1
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Chen X, Sandrine IK, Yang M, Tu J, Yuan X. MUC1 and MUC16: critical for immune modulation in cancer therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356913. [PMID: 38361923 PMCID: PMC10867145 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The Mucin (MUC) family, a range of highly glycosylated macromolecules, is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian epithelial cells. Such molecules are pivotal in establishing protective mucosal barriers, serving as defenses against pathogenic assaults. Intriguingly, the aberrant expression of specific MUC proteins, notably Mucin 1 (MUC1) and Mucin 16 (MUC16), within tumor cells, is intimately associated with oncogenesis, proliferation, and metastasis. This association involves various mechanisms, including cellular proliferation, viability, apoptosis resistance, chemotherapeutic resilience, metabolic shifts, and immune surveillance evasion. Due to their distinctive biological roles and structural features in oncology, MUC proteins have attracted considerable attention as prospective targets and biomarkers in cancer therapy. The current review offers an exhaustive exploration of the roles of MUC1 and MUC16 in the context of cancer biomarkers, elucidating their critical contributions to the mechanisms of cellular signal transduction, regulation of immune responses, and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, the article evaluates the latest advances in therapeutic strategies targeting these mucins, focusing on innovations in immunotherapies and targeted drugs, aiming to enhance customization and accuracy in cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jingyao Tu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xianglin Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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2
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Zhao Q, Zong H, Zhu P, Su C, Tang W, Chen Z, Jin S. Crosstalk between colorectal CSCs and immune cells in tumorigenesis, and strategies for targeting colorectal CSCs. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:6. [PMID: 38254219 PMCID: PMC10802076 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00474-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy in the treatment of colorectal cancer, and relapse after tumor immunotherapy has attracted increasing attention. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of tumor cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacities, are resistant to traditional therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recently, CSCs have been proven to be the cells driving tumor relapse after immunotherapy. However, the mutual interactions between CSCs and cancer niche immune cells are largely uncharacterized. In this review, we focus on colorectal CSCs, CSC-immune cell interactions and CSC-based immunotherapy. Colorectal CSCs are characterized by robust expression of surface markers such as CD44, CD133 and Lgr5; hyperactivation of stemness-related signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Hippo/Yap1, Jak/Stat and Notch pathways; and disordered epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNA action. Moreover, colorectal CSCs express abnormal levels of immune-related genes such as MHC and immune checkpoint molecules and mutually interact with cancer niche cells in multiple tumorigenesis-related processes, including tumor initiation, maintenance, metastasis and drug resistance. To date, many therapies targeting CSCs have been evaluated, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody‒drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, tumor vaccines adoptive cell therapy, and small molecule inhibitors. With the development of CSC-/niche-targeting technology, as well as the integration of multidisciplinary studies, novel therapies that eliminate CSCs and reverse their immunosuppressive microenvironment are expected to be developed for the treatment of solid tumors, including colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hong Zong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chang Su
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Wenxue Tang
- The Research and Application Center of Precision Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jing‑ba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China.
