Dynamic interplay between the collagen scaffold and tumor evolution. Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2010;22:697-706. [PMID: 20822891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2010.08.015]

Asymmetric crowders and membrane morphology at the nexus of intracellular trafficking and oncology

A definitive understanding of the interplay between protein binding/migration and membrane curvature evolution is emerging but needs further study. The mechanisms defining such phenomena are critical to intracellular transport and trafficking of proteins. Among trafficking modalities, exosomes have drawn attention in cancer research as these nano-sized naturally occurring vehicles are implicated in intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment, suppressing anti-tumor immunity and preparing the metastatic niche for progression. A significant question in the field is how the release and composition of tumor exosomes are regulated. In this perspective article, we explore how physical factors such as geometry and tissue mechanics regulate cell cortical tension to influence exosome production by co-opting the biophysics as well as the signaling dynamics of intracellular trafficking pathways and how these exosomes contribute to the suppression of anti-tumor immunity and promote metastasis. We describe a multiscale modeling approach whose impact goes beyond the fundamental investigation of specific cellular processes toward actual clinical translation. Exosomal mechanisms are critical to developing and approving liquid biopsy technologies, poised to transform future non-invasive, longitudinal profiling of evolving tumors and resistance to cancer therapies to bring us one step closer to the promise of personalized medicine.

Stromal Type I Collagen in Breast Cancer: Correlation to Prognostic Biomarkers and Prediction of Chemotherapy Response

INTRODUCTION

Fibrillar collagens accumulate in the breast cancer stroma and appear as poorly defined spiculated masses in mammography imaging. The prognostic value of tissue type I collagen remains elusive in treatment-naïve and chemotherapy-treated breast cancer patients. Here, type I collagen mRNA and protein expression were analysed in 2 large independent breast cancer cohorts. Levels were related to clinicopathological parameters, prognostic biomarkers, and outcome.

METHOD

COL1A1 mRNA expression was analysed in 2509 patients with breast cancer obtained from the cBioPortal database. Type I collagen protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry in 1395 women diagnosed with early invasive breast cancer.

RESULTS

Low COL1A1 mRNA and protein levels correlated with poor prognosis features, such as hormone receptor negativity, high histological grade, triple-negative subtype, node positivity, and tumour size. In unadjusted analysis, high stromal type I collagen protein expression was associated with improved overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.61-0.99, p = .043) and trended towards improved breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.42-1.01, P = 0.053), although these findings were lost after adjustment for other clinical variables. In unadjusted analysis, high expression of type I collagen was associated with better OS (HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.55-0.90, P = .006) and BCSS (HR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.34-0.88, P = .014) among patients not receiving chemotherapy. Strikingly, the opposite was observed among patients receiving chemotherapy. There, high expression of type I collagen was instead associated with worse OS (HR = 1.83, 95% CI = 0.65-5.14, P = .25) and BCSS (HR = 1.72, 95% CI = 0.54-5.50, P = .357).

CONCLUSION

Low stromal type I collagen mRNA and protein expression are associated with unfavourable tumour characteristics in breast cancer. Stromal type I collagen might predict chemotherapy response.

Unraveling the intricacies of cancer-associated fibroblasts: a comprehensive review on metabolic reprogramming and tumor microenvironment crosstalk

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial component of tumor microenvironment (TME) which undergo significant phenotypic changes and metabolic reprogramming, profoundly impacting tumor growth. This review delves into CAF plasticity, diverse origins, and the molecular mechanisms driving their continuous activation. Emphasis is placed on the intricate bidirectional crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells, promoting cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion. Metabolic reprogramming, a cancer hallmark, extends beyond cancer cells to CAFs, contributing to the complex metabolic interplay within the TME. The 'reverse Warburg effect' in CAFs mirrors the Warburg effect, involving the export of high-energy substrates to fuel cancer cells, supporting their rapid proliferation. Molecular regulations by key players like p53, Myc, and K-RAS orchestrate this metabolic adaptation. Understanding the metabolic symbiosis between CAFs and tumor cells opens avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies to disrupt this dynamic crosstalk. Unraveling CAF-mediated metabolic reprogramming provides valuable insights for developing novel anticancer therapies. This comprehensive review consolidates current knowledge, shedding light on CAFs' multifaceted roles in the TME and offering potential targets for future therapies.

Emulation and evaluation of tumor cell combined chemotherapy in isotropic/anisotropic collagen fiber microenvironments

The rapid emergence of anisotropic collagen fibers in the tissue microenvironment is a critical transition point in late-stage breast cancer. Specifically, the fiber orientation facilitates the likelihood of high-speed tumor cell invasion and metastasis, which pose lethal threats to patients. Thus, based on this transition point, one key issue is how to determine and evaluate efficient combination chemotherapy treatments in late-stage cancer. In this study, we designed a collagen microarray chip containing 241 high-throughput microchambers with embedded metastatic breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231-RFP. By utilizing collagen's unique structure and hydromechanical properties, the chip constructed three-dimensional isotropic and anisotropic collagen fiber structures to emulate the tumor cell microenvironment at early and late stages. We injected different chemotherapeutic drugs into its four channels and obtained composite biochemical concentration profiles. Our results demonstrate that anisotropic collagen fibers promote cell proliferation and migration more than isotropic collagen fibers, suggesting that the geometric arrangement of fibers plays an important role in regulating cell behavior. Moreover, the presence of anisotropic collagen fibers may be a potential factor leading to the poor efficacy of combined chemotherapy in late-stage breast cancer. We investigated the efficacy of various chemotherapy drugs using cell proliferation inhibitors paclitaxel and gemcitabine and tumor cell migration inhibitors 7rh and PP2. To ensure the validity of our findings, we followed a systematic approach that involved testing the inhibitory effects of these drugs. According to our results, the drug combinations' effectiveness could be ordered as follows: paclitaxel + gemcitabine > gemcitabine + 7rh > PP2 + paclitaxel > 7rh + PP2. This study shows that the biomimetic chip system not only facilitates the creation of a realistic in vitro model for examining the cell migration mechanism in late-stage breast cancer but also has the potential to function as an effective tool for future chemotherapy assessment and personalized medicine.

Integrins as the pivotal regulators of cisplatin response in tumor cells

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a widely used first-line chemotherapeutic drug in various cancers. However, CDDP resistance is frequently observed in cancer patients. Therefore, it is required to evaluate the molecular mechanisms associated with CDDP resistance to improve prognosis among cancer patients. Integrins are critical factors involved in tumor metastasis that regulate cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions. They modulate several cellular mechanisms including proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, polarity, and chemo resistance. Modification of integrin expression levels can be associated with both tumor progression and inhibition. Integrins are also involved in drug resistance of various solid tumors through modulation of the tumor cell interactions with interstitial matrix and extracellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, in the present review we discussed the role of integrin protein family in regulation of CDDP response in tumor cells. It has been reported that integrins mainly promoted the CDDP resistance through interaction with PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and WNT signaling pathways. They also regulated the CDDP mediated apoptosis in tumor cells. This review paves the way to suggest the integrins as the reliable therapeutic targets to improve CDDP response in tumor cells.

Targets in the Tumour Matrisome to Promote Cancer Therapy Response

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of complex fibrillar proteins, proteoglycans, and macromolecules, generated by stromal, immune, and cancer cells. The components and organisation of the matrix evolves as tumours progress to invasive disease and metastasis. In many solid tumours, dense fibrotic ECM has been hypothesised to impede therapy response by limiting drug and immune cell access. Interventions to target individual components of the ECM, collectively termed the matrisome, have, however, revealed complex tumour-suppressor, tumour-promoter, and immune-modulatory functions, which have complicated clinical translation. The degree to which distinct components of the matrisome can dictate tumour phenotypes and response to therapy is the subject of intense study. A primary aim is to identify therapeutic opportunities within the matrisome, which might support a better response to existing therapies. Many matrix signatures have been developed which can predict prognosis, immune cell content, and immunotherapy responses. In this review, we will examine key components of the matrisome which have been associated with advanced tumours and therapy resistance. We have primarily focussed here on targeting matrisome components, rather than specific cell types, although several examples are described where cells of origin can dramatically affect tumour roles for matrix components. As we unravel the complex biochemical, biophysical, and intracellular transduction mechanisms associated with the ECM, numerous therapeutic opportunities will be identified to modify tumour progression and therapy response.

