1
|
Zhang Z, Lv ZG, Lu M, Li H, Zhou J. Nerve-tumor crosstalk in tumor microenvironment: From tumor initiation and progression to clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189121. [PMID: 38796026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The autonomic nerve system (ANS) innervates organs and tissues throughout the body and maintains functional balance among various systems. Further investigations have shown that excessive activation of ANS not only causes disruption of homeostasis, but also may promote tumor formation. In addition, the dynamic interaction between nerve and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment also regulate tumor progression. On the one hand, nerves are passively invaded by tumor cells, that is, perineural invasion (PNI). On the other hand, compared with normal tissues, tumor tissues are subject to more abundant innervation, and nerves can influence tumor progression through regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance. A large number of studies have shown that nerve-tumor crosstalk, including PNI and innervation, is closely related to the prognosis of patients, and contributes to the formation of cancer pain, which significantly deteriorates the quality of life for patients. These findings suggest that nerve-tumor crosstalk represents a potential target for anti-tumor therapies and the management of cancer pain in the future. In this review, we systematically describe the mechanism by which nerve-tumor crosstalk regulates tumorigenesis and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen Gang Lv
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Miao Lu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiahua Zhou
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lyu Y, Xie F, Chen B, Shin WS, Chen W, He Y, Leung KT, Tse GMK, Yu J, To KF, Kang W. The nerve cells in gastrointestinal cancers: from molecular mechanisms to clinical intervention. Oncogene 2024; 43:77-91. [PMID: 38081962 PMCID: PMC10774121 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02909-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a formidable malignancy with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Recent studies have shed light on the complex interplay between the nervous system and the GI system, influencing various aspects of GI tumorigenesis, such as the malignance of cancer cells, the conformation of tumor microenvironment (TME), and the resistance to chemotherapies. The discussion in this review first focused on exploring the intricate details of the biological function of the nervous system in the development of the GI tract and the progression of tumors within it. Meanwhile, the cancer cell-originated feedback regulation on the nervous system is revealed to play a crucial role in the growth and development of nerve cells within tumor tissues. This interaction is vital for understanding the complex relationship between the nervous system and GI oncogenesis. Additionally, the study identified various components within the TME that possess a significant influence on the occurrence and progression of GI cancer, including microbiota, immune cells, and fibroblasts. Moreover, we highlighted the transformation relationship between non-neuronal cells and neuronal cells during GI cancer progression, inspiring the development of strategies for nervous system-guided anti-tumor drugs. By further elucidating the deep mechanism of various neuroregulatory signals and neuronal intervention, we underlined the potential of these targeted drugs translating into effective therapies for GI cancer treatment. In summary, this review provides an overview of the mechanisms of neuromodulation and explores potential therapeutic opportunities, providing insights into the understanding and management of GI cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lyu
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fuda Xie
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bonan Chen
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wing Sum Shin
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, Digestive Diseases Center, Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yulong He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, Digestive Diseases Center, Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kam Tong Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary M K Tse
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Blasko F, Horvathova L. The relationship between the tumor and its innervation: historical, methodical, morphological, and functional assessments - A minireview. Endocr Regul 2024; 58:68-82. [PMID: 38563296 DOI: 10.2478/enr-2024-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The acceptance of the tumor as a non-isolated structure within the organism has opened a space for the study of a wide spectrum of potential direct and indirect interactions, not only between the tumor tissue and its vicinity, but also between the tumor and its macroenvironment, including the nervous system. Although several lines of evidence have implicated the nervous system in tumor growth and progression, for many years, researchers believed that tumors lacked innervation and the notion of indirect neuro-neoplastic interactions via other systems (e.g., immune, or endocrine) predominated. The original idea that tumors are supplied not only by blood and lymphatic vessels, but also autonomic and sensory nerves that may influence cancer progression, is not a recent phenomenon. Although in the past, mainly due to the insufficiently sensitive methodological approaches, opinions regarding the presence of nerves in tumors were inconsistent. However, data from the last decade have shown that tumors are able to stimulate the formation of their own innervation by processes called neo-neurogenesis and neo-axonogenesis. It has also been shown that tumor infiltrating nerves are not a passive, but active components of the tumor microenvironment and their presence in the tumor tissue is associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype and correlates with poor prognosis. The aim of the present review was to 1) summarize the available knowledge regarding the course of tumor innervation, 2) present the potential mechanisms and pathways for the possible induction of new nerve fibers into the tumor microenvironment, and 3) highlight the functional significance/consequences of the nerves infiltrating the tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filip Blasko
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lubica Horvathova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kwak S, Lee JY, Kim MJ, Lee HJ, Lee DK, Kang J, Kang WH, Son WC, Cruz DJM. Combination of PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade and Botulinum Toxin Type A1 Improves Antitumor Responses in Mouse Tumor Models of Melanoma and Colon Carcinoma. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:749-766. [PMID: 37403798 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2232403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor innervation has been shown to be utilized by some solid cancers to support tumor initiation, growth, progression, and metastasis, as well as confer resistance to immune checkpoint blockade through suppression of antitumor immunologic responses. Since botulinum neurotoxin type A1 (BoNT/A1) blocks neuronal cholinergic signaling, its potential use as an anticancer drug in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy was investigated in four different syngeneic mouse tumor models. METHODS Mice implanted with breast (4T1), lung (LLC1), colon (MC38), and melanoma (B16-F10) tumors were administered a single intratumoral injection of 15 U/kg BoNT/A1, repeated intraperitoneal injections of 5 mg/kg anti-PD-1 (RMP1-14), or both. RESULTS Compared to the single-agent treatments, anti-PD-1 and BoNT/A1 combination treatment elicited significant reduction in tumor growth among B16-F10 and MC38 tumor-bearing mice. The combination treatment also lowered serum exosome levels in these mice compared to the placebo control group. In the B16-F10 syngeneic mouse tumor model, anti-PD-1 + BoNT/A1 combination treatment lowered the proportion of MDSCs, negated the increased proportion of Treg cells, and elicited a higher number of tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes into the tumor microenvironment compared to anti-PD-1 treatment alone. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the synergistic antitumor effects of BoNT/A1 and PD-1 checkpoint blockade in mouse tumor models of melanoma and colon carcinoma. These findings provide some evidence on the potential application of BoNT/A1 as an anticancer drug in combination with immune checkpoint blockade and should be further explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seongsung Kwak
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Medytox Gwanggyo R&D Center, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Lee
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ju Kim
