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Lv X, Lan G, Guo Q. Identification of Subtypes in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Based on Shared Genes Between Immunity and Cancer Stemness. J Immunother 2024; 47:107-116. [PMID: 38369822 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The correlation between triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and genes related to immunity and cancer stemness, particularly shared genes, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of immunity and cancer stemness with the molecular subtyping and survival rates in TNBC using bioinformatics approaches. Differential gene analysis was conducted to identify TNBC-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Cancer stem cell (CSC)-related genes were obtained using weighted gene coexpression network analysis. Immune-related gene sets were retrieved from the literature. Venn analysis was performed to identify the shared DEGs between immunity and cancer stemness in TNBC. Cluster analysis and survival analysis based on the expression of these genes were conducted to identify TNBC subtypes with significant survival differences. A total of 5259 TNBC-associated DEGs, 2214 CSC-related genes, 1793 immune-related genes, and 44 shared DEGs between immunity and cancer stemness were obtained. Among them, 3 shared DEGs were closely associated with TNBC survival rates ( P <0.05). Cluster and survival analyses revealed that among 3 subtypes, cluster2 exhibited the best survival rate, and cluster3 showed the worst survival rate ( P <0.05). Dendritic cells were highly infiltrated in cluster2, while plasma cells and resting mast cells were highly infiltrated in cluster3 ( P <0.05). Genes shared by immunity and cancer stemness were capable of classifying TNBC samples. TNBC patients of different subtypes exhibited significant differences in immune profiles, genetic mutations, and drug sensitivity. These findings could provide new insights into the pathogenesis of TNBC, the immune microenvironment, and the selection of therapeutic targets for drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianmei Lv
- Department of Radiotherapy, Jinhua People's Hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Gaochen Lan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Qiusheng Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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2
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Yi SY, Wei MZ, Zhao L. Targeted immunotherapy to cancer stem cells: A novel strategy of anticancer immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104313. [PMID: 38428702 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major disease that endangers human health. Cancer drug resistance and relapse are the two main causes contributing to cancer treatment failure. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small fraction of tumor cells that are responsible for tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Therefore, CSCs are considered to be the root of cancer recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Novel anticancer strategies need to face this new challenge and explore their efficacy against CSCs. Recently, immunotherapy has made rapid advances in cancer treatment, and its potential against CSCs is also an interesting area of research. Meanwhile, immunotherapy strategies are novel therapeutic modalities with promising results in targeting CSCs. In this review, we summarize the targeting of CSCs by various immunotherapy strategies such as monoclonal antibodies(mAb), tumor vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor-T cells(CAR-T) in pre-clinical and clinical studies. This review provides new insights into the application of these immunotherapeutic approaches to potential anti-tumor therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Yong Yi
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China.
| | - Mei-Zhuo Wei
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China.
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3
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Zhang L, Zhang Y, Li K, Xue S. Hedgehog signaling and the glioma-associated oncogene in cancer radioresistance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1257173. [PMID: 38020914 PMCID: PMC10679362 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1257173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor radioresistance remains a key clinical challenge. The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway and glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) are aberrantly activated in several cancers and are thought to contribute to cancer radioresistance by influencing DNA repair, reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis, autophagy, cancer stem cells, the cell cycle, and the tumor microenvironment. GLI is reported to activate the main DNA repair pathways, to interact with cell cycle regulators like Cyclin D and Cyclin E, to inhibit apoptosis via the activation of B-cell lymphoma-2, Forkhead Box M1, and the MYC proto-oncogene, to upregulate cell stemness related genes (Nanog, POU class 5 homeobox 1, SRY-box transcription factor 2, and the BMI1 proto-oncogene), and to promote cancer stem cell transformation. The inactivation of Patched, the receptor of HH, prevents caspase-mediated apoptosis. This causes some cancer cells to survive while others become cancer stem cells, resulting in cancer recurrence. Combination treatment using HH inhibitors (including GLI inhibitors) and conventional therapies may enhance treatment efficacy. However, the clinical use of HH signaling inhibitors is associated with toxic side effects and drug resistance. Nevertheless, selective HH agonists, which may relieve the adverse effects of inhibitors, have been developed in mouse models. Combination therapy with other pathway inhibitors or immunotherapy may effectively overcome resistance to HH inhibitors. A comprehensive cancer radiotherapy with HH or GLI inhibitor is more likely to enhance cancer treatment efficacy while further studies are still needed to overcome its adverse effects and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Nephrology Department, The 1st Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- General Surgery Center, Department of Thyroid Surgery, The 1st Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kaixuan Li
