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Zhang W, Liang X, Zhang X, Tong W, Shi G, Guo H, Jin Z, Tian J, Du Y, Xue H. Magnetic-optical dual-modality imaging monitoring chemotherapy efficacy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with a low-dose fibronectin-targeting Gd-based contrast agent. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:1841-1855. [PMID: 38372766 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06617-w] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal hypovascular tumor surrounded by dense fibrosis. Albumin-bound paclitaxel and gemcitabine (AG) chemotherapy is the mainstay of PDAC treatment through depleting peritumoral fibrosis and killing tumor cells; however, it remains challenging due to the lack of a noninvasive imaging method evaluating fibrotic changes during AG chemotherapy. In this study, we developed a dual-modality imaging platform that enables noninvasive, dynamic, and quantitative assessment of chemotherapy-induced fibrotic changes through near-infrared fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using an extradomain B fibronectin (EDB-FN)-targeted imaging probe (ZD2-Gd-DOTA-Cy7). METHODS The ZD2-Gd-DOTA-Cy7 probe was constructed by conjugating a peptide (Cys-TVRTSAD) to Gd-DOTA and the near-infrared dye Cy7. PDAC murine xenograft models were intravenously injected with ZD2-Gd-DOTA-Cy7 at a Gd concentration of 0.05 mmol/kg or free Cy7 and Gd-DOTA as control. The normalized tumor background ratio (TBR) on FMI and the T1 reduction ratio on MRI were quantitatively analyzed. For models receiving AG chemotherapy or saline, MRI/FMI was performed before and after treatment. Histological analyses were performed for validation. RESULTS The ZD2-Gd-DOTA-Cy7 concentration showed a linear correlation with the fluorescence intensity and T1 relaxation time in vitro. The optimal imaging time was 30 min after injection of the ZD2-Gd-DOTA-Cy7 (0.05 mmol/kg), only half of the clinic dosage of gadolinium. Additionally, ZD2-Gd-DOTA-Cy7 generated a 1.44-fold and 1.90-fold robust contrast enhancement compared with Cy7 (P < 0.05) and Gd-DOTA (P < 0.05), respectively. For AG chemotherapy monitoring, the T1 reduction ratio and normalized TBR in the fibrotic tumor areas were significantly increased by 1.99-fold (P < 0.05) and 1.78-fold (P < 0.05), respectively, in the control group compared with those in the AG group. CONCLUSION MRI/FMI with a low dose of ZD2-Gd-DOTA-Cy7 enables sensitive imaging of PDAC and the quantitative assessment of fibrotic changes during AG chemotherapy, which shows potential clinical applications for precise diagnosis, post-treatment monitoring, and disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Zhang
- Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, China
- Department of Radiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100032, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 95 Zhongguancun East Road, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiaolong Liang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wei Tong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 95 Zhongguancun East Road, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Guangyuan Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 95 Zhongguancun East Road, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Haozhuo Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 95 Zhongguancun East Road, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhengyu Jin
- Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Jie Tian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 95 Zhongguancun East Road, Beijing, 100190, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Yang Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 95 Zhongguancun East Road, Beijing, 100190, China.
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Huadan Xue
- Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Wei H, Ren H. Precision treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216636. [PMID: 38278471 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216636] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor comprising pancreatic cancer cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, vascular epithelial cells, and other cells in the mesenchymal tissue. PDAC is difficult to treat because of the complexity of the tissue components; therefore, achieving therapeutic effects with a single therapeutic method or target is problematic. Recently, precision therapy has provided new directions and opportunities for treating PDAC using genetic information from an individual's disease to guide treatment. It selects and applies appropriate therapeutic methods for each patient, with an aim to minimize medical damage and costs, while maximizing patient benefits. Molecular targeted therapy is effective in most clinical studies; however, it has been ineffective in large-scale randomized controlled trials of PDAC, mainly because the enrolled populations were not stratified on a molecular basis. Molecular stratification allows the identification of the PDAC population being treated, optimizing therapeutic effect. However, a systematic review of precision therapies for patients with highly heterogeneous PDAC backgrounds has not been conducted. Here, we review the molecular background and current potential therapeutic targets related to PDAC and provide new directions for PDAC precision therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China.
| | - He Ren
- Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China.
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Zhang X, Zhang M, Sun H, Wang X, Wang X, Sheng W, Xu M. The role of transcription factors in the crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor cells. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00046-8. [PMID: 38309692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factors (TFs) fulfill a critical role in the formation and maintenance of different cell types during the developmental process as well as disease. It is believed that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activation status of tissue-resident fibroblasts or derived from form other cell types via transdifferentiation or dedifferentiation. Despite a subgroup of CAFs exhibit anti-cancer effects, most of them are reported to exert effects on tumor progression, further indicating their heterogeneous origin. AIM OF REVIEW This review aimed to summarize and review the roles of TFs in the reciprocal crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells, discuss the emerging mechanisms, and their roles in cell-fate decision, cellular reprogramming and advancing our understanding of the gene regulatory networks over the period of cancer initiation and progression. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This manuscript delves into the key contributory factors of TFs that are involved in activating CAFs and maintaining their unique states. Additionally, it explores how TFs play a pivotal and multifaceted role in the reciprocal crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells. This includes their involvement in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, as well as metabolic reprogramming. TFs also have a role in constructing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, inducing resistance to radiation and chemotherapy, facilitating angiogenesis, and even 'educating' CAFs to support the malignancies of tumor cells. Furthermore, this manuscript delves into the current status of TF-targeted therapy and considers the future directions of TFs in conjunction with anti-CAFs therapies to address the challenges in clinical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weiqi Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Chang M, Chen W, Xia R, Peng Y, Niu P, Fan H. Pancreatic Stellate Cells and the Targeted Therapeutic Strategies in Chronic Pancreatitis. Molecules 2023; 28:5586. [PMID: 37513458 PMCID: PMC10383437 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145586] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a disease characterized by inflammatory recurrence that accompanies the development of pancreatic fibrosis. As the mystery of CP pathogenesis is gradually revealed, accumulating evidence suggests that the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and the appearance of a myofibroblast-like phenotype are the key gatekeepers in the development of CP. Targeting PSCs to prevent their activation and conversion to a myofibroblast-like phenotype, as well as increasing antioxidant capacity to counteract ongoing oxidative stress, are effective strategies for preventing or treating CP. Therefore, we reviewed the crosstalk between CP and pancreatic fibrosis, summarized the activation mechanisms of PSCs, and investigated potential CP therapeutic strategies targeting PSCs, including, but not limited to, anti-fibrosis therapy, antioxidant therapy, and gene therapy. Meanwhile, the above therapeutic strategies are selected in order to update the available phytopharmaceuticals as novel complementary or alternative approaches for the prevention and treatment of CP to clarify their potential mechanisms of action and their relevant molecular targets, aiming to provide the most comprehensive therapeutic treatment direction for CP and to bring new hope to CP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Chang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenjuan Chen
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ruting Xia
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yangyue Peng
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Pandi Niu
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hui Fan
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Duan H, Li L, He S. Advances and Prospects in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:3973-3988. [PMID: 37489138 PMCID: PMC10363367 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s413496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant and incurable disease, characterized by its aggressive nature and high fatality rate. The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which has poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Current treatments for pancreatic cancer mainly encompass surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination regimens. However, despite efforts to improve prognosis, and the 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains very low. Therefore, it's urgent to explore novel therapeutic approaches. With the rapid development of therapeutic strategies in recent years, new ideas have been provided for treating pancreatic cancer. This review expositions the advancements in nano drug delivery system, molecular targeted drugs, and photo-thermal treatment combined with nanotechnology for pancreatic cancer. It comprehensively analyzes the prospects of combined drug delivery strategies for treating pancreatic cancer, aiming at a deeper understanding of the existing drugs and therapeutic approaches, promoting the development of new therapeutic drugs, and attempting to enhance the therapeutic effect for patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiyu Duan
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Oncology, Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiming He
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
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Doronzo A, Porcelli L, Marziliano D, Inglese G, Argentiero A, Azzariti A, Solimando AG. Gene Expression Comparison between Alcohol-Exposed versus Not Exposed Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients Reveals a Peculiar TGFβ-Related Phenotype: An Exploratory Analysis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050872. [PMID: 37241104 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Over the past few decades, there has been much debate and research into the link between alcohol consumption and the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Objectives: To contribute to the ongoing discussion and gain further insights into this topic, our study analysed the gene expression differences in PDAC patients based on their alcohol consumption history. Methods: To this end, we interrogated a large publicly available dataset. We next validated our findings in vitro. Results: Our findings revealed that patients with a history of alcohol consumption showed significant enrichment in the TGFβ-pathway: a signaling pathway implicated in cancer development and tumor progression. Specifically, our bioinformatic dissection of gene expression differences in 171 patients with PDAC showed that those who had consumed alcohol had higher levels of TGFβ-related genes. Moreover, we validated the role of the TGFβ pathway as one of the molecular drivers in producing massive stroma, a hallmark feature of PDAC, in patients with a history of alcohol consumption. This suggests that inhibition of the TGFβ pathway could serve as a novel therapeutic target for PDAC patients with a history of alcohol consumption and lead to increased sensitivity to chemotherapy. Our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the link between alcohol consumption and PDAC progression. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential significance of the TGFβ pathway as a therapeutic target. The development of TGFβ-inhibitors may pave the way for developing more effective treatment strategies for PDAC patients with a history of alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Doronzo
- U.O.C. Oncologia-Ospedale Mons. R. Dimiccoli, 76121 Barletta, Italy
| | - Letizia Porcelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Donatello Marziliano
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-(DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Inglese
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-(DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Argentiero
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-(DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Bao ZH, Hou XB, Li HL, Mao YF, Wang WR. The mechanism and progress of ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer. Acta Histochem 2022; 124:151919. [PMID: 35772355 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151919] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide annually. Because of late diagnosis, rapid metastasis and drug resistance to chemotherapy, pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis. Although the treatment of pancreatic cancer has made tremendous progress, the options for effective treatment are still limited, and new treatment methods are in crying needs to improve prognosis in clinic. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent non-apoptotic cell death mode, which is mediated by lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation. Ferroptosis plays a momentous role in regulating different cancers in recent years, such as breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. In this present review, we elaborate on the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways of ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer, with the intention of delivering directions and new ideas for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hang Bao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233030, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233030, China
| | - Xiang-Bin Hou
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233030, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233030, China
| | - Hao-Ling Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233030, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233030, China
| | - Yi-Feng Mao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233030, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233030, China
| | - Wen-Rui Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233030, China; Department of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233030, China.