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Medytox Gwanggyo R&D Center, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Lee
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Medytox Gwanggyo R&D Center, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Kyu Lee
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Medytox Gwanggyo R&D Center, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Kang
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ho Kang
- Medytox Korea Co. Ltd., Medytox Gwanggyo R&D Center, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Chan Son
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deu John M Cruz
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Medytox Gwanggyo R&D Center, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Perez-Pacheco C, Schmitd LB, Furgal A, Bellile EL, Liu M, Fattah A, Gonzalez-Maldonado L, Unsworth SP, Wong SY, Rozek LS, Rao A, Wolf GT, Taylor JMG, Casper K, Mierzwa M, D'Silva NJ. Increased Nerve Density Adversely Affects Outcome in Oral Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2501-2512. [PMID: 37039710 PMCID: PMC10371054 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Perineural invasion (PNI) in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with poor survival. Because of the risk of recurrence, patients with PNI receive additional therapies after surgical resection. Mechanistic studies have shown that nerves in the tumor microenvironment promote aggressive tumor growth. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated whether nerve density (ND) influences tumor growth and patient survival. Moreover, we assessed the reliability of artificial intelligence (AI) in evaluating ND. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To investigate whether increased ND in OSCC influences patient outcome, we performed survival analyses. Tissue sections of OSCC from 142 patients were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and IHC stains to detect nerves and tumor. ND within the tumor bulk and in the adjacent 2 mm was quantified; normalized ND (NND; bulk ND/adjacent ND) was calculated. The impact of ND on tumor growth was evaluated in chick chorioallantoic-dorsal root ganglia (CAM-DRG) and murine surgical denervation models. Cancer cells were grafted and tumor size quantified. Automated nerve detection, applying the Halo AI platform, was compared with manual assessment. RESULTS Disease-specific survival decreased with higher intratumoral ND and NND in tongue SCC. Moreover, NND was associated with worst pattern-of-invasion and PNI. Increasing the number of DRG, in the CAM-DRG model, increased tumor size. Reduction of ND by denervation in a murine model decreased tumor growth. Automated and manual detection of nerves showed high concordance, with an F1 score of 0.977. CONCLUSIONS High ND enhances tumor growth, and NND is an important prognostic factor that could influence treatment selection for aggressive OSCC. See related commentary by Hondermarck and Jiang, p. 2342.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Perez-Pacheco
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ligia B Schmitd
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Allison Furgal
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Emily L Bellile
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Aya Fattah
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Laura Gonzalez-Maldonado
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shelby P Unsworth
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sunny Y Wong
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Laura S Rozek
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Arvind Rao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Gregory T Wolf
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jeremy M G Taylor
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Keith Casper
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Michelle Mierzwa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nisha J D'Silva
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ayala G. Neuroepithelial Interactions in Cancer. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 18:493-514. [PMID: 36323005 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-031521-023248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Nerves not only regulate the homeostasis and energetic metabolism of normal epithelial cells but also are critical for cancer, as cancer recapitulates the biology of neural regulation of epithelial tissues. Cancer cells rarely develop in denervated organs, and denervation affects tumorigenesis, in vivo and in humans. Axonogenesis occurs to supply the new malignant epithelial growth with nerves. Neurogenesis happens later, first in ganglia around organs or the spinal column and subsequently through recruitment of neuroblasts from the central nervous system. The hallmark of this stage is regulation of homeostasis and energetic metabolism. Perineural invasion is the most efficient interaction between cancer cells and nerves. The hallmark of this stage is increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis. Finally, carcinoma cells transdifferentiate into a neuronal profile in search of neural independence. The latter is the last stage in neuroepithelial interactions. Treatments for cancer must address the biology of neural regulation of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Ayala
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern School of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gola M, Sejda A, Godlewski J, Cieślak M, Starzyńska A. Neural Component of the Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5246. [PMID: 36358664 PMCID: PMC9657005 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive primary malignancy of the pancreas, with a dismal prognosis and limited treatment options. It possesses a unique tumor microenvironment (TME), generating dense stroma with complex elements cross-talking with each other to promote tumor growth and progression. Diversified neural components makes for not having a full understanding of their influence on its aggressive behavior. The aim of the study was to summarize and integrate the role of nerves in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. The role of autonomic nerve fibers on PDAC development has been recently studied, which resulted in considering the targeting of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways as a novel treatment opportunity. Perineural invasion (PNI) is commonly found in PDAC. As the severity of the PNI correlates with a poorer prognosis, new quantification of this phenomenon, distinguishing between perineural and endoneural invasion, could feature in routine pathological examination. The concepts of cancer-related neurogenesis and axonogenesis in PDAC are understudied; so, further research in this field may be warranted. A better understanding of the interdependence between the neural component and cancer cells in the PDAC microenvironment could bring new nerve-oriented treatment options into clinical practice and improve outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer. In this review, we aim to summarize and integrate the current state of knowledge and future challenges concerning nerve-cancer interactions in PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michał Gola
- Department of Human Histology and Embryology, Collegium Medicum, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Sejda
- Department of Pathomorphology and Forensic Medicine, Collegium Medicum, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 18 Żołnierska Street, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Janusz Godlewski
- Department of Human Histology and Embryology, Collegium Medicum, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Cieślak
- Department of Pathomorphology and Forensic Medicine, Collegium Medicum, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 18 Żołnierska Street, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Starzyńska
- Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, 7 Dębinki Street, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schmitd LB, Perez‐Pacheco C, D'Silva NJ. Nerve density in cancer: Less is better. FASEB Bioadv 2021; 3:773-786. [PMID: 34632313 PMCID: PMC8493966 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2021-00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The density of nerves in cancer is emerging as a relevant clinical parameter for patient survival. Nerves in the tumor microenvironment have been associated with poor survival and recurrence, particularly if involved in perineural invasion. However, usually only a few nerves inside a tumor are affected by perineural invasion, while most nerves are not. Mechanistic studies have shown nerve-secreted factors promote tumor growth and invasion thereby making tumors more aggressive. Therefore, the overall number of nerves in the tumor microenvironment should be more representative of the nerve-tumor biological interaction than perineural invasion. This review summarizes the available clinical information about nerve density as a measure of clinical outcome in cancer and explores the mechanisms underlying nerve density in cancer, specifically, neurogenesis, axonogenesis, and neurotropism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ligia B. Schmitd