- General Surgery Center, Department of Thyroid Surgery, The 1st Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuai Xue
- General Surgery Center, Department of Thyroid Surgery, The 1st Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Li YR, Fang Y, Lyu Z, Zhu Y, Yang L. Exploring the dynamic interplay between cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment: implications for novel therapeutic strategies. J Transl Med 2023; 21:686. [PMID: 37784157 PMCID: PMC10546755 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as key contributors to tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. In addition, CSCs play a significant role in inducing immune evasion, thereby compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The reciprocal communication between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is observed, with the TME providing a supportive niche for CSC survival and self-renewal, while CSCs, in turn, influence the polarization and persistence of the TME, promoting an immunosuppressive state. Consequently, these interactions hinder the efficacy of current cancer therapies, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to modulate the TME and target CSCs. In this review, we highlight the intricate strategies employed by CSCs to evade immune surveillance and develop resistance to therapies. Furthermore, we examine the dynamic interplay between CSCs and the TME, shedding light on how this interaction impacts cancer progression. Moreover, we provide an overview of advanced therapeutic strategies that specifically target CSCs and the TME, which hold promise for future clinical and translational studies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zibai Lyu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Gao Q, Zhan Y, Sun L, Zhu W. Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment in Tumor Drug Resistance. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2141-2154. [PMID: 37477773 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10593-3] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Although there has been some progress in the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs, drug resistance remains challenging. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are self-renewing and differentiate into cancer tissues with tumor heterogeneity. CSCs are associated with the progression of breast, colon, and lung cancers. Hence, recent studies have focused on the role of CSCs in resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Increasing evidence suggests that CSCs interact with components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as vascular and immune cells, as well as various cytokines, and are regulated by multiple signaling pathways, thereby promoting drug resistance in various cancers. Therefore, it is important to clarify the mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between CSCs and the TME for the development of targeted anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuzhi Gao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Yixiang Zhan
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
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Feng Q, Huang Z, Song L, Wang L, Lu H, Wu L. Combining bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing data to develop an NK cell-related prognostic signature for hepatocellular carcinoma based on an integrated machine learning framework. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:306. [PMID: 37649103 PMCID: PMC10466881 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01300-6] [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: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of molecular targeting therapy and immunotherapy has notably prolonged the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, multidrug resistance and high molecular heterogeneity of HCC still prevent the further improvement of clinical benefits. Dysfunction of tumor-infiltrating natural killer (NK) cells was strongly related to HCC progression and survival benefits of HCC patients. Hence, an NK cell-related prognostic signature was built up to predict HCC patients' prognosis and immunotherapeutic response. METHODS NK cell markers were selected from scRNA-Seq data obtained from GSE162616 data set. A consensus machine learning framework including a total of 77 algorithms was developed to establish the gene signature in TCGA-LIHC data set, GSE14520 data set, GSE76427 data set and ICGC-LIRI-JP data set. Moreover, the predictive efficacy on ICI response was externally validated by GSE91061 data set and PRJEB23709 data set. RESULTS With the highest C-index among 77 algorithms, a 11-gene signature was established by the combination of LASSO and CoxBoost algorithm, which classified patients into high- and low-risk group. The prognostic signature displayed a good predictive performance for overall survival rate, moderate to high predictive accuracy and was an independent risk factor for HCC patients' prognosis in TCGA, GEO and ICGC cohorts. Compared with high-risk group, low-risk patients showed higher IPS-PD1 blocker, IPS-CTLA4 blocker, common immune checkpoints expression but lower TIDE score, which indicated low-risk patients might be prone to benefiting from ICI treatment. Moreover, a real-world cohort, PRJEB23709, also revealed better immunotherapeutic response in low-risk group. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the present study developed a gene signature based on NK cell-related genes, which offered a novel platform for prognosis and immunotherapeutic response evaluation of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Feng
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Zhihao Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1st min de Road, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Lei Song
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Hongcheng Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1st min de Road, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Linquan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1st min de Road, Nanchang, 330000, China.