Fast-relaxing hydrogels with reversibly tunable mechanics for dynamic cancer cell culture

The mechanics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly impact disease progression and the efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics. While it is recognized that advanced in vitro cancer models will benefit cancer research, none of the current engineered extracellular matrices (ECM) adequately recapitulate the highly dynamic TME. Through integrating reversible boronate-ester bonding and dithiolane ring-opening polymerization, we fabricated synthetic polymer hydrogels with tumor-mimetic fast relaxation and reversibly tunable elastic moduli. Importantly, the crosslinking and dynamic stiffening of matrix mechanics were achieved in the absence of a photoinitiator, often the source of cytotoxicity. Central to this strategy was Poly(PEGA-co-LAA-co-AAPBA) (PELA), a highly defined polymer synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. PELA contains dithiolane for initiator-free gel crosslinking, stiffening, and softening, as well as boronic acid for complexation with diol-containing polymers to give rise to tunable viscoelasticity. PELA hydrogels were highly cytocompatible for dynamic culture of patient-derived pancreatic cancer cells. It was found that the fast-relaxing matrix induced mesenchymal phenotype of cancer cells, and dynamic matrix stiffening restricted tumor spheroid growth. Moreover, this new dynamic viscoelastic hydrogel system permitted sequential stiffening and softening to mimic the physical changes of TME.

The Tumor Stroma of Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Complex Environment That Fuels Cancer Progression

The tumor microenvironment (TME), a complex assembly of cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, plays a crucial role in driving tumor progression, shaping treatment responses, and influencing metastasis. This narrative review focuses on the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) tumor stroma, highlighting its key constituents and their dynamic contributions. We examine how significant changes within the cSCC ECM-specifically, alterations in fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, laminins, proteoglycans, and collagens-promote cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The cellular composition of the cSCC TME is also explored, detailing the intricate interplay of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial cells, pericytes, adipocytes, and various immune cell populations. These diverse players modulate tumor development, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Finally, we emphasize the TME's potential as a therapeutic target. Emerging strategies discussed in this review include harnessing the immune system (adoptive cell transfer, checkpoint blockade), hindering tumor angiogenesis, disrupting CAF activity, and manipulating ECM components. These approaches underscore the vital role that deciphering TME interactions plays in advancing cSCC therapy. Further research illuminating these complex relationships will uncover new avenues for developing more effective treatments for cSCC.

Measuring mechanical cues for modeling the stromal matrix in 3D cell cultures

A breast-cancer tumor develops within a stroma, a tissue where a complex extracellular matrix surrounds cells, mediating the cancer progression through biomechanical and -chemical cues. Current materials partially mimic the stromal matrix in 3D cell cultures but methods for measuring the mechanical properties of the matrix at cell-relevant-length scales and stromal-stiffness levels are lacking. Here, to address this gap, we developed a characterization approach that employs probe-based microrheometry and Bayesian modeling to quantify length-scale-dependent mechanics and mechanical heterogeneity as in the stromal matrix. We examined the interpenetrating network (IPN) composed of alginate scaffolds (for adjusting mechanics) and type-1 collagen (a stromal-matrix constituent). We analyzed viscoelasticity: absolute-shear moduli (stiffness/elasticity) and phase angles (viscous and elastic characteristics). We determined the relationship between microrheometry and rheometry information. Microrheometry reveals lower stiffness at cell-relevant scales, compared to macroscale rheometry, with dependency on the length scale (10 to 100 μm). These data show increasing IPN stiffness with crosslinking until saturation (≃15 mM of Ca2+). Furthermore, we report that IPN stiffness can be adjusted by modulating collagen concentration and interconnectivity (by polymerization temperature). The IPNs are heterogeneous structurally (in SEM) and mechanically. Interestingly, increased alginate crosslinking changes IPN heterogeneity in stiffness but not in phase angle, until the saturation. In contrast, such changes are undetectable in alginate scaffolds. Our nonlinear viscoelasticity analysis at tumor-cell-exerted strains shows that only the softer IPNs stiffen with strain, like the stromal-collagen constituent. In summary, our approach can quantify the stromal-matrix-related viscoelasticity and is likely applicable to other materials in 3D culture.

The use of microphysiological systems to model metastatic cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the 21st century, with metastasis of cancer attributing to 90% of cancer-related deaths. Therefore, to improve patient outcomes there is a need for better preclinical models to increase the success of translating oncological therapies into the clinic. Current traditional staticin vitromodels lack a perfusable network which is critical to overcome the diffusional mass transfer limit to provide a mechanism for the exchange of essential nutrients and waste removal, and increase their physiological relevance. Furthermore, these models typically lack cellular heterogeneity and key components of the immune system and tumour microenvironment. This review explores rapidly developing strategies utilising perfusable microphysiological systems (MPS) for investigating cancer cell metastasis. In this review we initially outline the mechanisms of cancer metastasis, highlighting key steps and identifying the current gaps in our understanding of the metastatic cascade, exploring MPS focused on investigating the individual steps of the metastatic cascade before detailing the latest MPS which can investigate multiple components of the cascade. This review then focuses on the factors which can affect the performance of an MPS designed for cancer applications with a final discussion summarising the challenges and future directions for the use of MPS for cancer models.

Co-delivery of fucoxanthin and Twist siRNA using hydroxyethyl starch-cholesterol self-assembled polymer nanoparticles for triple-negative breast cancer synergistic therapy

INTRODUCTION

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer with an extremely dismal prognosis and few treatment options. As a desmoplastic tumor, TNBC tumor cells are girdled by stroma composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their secreted stromal components. The rapidly proliferating tumor cells, together with the tumor stroma, exert additional solid tissue pressure on tumor vasculature and surrounding tissues, severely obstructing therapeutic agent from deep intratumoral penetration, and resulting in tumor metastasis and treatment resistance.

OBJECTIVES

Fucoxanthin (FX), a xanthophyll carotenoid abundant in marine algae, has attracted widespread attention as a promising alternative candidate for tumor prevention and treatment. Twist is a pivotal regulator of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and its depletion has proven to sensitize antitumor drugs, inhibit metastasis, reduce CAFs activation and the following interstitial deposition, and increase tumor perfusion. The nanodrug delivery system co-encapsulating FX and nucleic acid drug Twist siRNA (siTwist) was expected to form a potent anti-TNBC therapeutic cyclical feedback loop.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Herein, our studies constituted a novel self-assembled polymer nanomedicine (siTwist/FX@HES-CH) based on the amino-modified hydroxyethyl starch (HES-NH2) grafted with hydrophobic segment cholesterol (CH). The MTT assay, flow cytometry apoptosis analysis, transwell assay, western blot, and 3D multicellular tumor spheroids growth inhibition assay all showed that siTwist/FX@HES-CH could kill tumor cells and inhibit their metastasis in a synergistic manner. The in vivo anti-TNBC efficacy was demonstrated that siTwist/FX@HES-CH remodeled tumor microenvironment, facilitated interstitial barrier crossing, killed tumor cells synergistically, drastically reduced TNBC orthotopic tumor burden and inhibited lung metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Systematic studies revealed that this dual-functional nanomedicine that targets both tumor cells and tumor microenvironment significantly alleviates TNBC orthotopic tumor burden and inhibits lung metastasis, establishing a new paradigm for TNBC therapy.

Distinct spectral signatures unfold ECM stiffness-triggered biochemical changes in breast cancer cells

Cancer progression often accompanies the stiffening of extracellular matrix (ECM) in and around the tumor, owing to extra deposition and cross-linking of collagen. Stiff ECM has been linked with poor prognosis and is known to fuel invasion and metastasis, notably in breast cancer. However, the underlying biochemical or metabolic changes and the cognate molecular signatures remain elusive. Here, we explored Raman spectroscopy to unveil the spectral fingerprints of breast cancer cells in response to extracellular mechanical cues. Using stiffness-tuneable hydrogels, we showed that cells grown on stiff ECM displayed morphological changes with high proliferation. We further demonstrated that Raman Spectroscopy, a label-free and non-invasive technique, could provide comprehensive information about the biochemical environment of breast cancer cells in response to varying ECM stiffness. Raman spectroscopic analysis classified the cells into distinct clusters based on principal component-based linear discriminant analysis (PC-LDA). Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) analysis indicated that cells cultured on stiff ECM exhibited elevated nucleic acid content and lesser lipids. Interestingly, increased intensity of Raman bands corresponding to cytochrome-c was also observed in stiff ECM conditions, suggesting mitochondrial modulation. The key findings harboured by spectral profiles were also corroborated by transmission electron microscopy, confirming altered metabolic status as reflected by increased mitochondria number and decreased lipid droplets in response to ECM stiffening. Collectively, these findings not only give the spectral signatures for mechanoresponse but also provide the landscape of biochemical changes in response to ECM stiffening.