- Department of Periodontics and Oral MedicineUniversity of Michigan School of DentistryAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Cindy Perez‐Pacheco
- Department of Periodontics and Oral MedicineUniversity of Michigan School of DentistryAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Nisha J. D'Silva
- Department of Periodontics and Oral MedicineUniversity of Michigan School of DentistryAnn ArborMIUSA
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMIUSA
- Rogel Cancer CenterUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ding Y, Lee M, Gao Y, Bu P, Coarfa C, Miles B, Sreekumar A, Creighton CJ, Ayala G. Neuropeptide Y nerve paracrine regulation of prostate cancer oncogenesis and therapy resistance. Prostate 2021; 81:58-71. [PMID: 33022812 PMCID: PMC7756863 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nerves are key factors in prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Here, we propose that neuropeptide Y (NPY) nerves are key regulators of cancer-nerve interaction. METHODS We used in vitro models for NPY inhibition studies and subsequent metabolomics, apoptotic and migration assays, and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation studies. Human naïve and radiated PCa tissues were used for NPY nerve density biomarker studies. Tissues derived from a Botox denervation clinical trial were used to corroborate metabolomic changes in humans. RESULTS Cancer cells increase NPY positive nerves in vitro and in preneoplastic human tissues. NPY-specific inhibition resulted in increased cancer apoptosis, decreased motility, and energetic metabolic pathway changes. A comparison of metabolomic response in NPY-inhibited cells with the transcriptome response in human PCa patients treated with Botox showed shared 13 pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle. We identified that NF-κB is a potential NPY downstream mediator. Using in vitro models and tissues derived from a previous human chemical denervation study, we show that Botox specifically, but not exclusively, inhibits NPY in cancer. Quantification of NPY nerves is independently predictive of PCa-specific death. Finally, NPY nerves might be involved in radiation therapy (RT) resistance, as radiation-induced apoptosis is reduced when PCa cells are cocultured with dorsal root ganglia/nerves and NPY positive nerves are increased in prostates of patients that failed RT. CONCLUSION These data suggest that targeting the NPY neural microenvironment may represent a therapeutic approach for the treatment of PCa and resistance through the regulation of multiple oncogenic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ding
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern School of MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Sciences Center Medical SchoolHoustonTexasUSA
| | - MinJae Lee
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) Core, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Sciences Center Medical SchoolHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern School of MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Sciences Center Medical SchoolHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Ping Bu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern School of MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Sciences Center Medical SchoolHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Christian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular & Cell BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Brian Miles
- Department of UrologyThe Methodist HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Arun Sreekumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern School of MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Sciences Center Medical SchoolHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Chad J. Creighton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dan L. Duncan Cancer CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Gustavo Ayala
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) Core, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Sciences Center Medical SchoolHoustonTexasUSA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Han H, Yang C, Zhang Y, Han C, Zhang G. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Mediates the Sprouted Axonogenesis of Breast Cancer in Rat. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 191:515-526. [PMID: 33345997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Nerve infiltration into the tumor is a common feature of the tumor microenvironment. The mechanisms of axonogenesis in breast cancer remain unclear. We hypothesized that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as nerve growth factor (NGF), is involved in the axonogenesis of breast cancer. A N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced rat model of breast cancer was used to explore the presence of axonogenesis in breast tumor and the involvement of VEGF, as well as NGF, in the axonogenesis of breast tumor. Nerve infiltration into the tumor was found in MNU-induced rat model of breast cancer including the sensory and sympathetic nerve fibers. Nerve density was increased following the growth of tumor. The sensory neurons innervating the thoracic and abdominal mammary tumors peaked at T5 to T6 and L1 to L2 dorsal root ganglions, respectively. Either VEGF receptor inhibitor or antibody against VEGF receptor 2, as well as NGF receptor inhibitor, apparently decreased both the nerve density and vascular density of breast tumor. The reduced nerve density was correlated with the decreased vascular density induced by these treatments. In cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons, phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3K)/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), and p38 inhibitors significantly attenuated VEGF-induced neurite elongation. These findings provide direct evidence that VEGF, as well as NGF, may control the axonogenesis of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiu Han
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shangha, China; Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chunxue Yang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhao Han
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guohua Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hunt PJ, Kabotyanski KE, Calin GA, Xie T, Myers JN, Amit M. Interrupting Neuron-Tumor Interactions to Overcome Treatment Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3741. [PMID: 33322770 PMCID: PMC7762969 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123741] [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: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the tumor microenvironment release neurotransmitters, neuroligins, chemokines, soluble growth factors, and membrane-bound growth factors that solid tumors leverage to drive their own survival and spread. Tumors express nerve-specific growth factors and microRNAs that support local neurons and guide neuronal growth into tumors. The development of feed-forward relationships between tumors and neurons allows tumors to use the perineural space as a sanctuary from therapy. Tumor denervation slows tumor growth in animal models, demonstrating the innervation dependence of growing tumors. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments have identified many of the secreted signaling molecules (e.g., acetylcholine, nerve growth factor) that are passed between neurons and cancer cells, as well as the major signaling pathways (e.g., MAPK/EGFR) involved in these trophic interactions. The molecules involved in these signaling pathways serve as potential biomarkers of disease. Additionally, new treatment strategies focus on using small molecules, receptor agonists, nerve-specific toxins, and surgical interventions to target tumors, neurons, and immune cells of the tumor microenvironment, thereby severing the interactions between tumors and surrounding neurons. This article discusses the mechanisms underlying the trophic relationships formed between neurons and tumors and explores the emerging therapies stemming from this work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Hunt
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.J.H.); (K.E.K.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katherine E. Kabotyanski
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.J.H.); (K.E.K.)
| | - George A. Calin
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Tongxin Xie
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.X.); (J.N.M.)
| | - Jeffrey N. Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.X.); (J.N.M.)
