and stromal cells. Agonists targeting the innate immune pathway have shown profound changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and improved tumor prognosis in preclinical studies. However, to date, the clinical success of drugs targeting the innate immune pathway remains limited. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that activation of the innate immune pathway can paradoxically promote tumor progression. The uncertainty surrounding the therapeutic effectiveness of targeted drugs for the innate immune pathway is a critical issue that needs immediate investigation. In this review, we observe that the role of the innate immune pathway demonstrates heterogeneity, linked to the tumor development stage, pathway status, and specific cell types. We propose that within the TME, the innate immune pathway exhibits multidimensional diversity. This diversity is fundamentally rooted in cellular heterogeneity and is manifested as a variety of signaling networks. The pro-tumor effect of innate immune pathway activation essentially reflects the suppression of classical pathways and the activation of potential pro-tumor alternative pathways. Refining our understanding of the tumor's innate immune pathway network and employing appropriate targeting strategies can enhance our ability to harness the anti-tumor potential of the innate immune pathway and ultimately bridge the gap from preclinical to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), and Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine (Ministry of Education), and Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
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Hosni S, Kilian V, Klümper N, Gabbia D, Sieckmann K, Corvino D, Winkler A, Saponaro M, Wörsdörfer K, Schmidt D, Hahn O, Zanotto I, Bertlich M, Toma M, Bald T, Eckstein M, Hölzel M, Geyer M, Ritter M, Wachten D, De Martin S, Alajati A. Adipocyte Precursor-Derived NRG1 Promotes Resistance to FGFR Inhibition in Urothelial Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2024; 84:725-740. [PMID: 38175774 PMCID: PMC10911805 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Aberrations of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family members are frequently observed in metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC), and blocking the FGF/FGFR signaling axis is used as a targeted therapeutic strategy for treating patients. Erdafitinib is a pan-FGFR inhibitor, which has recently been approved by the FDA for mUC with FGFR2/3 alterations. Although mUC patients show initial response to erdafitinib, acquired resistance rapidly develops. Here, we found that adipocyte precursors promoted resistance to erdafitinib in FGFR-dependent bladder and lung cancer in a paracrine manner. Moreover, neuregulin 1 (NRG1) secreted from adipocyte precursors was a mediator of erdafitinib resistance by activating human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (ERBB3; also known as HER3) signaling, and knockdown of NRG1 in adipocyte precursors abrogated the conferred paracrine resistance. NRG1 expression was significantly downregulated in terminally differentiated adipocytes compared with their progenitors. Pharmacologic inhibition of the NRG1/HER3 axis using pertuzumab reversed erdafitinib resistance in tumor cells in vitro and prolonged survival of mice bearing bladder cancer xenografts in vivo. Remarkably, data from single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that NRG1 was enriched in platelet-derived growth factor receptor-A (PDGFRA) expressing inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts, which is also expressed on adipocyte precursors. Together, this work reveals a paracrine mechanism of anti-FGFR resistance in bladder cancer, and potentially other cancers, that is amenable to inhibition using available targeted therapies. SIGNIFICANCE Acquired resistance to FGFR inhibition can be rapidly promoted by paracrine activation of the NRG1/HER3 axis mediated by adipocyte precursors and can be overcome by the combination of pertuzumab and erdafitinib treatment. See related commentary by Kolonin and Anastassiou, p. 648.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Hosni
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Viola Kilian
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Niklas Klümper
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Katharina Sieckmann
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dillon Corvino
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Anja Winkler
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Miriam Saponaro
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Karin Wörsdörfer
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Doris Schmidt
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Oliver Hahn
- Clinic of Urology, University Hospital Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Clinic of Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ilaria Zanotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marina Bertlich
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Marieta Toma
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias Bald