Shaping Oncogenic Microenvironments: Contribution of Fibronectin

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins and glycans, dynamically remodeled and specifically tailored to the structure/function of each organ. The malignant transformation of cancer cells is determined by both cell intrinsic properties, such as mutations, and extrinsic variables, such as the mixture of surrounding cells in the tumor microenvironment and the biophysics of the ECM. During cancer progression, the ECM undergoes extensive remodeling, characterized by disruption of the basal lamina, vascular endothelial cell invasion, and development of fibrosis in and around the tumor cells resulting in increased tissue stiffness. This enhanced rigidity leads to aberrant mechanotransduction and further malignant transformation potentiating the de-differentiation, proliferation and invasion of tumor cells. Interestingly, this fibrotic microenvironment is primarily secreted and assembled by non-cancerous cells. Among them, the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a central role. CAFs massively produce fibronectin together with type I collagen. This review delves into the primary interactions and signaling pathways through which fibronectin can support tumorigenesis and metastasis, aiming to provide critical molecular insights for better therapy response prediction.

Identification of fibronectin type III domain containing 3B as a potential prognostic and therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer: a preliminary analysis

BACKGROUND

Fibronectin type III domain containing 3B (FNDC3B), a member of the fibronectin type III domain-containing protein family, has been indicated in various malignancies. However, the precise role of FNDC3B in the progression of pancreatic cancer (PC) still remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

In this study, we integrated data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the Cancer Genome Atlas, Genotype-Tissue Expression database, and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets to analyze FNDC3B expression and its association with various clinicopathological parameters. Subsequently, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, along with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) and estimate analysis were recruited to delve into the biological function and immune infiltration based on FNDC3B expression. Additionally, the prognostic estimation was conducted using Cox analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Subsequently, a nomogram was constructed according to the result of Cox analysis to enhance the prognostic ability of FNDC3B. Finally, the preliminary biological function of FNDC3B in PC cells was explored.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated a significantly higher expression of FNDC3B in tumor tissues compared to normal pancreatic tissues, and this expression was significantly associated with various clinicopathological parameters. GSEA revealed the involvement of FNDC3B in biological processes and signaling pathways related to integrin signaling pathway and cell adhesion. Additionally, ssGSEA analysis indicated a positive correlation between FNDC3B expression and infiltration of Th2 cells and neutrophils, while showing a negative correlation with plasmacytoid dendritic cells and Th17 cells infiltration. Kaplan-Meier analysis further supported that high FNDC3B expression in PC patients was linked to shorter overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free interval. However, although univariate analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between FNDC3B expression and prognosis in PC patients, this association did not hold true in multivariate analysis. Finally, our findings highlight the crucial role of FNDC3B expression in regulating proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of PC cells.

CONCLUSION

Despite limitations, the findings of this study underscored the potential of FNDC3B as a prognostic biomarker and its pivotal role in driving the progression of PC, particularly in orchestrating immune responses.

Machine learning-based approach for automated classification of cell and extracellular matrix using nanomechanical properties

Fibrosis characterized by excess accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) due to complex cell-ECM interactions plays a pivotal role in pathogenesis. Herein, we employ the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) model to investigate dynamic alterations in nanomechanical attributes arising from the cell-ECM interactions to study the fibrosis paradigm. Several segregated studies performed on cellular and ECM components fail to recapitulate their complex collaboration. We utilized collagen and fibronectin, the two most abundant PDAC ECM components, and studied their nanomechanical attributes. We demonstrate alteration in morphology and nanomechanical attributes of collagen with varying thicknesses of collagen gel. Furthermore, by mixing collagen and fibronectin in various stoichiometry, their nanomechanical attributes were observed to vary. To demonstrate the dynamicity and complexity of cell-ECM, we utilized Panc-1 and AsPC-1 cells with or without collagen. We observed that Panc-1 and AsPC-1 cells interact differently with collagen and vice versa, evident from their alteration in nanomechanical properties. Further, using nanomechanics data, we demonstrate that ML-based techniques were able to classify between ECM as well as cell, and cell subtypes in the presence/absence of collagen with higher accuracy. This work demonstrates a promising avenue to explore other ECM components facilitating deeper insights into tumor microenvironment and fibrosis paradigm.

Multimodal characterization of the collagen hydrogel structure and properties in response to physiologically relevant pH fluctuations

pH fluctuations within the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its principal constituent collagen, particularly in solid tumors and chronic wounds, may influence its structure and function. Whereas previous research examined the impact of pH on collagen fibrillogenesis, this study focuses on determining how pH fluctuations affect collagen hydrogels that mimic the physiological ECM. Utilizing a type I collagen hydrogel, we examined the influence of pH fluctuations on its structure, properties, and function while keeping the collagen hydrated. We show that collagen's secondary structure remains unaltered during pathologically relevant microenvironmental pH changes. By employing cryo scanning electron microscopy and artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis, we show that at physiological pH, collagen hydrogel presents densely packed, aligned, and elongated fibrils, which upon a decrease to pH 6.5, are transformed into shorter, sparser, and disoriented fibrils. The collagen possesses a higher storage modulus yet a lower permeability at pH 7 and 7.8 compared with pH 6.5 and 7.4. Exposing acidified collagen to a basic buffer reinstates its native structure and viscoelastic properties. Our study offers an innovative approach to analyze and characterize perturbations in hydrated collagen-based systems with potential implications for better understanding and combating disease progression. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: As the main component of the extracellular matrix, collagen undergoes conformational changes associated with pH changes during disease. We analyze the impact of pH on pre-formed collagen fibers mimicking healthy tissues subjected to disease, and do not focus on the more studied fibrillogenesis process. Using cryogenic SEM, which allowed imaging close to the native state, we show that even minor fluctuations in the pH affect the collagen thickness, length, fiber alignment, and rheological properties. Following exposure to acidic pH, the collagen had short fibers, lacked orientation, and had low mechanical strength. This acidic collagen restored its original properties after returning to a neutral pH. These findings can help determine how pH changes can be modulated to restore healthy collagen properties.

Single-cell transcriptome analysis upon ECM-remodeling meningioma cells

Meningiomas are the most common tumours that primarily arise in the central nervous system, but their intratumoural heterogeneity has not yet been thoroughly studied. We aimed to investigate the transcriptome characteristics and biological properties of ECM-remodeling meningioma cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing (ScRNA-seq) data from meningioma samples were acquired and used for analyses. We conducted comprehensive bioinformatics analyses, including screening for differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analyses, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and copy number variation (CNV) analysis on single-cell sequencing data from meningiomas. Eighteen cell types, including six meningioma subtypes, were identified in the data. ECM-remodeling meningioma cells (MGCs) were mainly distributed in brain-tumour interface tissues. KEGG and GO enrichment analyses revealed that 908 DEGs were mainly related to cell adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, and ECM-receptor interaction. GSEA analysis demonstrated that homophilic cell adhesion via plasma membrane adhesion molecules was significantly enriched (NES = 2.375, P < 0.001). CNV analysis suggested that ECM-remodeling MGCs showed considerably lower average CNV scores. ECM-remodeling MGCs predominantly localized at the brain-tumour interface area and adhere stably to the basement membrane with a lower degree of malignancy. This study provides novel insights into the malignancy of meningiomas.

Collagen modifications predictive of lymph node metastasis in dogs with carcinoma in mixed tumours

Introduction

Mixed tumours in the canine mammary gland are the most common histological type in routine diagnosis. In general, these neoplasms have a favourable prognosis that does not evolve into metastatic disease. However, some cases develop into lymph node metastases and are associated with worse patient survival rates.

Methods

Here is a retrospective study of 46 samples of primary mixed tumours of the canine mammary gland: 15 cases of benign mixed tumours (BMT), 16 cases of carcinoma in mixed tumours without lymph node metastasis (CMT), and 15 cases of carcinomas in mixed tumours with lymph node metastasis (CMTM). In addition, we selected 23 cases of normal mammary glands (NMT) for comparison. The samples were collected from biopsies performed during nodulectomy, simple mastectomy, regional mastectomy, or unilateral/bilateral radical mastectomy. We used multiphoton microscopy, second harmonic generation, and two-photon excited fluorescence, to evaluate the characteristics of collagen fibres and cellular components in biopsies stained with haematoxylin and eosin. We performed Ki67, ER, PR, and HER-2 immunostaining to define the immunophenotype and COX-2. We showed that carcinomas that evolved into metastatic disease (CMTM) present shorter and wavier collagen fibres as compared to CMT.

Results and discussion

When compared to NMT and BMT the carcinomas present a smaller area of fibre coverage, a larger area of cellular coverage, and a larger number of individual fibres. Furthermore, we observed a correlation between the strong expression of COX-2 and a high rate of cell proliferation in carcinomas with a smaller area covered by cell fibres and a larger number of individual fibres. These findings highlight the fundamental role of collagen during tumour progression, especially in invasion and metastatic dissemination.