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.X.); (J.N.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Oligometastatic Prostate Adenocarcinoma. Clinical-Pathologic Study of a Histologically Under-Recognized Prostate Cancer. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10040265. [PMID: 33291528 PMCID: PMC7761807 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical parameters and the histological and immunohistochemical findings of a prospective protocolized series of 27 prostate carcinoma patients with oligometastatic disease followed homogeneously were analyzed. Lymph nodes (81.5%) and bones (18.5%) were the only metastatic sites. Local control after metastatic directed treatment was achieved in 22 (81.5%) patients. A total of 8 (29.6%) patients developed castration-resistant prostate cancer. Seventeen (63%) patients presented with non-organ confined disease. The Gleason index 8-10 was the most frequently observed (12 cases, 44.4%) combined grade. Positive immunostainings were detected with androgen receptor (100%), PGP 9.5 (74%), ERG (40.7%), chromogranin A (29.6%), and synaptophysin (18.5%) antibodies. The Ki-67 index value > 5% was observed in 15% of the cases. L1CAM immunostaining was negative in all cases. Fisher exact test showed that successful local control of metastases was associated to mild inflammation, organ confined disease, Ki-67 index < 5%, and Gleason index 3 + 3. A castration resistant status was associated with severe inflammation, atrophy, a Gleason index higher than 3 + 3, Ki-67 index ≥ 5%, and positive PGP 9.5, chromogranin A, and synaptophysin immunostainings. In conclusion, oligometastatic prostate adenocarcinoma does not have a specific clinical-pathologic profile. However, some histologic and immunohistochemical parameters of routine use may help with making therapeutic decisions.
Collapse
|
13
|
Zahalka AH, Fram E, Lin W, Mohn L, Frenette PS, Agalliu I, Watts KL. Use of beta-blocker types and risk of incident prostate cancer in a multiethnic population. Urol Oncol 2020; 38:794.e11-794.e16. [PMID: 32307329 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2020.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Increased adrenergic innervation is observed in prostate cancer (CaP) and is associated with aggressive disease. Emerging evidence suggests that beta-adrenergic blockade inhibits CaP progression. However, the association between type of beta-blocker use and risk of incident CaP on initial prostate biopsy has not been investigated in multiethnic populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study of racially/ethnically diverse men (64% African-American and Hispanic), who underwent initial prostate biopsy between 2006 and 2016 in a large healthcare system was performed. Oral use of beta-blocker type was assessed by reviewing active prescriptions within the 5-year period preceding initial biopsy. Patient demographics and clinical factors were collected. RESULTS Of 4,607 men who underwent initial prostate biopsy, 4,516 met criteria and 2,128 had a biopsy positive for CaP; 20% high-risk, 41% intermediate-risk, and 39% low or very-low risk (National Comprehensive Cancer Network classification). Overall, 15% of patients were taking a beta-blocker prior to initial biopsy, with Metoprolol, Atenolol, and Carvedilol accounting for the majority. Of beta-blocker types, Atenolol alone was associated with a 38% reduction in odds of incident CaP (P= 0.01), with a 40% and 54% reduction in risks of National Comprehensive Cancer Network intermediate and high-risk CaP (P = 0.03 and P = 0.03, respectively) compared to men not taking a beta-blocker. Furthermore, longer duration of Atenolol use (3-5 years) was associated with a 54% and 72% reduction in intermediate and high-risk disease, (P = 0.03 and P = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Among beta blocker types, long-term Atenolol use is associated with a significant reduction in incident CaP risk on initial prostate biopsy for clinically-significant intermediate and high-risk disease compared to men not taking a beta-blocker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali H Zahalka
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY; Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
| | - Ethan Fram
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Wilson Lin
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Larkin Mohn
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Paul S Frenette
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; Ruth L. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Ilir Agalliu
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY; Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Kara L Watts
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hutchings C, Phillips JA, Djamgoz MBA. Nerve input to tumours: Pathophysiological consequences of a dynamic relationship. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188411. [PMID: 32828885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that tumours arising in different organs are innervated and that 'perineural invasion' (cancer cells escaping from the tumour by following the nerve trunk) is a negative prognostic factor. More surprisingly, increasing evidence suggests that the nerves can provide active inputs to tumours and there is two-way communication between nerves and cancer cells within the tumour microenvironment. Cells of the immune system also interact with the nerves and cancer cells. Thus, the nerve connections can exert significant control over cancer progression and modulating these (physically or chemically) can affect significantly the cancer process. Nerve inputs to tumours are derived mainly from the sympathetic (adrenergic) and the parasympathetic (cholinergic) systems, which are interactive. An important component of the latter is the vagus nerve, the largest of the cranial nerves. Here, we present a two-part review of the nerve inputs to tumours and their effects on tumorigenesis. First, we review briefly some relevant general issues including ultrastructural aspects, stemness, interactions between neurones and primary tumours, and communication between neurones and metastasizing tumour cells. Ultrastructural characteristics include synaptic vesicles, tumour microtubes and gap junctions enabling formation of cellular networks. Second, we evaluate the pathophysiology of the nerve input to five major carcinomas: cancers of prostate, stomach, colon, lung and pancreas. For each cancer, we present (i) the nerve inputs normally present in the cancer organ and (ii) how these interact and influence the cancer process. The best clinical evidence for the role of nerves in promoting tumorigenesis comes from prostate cancer patients where metastatic progression has been shown to be suppressed significantly in cases of spinal cord injury. The balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic contributions to early versus late tumorigenesis varies amongst the different cancers. Different branches of the vagus provide functional inputs to several of the carcinomas and, in two-way interaction with the sympathetic nervous system, affect different stages of the cancer process. Overall, the impact of the vagus nerve can be 'direct' or 'indirect'. Directly, the effect of the vagus is primarily to promote tumorigenesis and this is mediated through cholinergic receptor mechanisms. Indirectly, pro- and anti-tumour effects can occur by stimulation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system, respectively. Less well understood are the 'indirect' anti-tumour effect of the vagus nerve via immunomodulation/inflammation, and the role of sensory innervation. A frequent occurrence in the nerve-tumour interactions is the presence of positive feedback driven by agents like nerve growth factor. We conclude that the nerve inputs to tumours can actively and dynamically impact upon cancer progression and are open to clinical exploitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Hutchings
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jade A Phillips
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Mustafa B A Djamgoz