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Wang Q, Wang H, Ding Y, Wan M, Xu M. The Role of Adipokines in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:926230. [PMID: 35875143 PMCID: PMC9305334 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.926230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In modern society, inappropriate diets and other lifestyle habits have made obesity an increasingly prominent health problem. Pancreatic cancer (PC), a kind of highly aggressive malignant tumor, is known as a silent assassin and is the seventh leading cause of cancer death worldwide, pushing modern medicine beyond help. Adipokines are coming into notice because of the role of the intermediate regulatory junctions between obesity and malignancy. This review summarizes the current evidence for the relationship between highly concerning adipokines and the pathogenesis of PC. Not only are classical adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin included, but they also cover the recognized chemerin and osteopontin. Through a summary of the biological functions of these adipokines as well as their receptors, it was discovered that in addition to their basic function of stimulating the biological activity of tumors, more studies confirm that adipokines intervene in the progression of PC from the viewpoint of tumor metabolism, immune escape, and reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Besides endocrine function, the impact of white adipose tissue (WAT)-induced chronic inflammation on PC is briefly discussed. Furthermore, the potential implication of the acknowledged endocrine behavior of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in relation to carcinogenesis is also explored. No matter the broad spectrum of obesity and the poor prognosis of PC, supplemental research is needed to unravel the detailed network of adipokines associated with PC. Exploiting profound therapeutic strategies that target adipokines and their receptors may go some way to improving the current worrying prognosis of PC patients.
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Ricci C, Serbassi F, Ingaldi C, Alberici L, Grego DG, Daniela DM, De Raffele E, Vicennati V, Pironi L, Sasdelli AS, Casadei R. Effect of malnutrition on postoperative results after pancreatic resection: An entropy balancing analysis. Clin Nutr 2022; 41:1781-1786. [PMID: 35816870 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2022.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Malnutrition is a well-recognized risk factor for major surgery-related complications, but the impact of preoperative nutritional therapy is still debated due to a lack of high-level evidence. The study aims to evaluate the role of preoperative malnutrition in the postoperative course of patients who underwent pancreatic resection. METHODS This is a retrospective study involving 488 patients who underwent pancreatic resection. An entropy balance was applied to 134 patients at risk for moderate or severe malnutrition (M/S-MAL) to obtain a cohort equal to 354 patients, with the null or low risk of malnutrition (N/L-MAL). The reweighting scheme was made in two steps. In the 1st reweighting, the two cohorts were homogenized for confounding factors not modifiable. In the 2nd reweighting, the two cohorts were matched for modifiable factors by preoperative dietary support. The entropy balance was evaluated with the d-value. The postoperative results were reported as mean differences (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with a confidence interval at 95% (95 CI). RESULTS The M/S-MAL included patients with lower values of BMI (d < 0.750), hemoglobin (d = 0.671), serum albumin (d = 0.554), total protein (d = 0.381). The M/S-MAL patients were more frequent ECOG 1-2 (d = 0.418), with jaundice (d = 0.445) or back pain (d = 0.366). The pancreaticoduodenectomy (d = 0.440) and vascular resection (d = 0.620) in the M/S-MAL group were performed more frequently. The pancreatic remnant was more often hard (d = 0.527), and the Wirsung duct dilated (d = 0.459) in the N/L-MAL group. The rate of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was higher in M/S-MAL (d = 0.399). After 1st weighting, M/S-MAL patients have a high comprehensive complication index (CCI) (MD = 5.5; 0.3 to 10.7), were more frequently discharged not at home (OR 2.3; 1.1 to 5.4) with a prolonged mean hospital stay (MD 6.1.1; 0.1 to 12.1, days), After 2nd weighting, the two groups have similar postoperative results. CONCLUSION The correction of malnutrition could play an independent role in reducing the severity of complication, length of stay, and type of discharge in patients who underwent pancreatic resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Ricci
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC); Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesco Serbassi
- Grad Student in Biology of the Health Faculty, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Ingaldi
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC); Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Alberici
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC); Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Giovanni Grego
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC); Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Di Mauro Daniela
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC); Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Emilio De Raffele
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Italy
| | - Valentina Vicennati
- Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC); Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Loris Pironi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC); Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy; Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Unit - Centre for Chronic Intestinal Failure, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Italy
| | - Anna Simona Sasdelli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC); Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy; Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Unit - Centre for Chronic Intestinal Failure, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Italy
| | - Riccardo Casadei
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC); Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy
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10
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Estaras M, Martinez R, García A, Ortiz-Placin C, Iovanna JL, Santofimia-Castaño P, Gonzalez A. Melatonin modulates metabolic adaptation of pancreatic stellate cells subjected to hypoxia. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 202:115118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Kpeglo D, Hughes MD, Dougan L, Haddrick M, Knowles MA, Evans SD, Peyman SA. Modeling the mechanical stiffness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Matrix Biol Plus 2022; 14:100109. [PMID: 35399702 PMCID: PMC8990173 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2022.100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The PDAC stroma stiffness underlines its malignant behavior and drug resistance. 3D in vitro cultures must model the PDAC stroma to effectively drug efficacy. PSCs are responsible for the stroma, and its activity is increased with TGF-β. Develop a 3D culture model of PDAC, which includes PSCs and TGF-β. Assess the mechanical stiffness, stain for collagen, and investigate gemcitabine efficacy.
Despite improvements in the understanding of disease biology, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the most malignant cancer of the pancreas. PDAC constitutes ∼95% of all pancreatic cancers, and it is highly resistant to therapeutics. The increased tissue rigidity, which stems from the rich fibrotic stroma in the tumor microenvironment, is central to disease development, physiology, and resistance to drug perfusion. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are responsible for overproduction of extracellular matrix in the fibrotic stroma, and this is exacerbated by the overexpression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). However, there are few in vitro PDAC models, which include both PSCs and TGF-β or mimic in vivo-like tumor stiffness. In this study, we present a three-dimensional in vitro PDAC model, which includes PSCs and TGF-β, and recapitulates PDAC tissue mechanical stiffness. Using oscillatory shear rheology, we show the mechanical stiffness of the model is within range of the PDAC tissue stiffness by day 21 of culture and highlight that the matrix environment is essential to adequately capture PDAC disease. PDAC is a complex, aggressive disease with poor prognosis, and biophysically relevant in vitro PDAC models, which take into account tissue mechanics, will provide improved tumor models for effective therapeutic assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delanyo Kpeglo
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK
| | - Matthew D.G. Hughes
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Lorna Dougan
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Malcolm Haddrick
- Medicines Discovery Catapult, Block 35, Mereside Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Margaret A. Knowles
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s (LIMR), School of Medicine, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK
| | - Stephen D. Evans
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Sally A. Peyman
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s (LIMR), School of Medicine, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK
- Corresponding author at: Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9 JT, UK.