Unveiling the potential effects of resveratrol in lung cancer treatment: Mechanisms and nanoparticle-based drug delivery strategies

Lung cancer ranks among the most prevalent forms of cancer and remains a significant factor in cancer-related mortality across the world. It poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and society as a whole due to its high incidence, mortality rates, and late-stage diagnosis. Resveratrol (RV), a natural compound found in various plants, has shown potential as a nanomedicine for lung cancer treatment. RV has varied effects on cancer cells, including promoting apoptosis by increasing pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bak) and decreasing anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2). It also hinders cell proliferation by influencing important signaling pathways (MAPK, mTOR, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/β-catenin) that govern cancer progression. In addition, RV acts as a potent antioxidant, diminishing oxidative stress and safeguarding cells against DNA damage. However, using RV alone in cancer treatment has drawbacks, such as low bioavailability, lack of targeting ability, and susceptibility to degradation. In contrast, nanoparticle-based delivery systems address these limitations and hold promise for improving treatment outcomes in lung cancer; nanoparticle formulations of RV offer advantages such as improved drug delivery, increased stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery to lung cancer cells. This article will provide an overview of lung cancer, explore the potential of RV as a therapeutic agent, discuss the benefits and challenges of nanoparticle-based drug delivery, and highlight the promise of RV nanoparticles for cancer treatment, including lung cancer. By optimizing these systems for clinical application, future studies aim to enhance overall treatment outcomes and improve the prognosis for lung cancer patients.

Monoterpenoids: An upcoming class of therapeutic agents for modulating cancer metastasis

Monoterpenoids, a sub-class of terpenoids, are secondary metabolites frequently extracted from the essential oils of aromatic plants. Their antitumor properties including antiproliferative, apoptotic, antiangiogenic, and antimetastatic effects along with other biological activities have been the subject of extensive study due to their diverse characteristics. In recent years, numerous investigations have been conducted to understand its potential anticancer impacts, specifically focusing on antiproliferative and apoptotic mechanisms. Metastasis, a malignancy hallmark, can exert either protective or destructive influences on tumor cells. Despite this, the potential antimetastatic and antiangiogenic attributes of monoterpenoids need further exploration. This review focuses on specific monoterpenoids, examining their effects on metastasis and relevant signaling pathways. The monoterpenoids exhibit a high level of complexity as natural products that regulate metastatic proteins through various signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/jun N-terminal kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epithelial mesenchymal transition process. Additionally, this review delves into the biosynthesis and classification of monoterpenoids, their potential antitumor impacts on cell lines, the plant sources of monoterpenoids, and the current status of limited clinical trials investigating their efficacy against cancer. Moreover, monoterpenoids depict promising potential in preventing cancer metastasis, however, inadequate clinical trials limit their drug usage. State-of-the-art techniques and technologies are being employed to overcome the challenges of utilizing monoterpenoids as an anticancer agent.

Emerging Strategies for Immunotherapy of Solid Tumors Using Lipid-Based Nanoparticles

The application of lipid-based nanoparticles for COVID-19 vaccines and transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis treatment have highlighted their potential for translation to cancer therapy. However, their use in delivering drugs to solid tumors is limited by ineffective targeting, heterogeneous organ distribution, systemic inflammatory responses, and insufficient drug accumulation at the tumor. Instead, the use of lipid-based nanoparticles to remotely activate immune system responses is an emerging effective strategy. Despite this approach showing potential for treating hematological cancers, its application to treat solid tumors is hampered by the selection of eligible targets, tumor heterogeneity, and ineffective penetration of activated T cells within the tumor. Notwithstanding, the use of lipid-based nanoparticles for immunotherapy is projected to revolutionize cancer therapy, with the ultimate goal of rendering cancer a chronic disease. However, the translational success is likely to depend on the use of predictive tumor models in preclinical studies, simulating the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (e.g., the fibrotic extracellular matrix that impairs therapeutic outcomes) and stimulating tumor progression. This review compiles recent advances in the field of antitumor lipid-based nanoparticles and highlights emerging therapeutic approaches (e.g., mechanotherapy) to modulate tumor stiffness and improve T cell infiltration, and the use of organoids to better guide therapeutic outcomes.

Biomechanical forces and force-triggered drug delivery in tumor neovascularization

Tumor angiogenesis is one of the typical hallmarks of tumor occurrence and development, and tumor neovascularization also exhibits distinct characteristics from normal blood vessels. As the number of cells and matrix inside the tumor increases, the biomechanical force is enhanced, specifically manifested as solid stress, fluid stress, stiffness, and topology. This mechanical microenvironment also provides shelter for tumors and intensifies angiogenesis, providing oxygen and nutritional support for tumor progression. During tumor development, the biomechanical microenvironment also emerges, which in turn feeds back to regulate the tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, and biochemical and biomechanical signals can regulate tumor angiogenesis. Blood vessels possess inherent sensitivity to mechanical stimuli, but compared to the extensive research on biochemical signal regulation, the study of the regulation of tumor neovascularization by biomechanical signals remains relatively scarce. Biomechanical forces can affect the phenotypic characteristics and mechanical signaling pathways of tumor blood vessels, directly regulating angiogenesis. Meanwhile, they can indirectly regulate tumor angiogenesis by causing an imbalance in angiogenesis signals and affecting stromal cell function. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of biomechanical forces in tumor angiogenesis is beneficial for better identifying and even taming the mechanical forces involved in angiogenesis, providing new therapeutic targets for tumor vascular normalization. Therefore, we summarized the composition of biomechanical forces and their direct or indirect regulation of tumor neovascularization. In addition, this review discussed the use of biomechanical forces in combination with anti-angiogenic therapies for the treatment of tumors, and biomechanical forces triggered delivery systems.

Aridanin and oleanane-3- O-β-D-glucoside-2'-acetamide obtained from Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. & Thonn) Taub. (Fabaceae) induces potent apoptotic activity in human prostate cancer cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. and Thonn.) Taub. (Fabaceae) is a tropical plant that is used in Cameroon pharmacopeia for the treatment of many cancers including prostate cancer (PCa), which is a major cause of men's death worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anticancer properties as well as underlying mechanisms of isolates from T. tetraptera on DU145, PC3 and LNCaP cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight (8) compounds were purified from T. tetraptera stem bark extract through silica gel column chromatography (CC) and characterized using spectroscopic techniques (1D and 2D NMR), HRESIMS. Cell growth was assessed by a well-characterized MTT assay, while BrdU and clonogenicity assays provided information on the cell proliferation index. Further, the impact of the compounds on cell cycle progression and cell death were performed through Flow cytometry. Cell adhesion, cell migration and chemotaxis along with some proteins of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were assayed.

RESULTS

Out of the eight (1-8) isolates from T. tetraptera only oleanane-3-O-β-D-glucoside-2'-acetamide and aridanin showed potent cell growth arrest with an estimated CC50 of 15, 23, 16 and 17, 26, 16 μg/mL on DU145, PC3 and LNCaP cells, respectively. A 15% (DU145) and 25% (LNCaP) increase in apoptotic cells induced by oleanane-3-O-β-D-glucoside-2'-acetamide and aridanin at 10 μg/mL were noticed. Oleanane-3-O-β-D-glucoside-2'-acetamide and aridanin at 2.5 and 10 μg/mL reduced the number of cells in S-phase and raised cells in G2/M phase. At the same concentrations, they decreased the number of invading DU145 cells and increased the adherence of DU145 cells to fibronectin and collagen matrix at tested concentrations, accompanied by an increase in integrin β-1 (10 μg/mL) and integrin β-4 (2.5 μg/mL) expression. Furthermore, a down-regulation of pcdk1, cdk2, Bcl-2, N-Cad, vimentin and cytokeratine 8-18 was noticed while, p19, p27, p53 pAKT, Bax, caspase-3 and E-Cad were up-regulated.

CONCLUSIONS

This study outlines for the first time, the anticancer ability of compounds oleanane-3-O-β-D-glucoside-2'-acetamide (4) and aridanin (6) from Tetrapleura tetraptera and proposes their putative mechanisms of action.

Hydrogel Loaded with Components for Therapeutic Applications in Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

Hypertrophic scars and keloids are common fibroproliferative diseases following injury. Patients with pathologic scars suffer from impaired quality of life and psychological health due to appearance disfiguration, itch, pain, and movement disorders. Recently, the advancement of hydrogels in biomedical fields has brought a variety of novel materials, methods and therapeutic targets for treating hypertrophic scars and keloids, which exhibit broad prospects. This review has summarized current research on hydrogels and loaded components used in preventing and treating hypertrophic scars and keloids. These hydrogels attenuate keloid and hypertrophic scar formation and progression by loading organic chemicals, drugs, or bioactive molecules (such as growth factors, genes, proteins/peptides, and stem cells/exosomes). Among them, smart hydrogels (a very promising method for loading many types of bioactive components) are currently favoured by researchers. In addition, combining hydrogels and current therapy (such as laser or radiation therapy, etc.) could improve the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Then, the difficulties and limitations of the current research and possible suggestions for improvement are listed. Moreover, we also propose novel strategies for facilitating the construction of target multifunctional hydrogels in the future.