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Manuel Ritter
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Abdullah Alajati
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
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Li B, Jin K, Liu Z, Su X, Xu Z, Liu G, Xu J, Liu H, Chang Y, Wang Y, Zhu Y, Wang Z, Xu L, Zhang W. Integrating molecular subtype and CD8 + T cells infiltration to predict treatment response and survival in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:66. [PMID: 38430246 PMCID: PMC10908619 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03651-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Luminal and Basal are the primary intrinsic subtypes of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The presence of CD8+ T cells infiltration holds significant immunological relevance, potentially influencing the efficacy of antitumor responses. This study aims to synergize the influence of molecular subtypes and CD8+ T cells infiltration in MIBC. METHODS This study included 889 patients with MIBC from Zhongshan Hospital, The Cancer Genome Atlas, IMvigor210 and NCT03179943 cohorts. We classified the patients into four distinct groups, based on the interplay of molecular subtypes and CD8+ T cells and probed into the clinical implications of these subgroups in MIBC. RESULTS Among patients with Luminal-CD8+Thigh tumors, the confluence of elevated tumor mutational burden and PD-L1 expression correlated with a heightened potential for positive responses to immunotherapy. In contrast, patients featured by Luminal-CD8+Tlow displayed a proclivity for deriving clinical advantages from innovative targeted interventions. The Basal-CD8+Tlow subgroup exhibited the least favorable three-year overall survival outcome, whereas their Basal-CD8+Thigh counterparts exhibited a heightened responsiveness to chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS We emphasized the significant role of immune-molecular subtypes in shaping therapeutic approaches for MIBC. This insight establishes a foundation to refine the process of selecting subtype-specific treatments, thereby advancing personalized interventions for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaifeng Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaopei Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohe Su
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyue Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ge Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingtong Xu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailong Liu
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Chang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zewei Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Xu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijuan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Chen X, Liao C, Zou X, Zhang B, Mo Z. A gene signature of cancer-associated fibroblasts predicts prognosis and treatment response in bladder cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:477-495. [PMID: 37594617 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03270-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Due to the pivotal role cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play in tumor progression, our study aimed to develop a signature of CAFs-related gene (CRG) to predict the survival outcomes and treatment response of bladder cancer (BLCA). METHODS The transcriptome data and relevant clinical information about BLCA were collected from publicly available databases, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was utilized to uncover CAFs-associated hub genes, and subsequently, a risk model for survival prognosis was constructed using LASSO-Cox regression. The immune microenvironment, immune infiltration, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity were explored using ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, TIDE, and oncoPredict algorithms. To verify the expression of the CRGs, additional analyses were performed using online databases (HPA, CCLE, TIMER, cBioPortal, and TISCH). RESULTS Our study developed a CRG signature and constructed a prognostic model. Significant differences in overall survival were observed between the two risk stratifications. The risk score increased with the infiltration of CAFs and tumor staging progression, while closely correlating with immune checkpoint expression and infiltration of CD8 T cells, follicular helper T cells, regulatory T cells, activated dendritic cells, M0 macrophages, M2 macrophages, and resting mast cells. Furthermore, a higher proportion of patients in the low-risk stratification exhibited responsiveness to immunotherapy, and significant variances in sensitivity to multiple chemotherapy medications were observed between the two risk stratifications. CONCLUSION The construction of the risk model based on the CRG signature offers new avenues for the prognosis evaluation and development of personalized treatment strategies for BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chunyan Liao
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, China
| | - Xiong Zou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550000, China.