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12
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Del Aguila EM, Tang XH, Gudas LJ. Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: New Insights into the Actions of Vitamin A. Oncol Res Treat 2022; 45:291-298. [PMID: 35130553 PMCID: PMC9064920 DOI: 10.1159/000522425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a gland-forming malignancy arising in the pancreas. It is estimated that in developed countries the incidence of PDAC will continue to rise, and PDAC is now the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the USA. The mortality of PDAC patients closely parallels the incidence rate, as this malignancy generally remains asymptomatic until it reaches an advanced stage. SUMMARY The poor prognosis results from the aggressive nature of the tumor, late detection, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Retinoids, vitamin A (retinol) and its metabolites, such as retinoic acid (RA), play critical roles in important biological functions, including cell growth and differentiation, development, metabolism, and immunity. The actions of retinoids in maintaining normal pancreatic functions have generated considerable research interest from investigators interested in understanding and treating PDAC. Altered expression of retinoid receptors and other RA signaling pathway genes in human cancers offers opportunities for target discovery, drug design, and personalized medicine for distinct molecular retinoid subtypes. KEY MESSAGES The goals of this review are to explore the potential activities of retinoids in the pancreas, to assess the evidence that retinoid functions become dysregulated in PDAC, and to describe the actions of retinoids in new therapies developed to increase patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Mere Del Aguila
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Xiao-Han Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Lorraine J. Gudas
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, New York, 10065, USA
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13
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Pastorino L, Grillo F, Albertelli M, Ghiorzo P, Bruno W. Insights into Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910328. [PMID: 34638668 PMCID: PMC8508699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic studies have identified some of the most relevant genetic players in Neuroendocrine Neoplasm (NEN) tumorigenesis. However, we are still far from being able to draw a model that encompasses their heterogeneity, elucidates the different biological effects consequent to the identified molecular events, or incorporates extensive knowledge of molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here, we reviewed recent insights in NEN tumorigenesis from selected basic research studies on animal models, highlighting novel players in the intergenic cooperation and peculiar mechanisms including splicing dysregulation, chromatin stability, or cell dedifferentiation. Furthermore, models of tumorigenesis based on composite interactions other than a linear progression of events are proposed, exemplified by the involvement in NEN tumorigenesis of genes regulating complex functions, such as MEN1 or DAXX. Although limited by interspecies differences, animal models have proved helpful for the more in-depth study of every facet of tumorigenesis, showing that the identification of driver mutations is only one of the many necessary steps and that other mechanisms are worth investigating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Pastorino
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.P.); (P.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, V.le Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Federica Grillo
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 1632 Genoa, Italy
| | - Manuela Albertelli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, V.le Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Ghiorzo
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.P.); (P.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, V.le Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - William Bruno
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.P.); (P.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, V.le Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(01)-0555-7254
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14
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Luo D, Xu X, Iqbal MZ, Zhao Q, Zhao R, Farheen J, Zhang Q, Zhang P, Kong X. siRNA-Loaded Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles for KRAS Gene Silencing in Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091428. [PMID: 34575504 PMCID: PMC8466089 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is greatly induced by the KRAS gene mutation, but effective targeted delivery for gene therapy has not existed. Small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) serves as an advanced therapeutic modality and holds great promise for cancer treatment. However, the development of a non-toxic and high-efficiency carrier system to accurately deliver siRNA into cells for siRNA-targeted gene silencing is still a prodigious challenge. Herein, polyethylenimine (PEI)-modified hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles (HAp-PEI) were fabricated. The siRNA of the KRAS gene (siKras) was loaded onto the surface of HAp-PEI via electrostatic interaction between siRNA and PEI to design the functionalized HAp-PEI nanoparticle (HAp-PEI/siKras). The HAp-PEI/siKras was internalized into the human PC cells PANC-1 to achieve the maximum transfection efficiency for active tumor targeting. HAp-PEI/siKras effectively knocked down the expression of the KRAS gene and downregulated the expression of the Kras protein in vitro. Furthermore, the treatment with HAp-PEI/siKras resulted in greater anti-PC cells' (PANC-1, BXPC-3, and CFPAC-1) efficacy in vitro. Additionally, the HAp-PEI exhibited no obvious in vitro cytotoxicity in normal pancreatic HPDE6-C7 cells. These findings provided a promising alternative for the therapeutic route of siRNA-targeted gene engineering for anti-pancreatic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Luo
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (D.L.); (X.X.); (M.Z.I.); (R.Z.); (J.F.); (Q.Z.)
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xiaochun Xu
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (D.L.); (X.X.); (M.Z.I.); (R.Z.); (J.F.); (Q.Z.)
| | - M. Zubair Iqbal
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (D.L.); (X.X.); (M.Z.I.); (R.Z.); (J.F.); (Q.Z.)
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy & Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China;
| | - Ruibo Zhao
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (D.L.); (X.X.); (M.Z.I.); (R.Z.); (J.F.); (Q.Z.)
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Jabeen Farheen
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (D.L.); (X.X.); (M.Z.I.); (R.Z.); (J.F.); (Q.Z.)
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Quan Zhang
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (D.L.); (X.X.); (M.Z.I.); (R.Z.); (J.F.); (Q.Z.)
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Peiliang Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Linyi Central Hospital, Linyi 276400, China;
| | - Xiangdong Kong
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (D.L.); (X.X.); (M.Z.I.); (R.Z.); (J.F.); (Q.Z.)
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +86-571-86848872
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15
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Pancreatic Cancer and Immunotherapy: A Clinical Overview. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164138. [PMID: 34439292 PMCID: PMC8393975 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with high mortality. The vast majority of patients present with unresectable, advanced stage disease, for whom standard of care chemo(radio)therapy may improve survival by several months. Immunotherapy has led to a fundamental shift in the treatment of several advanced cancers. However, its efficacy in PDAC in terms of clinical benefit is limited, possibly owing to the immunosuppressive, inaccessible tumor microenvironment. Still, various immunotherapies have demonstrated the capacity to initiate local and systemic immune responses, suggesting an immune potentiating effect. In this review, we address PDAC's immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and immune evasion methods and discuss a wide range of immunotherapies, including immunomodulators (i.e., immune checkpoint inhibitors, immune stimulatory agonists, cytokines and adjuvants), oncolytic viruses, adoptive cell therapies (i.e., T cells and natural killer cells) and cancer vaccines. We provide a general introduction to their working mechanism as well as evidence of their clinical efficacy and immune potentiating abilities in PDAC. The key to successful implementation of immunotherapy in this disease may rely on exploitation of synergistic effects between treatment combinations. Accordingly, future treatment approaches should aim to incorporate diverse and novel immunotherapeutic strategies coupled with cytotoxic drugs and/or local ablative treatment, targeting a wide array of tumor-induced immune escape mechanisms.
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16
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Geleta B, Park KC, Jansson PJ, Sahni S, Maleki S, Xu Z, Murakami T, Pajic M, Apte MV, Richardson DR, Kovacevic Z. Breaking the cycle: Targeting of NDRG1 to inhibit bi-directional oncogenic cross-talk between pancreatic cancer and stroma. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21347. [PMID: 33484481 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002279r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is characterized by dense stroma that hinders treatment efficacy, with pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) being a major contributor to this stromal barrier and PaCa progression. Activated PSCs release hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) that induce PaCa proliferation, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. We demonstrate for the first time that the metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), is a potent inhibitor of the PaCa-PSC cross-talk, leading to inhibition of HGF and IGF-1 signaling. NDRG1 also potently reduced the key driver of PaCa metastasis, namely GLI1, leading to reduced PSC-mediated cell migration. The novel clinically trialed anticancer agent, di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), which upregulates NDRG1, potently de-sensitized PaCa cells to ligands secreted by activated PSCs. DpC and NDRG1 also inhibited the PaCa-mediated activation of PSCs via inhibition of sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling. In vivo, DpC markedly reduced PaCa tumor growth and metastasis more avidly than the standard chemotherapy for this disease, gemcitabine. Uniquely, DpC was selectively cytotoxic against PaCa cells, while "re-programming" PSCs to an inactive state, decreasing collagen deposition and desmoplasia. Thus, targeting NDRG1 can effectively break the oncogenic cycle of PaCa-PSC bi-directional cross-talk to overcome PaCa desmoplasia and improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekesho Geleta
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumour Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Drug Resistance Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sanaz Maleki
- Histopathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Zhihong Xu
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Japan
| | - Marina Pajic
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Minoti V Apte
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumour Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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17
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Ablation in Pancreatic Cancer: Past, Present and Future. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112511. [PMID: 34063784 PMCID: PMC8196600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The insidious onset and aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer contributes to the poor treatment response and high mortality of this devastating disease. While surgery, chemotherapy and radiation have contributed to improvements in overall survival, roughly 90% of those afflicted by this disease will die within 5 years of diagnosis. The developed ablative locoregional treatment modalities have demonstrated promise in terms of overall survival and quality of life. In this review, we discuss some of the recent studies demonstrating the safety and efficacy of ablative treatments in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
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18
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Yang B, Xie J, Li Z, Su D, Lin L, Guo X, Fu Z, Zhou Q, Lu Y. Seven-gene signature on tumor microenvironment for predicting the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. Gland Surg 2021; 10:1397-1409. [PMID: 33968691 DOI: 10.21037/gs-21-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background The aim of the present study was to construct a novel gene signature on the tumor microenvironment (TME) to predict the prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods We downloaded gene expression profiles and clinical information of PDAC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets, as well as Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE78229, GSE62452, and GSE28735). Differentially expressed genes were generated by comparing high versus low score groups of immune/stromal subgroups based on the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data algorithm. Subsequently, a prognostic risk score model was constructed and validated through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Finally, functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interactions were performed to predict the functional implication of the prognostic model. Results We picked out 1,797 upregulated genes in immune groups and stromal groups. Through further analysis, we constructed a 7-gene signature on the TME. The risk score from the model effectively differentiated patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with different overall survival and was validated by GEO datasets. A functional analysis suggested that 7 selected genes and their co-expressed genes were mainly enriched in immune response, extracellular structure organization, and cell adhesion molecule binding. Conclusions Our results showed that the 7-gene model on the TME can be used to assess the prognosis of patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghua Xie
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiguo Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Second People Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Dan Su
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longfa Lin
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Guo
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Khan AA, Liu X, Yan X, Tahir M, Ali S, Huang H. An overview of genetic mutations and epigenetic signatures in the course of pancreatic cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:245-272. [PMID: 33423164 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is assumed to be an intimidating and deadly malignancy due to being the leading cause of cancer-led mortality, predominantly affecting males of older age. The overall (5 years) survival rate of PC is less than 9% and is anticipated to be aggravated in the future due to the lack of molecular acquaintance and diagnostic tools for its early detection. Multiple factors are involved in the course of PC development, including genetics, cigarette smoking, alcohol, family history, and aberrant epigenetic signatures of the epigenome. In this review, we will mainly focus on the genetic mutations and epigenetic signature of PC. Multiple tumor suppressor and oncogene mutations are involved in PC initiation, including K-RAS, p53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4. The mutational frequency of these genes ranges from 50 to 98% in PC. The nature of mutation diagnosis is mostly homozygous deletion, point mutation, and aberrant methylation. In addition to genetic modification, epigenetic alterations particularly aberrant hypermethylation and hypomethylation also predispose patients to PC. Hypermethylation is mostly involved in the downregulation of tumor suppressor genes and leads to PC, while multiple genes also represent a hypomethylation status in PC. Several renewable drugs and detection tools have been developed to cope with this aggressive malady, but all are futile, and surgical resection remains the only choice for prolonged survival if diagnosed before metastasis. However, the available therapeutic development is insufficient to cure PC. Therefore, novel approaches are a prerequisite to elucidating the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying PC progression for healthier lifelong survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Ali Khan
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Ping Le Yuan, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Ping Le Yuan, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Xinlong Yan
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Ping Le Yuan, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Muhammad Tahir
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Ping Le Yuan, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Sakhawat Ali
- College of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hua Huang
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Ping Le Yuan, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China.