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; Biotechnology Research Centre, Cyprus International University, Haspolat, Nicosia, TRNC, Mersin 10, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cervantes-Villagrana RD, Albores-García D, Cervantes-Villagrana AR, García-Acevez SJ. Tumor-induced neurogenesis and immune evasion as targets of innovative anti-cancer therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:99. [PMID: 32555170 PMCID: PMC7303203 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0205-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal cells are hijacked by cancer cells forming together heterogeneous tumor masses immersed in aberrant communication circuits that facilitate tumor growth and dissemination. Besides the well characterized angiogenic effect of some tumor-derived factors; others, such as BDNF, recruit peripheral nerves and leukocytes. The neurogenic switch, activated by tumor-derived neurotrophins and extracellular vesicles, attracts adjacent peripheral fibers (autonomic/sensorial) and neural progenitor cells. Strikingly, tumor-associated nerve fibers can guide cancer cell dissemination. Moreover, IL-1β, CCL2, PGE2, among other chemotactic factors, attract natural immunosuppressive cells, including T regulatory (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and M2 macrophages, to the tumor microenvironment. These leukocytes further exacerbate the aberrant communication circuit releasing factors with neurogenic effect. Furthermore, cancer cells directly evade immune surveillance and the antitumoral actions of natural killer cells by activating immunosuppressive mechanisms elicited by heterophilic complexes, joining cancer and immune cells, formed by PD-L1/PD1 and CD80/CTLA-4 plasma membrane proteins. Altogether, nervous and immune cells, together with fibroblasts, endothelial, and bone-marrow-derived cells, promote tumor growth and enhance the metastatic properties of cancer cells. Inspired by the demonstrated, but restricted, power of anti-angiogenic and immune cell-based therapies, preclinical studies are focusing on strategies aimed to inhibit tumor-induced neurogenesis. Here we discuss the potential of anti-neurogenesis and, considering the interplay between nervous and immune systems, we also focus on anti-immunosuppression-based therapies. Small molecules, antibodies and immune cells are being considered as therapeutic agents, aimed to prevent cancer cell communication with neurons and leukocytes, targeting chemotactic and neurotransmitter signaling pathways linked to perineural invasion and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Daniel Cervantes-Villagrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), 07360, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Damaris Albores-García
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University (FIU), Miami, Florida, 33199, USA
| | - Alberto Rafael Cervantes-Villagrana
- Laboratorio de investigación en Terapéutica Experimental, Unidad Académica de Ciencias Químicas, Área de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas (UAZ), Zacatecas, México
| | - Sara Judit García-Acevez
- Dirección de Proyectos e Investigación, Grupo Diagnóstico Médico Proa, 06400 CDMX, Cuauhtémoc, México
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sejda A, Sigorski D, Gulczyński J, Wesołowski W, Kitlińska J, Iżycka-Świeszewska E. Complexity of Neural Component of Tumor Microenvironment in Prostate Cancer. Pathobiology 2020; 87:87-99. [PMID: 32045912 DOI: 10.1159/000505437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an essential role in the development and progression of neoplasms. TME consists of the extracellular matrix and numerous specialized cells interacting with cancer cells by paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. Tumor axonogenesis and neoneurogenesis constitute a developing area of investigation. Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common malignancies in men worldwide. During the past years, more and more studies have shown that mechanisms leading to the development of PC are not confined only to the epithelial cancer cell, but also involve the tumor stroma. Different nerve types and neurotransmitters present within the TME are thought to be important factors in PC biology. Moreover, perineural invasion, which is a common way of PC spreading, in parallel creates the neural niche for malignant cells. Cancer neurobiology seems to have become a new discipline to explore the contribution of neoplastic cell interactions with the nervous system and the neural TME component, also to search for potential therapeutic targets in malignant tumors such as PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Sejda
- Department of Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland,
| | - Dawid Sigorski
- Department of Oncology, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jacek Gulczyński
- Department of Pathology and Neuropathology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Kitlińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ewa Iżycka-Świeszewska
- Department of Pathology and Neuropathology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Faulkner S, Jobling P, March B, Jiang CC, Hondermarck H. Tumor Neurobiology and the War of Nerves in Cancer. Cancer Discov 2019; 9:702-710. [PMID: 30944117 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-18-1398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nerves are emerging regulators of cancer progression. Cancer cells induce the outgrowth of nerves in the tumor microenvironment through the release of neurotrophic factors, and in return nerves liberate neurotransmitters that activate cancer growth and dissemination. Although sympathetic nerves drive tumor angiogenesis via the liberation of noradrenaline, sensory and parasympathetic nerves stimulate cancer stem cells. Interestingly, recent evidence indicates that parasympathetic nerves can eventually inhibit tumor progression, suggesting a yin-yang type of regulation of cancer by nerves. From a broader perspective, the question of a higher level of control of cancer development by the central nervous system should be raised. SIGNIFICANCE: Nerves are emerging regulators of cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Here, we review the evidence to date and explore the basic and clinical ramifications of these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Faulkner
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brayden March
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chen Chen Jiang
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mo RJ, Han ZD, Liang YK, Ye JH, Wu SL, Lin SX, Zhang YQ, Song SD, Jiang FN, Zhong WD, Wu CL. Expression of PD-L1 in tumor-associated nerves correlates with reduced CD8 + tumor-associated lymphocytes and poor prognosis in prostate cancer. Int J Cancer 2019; 144:3099-3110. [PMID: 30537104 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To investigate immune profile consisting of stromal PD-L1 expression, inhibitory or non-T-cell inflamed tumor microenvironment that may predict response to anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy in prostate cancer, we validated the specificity of a PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (E1L3N) and identified PD-L1 specific expression in prostatic stromal nerve cells. PD-L1 expression was analyzed in 73 primary prostate cancers and 7 castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPC) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and resulting data from primary prostate cancers were correlated with tumor-associated lymphocytes (TALs), clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcome. PD-L1 was expressed in the tumor cells in only one primary prostate cancer case and none of the CRPC. However, PD-L1 was frequently observed in the nerve branches in the tumor-associated stroma (69 of 73 cases, 94.5%), supported by colocalization with axonal marker PGP9.5. FoxP3-, CD3- and CD8-positive T lymphocytes were observed in 74.6% (47/63), 98.4% (62/63) and 100% (61/61) of the cases, respectively. The density of PD-L1+ tumor-associated nerves (TANs) was inversely correlated with that of CD8+ TALs. Higher density of PD-L1+ TANs was significantly associated with biochemical recurrence (BCR) in Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (p = 0.016). In both univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, the density of PD-L1+ TANs was independently prognostic of BCR. In conclusion, PD-L1 expression is rare in prostate tumor cells but prevalent in TANs and negatively correlated with CD8+ TALs. Neuro-immunological interaction may be a contribution to immune-suppressive microenvironment. Combinatorial treatment regimen designs to neural PD-L1 and TALs should be warranted in future clinical application of anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy in prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Jun Mo