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
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Lu Q, Wang J, Tao Y, Zhong J, Zhang Z, Feng C, Wang X, Li T, He R, Wang Q, Xie Y. Small Cajal Body-Specific RNA12 Promotes Carcinogenesis through Modulating Extracellular Matrix Signaling in Bladder Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:483. [PMID: 38339238 PMCID: PMC10854576 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Small Cajal body-specific RNAs (scaRNAs) are a specific subset of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) that have recently emerged as pivotal contributors in diverse physiological and pathological processes. However, their defined roles in carcinogenesis remain largely elusive. This study aims to explore the potential function and mechanism of SCARNA12 in bladder cancer (BLCA) and to provide a theoretical basis for further investigations into the biological functionalities of scaRNAs. Materials and Methods: TCGA, GEO and GTEx data sets were used to analyze the expression of SCARNA12 and its clinicopathological significance in BLCA. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and in situ hybridization were applied to validate the expression of SCARNA12 in both BLCA cell lines and tissues. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) combined with bioinformatics analyses were conducted to reveal the changes in gene expression patterns and functional pathways in BLCA patients with different expressions of SCARNA12 and T24 cell lines upon SCARNA12 knockdown. Single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) was then used to evaluate the tumor-related cell cluster affected by SCARNA12. Moreover, SCARNA12 was stably knocked down in T24 and UMUC3 cell lines by lentivirus-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 approach. The biological effects of SCARNA12 on the proliferation, clonogenic, migration, invasion, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and tumor growth were assessed by in vitro MTT, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, flow cytometry assays, and in vivo nude mice xenograft models, respectively. Finally, a chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) experiment was further conducted to delineate the potential mechanisms of SCARNA12 in BLCA. Results: The expression of SCARNA12 was significantly up-regulated in both BLCA tissues and cell lines. RNA-seq data elucidated that SCARAN12 may play a potential role in cell adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) related signaling pathways. CyTOF results further showed that an ECM-related cell cluster with vimentin+, CD13+, CD44+, and CD47+ was enriched in BLCA patients with high SCARNA12 expression. Additionally, SCARNA12 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion abilities in T24 and UMUC3 cell lines. SCARNA12 knockdown prompted cell arrest in the G0/G1 and G2/M phase and promoted apoptosis in T24 and UMUC3 cell lines. Furthermore, SCARNA12 knockdown could suppress the in vivo tumor growth in nude mice. A ChIRP experiment further suggested that SCARNA12 may combine transcription factors H2AFZ to modulate the transcription program and then affect BLCA progression. Conclusions: Our study is the first to propose aberrant alteration of SCARNA12 and elucidate its potential oncogenic roles in BLCA via the modulation of ECM signaling. The interaction of SCARNA12 with the transcriptional factor H2AFZ emerges as a key contributor to the carcinogenesis and progression of BLCA. These findings suggest SCARNA12 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for the treatment of BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinchen Lu
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China; (Q.L.); (J.W.)
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-Constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China; (Q.L.); (J.W.)
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-Constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yuting Tao
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
| | - Jialing Zhong
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Chao Feng
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
| | - Xi Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China;
| | - Rongquan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China;
| | - Qiuyan Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
| | - Yuanliang Xie
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China; (Q.L.); (J.W.)
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Reghu G, Vemula PK, Bhat SG, Narayanan S. Harnessing the innate immune system by revolutionizing macrophage-mediated cancer immunotherapy. J Biosci 2024; 49:63. [PMID: 38864238 PMCID: PMC11286319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising and safer alternative to conventional cancer therapies. It involves adaptive T-cell therapy, cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based therapies. However, most of these modalities encounter restrictions in solid tumours owing to a dense, highly hypoxic and immune-suppressive microenvironment as well as the heterogeneity of tumour antigens. The elevated intra-tumoural pressure and mutational rates within fastgrowing solid tumours present challenges in efficient drug targeting and delivery. The tumour microenvironment is a dynamic niche infiltrated by a variety of immune cells, most of which are macrophages. Since they form a part of the innate immune system, targeting macrophages has become a plausible immunotherapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss several versatile approaches (both at pre-clinical and clinical stages) such as the direct killing of tumour-associated macrophages, reprogramming pro-tumour macrophages to anti-tumour phenotypes, inhibition of macrophage recruitment into the tumour microenvironment, novel CAR macrophages, and genetically engineered macrophages that have been devised thus far. These strategies comprise a strong and adaptable macrophage-toolkit in the ongoing fight against cancer and by understanding their significance, we may unlock the full potential of these immune cells in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Reghu
- Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 682 022, India
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Silva RCMC, Travassos LH, Dutra FF. The dichotomic role of single cytokines: Fine-tuning immune responses. Cytokine 2024; 173:156408. [PMID: 37925788 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156408] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are known for their pleiotropic effects. They can be classified by their function as pro-inflammatory, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL) 1 and IL-12, or anti-inflammatory, like IL-10, IL-35 and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Though this type of classification is an important simplification for the understanding of the general cytokine's role, it can be misleading. Here, we discuss recent studies that show a dichotomic role of the so-called pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, highlighting that their function can be dependent on the microenvironment and their concentrations. Furthermore, we discuss how the back-and-forth interplay between cytokines and immunometabolism can influence the dichotomic role of inflammatory responses as an important target to complement cytokine-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonardo Holanda Travassos
- Laboratório de Receptores e Sinalização intracelular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabianno Ferreira Dutra
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Inflamação, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Liu Z, Wang D, Zhang J, Xiang P, Zeng Z, Xiong W, Shi L. cGAS-STING signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2023; 577:216409. [PMID: 37748723 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The cGAS-STING signaling is an important pathway involved in the regulation of tumor microenvironment, which affects many cellular functions including immune activation. Its role in combating tumor progression is widely recognized, especially with its function in inducing innate and adaptive immune responses, on which many immunotherapies have been developed. However, a growing number of findings also suggest a diversity of its roles in shaping tumor microenvironment, including functions that promote tumor progression. Here, we summarize the functions of the cGAS-STING signaling in tumor microenvironment to maintain tumor survival and proliferation through facilitating the forming of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and discuss the current advances of STING-related immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiarong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pingjuan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Lei Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Pathology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Samart P, Heenatigala Palliyage G, Issaragrisil S, Luanpitpong S, Rojanasakul Y. Musashi-2 in cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes non-small cell lung cancer metastasis through paracrine IL-6-driven epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:205. [PMID: 37941042 PMCID: PMC10631049 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01158-5] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, is predominantly associated with advanced/metastatic disease. The interaction between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumor microenvironment is known to be essential for regulating tumor progression and metastasis, but the underlying mechanisms, particularly the role of RNA-binding protein Musashi-2 (MSI2) in CAFs in promoting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invasiveness and metastatic spread, remain obscure. METHODS Genomic and proteomic database analyses were performed to evaluate the potential clinical significance of MSI2 in NSCLC tumor and stromal clinical specimens. Molecular approaches were used to modify MSI2 in CAFs and determine its functional role in NSCLC cell motility in vitro using 2D and 3D models, and in metastasis in a xenograft mouse model using live-cell imaging. RESULTS MSI2, both gene and protein, is upregulated in NSCLC tissues and is associated with poor prognosis and high metastatic risk in patients. Interestingly, MSI2 is also upregulated in NSCLC stroma and activated fibroblasts, including CAFs. Depletion of MSI2 in CAFs by CRISPR-Cas9 strongly inhibits NSCLC cell migration and invasion in vitro, and attenuates local and distant metastatic spread of NSCLC cells in vivo. The crosstalk between CAFs and NSCLC cells occurs via paracrine signaling, which is regulated by MSI2 in CAFs via IL-6. The secreted IL-6 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in NSCLC cells, which drives metastasis. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal for the first time that MSI2 in CAFs is important in CAF-mediated NSCLC cell invasiveness and metastasis via IL-6 paracrine signaling. Therefore, targeting the MSI2/IL-6 axis in CAFs could be effective in combating NSCLC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parinya Samart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Siriraj Hospital, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | | | - Surapol Issaragrisil
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Siriraj Hospital, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sudjit Luanpitpong