Extracellular matrix remodeling in the tumor immunity

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a significant constituent of tumors, fulfilling various essential functions such as providing mechanical support, influencing the microenvironment, and serving as a reservoir for signaling molecules. The abundance and degree of cross-linking of ECM components are critical determinants of tissue stiffness. In the process of tumorigenesis, the interaction between ECM and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) frequently leads to ECM stiffness, thereby disrupting normal mechanotransduction and promoting malignant progression. Therefore, acquiring a thorough comprehension of the dysregulation of ECM within the TME would significantly aid in the identification of potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this regard, we have compiled a comprehensive summary encompassing the following aspects: (1) the principal components of ECM and their roles in malignant conditions; (2) the intricate interaction between ECM and immune cells within the TME; and (3) the pivotal regulators governing the onco-immune response in ECM.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: current views on the tumor microenvironment's impact on drug resistance and clinical outcomes

The incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) exhibits significant variations across different ethnic groups and geographical regions, with Southeast Asia and North Africa being endemic areas. Of note, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is closely associated with almost all of the undifferentiated NPC cases. Over the past three decades, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have formed the cornerstone of NPC treatment. However, recent advancements in immunotherapy have introduced a range of promising approaches for managing NPC. In light of these developments, it has become evident that a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial. The TME serves a dual function, acting as a promoter of tumorigenesis while also orchestrating immunosuppression, thereby facilitating cancer progression and enabling immune evasion. Consequently, a comprehensive comprehension of the TME and its intricate involvement in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of NPC is imperative for the development of effective anticancer drugs. Moreover, given the complexity of TME and the inter-patient heterogeneity, personalized treatment should be designed to maximize therapeutic efficacy and circumvent drug resistance. This review aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the TME within the context of EBV-induced NPC, with a particular emphasis on its pivotal role in regulating intercellular communication and shaping treatment responses. Additionally, the review offers a concise summary of drug resistance mechanisms and potential strategies for their reversal, specifically in relation to chemoradiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Furthermore, recent advances in clinical trials pertaining to NPC are also discussed.

Noncanonical Activity of Med4 as a Gatekeeper of Metastasis through Epigenetic Control of Integrin Signaling

Breast cancer metastatic relapse after a latency period, known as metastatic dormancy. Through genetic screening in mice, we identified the mediator complex subunit 4 (Med4) as a novel tumor-cell intrinsic gatekeeper in metastatic reactivation. Med4 downregulation effectively awakened dormant breast cancer cells, prompting macroscopic metastatic outgrowth in the lungs. Med4 depletion results in profound changes in nuclear size and three-dimensional chromatin architecture from compacted to relaxed states in contrast to the canonical function of the Mediator complex. These changes rewire the expression of extracellular matrix proteins, integrins, and signaling components resulting in integrin-mediated mechano-transduction and activation of YAP and MRTF. The assembly of stress fibers pulls on the nuclear membrane and contributes to reinforcing the overall chromatin modifications by Med4 depletion. MED4 gene deletions were observed in patients with metastatic breast cancer, and reduced MED4 expression correlates with worse prognosis, highlighting its significance as a potential biomarker for recurrence.

Matrix-based molecular mechanisms, targeting and diagnostics in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a head and neck cancer (HNC) with a high mortality rate. OSCC is developed in the oral cavity and it is triggered by many etiologic factors and can metastasize both regionally and distantly. Recent research advances in OSCC improved our understanding on the molecular mechanisms involved in and the initiation of OSCC metastasis. The key roles of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in OSCC are an emerging area of intensive research as the ECM macromolecular network is actively involved in events that regulate cellular morphological and functional properties, transcription and cell signaling mechanisms in invasion and metastasis. The provisional matrix that is formed by cancer cells is profoundly different in composition and functions as compared with the matrix of normal tissue. Fibroblasts are mainly responsible for matrix production and remodeling, but in cancer, the tumor matrix in the tumor microenvironment (TME) also originates from cancer cells. Even though extensive research has been conducted on the role of ECM in regulating cancer pathogenesis, its role in modulating OSCC is less elucidated since there are several issues yet to be fully understood. This critical review is focused on recent research as to present and discuss on the involvement of ECM macromolecular effectors (i.e., proteoglycans, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases) in OSCC development and progression.

Novel insights into the role of Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) in cancer progression: a new avenue of therapeutic intervention

Discoidin domain receptors (DDRs), including DDR1 and DDR2, are a unique class of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) activated by collagens at the cell-matrix boundary interface. The peculiar mode of activation makes DDRs as key cellular sensors of microenvironmental changes, with a critical role in all physiological and pathological processes governed by collagen remodeling. DDRs are widely expressed in fetal and adult tissues, and experimental and clinical evidence has shown that their expression is deregulated in cancer. Strong findings supporting the role of collagens in tumor progression and metastasis have led to renewed interest in DDRs.  However, despite an increasing number of studies, DDR biology remains poorly understood, particularly the less studied DDR2, whose involvement in cancer progression mechanisms is undoubted. Thus, the understanding of a wider range of DDR2 functions and related molecular mechanisms is expected. To date, several lines of evidence support DDR2 as a promising target in cancer therapy. Its involvement in key functions in the tumor microenvironment makes DDR2 inhibition particularly attractive to achieve simultaneous targeting of tumor and stromal cells, and tumor regression, which is beneficial for improving the response to different types of anti-cancer therapies, including chemo- and immunotherapy. This review summarizes current research on DDR2, focusing on its role in cancer progression through its involvement in tumor and stromal cell functions, and discusses findings that support the rationale for future development of direct clinical strategies targeting DDR2.

Biochemical and morpho-mechanical properties, and structural organization of rat tail tendon collagen in diet-induced obesity model

We have investigated the impact of obesity on the structural organization, morpho-mechanical properties of collagen fibers from rat tail tendon fascicles (RTTFs). Polarized Raman microspectroscopy showed that the collagen bands 855, 875, 938, and 960 cm-1 as well as those 1631 and 1660 cm-1 were affected by diet. Mechanical properties exhibited an increase in the yield strength from control (CTRL) to high fat (HF) diet (9.60 ± 1.71 and 13.09 ± 1.81 MPa) (p < 0.01) and ultimate tensile strength (13.12 ± 2.37 and 18.32 ± 2.83 MPa) (p < 0.05) with no significant change in the Young's Modulus. During mechanical, the band at 875 cm-1 exhibited the most relevant frequency shift (2 cm-1). The intensity of those at 855, 875, and 938 cm-1 in HF collagen displayed a comparable response to mechanical stress as compared to CTRL collagen with no significant diet-related changes in the Full Width at Half Maximum. Second harmonic generation technique revealed i) similar fiber straightness (0.963 ± 0.004 and 0.965 ± 0.003) and ii) significant changes in fibers diameter (1.48 ± 0.07 and 1.52 ± 0.08 μm) (p < 0.05) and length (22.06 ± 2.38 and 29.00 ± 3.76 μm) (p < 0.001) between CTRL and HF diet, respectively. The quantification of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) revealed an increase in both carboxymethyl-lysine and total fluorescence AGEs from CTRL to HF RTTFs.

Differentiation of Salivary Gland and Salivary Gland Tumor Tissue via Raman Imaging Combined with Multivariate Data Analysis

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are a relevant, highly diverse subgroup of head and neck tumors whose entity determination can be difficult. Confocal Raman imaging in combination with multivariate data analysis may possibly support their correct classification. For the analysis of the translational potential of Raman imaging in SGT determination, a multi-stage evaluation process is necessary. By measuring a sample set of Warthin tumor, pleomorphic adenoma and non-tumor salivary gland tissue, Raman data were obtained and a thorough Raman band analysis was performed. This evaluation revealed highly overlapping Raman patterns with only minor spectral differences. Consequently, a principal component analysis (PCA) was calculated and further combined with a discriminant analysis (DA) to enable the best possible distinction. The PCA-DA model was characterized by accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity and precision values above 90% and validated by predicting model-unknown Raman spectra, of which 93% were classified correctly. Thus, we state our PCA-DA to be suitable for parotid tumor and non-salivary salivary gland tissue discrimination and prediction. For evaluation of the translational potential, further validation steps are necessary.