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Shuiling Jin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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3
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Rastin F, Javid H, Oryani MA, Rezagholinejad N, Afshari AR, Karimi-Shahri M. Immunotherapy for colorectal cancer: Rational strategies and novel therapeutic progress. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111055. [PMID: 37992445 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
There are increasing incidences and mortality rates for colorectal cancer in the world. It is common for chemotherapy and radiation given to patients with colorectal cancer to cause toxicities that limit their effectiveness and cause cancer cells to become resistant to these treatments. Additional targeted treatments are needed to improve patient's quality of life and outcomes. Immunotherapy has rapidly emerged as an incredibly exciting and promising avenue for cancer treatment in recent years. This innovative approach provides novel options for tackling solid tumors, effectively establishing itself as a new cornerstone in cancer treatment. Specifically, in the realm of colorectal cancer (CRC), there is great promise in developing new drugs that target immune checkpoints, offering a hopeful and potentially transformative solution. While immunotherapy of CRC has made significant advances, there are still obstacles and limitations. CRC patients have a poor response to treatment because of the immune-suppressing function of their tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition to blocking inhibitory immune checkpoints, checkpoint-blocking antibodies may also boost immune responses against tumors. The review summarizes recent advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for CRC, including CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, LAG-3, and TIM-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farangis Rastin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mahsa Akbari Oryani
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Amir-R Afshari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mehdi Karimi-Shahri
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
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4
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Fonseca LMD, Diniz-Lima I, da Costa Santos MAR, Franklim TN, da Costa KM, Santos ACD, Morrot A, Decote-Ricardo D, Valente RDC, Freire-de-Lima CG, Dos Reis JS, Freire-de-Lima L. Bittersweet Sugars: How Unusual Glycan Structures May Connect Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Multidrug Resistance in Cancer. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:36. [PMID: 37367731 DOI: 10.3390/medicines10060036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells are characterized by metabolic reprogramming, which enables their survival in of-ten inhospitable conditions. A very well-documented example that has gained attraction in re-cent years and is already considered a hallmark of transformed cells is the reprogramming of carbohydrate metabolism. Such a feature, in association with the differential expression of en-zymes involved in the biosynthesis of glycoconjugates, generically known as glycosyltransfer-ases, contributes to the expression of structurally atypical glycans when compared to those ex-pressed in healthy tissues. The latest studies have demonstrated that glycophenotypic alterations are capable of modulating multifactorial events essential for the development and/or progres-sion of the disease. Herein, we will address the importance of glycobiology in modern medi-cine, focusing on the ability of unusual/truncated O-linked glycans to modulate two complex and essential phenomena for cancer progression: the acquisition of the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype and the activation of molecular pathways associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, an event deeply linked with cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Marques da Fonseca
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Israel Diniz-Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | | | - Tatiany Nunes Franklim
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Kelli Monteiro da Costa
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Ariely Costa Dos Santos
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Debora Decote-Ricardo
- Instituto de Veterinária, Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Raphael do Carmo Valente
- Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro 25250-470, Brazil
| | - Celio Geraldo Freire-de-Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Jhenifer Santos Dos Reis
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Freire-de-Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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5
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Yehya A, Youssef J, Hachem S, Ismael J, Abou-Kheir W. Tissue-specific cancer stem/progenitor cells: Therapeutic implications. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:323-341. [PMID: 37342220 PMCID: PMC10277968 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation are the standard therapeutic modalities for treating cancer. These approaches are intended to target the more mature and rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, they spare the relatively quiescent and intrinsically resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) subpopulation residing within the tumor tissue. Thus, a temporary eradication is achieved and the tumor bulk tends to revert supported by CSCs' resistant features. Based on their unique expression profile, the identification, isolation, and selective targeting of CSCs hold great promise for challenging treatment failure and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Yet, targeting CSCs is limited mainly by the irrelevance of the utilized cancer models. A new era of targeted and personalized anti-cancer therapies has been developed with cancer patient-derived organoids (PDOs) as a tool for establishing pre-clinical tumor models. Herein, we discuss the updated and presently available tissue-specific CSC markers in five highly occurring solid tumors. Additionally, we highlight the advantage and relevance of the three-dimensional PDOs culture model as a platform for modeling cancer, evaluating the efficacy of CSC-based therapeutics, and predicting drug response in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Yehya
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Joe Youssef
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Sana Hachem
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Jana Ismael
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
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6