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20
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Mast Cells Positive for c-Kit Receptor and Tryptase Correlate with Angiogenesis in Cancerous and Adjacent Normal Pancreatic Tissue. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020444. [PMID: 33669751 PMCID: PMC7923170 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mast cells (MCs) contain proangiogenic factors, in particular tryptase, associated with increased angiogenesis in several tumours. With special reference to pancreatic cancer, few data have been published on the role of MCs in angiogenesis in both pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissue (PDAT) and adjacent normal tissue (ANT). In this study, density of mast cells positive for c-Kit receptor (MCDP-c-KitR), density of mast cells positive for tryptase (MCDPT), area of mast cells positive for tryptase (MCAPT), and angiogenesis in terms of microvascular density (MVD) and endothelial area (EA) were evaluated in a total of 45 PDAT patients with stage T2–3N0–1M0. Results: For each analysed tissue parameter, the mean ± standard deviation was evaluated in both PDAT and ANT and differences were evaluated by Student’s t-test (p ranged from 0.001 to 0.005). Each analysed tissue parameter was then correlated to each other one by Pearson t-test analysis (p ranged from 0.01 to 0.03). No other correlation among MCDP-c-KitR, MCDPT, MCAPT, MVD, EA and the main clinical–pathological characteristics was found. Conclusions: Our results suggest that tissue parameters increased from ANT to PDAT and that mast cells are strongly associated with angiogenesis in PDAT. On this basis, the inhibition of MCs through tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as masitinib, or inhibition of tryptase by gabexate mesylate may become potential novel antiangiogenetic approaches in pancreatic cancer therapy.
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Stellate Cells Aid Growth-Permissive Metabolic Reprogramming and Promote Gemcitabine Chemoresistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040601. [PMID: 33546284 PMCID: PMC7913350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The great majority, more than 90%, of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) die within less than five years after detection of the disease, despite recent treatment advances. The poor prognosis is related to late diagnosis, aggressive disease progression, and tumor resistance to conventional chemotherapy. PDAC tumor tissue is characterized by dense fibrosis and poor nutrient availability. A large portion of the tumor is made up of stromal fibroblasts, the pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which are known to contribute to tumor progression in several ways. PSCs have been shown to act as an alternate energy source, induce drug resistance, and inhibit drug availability in tumor cells, however, the underlying exact molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this literature review, we discuss recent available knowledge about the contributions of PSCs to the overall progression of PDAC via changes in tumor metabolism and how this is linked to therapy resistance. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), also known as pancreatic cancer (PC), is characterized by an overall poor prognosis and a five-year survival that is less than 10%. Characteristic features of the tumor are the presence of a prominent desmoplastic stromal response, an altered metabolism, and profound resistance to cancer drugs including gemcitabine, the backbone of PDAC chemotherapy. The pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) constitute the major cellular component of PDAC stroma. PSCs are essential for extracellular matrix assembly and form a supportive niche for tumor growth. Various cytokines and growth factors induce activation of PSCs through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, which in turn promote overall tumor growth and metastasis and induce chemoresistance. To maintain growth and survival in the nutrient-poor, hypoxic environment of PDAC, tumor cells fulfill their high energy demands via several unconventional ways, a process generally referred to as metabolic reprogramming. Accumulating evidence indicates that activated PSCs not only contribute to the therapy-resistant phenotype of PDAC but also act as a nutrient supplier for the tumor cells. However, the precise molecular links between metabolic reprogramming and an acquired therapy resistance in PDAC remain elusive. This review highlights recent findings indicating the importance of PSCs in aiding growth-permissive metabolic reprogramming and gemcitabine chemoresistance in PDAC.
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Soliman GA, Shukla SK, Etekpo A, Gunda V, Steenson SM, Gautam N, Alnouti Y, Singh PK. The Synergistic Effect of an ATP-Competitive Inhibitor of mTOR and Metformin on Pancreatic Tumor Growth. Curr Dev Nutr 2020; 4:nzaa131. [PMID: 32908958 PMCID: PMC7467276 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a nutrient-sensing pathway and a key regulator of amino acid and glucose metabolism. Dysregulation of the mTOR pathways is implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and pancreatic cancer. OBJECTIVES We investigated the impact of inhibition of mTORC1/mTORC2 and synergism with metformin on pancreatic tumor growth and metabolomics. METHODS Cell lines derived from pancreatic tumors of the KPC (KrasG12D/+; p53R172H/+; Pdx1-Cre) transgenic mice model were implanted into the pancreas of C57BL/6 albino mice (n = 10/group). Two weeks later, the mice were injected intraperitoneally with daily doses of 1) Torin 2 (mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor) at a high concentration (TH), 2) Torin 2 at a low concentration (TL), 3) metformin at a low concentration (ML), 4) a combination of Torin 2 and metformin at low concentrations (TLML), or 5) DMSO vehicle (control) for 12 d. Tissues and blood samples were collected for targeted xenometabolomics analysis, drug concentration, and cell signaling. RESULTS Metabolomic analysis of the control and treated plasma samples showed differential metabolite profiles. Phenylalanine was significantly elevated in the TLML group compared with the control (+426%, P = 0.0004), whereas uracil was significantly lower (-38%, P = 0.009). The combination treatment reduced tumor growth in the orthotopic mouse model. TLML significantly decreased pancreatic tumor volume (498 ± 104 mm3; 37%; P < 0.0004) compared with control (1326 ± 134 mm3; 100%), ML (853 ± 67 mm3; 64%), TL (745 ± 167 mm3; 54%), and TH (665 ± 182 mm3; 50%) (ANOVA and post hoc tests). TLML significantly decreased tumor weights (0.66 ± 0.08 g; 52%) compared with the control (1.28 ± 0.19 g; 100%) (P < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS The combination of mTOR dual inhibition by Torin 2 and metformin is associated with an altered metabolomic profile and a significant reduction in pancreatic tumor burden compared with single-agent therapy, and it is better tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada A Soliman
- Department of Environmental, Occupational, and Geospatial Health Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Surendra K Shukla
- The Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Venugopal Gunda
- The Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sharalyn M Steenson
- Department of Health Promotion, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nagsen Gautam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yazen Alnouti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Pankaj K Singh
- The Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Wasylishen AR, Sun C, Moyer SM, Qi Y, Chau GP, Aryal NK, McAllister F, Kim MP, Barton MC, Estrella JS, Su X, Lozano G. Daxx maintains endogenous retroviral silencing and restricts cellular plasticity in vivo. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba8415. [PMID: 32821827 PMCID: PMC7406367 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba8415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Tumor sequencing studies have emphasized the role of epigenetics and altered chromatin homeostasis in cancer. Mutations in DAXX, which encodes a chaperone for the histone 3.3 variant, occur in 25% of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs). To advance our understanding of physiological functions of Daxx, we developed a conditional Daxx allele in mice. We demonstrate that Daxx loss is well tolerated in the pancreas but creates a permissive transcriptional state that cooperates with environmental stress (inflammation) and other genetic lesions (Men1 loss) to alter gene expression and cell state, impairing pancreas recovery from inflammatory stress in vivo. The transcriptional changes are associated with dysregulation of endogenous retroviral elements (ERVs), and dysregulation of endogenous genes near ERVs is also observed in human PanNETs with DAXX mutations. Our results reveal a physiologic function of DAXX, provide a mechanism associated with impaired tissue regeneration and tumorigenesis, and expand our understanding of ERV regulation in somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R. Wasylishen
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chang Sun
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Genetics and Epigenetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sydney M. Moyer
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Genetics and Epigenetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yuan Qi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gilda P. Chau
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Neeraj K. Aryal
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Genetics and Epigenetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Florencia McAllister
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael P. Kim
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michelle C. Barton
- Genetics and Epigenetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jeannelyn S. Estrella
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoping Su
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Guillermina Lozano
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Genetics and Epigenetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Pseudopterosin and O-Methyltylophorinidine Suppress Cell Growth in a 3D Spheroid Co-Culture Model of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:bioengineering7020057. [PMID: 32545910 PMCID: PMC7357459 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7020057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Current therapies for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are largely ineffective, with the desmoplastic environment established within these tumors being considered a central issue. We established a 3D spheroid co-culture in vitro model using a PDAC cell line (either PANC-1 or Capan-2), combined with stellate cells freshly isolated from pancreatic tumors (PSC) or hepatic lesions (HSC), and human type I collagen to analyze the efficiency of the chemotherapeutic gemcitabine (GEM) as well as two novel drug candidates derived from natural products: pseudopterosin (PsA-D) and O-methyltylophorinidine (TYLO). Traditional 2D in vitro testing of these agents for cytotoxicity on PANC-1 demonstrated IC50 values of 4.6 (±0.47) nM, 34.02 (±1.35) µM, and 1.99 (±0.13) µM for Tylo, PsA-D, and GEM, respectively; these values were comparable for Capan-2: 5.58 (±1.74) nM, 33.94 (±1.02) µM, and 0.41 (±0.06) µM for Tylo, PsA-D, and GEM, respectively. Importantly, by assessing the extent of viable cells within 3D co-culture spheroids of PANC-1 with PSC or HSC, we could demonstrate a significant lack of efficacy for GEM, while TYLO remained active and PsA-D showed slightly reduced efficacy: GEM in PANC-1/PSC (IC50 = >100 µM) or PANC-1/HSC (IC50 = >100 µM) spheroids, TYLO in PANC-1/PSC (IC50 = 3.57 ± 1.30 nM) or PANC-1/HSC (IC50 = 6.39 ± 2.28 nM) spheroids, and to PsA-D in PANC-1/PSC (IC50 = 54.42 ± 12.79 µM) or PANC-1/HSC (IC50 = 51.75 ± 0.60 µM). Microscopic 3D rendering supported these cytotoxicity outcomes, showing little or no morphological spheroid structure change during this period of rapid cell death. Our results support the use of this 3D spheroid co-culture in vitro model having a desmoplastic microenvironment for the identification of possible novel chemotherapeutic drug candidates for PDAC, such as TYLO and PsA-D.