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology and Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhao-Dong Han
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Ke Liang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology and Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jian-Heng Ye
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology and Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shu-Lin Wu
- Department of Urology and Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sharron X Lin
- Department of Urology and Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan-Qiong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng-Da Song
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fu-Neng Jiang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-De Zhong
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology and Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chin-Lee Wu
- Department of Urology and Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gholizadeh N, Greer PB, Simpson J, Denham J, Lau P, Dowling J, Hondermarck H, Ramadan S. Characterization of prostate cancer using diffusion tensor imaging: A new perspective. Eur J Radiol 2018; 110:112-120. [PMID: 30599846 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2018.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study is aimed at evaluating the potential role of quantitative magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography parameters in the detection and characterization of peripheral zone prostate cancer with a particular attention for fiber tract density. MATERIALS AND METHODS DTI was acquired from eleven high risk, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy proven prostate cancers with perineural invasion (histological Gleason score ≥ 7) on a 3 T magnet. Twenty parameters derived from DTI were quantified in cancer and healthy regions of the prostate. In addition, fiber tract density in normal versus cancer tissues was also calculated using DTI tractography. Support vector machine with a radial basis function kernel and area under receiver operator characteristic (ROC) were used to describe and compare the diagnostic performance of combined fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) and other statistically significant DTI parameters. Spearman correlation analysis between DTI parameters and Gleason scores was conducted. RESULTS Eighteen DTI parameters yielded statistically significant differences between cancer and healthy regions (p-value < 0.05). The ROC curve of all statistically significant DTI parameters between cancer and healthy regions was higher than the area under ROC curve using FA + MD alone (95% confidence interval = 0.988, range = 0.975-1.00) vs (95% confidence interval = 0.935, range = 0.898-0.999), respectively (p-value < 0.05). Fiber tract density was also found to be higher in cancer than in healthy tissues (+38.22%, p-value = 0.010) and may be related to the increase in nerve and vascular density reported in prostate cancer. The linear and relative anisotropy were highly correlated with Gleason score (Spearman correlation factor r = 0.655, p-value = 0.001 and r = 0.667, p-value < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS DTI has the potential to provide imaging biomarkers in the detection and characterization of prostate cancer. Novel quantitative parameters derived from DTI and DTI tractography, including fiber tract density, support the use of DTI in the assessment of high grade prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neda Gholizadeh
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter B Greer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Waratah, NSW, Australia; School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - John Simpson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Waratah, NSW, Australia; School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jim Denham
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Waratah, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Lau
- Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Imaging Centre, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Department of Radiology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Waratah, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Dowling
- CSIRO Australian e-Health Research Centre, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Saadallah Ramadan
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Imaging Centre, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Coarfa C, Florentin D, Putluri N, Ding Y, Au J, He D, Ragheb A, Frolov A, Michailidis G, Lee M, Kadmon D, Miles B, Smith C, Ittmann M, Rowley D, Sreekumar A, Creighton CJ, Ayala G. Influence of the neural microenvironment on prostate cancer. Prostate 2018; 78:128-139. [PMID: 29131367 PMCID: PMC5836952 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nerves are key factors in prostate cancer (PCa), but the functional role of innervation in prostate cancer is poorly understood. PCa induced neurogenesis and perineural invasion (PNI), are associated with aggressive disease. METHOD We denervated rodent prostates chemically and physically, before orthotopically implanting cancer cells. We also performed a human neoadjuvant clinical trial using botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and saline in the same patient, before prostatectomy. RESULT Bilateral denervation resulted in reduced tumor incidence and size in mice. Botox treatment in humans resulted in increased apoptosis of cancer cells in the Botox treated side. A similar denervation gene array profile was identified in tumors arising in denervated rodent prostates, in spinal cord injury patients and in the Botox treated side of patients. Denervation induced exhibited a signature gene profile, indicating translation and bioenergetic shutdown. Nerves also regulate basic cellular functions of non-neoplastic epithelial cells. CONCLUSION Nerves play a role in the homeostasis of normal epithelial tissues and are involved in prostate cancer tumor survival. This study confirms that interactions between human cancer and nerves are essential to disease progression. This work may make a major impact in general cancer treatment strategies, as nerve/cancer interactions are likely important in other cancers as well. Targeting the neural microenvironment may represent a therapeutic approach for the treatment of human prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular & Cell BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - Diego Florentin
- Department of Internal MedicineDetroit Medical CenterWayne State UniversitySinai‐Grace HospitalDetroitMichigan
| | - NagiReddy Putluri
- Department of Molecular & Cell BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Sciences Center Medical SchoolHoustonTexas
| | - Jason Au
- Scott Department of UrologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - Dandan He
- Diana Helis Henry Medical Research FoundationNew OrleansLouisiana
| | - Ahmed Ragheb
- Faculty of MedicineDepartment of UrologyBeni Suef UniversityBeni SuefEgypt
| | - Anna Frolov
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | | | - MinJae Lee
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) CoreDepartment of Internal MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Sciences Center Medical SchoolHoustonTexas