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Garza Treviño EN, Quiroz Reyes AG, Rojas Murillo JA, de la Garza Kalife DA, Delgado Gonzalez P, Islas JF, Estrada Rodriguez AE, Gonzalez Villarreal CA. Cell Therapy as Target Therapy against Colon Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098163. [PMID: 37175871 PMCID: PMC10179203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098163] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors with properties, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity. CSCs have been proposed as a plausible therapeutic target as they are responsible for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and conventional therapy resistance. Selectively targeting CSCs is a promising strategy to eliminate the propagation of tumor cells and impair overall tumor development. Recent research shows that several immune cells play a crucial role in regulating tumor cell proliferation by regulating different CSC maintenance or proliferation pathways. There have been great advances in cellular immunotherapy using T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, or stem cells for the selective targeting of tumor cells or CSCs in colorectal cancer (CRC). This review summarizes the CRC molecular profiles that may benefit from said therapy and the main vehicles used in cell therapy against CSCs. We also discuss the challenges, limitations, and advantages of combining conventional and/or current targeted treatments in the late stages of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa N Garza Treviño
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Adriana G Quiroz Reyes
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Juan Antonio Rojas Murillo
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - David A de la Garza Kalife
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Paulina Delgado Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Jose F Islas
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Ana Esther Estrada Rodriguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500. Jesus M. Garza, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Carlos A Gonzalez Villarreal
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500. Jesus M. Garza, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico
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7
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Xu H, Zhao F, Wu D, Zhang Y, Bao X, Shi F, Cai Y, Dou J. Eliciting effective tumor immunity against ovarian cancer by cancer stem cell vaccination. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114547. [PMID: 36933377 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced ovarian cancer (OC) patients have limited benefit from current relevant cytotoxic and targeted therapies following debulking surgery. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are in urgent need. Immunotherapy has shown great potential in tumor treatment, especially in tumor vaccine development. The study objective was to evaluate the immune effects of cancer stem cells (CSCs) vaccines on OC. The CD44+CD117+CSCs were isolated from human OC HO8910 and SKOV3 cells using the magnetic cell sorting system; the cancer stem-like cells were selected from murine OC ID8 cell by no-serum formed sphere culture. The CSC vaccines were prepared by freezing and thawing these CSCs, which were then injected into mice followed by challenging the different OC cells. The in vivo antitumor efficacy of CSC immunization revealed the vaccines were capable of significantly provoking immune responses to autologous tumor antigens in vaccinated mice as the mice were found to have markedly inhibited tumor growth, prolonged survival, and decreased CSC counts in OC tissues when compared to mice without the CSC vaccination. The in vitro cytotoxicities of immunocytes toward SKOV3, HO8910 and ID8 cells indicated a significant killing efficacy compared with the controls. However, the antitumor efficacy was remarkably reduced whilst the mucin-1 expression in CSC vaccines was down-regulated by small interfering RNA. Overall, findings from this study provided the evidence that has deepened our understanding of CSC vaccine immunogenicity and anti-OC efficacy, particularly for the role of dominant antigen mucin-1. It is possible to turn the CSC vaccine into an immunotherapeutic approach against ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Fengshu Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yunxia Zhang
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xueyang Bao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Fangfang Shi
- Department of Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yunlang Cai
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jun Dou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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8
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Wu B, Shi X, Jiang M, Liu H. Cross-talk between cancer stem cells and immune cells: potential therapeutic targets in the tumor immune microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:38. [PMID: 36810098 PMCID: PMC9942413 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01748-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research has revealed that the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is one of the biggest obstacles in the current cancer therapy. CSCs make an influential function in tumor progression, recurrence and chemoresistance due to their typical stemness characteristics. CSCs are preferentially distributed in niches, and those niche sites exhibit characteristics typical of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The complex interactions between CSCs and TME illustrate these synergistic effects. The phenotypic heterogeneity within CSCs and the spatial interactions with the surrounding tumor microenvironment led to increased therapeutic challenges. CSCs interact with immune cells to protect themselves against immune clearance by exploiting the immunosuppressive function of multiple immune checkpoint molecules. CSCs also can protect themselves against immune surveillance by excreting extracellular vesicles (EVs), growth factors, metabolites and cytokines into the TME, thereby modulating the composition of the TME. Therefore, these interactions are also being considered for the therapeutic development of anti-tumor agents. We discuss here the immune molecular mechanisms of CSCs and comprehensively review the interplay between CSCs and the immune system. Thus, studies on this topic seem to provide novel ideas for reinvigorating therapeutic approaches to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- grid.459742.90000 0004 1798 5889Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042 China
| | - Xiang Shi
- grid.459742.90000 0004 1798 5889Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042 China
| | - Meixi Jiang
- grid.412644.10000 0004 5909 0696Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032 China
| | - Hongxu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China.