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Salarian M, Ibhagui OY, Yang JJ. Molecular imaging of extracellular matrix proteins with targeted probes using magnetic resonance imaging. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 12:e1622. [PMID: 32126587 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of proteins and carbohydrates that supports different biological structures and processes such as tissue development, elasticity, and preservation of organ structure. Diseases involving inflammation, fibrosis, tumor invasion, and injury are all attributed to the transition of the ECM from homeostasis to remodeling, which can significantly change the biochemical and biomechanical features of ECM components. While contrast agents have played an indispensable role in facilitating clinical diagnosis of diseases using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there is a strong need to develop novel biomarker-targeted imaging probes for in vivo visualization of biological processes and pathological alterations at a cellular and molecular level, for both early diagnosis and monitoring drug treatment. Herein, we will first review the pathological accumulation and characterization of ECM proteins recognized as important molecular features of diseases. Developments in MRI probes targeting ECM proteins such as collagen, fibronectin, and elastin via conjugation of existing contrast agents to targeting moieties and their applications to various diseases, are also reviewed. We have also reviewed our progress in the development of collagen-targeted protein MRI contrast agent with significant improvement in relaxivity and metal binding specificity, and their applications in early detection of fibrosis and metastatic cancer. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Peptide-Based Structures Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mani Salarian
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Jenny J Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Ramakrishnan P, Loh WM, Gopinath SC, Bonam SR, Fareez IM, Mac Guad R, Sim MS, Wu YS. Selective phytochemicals targeting pancreatic stellate cells as new anti-fibrotic agents for chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:399-413. [PMID: 32140388 PMCID: PMC7049637 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) have been widely accepted as a key precursor of excessive pancreatic fibrosis, which is a crucial hallmark of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and its formidable associated disease, pancreatic cancer (PC). Hence, anti-fibrotic therapy has been identified as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating CP and PC by targeting PSCs. Most of the anti-fibrotic agents have been limited to phase I/II clinical trials involving vitamin analogs, which are abundant in medicinal plants and have proved to be promising for clinical application. The use of phytomedicines, as new anti-fibrotic agents, has been applied to a variety of complementary and alternative approaches. The aim of this review was to present a focused update on the selective new potential anti-fibrotic agents, including curcumin, resveratrol, rhein, emodin, green tea catechin derivatives, metformin, eruberin A, and ellagic acid, in combating PSC in CP and PC models. It aimed to describe the mechanism(s) of the phytochemicals used, either alone or in combination, and the associated molecular targets. Most of them were tested in PC models with similar mechanism of actions, and curcumin was tested intensively. Future research may explore the issues of bioavailability, drug design, and nano-formulation, in order to achieve successful clinical outcomes with promising activity and tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puvanesswaray Ramakrishnan
- Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Wei Mee Loh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Subash C.B. Gopinath
- School of Bioprocess Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Arau 02600, Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Kangar 01000, Malaysia
| | - Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- UMR 7242, CNRS-University of Strasbourg, Biotechnology and Cell Signaling/Laboratory of Excellence Medalis, Illkirch 67400, France
| | - Ismail M. Fareez
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Selangor 42610, Malaysia
| | - Rhanye Mac Guad
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Maw Shin Sim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +60 3 51022709 (Yuan Seng Wu); +60 3 79675749 (Maw Shin Sim).
| | - Yuan Seng Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Selangor 42610, Malaysia
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +60 3 51022709 (Yuan Seng Wu); +60 3 79675749 (Maw Shin Sim).
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Grapa CM, Mocan T, Gonciar D, Zdrehus C, Mosteanu O, Pop T, Mocan L. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Mediated by Nanoparticles. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:9693-9706. [PMID: 31849462 PMCID: PMC6910098 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s226628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease with a high incidence and a dreary prognosis. Its lack of symptomatology and late diagnosis contribute to the dearth and inefficiency of therapeutic schemes. Studies show that overexpressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a common occurrence, linking this to the progression of pancreatic cancer, although the association between its expression and the survival rate is rather controversial. EGFR-targeted therapy has not shown the results expected, leaving at hand more questions than answers; clearly, there is a need for a better understanding of the molecular pathways involved. Nanoparticles have been used in trying to improve the efficacy of antitumor treatment; thus, using EGFR's ligand, EGF, for nanoconjugation, showed promising results in increasing the cellular uptake mechanisms and apoptosis of the targeted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Maria Grapa
- Nanomedicine Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Teodora Mocan
- Nanomedicine Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Physiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Gonciar
- Nanomedicine Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 3rd Surgery Clinic, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudiu Zdrehus
- Nanomedicine Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 3rd Surgery Clinic, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ofelia Mosteanu
- Nanomedicine Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 3rd Surgery Clinic, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Teodora Pop
- Nanomedicine Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lucian Mocan
- Nanomedicine Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 3rd Surgery Clinic, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Retinoids in Stellate Cells: Development, Repair, and Regeneration. J Dev Biol 2019; 7:jdb7020010. [PMID: 31137700 PMCID: PMC6630434 DOI: 10.3390/jdb7020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Stellate cells, either hepatic (HSCs) or pancreatic (PSCs), are a type of interstitial cells characterized by their ability to store retinoids in lipid vesicles. In pathological conditions both HSCs and PSCs lose their retinoid content and transform into fibroblast-like cells, contributing to the fibrogenic response. HSCs also participate in other functions including vasoregulation, drug detoxification, immunotolerance, and maintenance of the hepatocyte population. PSCs maintain pancreatic tissue architecture and regulate pancreatic exocrine function. Recently, PSCs have attracted the attention of researchers due to their interactions with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. PSCs promote tumour growth and angiogenesis, and their fibrotic activity increases the resistance of pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy and radiation. We are reviewing the current literature concerning the role played by retinoids in the physiology and pathophysiology of the stellate cells, paying attention to their developmental aspects as well as the function of stellate cells in tissue repair and organ regeneration.
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Tumour microenvironment of pancreatic cancer: immune landscape is dictated by molecular and histopathological features. Br J Cancer 2019; 121:5-14. [PMID: 31110329 PMCID: PMC6738327 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0479-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease, with fewer than 7% of patients surviving beyond 5 years following diagnosis. Immune responses are known to influence tumour progression. The dynamic interaction between cancer cells and immune cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME) can not only result in, or be influenced by, different tumour characteristics, but it can also lead to diverse mechanisms of immune evasion. At present, there is much interest in classifying pancreatic cancer according to its morphologic, genetic and immunologic features in order to understand the significant heterogeneity of this tumour type. Such information can contribute to the identification of highly needed novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers, and can be used for accurate patient stratification and therapy guidance. This review focuses on the characteristics of the local immune contexture of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the interaction between tumour cells and immune cells within the TME, by simultaneously taking into account the histomorphologic and genetic features of the tumours. The emerging opportunities for approaches that could predict the most-effective therapeutic modalities towards more targeted, personalised treatments to improve patient care are also discussed.
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Firuzi O, Che PP, El Hassouni B, Buijs M, Coppola S, Löhr M, Funel N, Heuchel R, Carnevale I, Schmidt T, Mantini G, Avan A, Saso L, Peters GJ, Giovannetti E. Role of c-MET Inhibitors in Overcoming Drug Resistance in Spheroid Models of Primary Human Pancreatic Cancer and Stellate Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E638. [PMID: 31072019 PMCID: PMC6562408 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are a key component of tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and contribute to drug resistance. c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase activation plays an important role in tumorigenesis in different cancers including PDAC. In this study, effects of PSC conditioned medium (PCM) on c-MET phosphorylation (by immunocytochemistry enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) and drug response (by sulforhodamine B assay) were investigated in five primary PDAC cells. In novel 3D-spheroid co-cultures of cyan fluorescence protein (CFP)-firefly luciferase (Fluc)-expressing primary human PDAC cells and green fluorescence protein (GFP)-expressing immortalized PSCs, PDAC cell growth and chemosensitivity were examined by luciferase assay, while spheroids' architecture was evaluated by confocal microscopy. The highest phospho-c-MET expression was detected in PDAC5 and its subclone sorted for "stage specific embryonic antigen-4" (PDAC5 (SSEA4)). PCM of cells pre-incubated with PDAC conditioned medium, containing increased hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels, made PDAC cells significantly more resistant to gemcitabine, but not to c-MET inhibitors. Hetero-spheroids containing both PSCs and PDAC5 (SSEA4) cells were more resistant to gemcitabine compared to PDAC5 (SSEA4) homo-spheroids. However, c-MET inhibitors (tivantinib, PHA-665752 and crizotinib) were equally effective in both spheroid models. Experiments with primary human PSCs confirmed the main findings. In conclusion, we developed spheroid models to evaluate PSC-PDAC reciprocal interaction, unraveling c-MET inhibition as an important therapeutic option against drug resistant PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omidreza Firuzi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 71348-14336 Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Pei Pei Che
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Mark Buijs
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Stefano Coppola
- Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, 2333 CA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Matthias Löhr
- Division of Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Niccola Funel
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Rainer Heuchel
- Division of Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ilaria Carnevale
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, 2333 CA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Giulia Mantini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 91778-99191 Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, 56017, Pisa, Italy.