| | - Dov Kadmon
- Scott Department of UrologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - Brian Miles
- Department of UrologyThe Methodist HospitalHoustonTexas
| | | | - Michael Ittmann
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - David Rowley
- Department of Molecular & Cell BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - Arun Sreekumar
- Department of Molecular & Cell BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | | | - Gustavo Ayala
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Sciences Center Medical SchoolHoustonTexas
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Horvathova L, Mravec B. Effect of the autonomic nervous system on cancer progression depends on the type of tumor: solid are more affected then ascitic tumors. Endocr Regul 2017; 50:215-224. [PMID: 27941177 DOI: 10.1515/enr-2016-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A number of recently published studies have shown that the sympathetic nervous system may influence cancer progression. There are, however, some ambiguities about the role of the parasympathetic nerves in the modulation of growth of different tumor types. Moreover, tumor models used for investigation of the autonomic neurotransmission role in the processes related to the cancer growth and progression are mainly of the solid nature. The knowledge about the nervous system involvement in the modulation of the development and progression of malignant ascites is only fragmental. Therefore, the aim of the present article was to summarize the results of our experimental studies focused on the elucidation of the role of the autonomic nervous system in the modulation of tumor growth in animals. We are summarizing data from studies, in which not only different experimental approaches in order to influence the autonomic neurotransmission, but also different tumor models have been used. METHODS Three different types of tumor models, namely solid rat intra-abdominal fibrosarcoma, solid murine subcutaneous melanoma, and rat ascites hepatoma, and three types of interventions have been used in order to modulate the autonomic neurotransmission, specifically chemical sympathectomy, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy, or the electric stimulation of the vagus nerve. RESULTS We have proved a strong stimulatory effect of the sympathetic nerves on the development and growth in both solid tumors, rat fibrosarcoma as well as murine melanoma, and significant inhibitory impact on the survival time of tumor-bearing animals. The progression of ascites hepatoma in rats was not influenced by chemical sympathectomy. Modulation of parasympathetic signalization by vagotomy or vagal nerve stimulation does not affect fibrosarcoma and ascites hepatoma growth and survival of the tumor-bearing rats. CONCLUSIONS Based on the obtained data, it seems that the solid types of tumors are suitable substrate for the direct action of neurotransmitters released especially from the sympathetic nerves. In contrast, it appears that the malignant ascites are not under the direct autonomic nerves control; however, an indirect action via the immune functions modulation cannot be excluded.
Collapse
|
22
|
Boilly B, Faulkner S, Jobling P, Hondermarck H. Nerve Dependence: From Regeneration to Cancer. Cancer Cell 2017; 31:342-354. [PMID: 28292437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nerve dependence has long been described in animal regeneration, where the outgrowth of axons is necessary to the reconstitution of lost body parts and tissue remodeling in various species. Recent discoveries have demonstrated that denervation can suppress tumor growth and metastasis, pointing to nerve dependence in cancer. Regeneration and cancer share similarities in regard to the stimulatory role of nerves, and there are indications that the stem cell compartment is a preferred target of innervation. Thus, the neurobiology of cancer is an emerging discipline that opens new perspectives in oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoni Boilly
- UFR de Biologie, Université de Lille, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Sam Faulkner
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Phillip Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang M, Zhao J, Zhang L, Wei F, Lian Y, Wu Y, Gong Z, Zhang S, Zhou J, Cao K, Li X, Xiong W, Li G, Zeng Z, Guo C. Role of tumor microenvironment in tumorigenesis. J Cancer 2017; 8:761-773. [PMID: 28382138 PMCID: PMC5381164 DOI: 10.7150/jca.17648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 881] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is a complex and dynamic process, consisting of three stages: initiation, progression, and metastasis. Tumors are encircled by extracellular matrix (ECM) and stromal cells, and the physiological state of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is closely connected to every step of tumorigenesis. Evidence suggests that the vital components of the TME are fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, neuroendocrine cells, adipose cells, immune and inflammatory cells, the blood and lymphatic vascular networks, and ECM. This manuscript, based on the current studies of the TME, offers a more comprehensive overview of the primary functions of each component of the TME in cancer initiation, progression, and invasion. The manuscript also includes primary therapeutic targeting markers for each player, which may be helpful in treating tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maonan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Jingzhou Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Lishen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Fang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Yu Lian
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Yingfeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Zhaojian Gong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Jianda Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Ke Cao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiayu Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Can Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Venkatesh H, Monje M. Neuronal Activity in Ontogeny and Oncology. Trends Cancer 2017; 3:89-112. [PMID: 28718448 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system plays a central role in regulating the stem cell niche in many organs, and thereby pivotally modulates development, homeostasis, and plasticity. A similarly powerful role for neural regulation of the cancer microenvironment is emerging. Neurons promote the growth of cancers of the brain, skin, prostate, pancreas, and stomach. Parallel mechanisms shared in development and cancer suggest that neural modulation of the tumor microenvironment may prove a universal theme, although the mechanistic details of such modulation remain to be discovered for many malignancies. We review here what is known about the influences of active neurons on stem cell and cancer microenvironments across a broad range of tissues, and we discuss emerging principles of neural regulation of development and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Humsa Venkatesh