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9
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Osum M, Kalkan R. Cancer Stem Cells and Their Therapeutic Usage. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1436:69-85. [PMID: 36689167 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) have unique characteristics which include self-renewal, multi-directional differentiation capacity, quiescence/dormancy, and tumor-forming capability. These characteristics are referred to as the "stemness" properties. Tumor microenvironment contributes to CSC survival, function, and remaining them in an undifferentiated state. CSCs can form malignant tumors with heterogeneous phenotypes mediated by the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the crosstalk between CSCs and tumor microenvironment can modulate tumor heterogeneity. CSCs play a crucial role in several biological processes, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), autophagy, and cellular stress response. In this chapter, we focused characteristics of cancer stem cells, reprogramming strategies cells into CSCs, and then we highlighted the contribution of CSCs to therapy resistance and cancer relapse and their potential of therapeutic targeting of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryem Osum
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Rasime Kalkan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, Guzelyurt, Cyprus.
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10
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An J, Hu X, Liu F. Current understanding of cancer stem cells: Immune evasion and targeted immunotherapy in gastrointestinal malignancies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1114621. [PMID: 36910604 PMCID: PMC9996315 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1114621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As a relatively rare population of cancer cells existing in the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess properties of immune privilege to evade the attack of immune system, regulated by the microenvironment of CSCs, the so-called CSCs niche. The bidirectional interaction of CSCs with tumor microenvironment (TME) components favors an immunosuppressive shelter for CSCs' survival and maintenance. Gastrointestinal cancer stem cells (GCSCs) are broadly regarded to be intimately involved in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence, with elevated tumor resistance to conventional therapies, which pose a major hindrance to the clinical efficacy for treated patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Thus, a multitude of efforts have been made to combat and eradicate GCSCs within the tumor mass. Among diverse methods of targeting CSCs in gastrointestinal malignancies, immunotherapy represents a promising strategy. And the better understanding of GCSCs immunomodulation and immunoresistance mechanisms is beneficial to guide and design novel GCSCs-specific immunotherapies with enhanced immune response and clinical efficacy. In this review, we have gathered available and updated information to present an overview of the immunoevasion features harbored by cancer stem cells, and we focus on the description of immune escape strategies utilized by CSCs and microenvironmental regulations underlying CSCs immuno-suppression in the context of gastrointestinal malignancies. Importantly, this review offers deep insights into recent advances of CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic approaches in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi An
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Hu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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11
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Qing L, Li Q, Dong Z. MUC1: An emerging target in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Bull Cancer 2022; 109:1202-1216. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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12
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Jia W, Zhang T, Huang H, Feng H, Wang S, Guo Z, Luo Z, Ji X, Cheng X, Zhao R. Colorectal cancer vaccines: The current scenario and future prospects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:942235. [PMID: 35990683 PMCID: PMC9384853 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.942235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Current therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy encounter obstacles in preventing metastasis of CRC even when applied in combination. Immune checkpoint inhibitors depict limited effects due to the limited cases of CRC patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). Cancer vaccines are designed to trigger the elevation of tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes, resulting in the intense response of the immune system to tumor antigens. This review briefly summarizes different categories of CRC vaccines, demonstrates the current outcomes of relevant clinical trials, and provides particular focus on recent advances on nanovaccines and neoantigen vaccines, representing the trend and emphasis of CRC vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoran Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaodong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zichao Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiping Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaopin Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaopin Ji, ; Xi Cheng, ; Ren Zhao,
| | - Xi Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaopin Ji, ; Xi Cheng, ; Ren Zhao,
| | - Ren Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaopin Ji, ; Xi Cheng, ; Ren Zhao,
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13
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Breugelmans T, Oosterlinck B, Arras W, Ceuleers H, De Man J, Hold GL, De Winter BY, Smet A. The role of mucins in gastrointestinal barrier function during health and disease. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:455-471. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00431-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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14