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Angiogenesis in Pancreatic Cancer: Pre-Clinical and Clinical Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030381. [PMID: 30889903 PMCID: PMC6468440 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a crucial event in tumor development and progression, occurring by different mechanisms and it is driven by pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules. Pancreatic cancer vascularization is characterized by a high microvascular density, impaired microvessel integrity and poor perfused vessels with heterogeneous distribution. In this review article, after a brief introduction on pancreatic cancer classification and on angiogenesis mechanisms involved in its progression, the pre-clinical and clinical trials conducted in pancreatic cancer treatment using anti-angiogenic inhibitors will be described. Finally, we will discuss the anti-angiogenic therapy paradox between the advantage to abolish vessel supply to block tumor growth and the disadvantage due to reduction of drug delivery at the same time. The purpose is to identify new anti-angiogenic molecules that may enhance treatment regimen.
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Ariza L, Rojas A, Muñoz-Chápuli R, Carmona R. The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene regulates pancreas homeostasis and repair. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007971. [PMID: 30763305 PMCID: PMC6392337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wilms’ tumor suppressor gene (Wt1) encodes a zinc finger transcription factor that plays an essential role in the development of kidneys, gonads, spleen, adrenals and heart. Recent findings suggest that WT1 could also be playing physiological roles in adults. Systemic deletion of WT1 in mice provokes a severe deterioration of the exocrine pancreas, with mesothelial disruption, E-cadherin downregulation, disorganization of acinar architecture and accumulation of ascitic transudate. Despite this extensive damage, pancreatic stellate cells do not become activated and lose their canonical markers. We observed that pharmacological induction of pancreatitis in normal mice provokes de novo expression of WT1 in pancreatic stellate cells, concomitant with their activation. When pancreatitis was induced in mice after WT1 ablation, pancreatic stellate cells expressed WT1 and became activated, leading to a partial rescue of the acinar structure and the quiescent pancreatic stellate cell population after recovery from pancreatitis. We propose that WT1 modulates through the RALDH2/retinoic acid axis the restabilization of a part of the pancreatic stellate cell population and, indirectly, the repair of the pancreatic architecture, since quiescent pancreatic stellate cells are required for pancreas stability and repair. Thus, we suggest that WT1 plays novel and essential roles for the homeostasis of the adult pancreas and, through its upregulation in pancreatic stellate cells after a damage, for pancreatic regeneration. Due to the growing importance of the pancreatic stellate cells in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, these novel roles can be of translational relevance. The pancreas is largely composed by an exocrine tissue organized in acini, which secrete digestive enzymes. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) are arranged around the acini and they can become activated by a damage and contribute to pancreas repair. The pancreas is externally covered by a mesothelium characterized by the expression of the transcription factor WT1. Loss of WT1 function in adult mice provokes a rapid and severe deterioration of the pancreas, with disorganization of the acinar tissue. Despite the extensive damage, PSC do not become activated. We first showed that a pharmacologically induced acute pancreatitis led to expression of WT1 in PSC concomitant to their activation. Then, we induced pancreatitis in mice where WT1 had been previously deleted, and the upregulation of WT1 in PSC partially rescued the repairing phenotype of the PSC and reduced the disorganization of the acinar tissue. Thus, we suggest that WT1 function is necessary to maintain the integrity of the pancreatic mesothelium and, at the same time, it is required for activation of the repairing phenotype in PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ariza
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Andalusian Center for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Anabel Rojas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Muñoz-Chápuli
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Andalusian Center for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
- * E-mail: (RMC); (RC)
| | - Rita Carmona
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Andalusian Center for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
- * E-mail: (RMC); (RC)
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Schnittert J, Bansal R, Prakash J. Targeting Pancreatic Stellate Cells in Cancer. Trends Cancer 2019; 5:128-142. [PMID: 30755305 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the major contributor to the aggressive, metastatic, and resilient nature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which has a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of 8%. PSCs constitute more than 50% of the tumor stroma in PDAC, where they induce extensive desmoplasia by secreting abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In addition, they establish dynamic crosstalk with cancer cells and other stromal cells, which collectively supports tumor progression via various inter- and intracellular pathways. These cellular interactions and associated pathways may reveal novel therapeutic opportunities against this unmet clinical problem. In this review article, we discuss the role of PSCs in inducing tumor progression, their crosstalk with other cells, and therapeutic strategies to target PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Schnittert
- Targeted Therapeutics, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Targeted Therapeutics, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jai Prakash
- Targeted Therapeutics, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; ScarTec Therapeutics BV, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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Pancreatic stellate cells derived from human pancreatic cancer demonstrate aberrant SPARC-dependent ECM remodeling in 3D engineered fibrotic tissue of clinically relevant thickness. Biomaterials 2019; 192:355-367. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Thomas D, Radhakrishnan P. Tumor-stromal crosstalk in pancreatic cancer and tissue fibrosis. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:14. [PMID: 30665410 PMCID: PMC6341551 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0927-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. To date, limited therapeutic achievements targeting cell proliferation and related mechanisms has led researchers to focus on the microenvironment where pancreatic cancers develop. The anomalous proliferation of stromal cells, such as pancreatic stellate cells, and an increased deposition of altered matrix proteins create an environment that facilitates tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistance. Here, we summarize our understanding of recent advances in research about the role of fibrosis in pancreatic cancer progression, with particular emphasize on the involvement of fibrotic machineries such as wound healing, extra cellular matrix degradation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The precise influence of these mechanisms on the biological behaviors and growth of cancer cells has great impact on clinical therapy and therefore deserves more attention. We also discuss the role of various stromal components in conferring drug resistance to PDAC which further worsening the pessimistic disease prognosis. A more in depth understanding of cancer-stroma crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment and stroma based clinical and translational therapies may provide new therapeutic strategies for the prevention of pancreatic cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Thomas
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986805 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Prakash Radhakrishnan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986805 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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36
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Lenggenhager D, Amrutkar M, Sántha P, Aasrum M, Löhr JM, Gladhaug IP, Verbeke CS. Commonly Used Pancreatic Stellate Cell Cultures Differ Phenotypically and in Their Interactions with Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Cells 2019; 8:cells8010023. [PMID: 30621293 PMCID: PMC6356867 DOI: 10.3390/cells8010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a central role in the tumor stroma of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Given the limited availability of patient-derived PSCs from PDAC, immortalized PSC cell lines of murine and human origin have been established; however, it is not elucidated whether differences in species, organ disease status, donor age, and immortalization alter the PSC phenotype and behavior compared to that of patient-derived primary PSC cultures. Therefore, a panel of commonly used PSC cultures was examined for important phenotypical and functional features: three primary cultures from human PDAC, one primary from normal human pancreas, and three immortalized (one from human, two from murine pancreas). Growth rate was considerably lower in primary PSCs from human PDAC. Basal collagen synthesis varied between the PSC cultures, and TGF-β stimulation increased collagen synthesis only in non-immortalized cultures. Differences in secretome composition were observed along with a divergence in the DNA synthesis, migration, and response to gemcitabine of PDAC cell lines that were grown in conditioned medium from the various PSC cultures. The findings reveal considerable differences in features and functions that are key to PSCs and in the interactions with PDAC. These observations may be relevant to researchers when selecting the most appropriate PSC culture for their experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lenggenhager
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Manoj Amrutkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Petra Sántha
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Monica Aasrum
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Johannes-Matthias Löhr
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, K 53, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ivar P Gladhaug
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Caroline S Verbeke
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway.