Collagen-Binding Nanoparticles for Paclitaxel Encapsulation and Breast Cancer Treatment

In this study, we developed a novel hybrid collagen-binding nanocarrier for potential intraductal administration and local breast cancer treatment. The particles were formed by the encapsulation of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing the cytotoxic drug paclitaxel within a shell of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM), and were functionalized with SILY, a peptide that binds to collagen type I (which is overexpressed in the mammary tumor microenvironment) to improve local retention and selectivity. The encapsulation of the NLCs in the pNIPAM shell increased nanoparticle size by approximately 140 nm, and after purification, a homogeneous system of hybrid nanoparticles (∼96%) was obtained. The nanoparticles exhibited high loading efficiency (<76%) and were capable of prolonging paclitaxel release for up to 120 h. SILY-modified nanoparticles showed the ability to bind to collagen-coated surfaces and naturally elaborated collagen. Hybrid nanoparticles presented cytotoxicity up to 3.7-fold higher than pNIPAM-only nanoparticles on mammary tumor cells cultured in monolayers. In spheroids, the increase in cytotoxicity was up to 1.8-fold. Compared to lipid nanoparticles, the hybrid nanoparticle modified with SILY increased the viability of nontumor breast cells by up to 1.59-fold in a coculture model, suggesting the effectiveness and safety of the system.

Light-Induced Nanoscale Deformation in Azobenzene Thin Film Triggers Rapid Intracellular Ca2+ Increase via Mechanosensitive Cation Channels

Epithelial cells are in continuous dynamic biochemical and physical interaction with their extracellular environment. Ultimately, this interplay guides fundamental physiological processes. In these interactions, cells generate fast local and global transients of Ca2+ ions, which act as key intracellular messengers. However, the mechanical triggers initiating these responses have remained unclear. Light-responsive materials offer intriguing possibilities to dynamically modify the physical niche of the cells. Here, a light-sensitive azobenzene-based glassy material that can be micropatterned with visible light to undergo spatiotemporally controlled deformations is used. Real-time monitoring of consequential rapid intracellular Ca2+ signals reveals that the mechanosensitive cation channel Piezo1 has a major role in generating the Ca2+ transients after nanoscale mechanical deformation of the cell culture substrate. Furthermore, the studies indicate that Piezo1 preferably responds to shear deformation at the cell-material interphase rather than to absolute topographical change of the substrate. Finally, the experimentally verified computational model suggests that Na+ entering alongside Ca2+ through the mechanosensitive cation channels modulates the duration of Ca2+ transients, influencing differently the directly stimulated cells and their neighbors. This highlights the complexity of mechanical signaling in multicellular systems. These results give mechanistic understanding on how cells respond to rapid nanoscale material dynamics and deformations.

Hypoxia-induced PLOD2 promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression via modulating EGFR-dependent AKT pathway activation

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a type of kidney cancer that is both common and aggressive, with a rising incidence in recent decades. Hypoxia is a key factor that plays a vital role in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of malignancy. However, the precise mechanisms of hypoxia driving ccRCC progression were not totally uncovered. Our study found that hypoxia level was elevated in ccRCC and might be an independent risk factor of prognosis in ccRCC patients. We identified a key protein PLOD2 was induced under hypoxic conditions and strongly associated with poor prognosis in ccRCC patients. When PLOD2 was depleted, the proliferation and migration of ccRCC cells were reduced in vitro and in vivo, while overexpression of PLOD2 had the opposite effect. Mechanically, the study further revealed that PLOD2 was transcriptionally activated by HIF1A, which binds to a specific promoter region of the PLOD2 gene. PLOD2 was also shown to interact with EGFR, leading to the phosphorylation of the receptor. Furthermore, PLOD2 was responsible for binding to the extracellular domain of EGFR, which ultimately activated the AKT signaling pathway, thus promoting the malignant progression of ccRCC. Treatment with the PLOD2 inhibitor Minoxidil significantly suppressed ccRCC progression by inactivating the EGFR/AKT signaling axis. In summary, the findings of this study shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind PLOD2 expression in ccRCC and suggest that it may serve as a potential predictor and therapeutic target for the clinical prognosis and treatment of ccRCC.

Label-free multimodal electro-thermo-mechanical (ETM) phenotyping as a novel biomarker to differentiate between normal, benign, and cancerous breast biopsy tissues

BACKGROUND

Technologies for quick and label-free diagnosis of malignancies from breast tissues have the potential to be a significant adjunct to routine diagnostics. The biophysical phenotypes of breast tissues, such as its electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties (ETM), have the potential to serve as novel markers to differentiate between normal, benign, and malignant tissue.

RESULTS

We report a system-of-biochips (SoB) integrated into a semi-automated mechatronic system that can characterize breast biopsy tissues using electro-thermo-mechanical sensing. The SoB, fabricated on silicon using microfabrication techniques, can measure the electrical impedance (Z), thermal conductivity (K), mechanical stiffness (k), and viscoelastic stress relaxation (%R) of the samples. The key sensing elements of the biochips include interdigitated electrodes, resistance temperature detectors, microheaters, and a micromachined diaphragm with piezoresistive bridges. Multi-modal ETM measurements performed on formalin-fixed tumour and adjacent normal breast biopsy samples from N = 14 subjects were able to differentiate between invasive ductal carcinoma (malignant), fibroadenoma (benign), and adjacent normal (healthy) tissues with a root mean square error of 0.2419 using a Gaussian process classifier. Carcinoma tissues were observed to have the highest mean impedance (110018.8 ± 20293.8 Ω) and stiffness (0.076 ± 0.009 kNm-1) and the lowest thermal conductivity (0.189 ± 0.019 Wm-1 K-1) amongst the three groups, while the fibroadenoma samples had the highest percentage relaxation in normalized load (47.8 ± 5.12%).

CONCLUSIONS

The work presents a novel strategy to characterize the multi-modal biophysical phenotype of breast biopsy tissues to aid in cancer diagnosis from small-sized tumour samples. The methodology envisions to supplement the existing technology gap in the analysis of breast tissue samples in the pathology laboratories to aid the diagnostic workflow.

Cancer chemotherapy resistance: Mechanisms and recent breakthrough in targeted drug delivery

Conventional chemotherapy, one of the most widely used cancer treatment methods, has serious side effects, and usually results in cancer treatment failure. Drug resistance is one of the primary reasons for this failure. The most significant drawbacks of systemic chemotherapy are rapid clearance from the circulation, the drug's low concentration in the tumor site, and considerable adverse effects outside the tumor. Several ways have been developed to boost neoplasm treatment efficacy and overcome medication resistance. In recent years, targeted drug delivery has become an essential therapeutic application. As more mechanisms of tumor treatment resistance are discovered, nanoparticles (NPs) are designed to target these pathways. Therefore, understanding the limitations and challenges of this technology is critical for nanocarrier evaluation. Nano-drugs have been increasingly employed in medicine, incorporating therapeutic applications for more precise and effective tumor diagnosis, therapy, and targeting. Many benefits of NP-based drug delivery systems in cancer treatment have been proven, including good pharmacokinetics, tumor cell-specific targeting, decreased side effects, and lessened drug resistance. As more mechanisms of tumor treatment resistance are discovered, NPs are designed to target these pathways. At the moment, this innovative technology has the potential to bring fresh insights into cancer therapy. Therefore, understanding the limitations and challenges of this technology is critical for nanocarrier evaluation.

Substrate microtopographies induce cellular alignment and affect nuclear force transduction

Cellular physiology has been mainly studied by using two-dimensional cell culture substrates which lack in vivo-mimicking extracellular environment and interactions. Thus, there is a growing need for more complex model systems in life sciences. Micro-engineered scaffolds have been proven to be a promising tool in understanding the role of physical cues in the co-regulation of cellular functions. These tools allow, for example, probing cell morphology and migration in response to changes in chemo-physical properties of their microenvironment. In order to understand how microtopographical features, what cells encounter in vivo, affect cytoskeletal organization and nuclear mechanics, we used direct laser writing via two-photon polymerization (TPP) to fabricate substrates which contain different surface microtopographies. By combining with advanced high-resolution spectral imaging, we describe how the constructed grid and vertical line microtopographies influence cellular alignment, nuclear morphology and mechanics. Specifically, we found that growing cells on grids larger than 10 × 20 μm2 and on vertical lines increased 3D actin cytoskeleton orientation along the walls of microtopographies and abolished basal actin stress fibers. In concert, the nuclei of these cells were also more aligned, elongated, deformed and less flattened, indicating changes in nuclear force transduction. Importantly, by using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for measuring Förster resonance energy transfer for a genetically encoded nesprin-2 molecular tension sensor, we show that growing cells on these microtopographic substrates induce lower mechanical tension at the nuclear envelope. To conclude, here used substrate microtopographies modulated the cellular mechanics, and affected actin organization and nuclear force transduction.