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Siriraj Hospital, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| | - Yon Rojanasakul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
- WVU Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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Hu WM, Li M, Ning JZ, Tang YQ, Song TB, Li LZ, Zou F, Cheng F, Yu WM. FAM171B stabilizes vimentin and enhances CCL2-mediated TAM infiltration to promote bladder cancer progression. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:290. [PMID: 37915048 PMCID: PMC10621219 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasion and metastasis are the main causes of unfavourable prognosis in patients diagnosed with bladder cancer. The efficacy of immunotherapy in bladder cancer remains suboptimal due to the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The novel protein family with sequence similarity 171B (FAM171B) has been identified, but its precise role and mechanism in bladder cancer remain unclear. METHODS In this study, we conducted an analysis to investigate the associations between FAM171B expression and the prognosis and clinicopathological stage of bladder cancer. To this end, we utilized RNA sequencing data from the TCGA and GEO databases, as well as tumor tissue specimens obtained from our clinical centre. RNA sequencing analysis allowed us to examine the biological function of FAM171B at the transcriptional level in bladder cancer cells. Additionally, we used immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to identify the protein that interacts with FAM171B in bladder cancer cells. The effects of FAM171B on modulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and vimentin-mediated tumor progression, as well as the underlying mechanisms, were clarified by phalloidin staining, immunofluorescence staining, ELISA, RNA immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry and a bladder cancer graft model. RESULTS FAM171B expression exhibits strong positive correlation with poor survival outcomes and advanced clinicopathological stages in patients with bladder cancer. FAM171B significantly promoted bladder cancer growth and metastasis, accompanied by TAM accumulation in the microenvironment, in vivo and in vitro. Through studies of the molecular mechanism, we found that FAM171B contributes to tumor progression by stabilizing vimentin in the cytoplasm. Additionally, our research revealed that FAM171B enhances the splicing of CCL2 mRNA by interacting with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (HNRNPU), ultimately leading to increased recruitment and M2 polarization of TAMs. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we identified FAM171B as a potent factor that promotes the progression of bladder cancer. These findings establish a solid theoretical foundation for considering FAM171B as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Min Hu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Jin-Zhuo Ning
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yu-Qi Tang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Tian-Bao Song
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Lin-Zhi Li
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Fan Zou
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Fan Cheng
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Wei-Min Yu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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Chen Q, Wang X, Zheng Y, Ye T, Liu J, Wang JQ, Zhang WF, Wu FL, Bo H, Shao H, Zhang R, Shen H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts contribute to the immunosuppressive landscape and influence the efficacy of the combination therapy of PD-1 inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer 2023; 129:3405-3416. [PMID: 37395148 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic inflammation is considered the most critical predisposing factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with inflammatory cell heterogeneity, hepatic fibrosis accumulation, and abnormal vascular proliferation as prominent features of the HCC tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in HCC TME remodeling. Therefore, the level of abundance of CAFs may significantly affect the prognosis and outcome in HCC patients. METHODS Unsupervised clustering was performed based on 39 genes related to CAFs in HCC identified by single-cell RNA sequencing data. Patients of bulk RNA were grouped into CAF low abundance cluster and high abundance clusters. Subsequently, prognosis, immune infiltration landscape, metabolism, and treatment response between the two clusters were investigated and validated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Patients in the CAF high cluster had a higher level of inflammatory cell infiltration, a more significant immunosuppressive microenvironment, and a significantly worse prognosis than those in the low cluster. At the metabolic level, the CAF high cluster had lower levels of aerobic oxidation and higher angiogenic scores. Drug treatment response prediction indicated that the CAF high cluster could have a better response to PD-1 inhibitors and conventional chemotherapeutic agents for HCC such as anti-angiogenic drugs, whereas CAF low cluster may be more sensitive to transarterial chemoembolization treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study not only revealed the TME characteristics of HCC with the difference in CAF abundance but also further confirmed that the combination therapy of PD-1 inhibitors and anti-angiogenic drugs may be more valuable for patients with high CAF abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiurui Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuejia Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yichen Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Quan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Feng Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng-Lin Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaben Bo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Shao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidate Research, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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Liang T, Tao T, Wu K, Liu L, Xu W, Zhou D, Fang H, Ding Q, Huang G, Wu S. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Induced Remodeling of Tumor Microenvironment in Recurrent Bladder Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303230. [PMID: 37743226 PMCID: PMC10625065 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Bladder carcinoma (BC) recurrence is a major clinical challenge, and targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a promising therapy. However, the relationship between individual TME components, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor recurrence is unclear. Here, TME heterogeneity in primary and recurrent BC is investigated using single-cell RNA sequence profiling of 62 460 cells. Two cancer stem cell (CSC) subtypes are identified in recurrent BC. An inflammatory CAF subtype, ICAM1+ iCAFs, specifically associated with BC recurrence is also identified. iCAFs are found to secrete FGF2, which acts on the CD44 receptor of rCSC-M, thereby maintaining tumor stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, THBS1+ monocytes, a group of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are enriched in recurrent BC and interacted with CAFs. ICAM1+ iCAFs are found to secrete CCL2, which binds to CCR2 in MDSCs. Moreover, elevated STAT3, NFKB2, VEGFA, and CTGF levels in iCAFs reshape the TME in recurrent tumors. CCL2 inhibition in an in situ BC mouse model suppressed tumor growth, decreased MDSCs and Tregs, and fostered tumor immune suppression. The study results highlight the role of iCAFs in TME cell-cell crosstalk during recurrent BC. The identification of pivotal signaling factors driving BC relapse is promising for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liang
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Tao Tao
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Kai Wu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Lisha Liu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Wuwu Xu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Dewang Zhou
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Hu Fang
- Department of UrologySouth China Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
| | - Qiuxia Ding
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Guixiao Huang
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
| | - Song Wu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
- Department of UrologySouth China Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
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Zhang H, Yue X, Chen Z, Liu C, Wu W, Zhang N, Liu Z, Yang L, Jiang Q, Cheng Q, Luo P, Liu G. Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:159. [PMID: 37784082 PMCID: PMC10544417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations exert an inhibitory role in tumor growth, which implies that CAF-targeting approaches must be more precise and individualized. This review comprehensively summarize the origin, phenotypical, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. More importantly, we underscore advances in strategies and clinical trials to target CAF in various cancers, and we also summarize progressions of CAF in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghai Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Zhuzhou, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Ma Z, Li Z, Mao Y, Ye J, Liu Z, Wang Y, Wei C, Cui J, Liu Z, Liang X. AhR diminishes the efficacy of chemotherapy via suppressing STING dependent type-I interferon in bladder cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5415. [PMID: 37670034 PMCID: PMC10480448 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41218-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The induction of type-I interferons (IFN-Is) is important for the efficacy of chemotherapy. By investigating the role of amino acids in regulation of IFN-I production under chemo-drug treatment in bladder cancer (BC) cells, we find an inherent AhR-dependent negative feedback to restrain STING signaling and IFN-I production. Mechanistically, in a ligand dependent manner, AhR bridges STING and CUL4B/RBX1 E3 ligase complex, facilitating STING degradation through ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Inhibition of AhR increases STING levels and reduces tumor growth under cisplatin or STING agonist treatment. Endogenous AhR ligands are mainly consisted of tryptophan (Trp) metabolites; dietary Trp restriction, blocking the key Trp metabolism rate-limiting enzyme IDO1 or inhibition of cellular Trp importation also show similar effect as AhR inhibition. Clinically, BC patients with higher intratumoral expression of AhR or stronger intratumoral Trp metabolism (higher IDO1 or Kyn levels) that lead to higher AhR activation show worse response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yize Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jingwei Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Zefu Liu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, P. R. China
| | - Yuzhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Chen Wei
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jun Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China.