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Neumann CCM, von Hörschelmann E, Reutzel-Selke A, Seidel E, Sauer IM, Pratschke J, Bahra M, Schmuck RB. Tumor-stromal cross-talk modulating the therapeutic response in pancreatic cancer. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2018; 17:461-472. [PMID: 30243879 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant solid tumor with a dismal prognosis. The stroma component makes up to 90% of the tumor mass and is thought to be one of the main reasons for the tumor's high chemoresistance. Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have previously been identified to be the key stromal players. This is the first time we provide detailed in vitro experiments investigating tumor-stromal interactions when exposed to three well-known chemotherapeutic agents. METHODS Monocultures, indirect and direct co-cultures of two PDAC cell lines (AsPC and Panc-1) and six primary patients derived CAFs were treated with gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel and the γ-secretase-inhibitor (GSI) DAPT. The cell viability of each component was measured with XTT. Finally, IL-6 concentrations of the supernatants were analyzed. RESULTS On the contrary to PDAC cell lines, CAF monocultures hardly responded to any treatment which suggested that stroma (CAFs) itself is more resistant to standard chemo-treatments than the epithelial cancer cells. Moreover, only a weak chemotherapeutic response was observed in direct co-cultures of cancer cells with CAFs. A change in the morphology of direct co-cultures was accompanied with the chemoresistance. CAFs were observed to build cage-like structures around agglomerates of tumor cells. High levels of IL-6 were also associated with a reduced response to therapy. Indirect co-cultures make the tumor-stromal interaction more complex. CONCLUSIONS CAFs are highly chemoresistant. Direct cell-cell contact and high levels of IL-6 correlate with a high chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C M Neumann
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Experimental Surgery, Charité-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ellen von Hörschelmann
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Experimental Surgery, Charité-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Reutzel-Selke
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Experimental Surgery, Charité-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Seidel
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Experimental Surgery, Charité-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Igor Maximilian Sauer
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Experimental Surgery, Charité-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johann Pratschke
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Experimental Surgery, Charité-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Bahra
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Experimental Surgery, Charité-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rosa Bianca Schmuck
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Experimental Surgery, Charité-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte and Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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38
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Li S, Xu HX, Wu CT, Wang WQ, Jin W, Gao HL, Li H, Zhang SR, Xu JZ, Qi ZH, Ni QX, Yu XJ, Liu L. Angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer: current research status and clinical implications. Angiogenesis 2018; 22:15-36. [PMID: 30168025 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-018-9645-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Although the standard of care in pancreatic cancer has improved, prognoses for patients remain poor with a 5-year survival rate of < 5%. Angiogenesis, namely, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, is an important event in tumor growth and hematogenous metastasis. It is a dynamic and complex process involving multiple mechanisms and is regulated by various molecules. Inhibition of angiogenesis has been an established therapeutic strategy for many solid tumors. However, clinical outcomes are far from satisfying for pancreatic cancer patients receiving anti-angiogenic therapies. In this review, we summarize the current status of angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer research and explore the reasons for the poor efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapies, aiming to identify some potential therapeutic targets that may enhance the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hua-Xiang Xu
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chun-Tao Wu
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wen-Quan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Jin
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - He-Li Gao
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shi-Rong Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin-Zhi Xu
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zi-Hao Qi
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Quan-Xing Ni
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xian-Jun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Resveratrol Inhibits ROS-Promoted Activation and Glycolysis of Pancreatic Stellate Cells via Suppression of miR-21. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:1346958. [PMID: 29854071 PMCID: PMC5944235 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1346958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) initiates pancreatic fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis and furnishes a niche that enhances the malignancy of pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenol, exhibits potent antioxidant and anticancer effects. However, whether and how RSV influences the biological properties of activated PSCs and the effects of these changes on tumor remain unknown. In the present study, we found that RSV impeded hydrogen peroxide-driven reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) induced activation, invasion, migration, and glycolysis of PSCs. In addition, miR-21 expression in activated PSCs was downregulated after RSV treatment, whereas the PTEN protein level increased. miR-21 silencing attenuated ROS-induced activation, invasion, migration, and glycolysis of PSCs, whereas the overexpression of miR-21 rescued the responses of PSCs treated with RSV. Moreover, RSV or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) administration or miR-21 knockdown in PSCs reduced the invasion and migration of PCCs in coculture, and the effects of RSV were partly reversed by miR-21 upregulation. Collectively, RSV inhibits PCC invasion and migration through suppression of ROS/miR-21-mediated activation and glycolysis in PSCs. Therefore, targeting miR-21-mediated glycolysis by RSV in tumor stroma may serve as a new strategy for clinical PDAC prevention or treatment.
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40
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Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is among the three deadliest cancers worldwide with the lowest 5-year survival of all cancers. Despite all efforts, therapeutic improvements have barely been made over the last decade. Even recent highly promising targeted and immunotherapeutic approaches did not live up to their expectations. Therefore, other horizons have to be explored. Natural Killer (NK) cells are gaining more and more interest as a highly attractive target for cancer immunotherapies, both as pharmaceutical target and for cell therapies. In this systematic review we summarise the pathophysiological adaptions of NK cells in pancreatic cancer and highlight possible (future) therapeutic NK cell-related targets. Furthermore, an extensive overview of recent therapeutic approaches with an effect on NK cells is given, including cytokine-based, viro- and bacteriotherapy and cell therapy. We also discuss ongoing clinical trials that might influence NK cells. In conclusion, although several issues regarding NK cells in pancreatic cancer remain unsolved and need further investigation, extensive evidence is already provided that support NK cell oriented approaches in pancreatic cancer.
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Liu HY, Korc M, Lin CC. Biomimetic and enzyme-responsive dynamic hydrogels for studying cell-matrix interactions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Biomaterials 2018; 160:24-36. [PMID: 29353105 PMCID: PMC5815383 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) governs all aspects of cancer progression and in vitro 3D cell culture platforms are increasingly developed to emulate the interactions between components of the stromal tissues and cancer cells. However, conventional cell culture platforms are inadequate in recapitulating the TME, which has complex compositions and dynamically changing matrix mechanics. In this study, we developed a dynamic gelatin-hyaluronic acid hybrid hydrogel system through integrating modular thiol-norbornene photopolymerization and enzyme-triggered on-demand matrix stiffening. In particular, gelatin was dually modified with norbornene and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid to render this bioactive protein photo-crosslinkable (through thiol-norbornene gelation) and responsive to tyrosinase-triggered on-demand stiffening (through HPA dimerization). In addition to the modified gelatin that provides basic cell adhesive motifs and protease cleavable sequences, hyaluronic acid (HA), an essential tumor matrix, was modularly and covalently incorporated into the cell-laden gel network. We systematically characterized macromer modification, gel crosslinking, as well as enzyme-triggered stiffening and degradation. We also evaluated the influence of matrix composition and dynamic stiffening on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell fate in 3D. We found that either HA-containing matrix or a dynamically stiffened microenvironment inhibited PDAC cell growth. Interestingly, these two factors synergistically induced cell phenotypic changes that resembled cell migration and/or invasion in 3D. Additional mRNA expression array analyses revealed changes unique to the presence of HA, to a stiffened microenvironment, or to the combination of both. Finally, we presented immunostaining and mRNA expression data to demonstrate that these irregular PDAC cell phenotypes were a result of matrix-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Yi Liu
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Murray Korc
- Department of Medicine and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, and The Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, and The Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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42
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Wiley SZ, Sriram K, Liang W, Chang SE, French R, McCann T, Sicklick J, Nishihara H, Lowy AM, Insel PA. GPR68, a proton-sensing GPCR, mediates interaction of cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer cells. FASEB J 2018; 32:1170-1183. [PMID: 29092903 PMCID: PMC5892729 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700834r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense fibrotic stroma (desmoplasia) generated by pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) derived from pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and pancreatic fibroblasts (PFs). Using an unbiased GPCRomic array approach, we identified 82 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) commonly expressed by CAFs derived from 5 primary PDAC tumors. Compared with PSCs and PFs, CAFs have increased expression of GPR68 (a proton-sensing GPCR), with the results confirmed by immunoblotting, The Cancer Genome Atlas data, and immunohistochemistry of PDAC tumors. Co-culture of PSCs with PDAC cells, or incubation with TNF-α, induced GPR68 expression. GPR68 activation (by decreasing the extracellular pH) enhanced IL-6 expression via a cAMP/PKA/cAMP response element binding protein signaling pathway. Knockdown of GPR68 by short interfering RNA diminished low pH-induced production of IL-6 and enhancement of PDAC cell proliferation by CAF conditioned media. CAFs from other gastrointestinal cancers also express GPR68. PDAC cells thus induce expression by CAFs of GPR68, which senses the acidic microenvironment, thereby increasing production of fibrotic markers and IL-6 and promoting PDAC cell proliferation. CAF-expressed GPR68 is a mediator of low-pH-promoted regulation of the tumor microenvironments, in particular to PDAC cell-CAF interaction and may be a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic and perhaps other types of cancers.-Wiley, S. Z., Sriram, K., Liang, W., Chang, S. E., French, R., McCann, T., Sicklick, J., Nishihara, H., Lowy, A. M., Insel, P. A. GPR68, a proton-sensing GPCR, mediates interaction of cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Z. Wiley
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Krishna Sriram
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Wenjing Liang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Sarah E. Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Randall French
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Thalia McCann
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jason Sicklick
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Hiroshi Nishihara
- Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Hokkaido Cancer Center, Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Andrew M. Lowy
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Paul A. Insel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
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Longo V, Tamma R, Brunetti O, Pisconti S, Argentiero A, Silvestris N, Ribatti D. Mast cells and angiogenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Clin Exp Med 2018; 18:319-323. [PMID: 29492715 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-018-0493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mast cells are recognized as critical components of the tumor stromal microenvironment in several solid and hematological malignancies, promoting angiogenesis and tumor growth. A correlation between mast cells infiltration, angiogenesis and tumor progression has been reported for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma as well. Mast cells contribute to the aggressiveness of the pancreatic ductal carcinoma enhancing the expression of several pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor-2, platelet-derived growth factor and angiopoietin-1 as well as stimulating the pancreatic cancer cells proliferation by IL-13 and tryptase. The disruption of this pro-angiogenic and proliferative stimulation by inhibiting the mast cells migration and degranulation is under investigation as a potential therapeutic approach in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. This review will summarize the literature concerning the mast cells infiltration in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma analyzing its role in angiogenesis and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Longo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.,National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncology Unit and Scientific Directorate, Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco, 65, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Argentiero