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Feng H, Zhu D, Zheng J, Lyu Z, Hu W, Jiang M, Pan Z, Hou T, Li Y. Identification of Candidate Antigens and Immune Subtypes in Colon Cancer for mRNA Vaccine Development. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huolun Feng
- Department of gastrointestinal surgery Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital; Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences Guangzhou Guangdong 510080 China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine Southern Medical University Guangzhou Guangdong 510515 China
| | - Dandan Zhu
- School of Medicine South China University of Technology Guangzhou Guangdong 510006 China
- Guangdong clinical laboratory center Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences Guangzhou Guangdong 510080 China
| | - Jiabin Zheng
- Department of gastrointestinal surgery Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital; Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences Guangzhou Guangdong 510080 China
| | - Zejian Lyu
- Department of gastrointestinal surgery Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital; Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences Guangzhou Guangdong 510080 China
| | - Weixian Hu
- Department of gastrointestinal surgery Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital; Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences Guangzhou Guangdong 510080 China
| | - Meiyu Jiang
- Department of gastrointestinal surgery Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital; Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences Guangzhou Guangdong 510080 China
| | - Zihao Pan
- Department of gastrointestinal surgery Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital; Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences Guangzhou Guangdong 510080 China
| | - Tieying Hou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine Southern Medical University Guangzhou Guangdong 510515 China
- School of Medicine South China University of Technology Guangzhou Guangdong 510006 China
- Guangdong clinical laboratory center Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences Guangzhou Guangdong 510080 China
- Medical Department Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences Guangzhou Guangdong 510080 China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of gastrointestinal surgery Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital; Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences Guangzhou Guangdong 510080 China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine Southern Medical University Guangzhou Guangdong 510515 China
- School of Medicine South China University of Technology Guangzhou Guangdong 510006 China
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15
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Guo Y, Jia W, Yang J, Zhan X. Cancer glycomics offers potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the framework of 3P medicine. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:970489. [PMID: 36072925 PMCID: PMC9441633 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.970489] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation is one of the most important post-translational modifications (PTMs) in a protein, and is the most abundant and diverse biopolymer in nature. Glycans are involved in multiple biological processes of cancer initiation and progression, including cell-cell interactions, cell-extracellular matrix interactions, tumor invasion and metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and immune regulation. As an important biomarker, tumor-associated glycosylation changes have been extensively studied. This article reviews recent advances in glycosylation-based biomarker research, which is useful for cancer diagnosis and prognostic assessment. Truncated O-glycans, sialylation, fucosylation, and complex branched structures have been found to be the most common structural patterns in malignant tumors. In recent years, immunochemical methods, lectin recognition-based methods, mass spectrometry (MS)-related methods, and fluorescence imaging-based in situ methods have greatly promoted the discovery and application potentials of glycomic and glycoprotein biomarkers in various cancers. In particular, MS-based proteomics has significantly facilitated the comprehensive research of extracellular glycoproteins, increasing our understanding of their critical roles in regulating cellular activities. Predictive, preventive and personalized medicine (PPPM; 3P medicine) is an effective approach of early prediction, prevention and personalized treatment for different patients, and it is known as the new direction of medical development in the 21st century and represents the ultimate goal and highest stage of medical development. Glycosylation has been revealed to have new diagnostic, prognostic, and even therapeutic potentials. The purpose of glycosylation analysis and utilization of biology is to make a fundamental change in health care and medical practice, so as to lead medical research and practice into a new era of 3P medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuna Guo
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenshuang Jia
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingru Yang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xianquan Zhan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xianquan Zhan,
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16