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang L, Guo L, Tao M, Fu W, Xiu D. Parasympathetic neurogenesis is strongly associated with tumor budding and correlates with an adverse prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Chin J Cancer Res 2016; 28:180-6. [PMID: 27199515 PMCID: PMC4865610 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2016.02.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency of parasympathetic neurogenesis and determine its association with tumor budding and prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS Parasympathetic neurogenesis was defined as the distribution of abnormal parasympathetic nerves in the stroma tissue. Staining of vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), as a marker for parasympathetic neurogenesis, was performed on a representative specimen of the tumor for 59 PDAC patients with available clinical, pathologic, and follow-up information. Three specimens containing normal pancreatic tissues were stained in parallel. The number of parasympathetic nerve fibers was counted in five high-power microscopic fields (5×0.785 mm(2)). Cut-off values were calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS VAChT-positive parasympathetic nerve fibers were not seen in the stroma of 3 cases of normal pancreatic tissues. In 59 PDAC cases, the range of parasympathetic neurogenesis was 4-38 fibers/(5×0.785) mm(2), with a median of 18 fibers/(5×0.785) mm(2). Patients with parasympathetic neurogenesis >15 fibers/(5×0.785) mm(2) were defined as the high-density group (39 patients, 66.1%), and those with parasympathetic neurogenesis 15 fibers/(5×0.785) mm(2) as the low-density group (20 patients, 33.9%). The high-density group had a higher occurrence of tumor budding (P=0.001) and a higher rate of early recurrence (P=0.035). Parasympathetic neurogenesis appeared to be an independent adverse prognostic factor [hazard ratio (HR)=2.45, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.25-4.81, P=0.009], in addition to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage (P=0.010) and tumor budding (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS Parasympathetic neurogenesis is strongly associated with tumor budding and correlates with an adverse prognosis in PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Limei Guo
- 2Department of Pathology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | | | - Wei Fu
- 1Department of General Surgery
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Nasheri N, Ning Z, Figeys D, Yao S, Goto NK, Pezacki JP. Activity-based profiling of the proteasome pathway during hepatitis C virus infection. Proteomics 2015; 15:3815-25. [PMID: 26314548 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201500169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often leads to chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The stability of the HCV proteins is controlled by ubiquitin-dependent and ubiquitin-independent proteasome pathways. Many viruses modulate proteasome function for their propagation. To examine the interrelationship between HCV and the proteasome pathways we employed a quantitative activity-based protein profiling method. Using this approach we were able to quantify the changes in the activity of several proteasome subunits and found that proteasome activity is drastically reduced by HCV replication. The results imply a link between the direct downregulation of the activity of this pathway and chronic HCV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neda Nasheri
- Life Sciences Division, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Zhibin Ning
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Daniel Figeys
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Shao Yao
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Natalie K Goto
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - John Paul Pezacki
- Life Sciences Division, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhang L, Wei P, Shen X, Zhang Y, Xu B, Zhou J, Fan S, Hao Z, Shi H, Zhang X, Kong R, Xu L, Gao J, Zou D, Liang C. MicroRNA Expression Profile in Penile Cancer Revealed by Next-Generation Small RNA Sequencing. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131336. [PMID: 26158897 PMCID: PMC4497725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Penile cancer (PeCa) is a relatively rare tumor entity but possesses higher morbidity and mortality rates especially in developing countries. To date, the concrete pathogenic signaling pathways and core machineries involved in tumorigenesis and progression of PeCa remain to be elucidated. Several studies suggested miRNAs, which modulate gene expression at posttranscriptional level, were frequently mis-regulated and aberrantly expressed in human cancers. However, the miRNA profile in human PeCa has not been reported before. In this present study, the miRNA profile was obtained from 10 fresh penile cancerous tissues and matched adjacent non-cancerous tissues via next-generation sequencing. As a result, a total of 751 and 806 annotated miRNAs were identified in normal and cancerous penile tissues, respectively. Among which, 56 miRNAs with significantly different expression levels between paired tissues were identified. Subsequently, several annotated miRNAs were selected randomly and validated using quantitative real-time PCR. Compared with the previous publications regarding to the altered miRNAs expression in various cancers and especially genitourinary (prostate, bladder, kidney, testis) cancers, the most majority of deregulated miRNAs showed the similar expression pattern in penile cancer. Moreover, the bioinformatics analyses suggested that the putative target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs between cancerous and matched normal penile tissues were tightly associated with cell junction, proliferation, growth as well as genomic instability and so on, by modulating Wnt, MAPK, p53, PI3K-Akt, Notch and TGF-β signaling pathways, which were all well-established to participate in cancer initiation and progression. Our work presents a global view of the differentially expressed miRNAs and potentially regulatory networks of their target genes for clarifying the pathogenic transformation of normal penis to PeCa, which research resource also provides new insights into future investigations aimed to explore the in-depth mechanisms of miRNAs and other small RNAs including piRNAs in penile carcinogenesis regulation and effective target-specific theragnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Pengfei Wei
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xudong Shen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Song Fan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zongyao Hao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haoqiang Shi
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Kong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lingfan Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jingjing Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Duohong Zou
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Stomatologic College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- * E-mail: (CZL); (DHZ)
| | - Chaozhao Liang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- * E-mail: (CZL); (DHZ)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Grigore AD, Ben-Jacob E, Farach-Carson MC. Prostate cancer and neuroendocrine differentiation: more neuronal, less endocrine? Front Oncol 2015; 5:37. [PMID: 25785244 PMCID: PMC4347593 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) marks a structural and functional feature of certain cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa), whereby the malignant tissue contains a significant proportion of cells displaying neuronal, endocrine, or mixed features. NED cells produce, and can secrete, a cocktail of mediators commonly encountered in the nervous system, which may stimulate and coordinate cancer growth. In PCa, NED appears during advanced stages, subsequent to treatment, and accompanies treatment resistance and poor prognosis. However, the term “neuroendocrine” in this context is intrinsically vague. This article seeks to provide a framework on which a unified view of NED might emerge. First, we review the mutually beneficial interplay between PCa and neural structures, mainly supported by cell biology experiments and neurological conditions. Next, we address the correlations between PCa and neural functions, as described in the literature. Based upon the integration of clinical and basic observations, we suggest that it is legitimate to seek for true neural differentiation, or neuromimicry, in cancer progression, most notably in PCa cells exhibiting what is commonly described as NED.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Dan Grigore
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Eshel Ben-Jacob
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel ; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Mary C Farach-Carson
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA
| |
Collapse
|