| | - Zhuowei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center Gansu Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaoyu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
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Dong G, Wang Q, Wen M, Xia Z, Zhang S, Gao W, Wang H, Wei G, Wang Y. DDX18 drives tumor immune escape through transcription-activated STAT1 expression in pancreatic cancer. Oncogene 2023; 42:3000-3014. [PMID: 37620449 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02817-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) resists to current treatments due to its inherent tumor heterogeneity, therapy-resistant cancer stem/initiating cells survival, and immune evasion in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, the results show that clinical PDAC and adjacent tissues undergo distinct chromatin remodeling. Multiple omics analysis revealed DEAD-box RNA helicase 18 (DDX18), a carcinogenic gene with similar H3K4me3 profile, is up-regulated and correlates with poor survival in PDAC patients. We validated that DDX18 deposits on the STAT1 promoter region and counteracts H3K27me3 deposition on the STAT1 promoter sequence by modulating the formation of the PRC2 complex to up-regulate the expression of STAT1, which results in the up-regulation of PD-L1 expression, T lymphocyte accumulation and overactivation in the highly desmoplastic and immunosuppressive pancreatic TME. DDX18-STAT1 axis inhibition also affects stemness of cancer cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and disrupts the immunosuppressive TME simultaneously, producing sustained remissions of aggressive PDAC by synergizing with anti-PD-L1 therapy. Combining DDX18 inhibition with anti-PD-L1 immunochemotherapy to treat PDAC patients will pave a new way for clinical treatment of patients with PDAC. This study found that clinical PDAC and adjacent pancreatic tissues undergo distinct chromatin remodeling featured by the upregulation of DEAD-box RNA helicase 18 (DDX18). We further validated that DDX18 deposits on the STAT1 promoter region and counteracts H3K27me3 deposition on the STAT1 promoter by modulating the formation of the PRC2 complex to up-regulate the expression of STAT1. DDX18-STAT1 axis enhances the stemness of cancer cells, the upregulation of PD-L1 expression, T lymphocyte accumulation and overactivation in the highly desmoplastic and immunosuppressive pancreatic TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoying Dong
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Mingxin Wen
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Zhongkun Xia
- Department of Cell Biology and Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Pathology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, China
| | - Huaizhi Wang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangwei Wei
- Department of Cell Biology and Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
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Rastegar-Pouyani N, Montazeri V, Marandi N, Aliebrahimi S, Andalib M, Jafarzadeh E, Montazeri H, Ostad SN. The Impact of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts on Drug Resistance, Stemness, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Bladder Cancer: A Comparison between Recurrent and Non-Recurrent Patient-Derived CAFs. Cancer Invest 2023; 41:656-671. [PMID: 37462514 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2023.2237576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
This study comparatively evaluated the possible effects of recurrent and non-recurrent patient-derived Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs-R and -NR) on the bladder cancer cell line, EJ138. Both groups of CAFs increased cisplatin resistance and altered cell cycle distribution alongside induced resistance to apoptosis. Later, the scratch assay confirmed the cell migration-inducing effects of CAFs on cells. Nonetheless, only CAFs-R managed to increase sphere-formation and clonogenic levels in EJ138 cells, which were later validated by upregulating pluripotency transcription factors. Besides, CAFs-R also affected the expression levels of some of the EMT markers. Our study suggests that CAFs-R had stronger pro-tumorigenic effects on EJ138 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Rastegar-Pouyani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Montazeri
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Smart University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikoo Marandi
- School of Pharmacy, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| | - Shima Aliebrahimi
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Smart University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melika Andalib
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Emad Jafarzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Montazeri
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Nasser Ostad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Toxicology and Poisoning Research Centre, Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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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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47
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Guo S, Yuan J, Meng X, Feng X, Ma D, Han Y, Li K. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: Just on the opposite side of antitumour immunity? Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110601. [PMID: 37418988 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) is critical for the initiation, progression, and metastasis of tumours, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most dominant cells and have attracted interest as targets for cancer therapy among the stromal components within the TME. Currently, most of the identified CAF subpopulations are believed to exhibit suppressive effects on antitumour immunity. However, accumulating evidence indicates the presence of immunostimulatory CAF subpopulations, which play an important role in the maintenance and amplification of antitumour immunity, in the TME. Undoubtedly, these findings provide novel insights into CAF heterogeneity. Herein, we focus on summarizing CAF subpopulations that promote antitumour immunity, the surface markers of these populations, and possible immunostimulatory mechanisms in the context of recent advances in research on CAF subpopulations. In addition, we discuss the possibility of new therapies targeting CAF subpopulations and conclude with a brief description of some prospective avenues for CAF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiqingying Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaolin Meng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yingyan Han