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Hu LF, Lan HR, Huang D, Li XM, Jin KT. Personalized Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancers: Where Do We Stand? Front Oncol 2021; 11:769305. [PMID: 34888246 PMCID: PMC8649954 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.769305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the world. Immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies, immune-checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, and cancer vaccines has raised great hopes for treating poor prognosis metastatic CRCs that are resistant to the conventional therapies. However, high inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity hinder the success of immunotherapy in CRC. Patients with a similar tumor phenotype respond differently to the same immunotherapy regimen. Mutation-based classification, molecular subtyping, and immunoscoring of CRCs facilitated the multi-aspect grouping of CRC patients and improved immunotherapy. Personalized immunotherapy using tumor-specific neoantigens provides the opportunity to consider each patient as an independent group deserving of individualized immunotherapy. In the recent decade, the development of sequencing and multi-omics techniques has helped us classify patients more precisely. The expansion of such advanced techniques along with the neoantigen-based immunotherapy could herald a new era in treating heterogeneous tumors such as CRC. In this review article, we provided the latest findings in immunotherapy of CRC. We elaborated on the heterogeneity of CRC patients as a bottleneck of CRC immunotherapy and reviewed the latest advances in personalized immunotherapy to overcome CRC heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Feng Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Shaoxing People’s Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, China
| | - Huan-Rong Lan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Dong Huang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Xue-Min Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Ke-Tao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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17
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Huang B, Yan X, Li Y. Cancer Stem Cell for Tumor Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194814. [PMID: 34638298 PMCID: PMC8508418 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although many methods have been applied in clinical treatment for tumors, they still always show a poor prognosis. Molecule targeted therapy has revolutionized tumor therapy, and a proper target must be found urgently. With a crucial role in tumor development, metastasis and recurrence, cancer stem cells have been found to be a feasible and potential target for tumor therapy. We list the unique biological characteristics of cancer stem cells and summarize the recent strategies to target cancer stem cells for tumor therapy, through which we hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of cancer stem cells and find a better combinational strategy to target cancer stem cells for tumor therapy. Abstract Tumors pose a significant threat to human health. Although many methods, such as operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have been proposed to eliminate tumor cells, the results are unsatisfactory. Targeting therapy has shown potential due to its specificity and efficiency. Meanwhile, it has been revealed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in the genesis, development, metastasis and recurrence of tumors. Thus, it is feasible to inhibit tumors and improve prognosis via targeting CSCs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological characteristics of CSCs, including mitotic pattern, metabolic phenotype, therapeutic resistance and related mechanisms. Finally, we summarize CSCs targeted strategies, including targeting CSCs surface markers, targeting CSCs related signal pathways, targeting CSC niches, targeting CSC metabolic pathways, inducing differentiation therapy and immunotherapy (tumor vaccine, CAR-T, oncolytic virus, targeting CSCs–immune cell crosstalk and immunity checkpoint inhibitor). We highlight the potential of immunity therapy and its combinational anti-CSC therapies, which are composed of different drugs working in different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binjie Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (B.H.); (X.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Xin Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (B.H.); (X.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (B.H.); (X.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-9361-5421
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18
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Highly sialylated mucin-type glycopeptide from porcine intestinal mucosa after heparin extraction: O-glycan profiling and immunological activity evaluation. Glycoconj J 2021; 38:527-537. [PMID: 34480673 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-10014-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mucins are the major proteins that distributed on the intestinal mucosa layer and protect the intestine from pathogens infection. The composition of intestinal mucin O-glycans can affect the health of the gastrointestinal tract in pigs. Porcine intestinal mucosa is widely used as the main raw material of heparin extraction. The heparin extraction residues rich in mucins were usually wasted. The structure of mucin derived O-glycans in porcine intestinal mucosa are currently unknown. In this study, we isolated the mucins from the heparin extraction residues and profiled the O-glycans. After heparin extraction, mucin was digested with trypsin, and separated by strong anion exchange chromatography. The mucin derived O-glycans were release by alkaline β elimination, and analyzed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-porous graphitized carbon-Fourier transform mass spectrometry (UPLC-PGC-FTMS/MS). Thirty five kinds of O-glycans were identified, most of which were Core 3-derived glycans. In particular, the O-glycans containing sialic acid Neu5Ac accounted for 71.93% of the total O-glycans, which were different from that of other species, including mouse intestine, fish intestine, and porcine colon. The high content sialylated mucin may explain its effect in biological processes. Furthermore, the immunological activity results indicated that the porcine intestinal mucin could promote phagocytosis and proliferation without any cytotoxic effects, which may aid in the development of immunomodulators.