The dual and multifaceted role of relaxin-2 in cancer

The continuous increase in cancer-associated deaths despite the substantial improvement in diagnosis and treatment has sparked discussions on the need for novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for cancer. Although increasing evidence has demonstrated the pivotal role of relaxin-2 in multiple cancers, their role is a double-edged sword with both protumor and antitumor having been reported in various malignant tumors. Considering this dual role, it appears the biological mechanism underpinning the action of relaxin-2 in cancer is not clear and further studies to elucidate their potential as a preventive factor for cancers are of prime importance. Herein, a summarized up-to-date report on the role of relaxin-2 in human cancer including detailed clinical and experimental evidence supporting their tumor-promoting and inhibitory functions in cancer development and progression has been elucidated. Also, signaling pathways and other factors orchestrating the activities of relaxin-2 in the tumor microenvironment has been discussed. Collectively, the evidence from this review has demonstrated the need for further evaluation of the role of relaxin-2 as a diagnostic and or prognostic biomarker for cancer.

Extracellular matrix sensing via modulation of orientational order of integrins and F-actin in focal adhesions

Specificity of cellular responses to distinct cues from the ECM requires precise and sensitive decoding of physical information. However, how known mechanisms of mechanosensing like force-dependent catch bonds and conformational changes in FA proteins can confer that this sensitivity is not known. Using polarization microscopy and computational modeling, we identify dynamic changes in an orientational order of FA proteins as a molecular organizational mechanism that can fine-tune cell sensitivity to the ECM. We find that αV integrins and F-actin show precise changes in the orientational order in an ECM-mediated integrin activation-dependent manner. These changes are sensitive to ECM density and are regulated independent of myosin-II activity though contractility can enhance this sensitivity. A molecular-clutch model demonstrates that the orientational order of integrin-ECM binding coupled to directional catch bonds can capture cellular responses to changes in ECM density. This mechanism also captures decoupling of ECM density sensing from stiffness sensing thus elucidating specificity. Taken together, our results suggest relative geometric organization of FA molecules as an important molecular architectural feature and regulator of mechanotransduction.

Evaluation of growth-induced, mechanical stress in solid tumors and spatial association with extracellular matrix content

Mechanical stresses in solid tumors play an important role in tumor progression and treatment efficacy but their quantification is under-investigated. Here, we developed an experimental and computational approach to calculate growth-induced, residual stresses and applied it to the breast (4T1), pancreatic (PAN02), and fibrosarcoma (MCA205) tumor models. Following resection, tumors are embedded in agarose gels and cuts are made in two perpendicular directions to release residual stress. With the use of image processing, the detailed bulging displacement profile is measured and finite elements models of the bulging geometry are developed for the quantification of the stress levels. The mechanical properties of the tumors are measured in vivo prior to resection with shear wave elastography. We find that the average magnitude of residual stresses ranges from 3.31 to 10.88 kPa, and they are non-uniformly distributed within the tissue due to the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment. Interestingly, we demonstrate that a second cut can still release a significant amount of stresses. We further find a strong association of spatial hyaluronan and collagen content with the spatial profile of stress for the MCA205 and PAN02 tumors and a partial association for the 4T1. Interestingly the colocalization of hyaluronan and collagen content had a stronger association with the spatial profile of stress for MCA205, PAN02, and 4T1. Finally, measurements of the elastic modulus with shear wave elastography show a nonlinear correlation with tumor volume for the more fibrotic MCA205 and 4T1 tumors. Overall, our results provide insights for a better understanding of the mechanical behavior of tumors.

Multiparameter interferometric polarization-enhanced imaging differentiates carcinoma in situ from inflammation of the bladder: an ex vivo study

Significance

Successful differentiation of carcinoma in situ (CIS) from inflammation in the bladder is key to preventing unnecessary biopsies and enabling accurate therapeutic decisions. Current standard-of-care diagnostic imaging techniques lack the specificity needed to differentiate these states, leading to false positives.

Aim

We introduce multiparameter interferometric polarization-enhanced (MultiPIPE) imaging as a promising technology to improve the specificity of detection for better biopsy guidance and clinical outcomes.

Approach

In this ex vivo study, we extract tissue attenuation-coefficient-based and birefringence-based parameters from MultiPIPE imaging data, collected with a bench-top system, to develop a classifier for the differentiation of benign and CIS tissues. We also analyze morphological features from second harmonic generation imaging and histology slides and perform imaging-to-morphology correlation analysis.

Results

MultiPIPE enhances specificity to differentiate CIS from benign tissues by nearly 20% and reduces the false-positive rate by more than four-fold over clinical standards. We also show that the MultiPIPE measurements correlate well with changes in morphological features in histological assessments.

Conclusions

The results of our study show the promise of MultiPIPE imaging to be used for better differentiation of bladder inflammation from flat tumors, leading to a fewer number of unnecessary procedures and shorter operating room (OR) time.

Tumour follower cells: A novel driver of leader cells in collective invasion (Review)

Collective cellular invasion in malignant tumours is typically characterized by the cooperative migration of multiple cells in close proximity to each other. Follower cells are led away from the tumour by specialized leader cells, and both cell populations play a crucial role in collective invasion. Follower cells form the main body of the migration system and depend on intercellular contact for migration, whereas leader cells indicate the direction for the entire cell population. Although collective invasion can occur in epithelial and non‑epithelial malignant neoplasms, such as medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, the present review mainly provided an extensive analysis of epithelial tumours. In the present review, the cooperative mechanisms of contact inhibition locomotion between follower and leader cells, where follower cells coordinate and direct collective movement through physical (mechanical) and chemical (signalling) interactions, is summarised. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of follower cell invasion and metastasis during remodelling and degradation of the extracellular matrix and how chemotaxis and lateral inhibition mediate follower cell behaviour were analysed. It was also demonstrated that follower cells exhibit genetic and metabolic heterogeneity during invasion, unlike leader cells.

Usefulness of COL11A1 as a Prognostic Marker of Tumor Infiltration

BACKGROUND

Determining the infiltration of carcinomas is essential for the proper follow-up and treatment of cancer patients. However, it continues to be a diagnostic challenge for pathologists in multiple types of tumors. In previous studies (carried out in surgical specimens), the protein COL11A1 has been postulated as an infiltration marker mainly expressed in the extracellular matrix (ECM). We hypothesized that a differential expression of COL11A1 may exist in the peritumoral stroma of tumors that have acquired infiltrating properties and that it may be detected in the small biopsies usually available in normal clinical practice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In our study, we performed immunohistochemical staining in more than 350 invasive and noninvasive small samples obtained via core needle biopsy (CNB), colonoscopy, or transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) of breast, colorectal, bladder, and ovarian cancer.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that COL11A1 immunostaining had a sensitivity to classify the samples into infiltrative vs. noninfiltrative tumors of 94% (breast), 97% (colorectal), >90% (bladder), and 74% (ovarian); and a specificity of 97% (breast), 100% (colorectal), and >90% (bladder). In ovarian cancer, the negative predictive value (0.59) did not present improvement over the usual histopathological markers. In all samples tested, the cumulative sensitivity was 86% and the specificity 96% (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

COL11A1-positive immunostaining in small biopsies of breast, colon, bladder and ovarian cancer is an accurate predictive marker of tumor infiltration that can be easily implemented in daily clinical practice.

Combination of Genomic Landsscape and 3D Culture Functional Assays Bridges Sarcoma Phenotype to Target and Immunotherapy

Genomic-based precision medicine has not only improved tumour therapy but has also shown its weaknesses. Genomic profiling and mutation analysis have identified alterations that play a major role in sarcoma pathogenesis and evolution. However, they have not been sufficient in predicting tumour vulnerability and advancing treatment. The relative rarity of sarcomas and the genetic heterogeneity between subtypes also stand in the way of gaining statistically significant results from clinical trials. Personalized three-dimensional tumour models that reflect the specific histologic subtype are emerging as functional assays to test anticancer drugs, complementing genomic screening. Here, we provide an overview of current target therapy for sarcomas and discuss functional assays based on 3D models that, by recapitulating the molecular pathways and tumour microenvironment, may predict patient response to treatments. This approach opens new avenues to improve precision medicine when genomic and pathway alterations are not sufficient to guide the choice of the most promising treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the aspects of the 3D culture assays that need to be improved, such as the standardisation of growth conditions and the definition of in vitro responses that can be used as a cut-off for clinical implementation.