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Kezhen Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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48
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Knipper K, Lyu SI, Quaas A, Bruns CJ, Schmidt T. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity and Its Influence on the Extracellular Matrix and the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13482. [PMID: 37686288 PMCID: PMC10487587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment comprises multiple cell types, like cancer cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. In recent years, there have been massive research efforts focusing not only on cancer cells, but also on other cell types of the tumor microenvironment, thereby aiming to expand and determine novel treatment options. Fibroblasts represent a heterogenous cell family consisting of numerous subtypes, which can alter immune cell fractions, facilitate or inhibit tumor growth, build pre-metastatic niches, or stabilize vessels. These effects can be achieved through cell-cell interactions, which form the extracellular matrix, or via the secretion of cytokines or chemokines. The pro- or antitumorigenic fibroblast phenotypes show variability not only among different cancer entities, but also among intraindividual sites, including primary tumors or metastatic lesions. Commonly prescribed for arterial hypertension, the inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system have recently been described as having an inhibitory effect on fibroblasts. This inhibition leads to modified immune cell fractions and increased tissue stiffness, thereby contributing to overcoming therapy resistance and ultimately inhibiting tumor growth. However, it is important to note that the inhibition of fibroblasts can also have the opposite effect, potentially resulting in increased tumor growth. We aim to summarize the latest state of research regarding fibroblast heterogeneity and its intricate impact on the tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix. Specifically, we focus on highlighting recent advancements in the comprehension of intraindividual heterogeneity and therapy options within this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Knipper
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Su Ir Lyu
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.I.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.I.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Christiane J. Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
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Liu Z, Zheng X, Chen J, Zheng L, Ma Z, Chen L, Deng M, Tang H, Zhou L, Kang T, Wu Y, Liu Z. NFYC-37 promotes tumor growth by activating the mevalonate pathway in bladder cancer. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112963. [PMID: 37561631 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of transcription is a hallmark of cancer, including bladder cancer (BLCA). CRISPR-Cas9 screening using a lentivirus library with single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting human transcription factors and chromatin modifiers is used to reveal genes critical for the proliferation and survival of BLCA cells. As a result, the nuclear transcription factor Y subunit gamma (NFYC)-37, but not NFYC-50, is observed to promote cell proliferation and tumor growth in BLCA. Mechanistically, NFYC-37 interacts with CBP and SREBP2 to activate mevalonate pathway transcription, promoting cholesterol biosynthesis. However, NFYC-50 recruits more of the arginine methyltransferase CARM1 than NFYC-37 to methylate CBP, which prevents the CBP-SREBP2 interaction and subsequently inhibits the mevalonate pathway. Importantly, statins targeting the mevalonate pathway can suppress NFYC-37-induced cell proliferation and tumor growth, indicating the need for conducting a clinical trial with statins for treating patients with BLCA and high NFYC-37 levels, as most patients with BLCA have high NFYC-37 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefu Liu
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China; Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianchong Zheng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China; Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China; Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Lisi Zheng
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Zikun Ma
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China; Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China; Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Minhua Deng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China; Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Huancheng Tang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China; Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Liwen Zhou
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Tiebang Kang
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yuanzhong Wu
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhuowei Liu
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China; Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China; Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center Gansu Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China.
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50
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Patwardhan MV, Mahendran R. The Bladder Tumor Microenvironment Components That Modulate the Tumor and Impact Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12311. [PMID: 37569686 PMCID: PMC10419109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is complex and involves many different cell types that seemingly work together in helping cancer cells evade immune monitoring and survive therapy. The advent of single-cell sequencing has greatly increased our knowledge of the cell types present in the tumor microenvironment and their role in the developing cancer. This, coupled with clinical data showing that cancer development and the response to therapy may be influenced by drugs that indirectly influence the tumor environment, highlights the need to better understand how the cells present in the TME work together. This review looks at the different cell types (cancer cells, cancer stem cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, adipose cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and neuronal cells) in the bladder tumor microenvironment. Their impact on immune activation and on shaping the microenvironment are discussed as well as the effects of hypertensive drugs and anesthetics on bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ratha Mahendran
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
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