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19
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Khan T, Cabral H. Abnormal Glycosylation of Cancer Stem Cells and Targeting Strategies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:649338. [PMID: 33889547 PMCID: PMC8056457 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.649338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cell (CSCs) are deemed as one of the main reasons of tumor relapse due to their resistance to standard therapies. Numerous intracellular signaling pathways along with extracellular features are crucial in regulating CSCs properties, such as heterogeneity, plasticity and differentiation. Aberrant glycosylation of these cellular signaling pathways and markers of CSCs have been directly correlated with maintaining survival, self-renewal and extravasation properties. In this review, we highlight the importance of glycosylation in promoting stemness character of CSCs, and present strategies for targeting abnormal glycosylation to eliminate the resistant CSC population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Brockhausen I, Melamed J. Mucins as anti-cancer targets: perspectives of the glycobiologist. Glycoconj J 2021; 38:459-474. [PMID: 33704667 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-09986-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mucins are highly O-glycosylated glycoproteins that carry a heterogenous variety of O-glycan structures. Tumor cells tend to overexpress specific mucins, such as the cell surface mucins MUC1 and MUC4 that are engaged in signaling and cell growth, and exhibit abnormal glycosylation. In particular, the Tn and T antigens and their sialylated forms are common in cancer mucins. We review herein methods chosen to use cancer-associated glycans and mucins as targets for the design of anti-cancer immunotherapies. Mucin peptides from the glycosylated and transmembrane domains have been combined with immune-stimulating adjuvants in a wide variety of approaches to produce anti-tumor antibodies and vaccines. These mucin conjugates have been tested on cancer cells in vitro and in mice with significant successes in stimulating anti-tumor responses. The clinical trials in humans, however, have shown limited success in extending survival. It seems critical that the individual-specific epitope expression of cancer mucins is considered in future therapies to result in lasting anti-tumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inka Brockhausen
- Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, 18 Stuart St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Jacob Melamed
- Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, 18 Stuart St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
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21
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Gao J, Yang T, Wang X, Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhang B, Tang D, Liu Y, Gao T, Lin Q, Tang J, Cai J. Identification and characterization of a subpopulation of CD133 + cancer stem-like cells derived from SK-UT-1 cells. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:157. [PMID: 33685462 PMCID: PMC7938532 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01817-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) is a malignant tumor found in the smooth muscle lining the walls of the uterus. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for metastasis, drug resistance, and relapse of cancer, resulting in treatment failure. However, little is known about CSCs and their associated-markers in ULMS. We aimed to characterize and identify a subpopulation of CD133+ cancer stem-like cells derived from SK-UT-1 cell line. METHODS SK-UT-1 cells were sphere-forming cultured in vitro. We also sorted the CD133+ cells derived from SK-UT-1 cell line by immunomagnetic beads. CD133+ subpopulation and apoptotic cells were detected by flow cytometry. Self-renewal and anchorage-independent growth capabilities were examined using sphere and colony formation assays. The tumorigenicity of the fourth-passage spheres and parental SK-UT-1 cells was used by mouse xenograft model in vivo. Cell proliferation ability and sensitivity to doxorubicin (DXR) were assessed by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration and invasion were tested by wound healing assay or Transwell migration and invasion assays. Expressions of CSC-related marker were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS The fourth-passage spheres were defined as a CD133+ cell population, which was accompanied by increase of sphere and colony forming rate, migration and invasion abilities, as well as drug-resistant properties in vitro. Moreover, the fourth-passage spheres showed a stronger tumorigenic potential in vivo. CD133+ cell population sorted from SK-UT-1 line showed an increased ability in sphere and colony formation, proliferation, migration, invasion, resistance to apoptosis after treatment with doxorubicin (DXR) compared with CD133- cell population. The expression levels of CSCs-related markers (e.g., CD44, ALDH1,BMI1, and Nanog), were significantly elevated in CD133+ cells compared with those in CD133- cells. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings indicated that CD133 may be a significant marker for cancer stem-like cells, and it may be a potential therapeutic target for human ULMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuping Gao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Beilei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and obstetrics, The second people's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Dihong Tang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanqiong Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Department of Gynecology and obstetrics, Central Hospital of Yiyang City, Yiyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qiuhui Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First People's Hospital of Shaoguang, Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingting Cai