- Medical Oncology Unit and Scientific Directorate, Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco, 65, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit and Scientific Directorate, Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco, 65, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.,National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
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Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is defined as the structural and dynamic network of cellular and non-cellular interactions between malignant cells and the surrounding non-malignant matrix. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are two of the most challenging gastrointestinal malignancies. Despite clinical advancements in understanding tumor biology and growth of the chemotherapeutic industry, there have been no corresponding improvements in prognosis and overall survival of HCC and PDAC. Both of these cancers have a very intimate relationship with their surrounding environment; the TME is thought to actively participate in initiating and sustaining these malignancies. Individual TME constituents play a vital role in chemoresistance and recurrence after surgery and have been established as independent prognostic factors. This review article will highlight the diverse structural components, key signaling pathways, and extracellular matrices of HCC and PDAC and discuss their crosstalk with tumor cells to promote growth and metastasis. The article will also summarize the latest laboratory and clinical research based on therapeutic targets identified within the TME of both HCC and PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathima Kamil
- Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Julie H Rowe
- Division of Oncology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Parente P, Parcesepe P, Covelli C, Olivieri N, Remo A, Pancione M, Latiano TP, Graziano P, Maiello E, Giordano G. Crosstalk between the Tumor Microenvironment and Immune System in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Potential Targets for New Therapeutic Approaches. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2018; 2018:7530619. [PMID: 30662458 PMCID: PMC6312626 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7530619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a lethal disease for which radical surgery and chemotherapy represent the only curative options for a small proportion of patients. Recently, FOLFIRINOX and nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine have improved the survival of metastatic patients but prognosis remains poor. A pancreatic tumor microenvironment is a dynamic milieu of cellular and acellular elements, and it represents one of the major limitations to chemotherapy efficacy. The continued crosstalk between cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment causes immunosuppression within pancreatic immune infiltrate increasing tumor aggressiveness. Several potential targets have been identified among tumor microenvironment components, and different therapeutic approaches are under investigation. In this article, we provide a qualitative literature review about the crosstalk between the tumor microenvironment components and immune system in pancreatic cancer. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment and we show the ongoing trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Parente
- 1Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, UO di Anatomia Patologica, Viale Cappuccini 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Pietro Parcesepe
- 2Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Claudia Covelli
- 1Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, UO di Anatomia Patologica, Viale Cappuccini 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Nunzio Olivieri
- 3Biology Department, University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Remo
- 4“Mater Salutis” Hospital, ULSS 9, Via C. Gianella 1, 37045 Legnago, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Pancione
- 5Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Via Port'Arsa 11, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pia Latiano
- 6Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, UO di Oncologia Medica, Viale Cappuccini 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Paolo Graziano
- 1Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, UO di Anatomia Patologica, Viale Cappuccini 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Evaristo Maiello
- 6Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, UO di Oncologia Medica, Viale Cappuccini 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Guido Giordano
- 6Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, UO di Oncologia Medica, Viale Cappuccini 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
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Muñoz AR, Chakravarthy D, Gong J, Halff GA, Ghosh R, Kumar AP. Pancreatic cancer: Current status and Challenges. CURRENT PHARMACOLOGY REPORTS 2017; 3:396-408. [PMID: 29404265 PMCID: PMC5795623 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-017-0112-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW The 5-year survival rate of patients with pancreatic cancer (PanCA) has remained stagnant. Unfortunately, the incidence is almost equal to mortality rates. These facts underscore the importance of concerted efforts to understand the pathology of this disease. Deregulation of multiple signaling pathways involved in a wide variety of cellular processes including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis contribute not only to cancer development but also to therapeutic resistance. The purpose of this review is to summarize current understanding of etiological factors including emerging evidence on the role of infectious agents, factors associated with therapeutic resistance and therapeutic options. RECENT FINDINGS The unique aspect of PanCA is "desmoplasia", a process that involves proliferation of stromal fibroblasts and collagen deposition in and around the filtrating cancer. Recent studies have identified pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) as a potential source of such desmoplasia. Biphasic interactions between PSCs and cancer cells, endothelial cells, and/or myeloid derived suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment contribute to pancreatic carcinogenesis. SUMMARY We summarize limitations of current therapeutic approaches and potential strategies to overcome these limitations using natural products including botanicals as adjuvant/neo-adjuvant for effective management of PanCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Muñoz
- Department of Urology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
| | | | | | - Glenn A Halff
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
| | - Rita Ghosh
- Department of Urology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
- UT Health San Antonio Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
| | - Addanki P Kumar
- Department of Urology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
- UT Health San Antonio Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
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Widder M, Lemke K, Kekeç B, Förster T, Grodrian A, Gastrock G. A modified 384-well-device for versatile use in 3D cancer cell (co-)cultivation and screening for investigations of tumor biology in vitro. Eng Life Sci 2017; 18:132-139. [PMID: 29610566 PMCID: PMC5873453 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201700008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer exhibits a worst prognosis owed to an aggressive tumor progression i.a. driven by chemoresistance or tumor‐stroma‐interactions. The identification of candidate genes, which promote this progression, can lead to new therapeutic targets and might improve patient's outcome. The identification of these candidates in a plethora of genes requires suitable screening protocols. The aim of the present study was to establish a universally usable device which ensures versatile cultivation, screening and handling protocols of cancer cells with the 3D spheroid model, an approved model to study tumor biology. By surface modification and alternative handling of a commercial 384‐well plate, a modified device enabling (i) 3D cultivation either by liquid overlay or by a modified hanging drop method for (ii) screening of substances as well as for tumor‐stroma‐interactions (iii) either with manual or automated handling was established. The here presented preliminary results of cell line dependent dose‐response‐relations and a stromal‐induced spheroid‐formation of the pancreatic cancer cells demonstrate the proof‐of‐principle of the versatile functionality of this device. By adapting the protocols to automation, a higher reproducibility and the ability for high‐throughput analyses were ensured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Widder
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. Rosenhof Heilbad Heiligenstadt Germany
| | - Karen Lemke
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. Rosenhof Heilbad Heiligenstadt Germany
| | - Bünyamin Kekeç
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. Rosenhof Heilbad Heiligenstadt Germany
| | - Tobias Förster
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. Rosenhof Heilbad Heiligenstadt Germany
| | - Andreas Grodrian
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. Rosenhof Heilbad Heiligenstadt Germany
| | - Gunter Gastrock
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering Institute for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques e.V. Rosenhof Heilbad Heiligenstadt Germany
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Fatty Acid-Mediated Stromal Reprogramming of Pancreatic Stellate Cells Induces Inflammation and Fibrosis That Fuels Pancreatic Cancer. Pancreas 2017; 46:1259-1266. [PMID: 28991878 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. Fatty acids (FAs) have properties that affect both cancer cells and tumor environment. We assessed the effects of FAs on malignant characteristics in a pancreatic cancer and pancreatic stellate cell (PSC) coculture model. This study aimed to clarify the FA signature of PSC-derived inflammation and fibrosis in vitro and in a clinicopathological analysis. METHODS The in vitro model involved coculture of the human pancreatic cancer cell lines PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 with human PSCs. Clinical histological samples were analyzed to characterize the surgical margins of samples from patients who received distal pancreatectomies. RESULTS The pancreatic cancer cells took up lipids from the culture media. Saturated and unsaturated FAs were required to induce inflammatory responses in human PSCs, and the cocultures showed fibrotic changes. Clinical samples from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients had more fatty and fibrotic changes in the normal tissue in the surgical margins than samples from noncancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Inflammation and fibrosis levels were increased in pancreatic cancer specimens, supporting the in vitro observations and suggesting that PSCs contribute to pancreatic carcinogenesis. Pancreatic stellate cells thus represent a potential therapeutic target for suppressing stromal changes in pancreatic cancer.
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Ben-Harosh Y, Anosov M, Salem H, Yatchenko Y, Birk R. Pancreatic stellate cell activation is regulated by fatty acids and ER stress. Exp Cell Res 2017; 359:76-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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50
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Karamitopoulou E, Haemmig S, Baumgartner U, Schlup C, Wartenberg M, Vassella E. MicroRNA dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment influences the phenotype of pancreatic cancer. Mod Pathol 2017; 30:1116-1125. [PMID: 28548126 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2017.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cellular interactions in the tumor microenvironment influence neoplastic progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. One underlying mechanism is the induction of the prognostically unfavorable epithelial-mesenchymal-transition-like tumor budding. Our aim is to explore the expression of microRNAs implicated in the regulation of tumor budding focusing on the microenvironment of the invasive front. To this end, RNA from laser-capture-microdissected material of the main tumor, tumor buds, juxta-tumoral stroma, tumor-remote stroma, and non-neoplastic pancreatic parenchyma from pancreatic cancer cases with (n=7) and without (n=6) tumor budding was analyzed by qRT-PCR for the expression of a panel of miRNAs that are known to be implicated in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, including miR-21, miR-183, miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-203, miR-205, miR-210, and miR-217. Here we show that at the invasive front of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, specific microRNAs, are differentially expressed between tumor buds and main tumor cells and between cases with and without tumor budding, indicating their involvement in the regulation of the budding phenotype. Notably, miR-200b and miR-200c were significantly downregulated in the tumor buds. Consistent with this finding, they negatively correlated with the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition-associated E-cadherin repressors ZEB1 and ZEB2 in the budding cells (P<0.001). Interestingly, many microRNAs were also dysregulated in juxta-tumoral compared to tumor-remote stroma suggesting that juxta-tumoral stroma contributes to microRNA dysregulation. Notably, miR-200b and miR-200c were strongly downregulated while miR-210 and miR-21 were upregulated in the juxta-tumoral vs tumor-remote stroma in carcinomas with tumor budding. In conclusion, microRNA targeting in both tumor and stromal cells could represent a treatment option for aggressive pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Karamitopoulou
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Haemmig
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Baumgartner
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Schlup
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Wartenberg
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Erik Vassella
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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