Enhancing chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer through efficient and sustained tumor microenvironment remodeling with a fibroblast-targeted nanosystem

Pancreatic cancer (PC) carries a poor prognosis among all malignancies and poses great challenges to clinical drug accessibility due to the severely fibrotic and hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME). Therein, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are extremely abundant in PC, play a key role in forming the complex PC microenvironment. Therefore, a highly efficient TME reprogramming therapeutic paradigm that can specifically inhibit CAF function is urgently needed. Herein, we successfully developed a novel CAF-tailored nanosystem (Dex-GP-DOCA, DPD) loaded with a potent anti-fibrosis flavonoid compound (Quercetin, QUE), which possesses biological responsiveness to fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP-α), prolonged TME remodeling and enhancement of clinical chemotherapeutics. Specifically, DPD/QUE allowed for extracellular matrix (ECM) reduction, vessel normalization, hypoxia-induced drug resistance reversal, and blockade of Wnt16 paracrine in CAFs. More importantly, this chemotherapy conducive microenvironment persisted for at least 8 days following treatment with DPD/QUE. It should also be noted that the effective and prolonged microenvironment modulation induced by DPD/QUE significantly improved the chemotherapy sensitivity of Abraxane and gemcitabine, the first-line chemotherapeutic drugs for PC, with inhibition rates increasing from 37.5% and 40.0% to 87.5% and 85.2%, respectively. Overall, our CAFs-targeted nanosystem showed promising prospects for remodeling the TME and facilitating chemotherapy for refractory pancreatic cancer.

Current advances in nanoformulations of therapeutic agents targeting tumor microenvironment to overcome drug resistance

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in cancer development and progression. In this line, revealing the precise mechanisms of the TME and associated signaling pathways of tumor resistance could pave the road for cancer prevention and efficient treatment. The use of nanomedicine could be a step forward in overcoming the barriers in tumor-targeted therapy. Novel delivery systems benefit from enhanced permeability and retention effect, decreasing tumor resistance, reducing tumor hypoxia, and targeting tumor-associated factors, including immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Emerging evidence also indicates the engagement of multiple dysregulated mediators in the TME, such as matrix metalloproteinase, vascular endothelial growth factor, cytokines/chemokines, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, and related inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Hence, investigating novel multitargeted agents using a novel delivery system could be a promising strategy for regulating TME and drug resistance. In recent years, small molecules from natural sources have shown favorable anticancer responses by targeting TME components. Nanoformulations of natural compounds are promising therapeutic agents in simultaneously targeting multiple dysregulated factors and mediators of TME, reducing tumor resistance mechanisms, overcoming interstitial fluid pressure and pericyte coverage, and involvement of basement membrane. The novel nanoformulations employ a vascular normalization strategy, stromal/matrix normalization, and stress alleviation mechanisms to exert higher efficacy and lower side effects. Accordingly, the nanoformulations of anticancer monoclonal antibodies and conventional chemotherapeutic agents also improved their efficacy and lessened the pharmacokinetic limitations. Additionally, the coadministration of nanoformulations of natural compounds along with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, monoclonal antibodies, and nanomedicine-based radiotherapy exhibits encouraging results. This critical review evaluates the current body of knowledge in targeting TME components by nanoformulation-based delivery systems of natural small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, conventional chemotherapeutic agents, and combination therapies in both preclinical and clinical settings. Current challenges, pitfalls, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.

MT1-MMP as a Key Regulator of Metastasis

Membrane type1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a member of metalloproteinases that is tethered to the transmembrane. Its major function in cancer progression is to directly degrade the extracellular matrix components, which are mainly type I-III collagen or indirectly type IV collagen through the activation of MMP-2 with a cooperative function of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2). MT1-MMP is expressed as an inactive form (zymogen) within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and receives truncation processing via furin for its activation. Upon the appropriate trafficking of MT1-MMP from the ER, the Golgi apparatus to the cell surface membrane, MT1-MMP exhibits proteolytic activities to the surrounding molecules such as extracellular matrix components and cell surface molecules. MT1-MMP also retains a non-proteolytic ability to activate hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1A) via factors inhibiting the HIF-1 (FIH-1)-Mint3-HIF-1 axis, resulting in the upregulation of glucose metabolism and oxygen-independent ATP production. Through various functions of MT1-MMP, cancer cells gain motility on migration/invasion, thus causing metastasis. Despite the long-time efforts spent on the development of MT1-MMP interventions, none have been accomplished yet due to the side effects caused by off-target effects. Recently, MT1-MMP-specific small molecule inhibitors or an antibody have been reported and these inhibitors could potentially be novel agents for cancer treatment.

Molecular characteristics of gastric cancer with ERBB2 amplification

Gastric cancer is a prevalent malignancy with a high degree of heterogeneity, which has led to a poor therapeutic response. Though there are numerous HER2-targeted medicines for HER2+ gastric cancer, many trials have not indicated an improvement in overall survival. Here 29 ERBB2 amplification (ERBB2-Amp) type gastric cancer samples with WES and RNA-seq data were selected for investigation, which copy-number aberration (CNA) was +2. Initially, the somatic mutation and copy number variant (CNV) of them, which might cause resistance to HER2-targeted therapies, were systematically investigated evaluated, as well as their mutation signatures. Moreover, 37 modules were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), including the blue module related to DFS status and lightcyan module correlated with ARHGAP26_ARHGAP6_CLDN18 rearrangement. In addition, focal adhesion and ECM-receptor interaction pathways were considerably enriched in the turquoise module with ERBB2 gene. ExportNetworkToCytoscape determined that MIEN1 and GRB7 are tightly connected to ERBB2., Finally, 14 single-cell intestinal gastric cancer samples were investigated, and it was shown that the TFAP2A transcription factor regulon was highly expressed in ERBB2high group, as was the EMT score. Overall, our data provide comprehensive molecular characteristics of ERBB2-Amp type gastric cancer, which offers additional information to improve HER2-targeted gastric cancer treatment.

Fibroblast-derived matrix models desmoplastic properties and forms a prognostic signature in cancer progression

The desmoplastic reaction observed in many cancers is a hallmark of disease progression and prognosis, particularly in breast and pancreatic cancer. Stromal-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) is significantly altered in desmoplasia, and as such plays a critical role in driving cancer progression. Using fibroblast-derived matrices (FDMs), we show that cancer cells have increased growth on cancer associated FDMs, when compared to FDMs derived from non-malignant tissue (normal) fibroblasts. We assess the changes in ECM characteristics from normal to cancer-associated stroma at the primary tumor site. Compositional, structural, and mechanical analyses reveal significant differences, with an increase in abundance of core ECM proteins, coupled with an increase in stiffness and density in cancer-associated FDMs. From compositional changes of FDM, we derived a 36-ECM protein signature, which we show matches in large part with the changes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor and metastases progression. Additionally, this signature also matches at the transcriptomic level in multiple cancer types in patients, prognostic of their survival. Together, our results show relevance of FDMs for cancer modelling and identification of desmoplastic ECM components for further mechanistic studies.

Identification of Immune Infiltration in Odontogenic Keratocyst by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

BACKGROUND

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a relatively common odontogenic lesion characterized by local invasion in the maxillary and mandibular bones. In the pathological tissue slices of OKC, immune cell infiltrations are frequently observed. However, the immune cell profile and the molecular mechanism for immune cell infiltration of OKC are still unclear. We aimed to explore the immune cell profile of OKC and to explore the potential pathogenesis for immune cell infiltration in OKC.

METHODS

The microarray dataset GSE38494 including OKC and oral mucosa (OM) samples were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OKC were analyzed by R software. The hub genes of OKC were performed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The differential immune cell infiltration and the potential relationship between immune cell infiltration and the hub genes were performed by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). The expression of COL1A1 and COL1A3 were confirmed by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry in 17 OKC and 8 OM samples.

RESULTS

We detected a total of 402 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 247 were upregulated and 155 were downregulated. DEGs were mainly involved in collagen-containing extracellular matrix pathways, external encapsulating structure organization, and extracellular structure organization. We identified ten hub genes, namely FN1, COL1A1, COL3A1, COL1A2, BGN, POSTN, SPARC, FBN1, COL5A1, and COL5A2. A significant difference was observed in the abundances of eight types of infiltrating immune cells between the OM and OKC groups. Both COL1A1 and COL3A1 exhibited a significant positive correlation with natural killer T cells and memory B cells. Simultaneously, they demonstrated a significant negative correlation with CD56dim natural killer cells, neutrophils, immature dendritic cells, and activated dendritic cells. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that COL1A1 (P = 0.0131) and COL1A3 (P < 0.001) were significantly elevated in OKC compared with OM.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of OKC and illuminate the immune microenvironment within these lesions. The key genes, including COL1A1 and COL1A3, may significantly impact the biological processes associated with OKC.