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Angius A, Scanu AM, Arru C, Muroni MR, Rallo V, Deiana G, Ninniri MC, Carru C, Porcu A, Pira G, Uva P, Cossu-Rocca P, De Miglio MR. Portrait of Cancer Stem Cells on Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Biomarkers, Signaling Pathways and miRNAome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1603. [PMID: 33562604 PMCID: PMC7915330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and about 20% is metastatic at diagnosis and untreatable. Increasing evidence suggests that the heterogeneous nature of CRC is related to colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs), a small cells population with stemness behaviors and responsible for tumor progression, recurrence, and therapy resistance. Growing knowledge of stem cells (SCs) biology has rapidly improved uncovering the molecular mechanisms and possible crosstalk/feedback loops between signaling pathways that directly influence intestinal homeostasis and tumorigenesis. The generation of CCSCs is probably connected to genetic changes in members of signaling pathways, which control self-renewal and pluripotency in SCs and then establish function and phenotype of CCSCs. Particularly, various deregulated CCSC-related miRNAs have been reported to modulate stemness features, controlling CCSCs functions such as regulation of cell cycle genes expression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasization, and drug-resistance mechanisms. Primarily, CCSC-related miRNAs work by regulating mainly signal pathways known to be involved in CCSCs biology. This review intends to summarize the epigenetic findings linked to miRNAome in the maintenance and regulation of CCSCs, including their relationships with different signaling pathways, which should help to identify specific diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers for CRC, but also develop innovative CCSCs-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angius
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), CNR, Cittadella Universitaria di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy;
| | - Antonio Mario Scanu
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
| | - Caterina Arru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.A.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Muroni
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
| | - Vincenzo Rallo
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), CNR, Cittadella Universitaria di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy;
| | - Giulia Deiana
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
| | - Maria Chiara Ninniri
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
| | - Ciriaco Carru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.A.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Alberto Porcu
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
| | - Giovanna Pira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.A.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Paolo Uva
- IRCCS G. Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Paolo Cossu-Rocca
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
- Department of Diagnostic Services, “Giovanni Paolo II” Hospital, ASSL Olbia-ATS Sardegna, 07026 Olbia, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria De Miglio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
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Cancer stem cells and ceramide signaling: the cutting edges of immunotherapy. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:8101-8111. [PMID: 32885363 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05790-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The multipotent, self renewing "cancer stem cells" (CSCs), a small population within tumor microenvironment facilitates transformed cells to grow and propagate within the body. The CSCs are discovered as resistant to the chemotherapeutic drug with distinct immunological characteristics. In recent years, immunologically targeting CSCs have emerged as an integral part of effective and successful cancer therapy. CSCs notably exhibit dysregulation in conventional sub-cellular sphingolipid metabolism. Recently, ceramide decaying enzymes have been shown to activate alternative ceramide signaling pathways leading to reduction in efficacy of the chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, a control over ceramide mediated modulations of CSCs offers an attractive dimension of effective cancer treatment strategy in future. In this review, we focused on the recent findings on broad spectrum of ceramide mediated signaling in CSCs within the tumor niche and their role in potential cancer immunotherapy.
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Guo M, Luo B, Pan M, Li M, Xu H, Zhao F, Dou J. Colorectal cancer stem cell vaccine with high expression of MUC1 serves as a novel prophylactic vaccine for colorectal cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106850. [PMID: 32777675 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Targeted clearance of colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) has become a novel strategy for tumor immunotherapy. Molecule mucin1 (MUC1) is one of targetable cell surface antigens in CCSCs. However, the critical role of MUC1 in anti-tumor effects of CCSC vaccine remains unclear. In the present study, we showed that MUC1 may be required for CCSC vaccine to exert tumor immunity. CD133+CCSCs were isolated from CT26 cell line using a magnetic-activated cell sorting system, and MUC1 shRNA or recombinant plasmid was further used to decrease or increase the expression of MUC1 in CD133+CCSCs. Mice were subcutaneously immunized with the CCSC lysates, MUC1 knockin CCSCs, and MUC1 knockdown CCSCs respectively, followed by a challenge with CT26 cells. We found that CCSC vaccine significantly reduced the tumor growth via a target killing of CCSCs as evidenced by a decrease of CD133+ cells and ALDH+ cells in tumors. Moreover, CCSC vaccine markedly increased the cytotoxicity of NK cells and the splenocytes, and promoted the release of IFN-γ, Perforin, and Granzyme B, and also reduced the TGF-β1 expression. Additionally, CCSC vaccination enhanced the antibody production and decreased the myeloid derived suppressor cells and Treg subsets. More importantly, MUC1 knockdown partly impaired the anti-tumor efficacy of CCSC vaccine, whereas MUC1 overexpression dramatically enhanced the CCSC vaccine immunity. Overall, these results reveal a novel role and molecular mechanisms of MUC1 in CCSC vaccine against colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Biao Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Meng Pan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Fengshu Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jun Dou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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