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7
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Chen J, Wu S, Peng Y, Zhao Y, Dong Y, Ran F, Geng H, Zhang K, Li J, Huang S, Wang Z. Constructing a cancer stem cell related prognostic model for predicting immune landscape and drug sensitivity in colorectal cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1200017. [PMID: 37377935 PMCID: PMC10292801 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1200017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks the second malignancy with high incidence and mortality worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) function critically in cancer progression and metastasis via the interplay with immune cells in tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to identify important CSC marker genes and parsed the role of these marker genes in CRC. Materials and methods: CRC samples' single-cell RNA sequencing data and bulk transcriptome data were utilized. Seurat R package annotated CSCs and identified CSC marker genes. Consensus clustering subtyped CRC samples based on CSC marker genes. Immune microenvironment, pathway and oxidative stress analysis was performed using ESTIMATE, MCP-counter analysis and ssGSEA analysis. A prognostic model was established by Lasso and stepAIC. Sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs was determined by the biochemical half maximal inhibitory concentration with pRRophetic R package. Results: We identified a total of 29 CSC marker genes related to disease-specific survival (DSS). Two clusters (CSC1 and CSC2) were determined, and CSC2 showed shorter DSS, a larger proportion of late-stage samples, and higher oxidative stress response. Two clusters exhibited differential activation of biological pathways associated with immune response and oncogenic signaling. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that 44 chemotherapy drugs were more sensitive to CSC2 that those in CSC1. We constructed a seven-gene prognostic model (DRD4, DPP7, UCN, INHBA, SFTA2, SYNPO2, and NXPH4) that was effectively to distinguish high-risk and low-risk patients. 14 chemotherapy drugs were more sensitive to high-risk group and 13 chemotherapy drugs were more sensitive to low-risk group. Combination of higher oxidative stress and risk score indicated dismal prognosis. Conclusion: The CSC marker genes we identified may help to further decipher the role of CSCs in CRC development and progression. The seven-gene prognostic model could serve as an indicator for predicting the response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy as well as prognosis of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jianjun Li
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Li, ; Shuo Huang, ; Zhe Wang,
| | - Shuo Huang
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Li, ; Shuo Huang, ; Zhe Wang,
| | - Zhe Wang
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Li, ; Shuo Huang, ; Zhe Wang,
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8
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Zhao X, Wang Y, Jiang X, Mo B, Wang C, Tang M, Rong Y, Zhang G, Hu M, Cai H. Comprehensive analysis of the role of ICOS ( CD278 ) in pan-cancer prognosis and immunotherapy. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:194. [PMID: 36855091 PMCID: PMC9971684 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10564-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunological checkpoint known as Inducible T Cell Costimulatory Factor (ICOS, Cluster of Differentiation, CD278) is activated and expressed on T cells. Both somatic cells and antigen-presenting cells expressed its ligand, ICOSL (including tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment).It is important for immunosuppression. Uncertainty surrounds the function of ICOS in tumor immunity. METHODS Several bioinformatics techniques were employed by us to thoroughly examine the expression and prognostic value of ICOS in 33 cancers based on data collected from TCGA and GTEx. In addition, ICOS was explored with pathological stage, tumor-infiltrating cells, immune checkpoint genes, mismatch repair (MMR) genes, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), microsatellite instability (MSI),and tumor mutation burden (TMB).In addition,To ascertain the level of ICOS expression in various cells, qRT-PCR was employed. RESULTS The findings revealed that ICOS expression was up regulation in most cancer types. The high expression of ICOS in tumor samples was related to the poor prognosis of UVM and LGG; The positive prognosis was boosted by the strong expression of ICOS in OV, SARC, SKCM, THYM, UCEC, and HNSC. The result is that the expression of malignancy was revealed by the immune cells' invasion.profile of ICOS in different types of cancer. Different ways that ICOS expression is connected to immune cell infiltration account for variations in patient survival. Additionally, the TMB, MSI, MMR, and DNMT genes as well as ICOS expression are linked in many cancer types.The results of PCR showed that it is highly expressed in gastric, breast, liver and renal cell carcinoma cell lines compared with normal cells. CONCLUSION This study suggests that ICOS may be a potential tumor immunotherapy target and prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiashuang Zhao
- grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Chinese Medicine (Gansu Provincial Hospital), 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China ,grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China ,grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000 Gansu, China ,grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongfeng Wang
- grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China ,grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000 Gansu, China ,grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000 Lanzhou, China ,grid.412643.60000 0004 1757 2902The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, 204 Donggang West Road, 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China
| | - Xianglai Jiang
- grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China ,Graduate School, Ning Xia Medical University, 750004 Yinchuan, Ningxia China
| | - Bangqian Mo
- grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Chinese Medicine (Gansu Provincial Hospital), 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China ,grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China
| | - Chenyu Wang
- Graduate School, Ning Xia Medical University, 750004 Yinchuan, Ningxia China
| | - Mingzheng Tang
- grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Chinese Medicine (Gansu Provincial Hospital), 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China ,grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China
| | - Yao Rong
- grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Chinese Medicine (Gansu Provincial Hospital), 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China ,grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China
| | - Guiqian Zhang
- grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Chinese Medicine (Gansu Provincial Hospital), 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China ,grid.417234.70000 0004 1808 3203General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000 Lanzhou, Gansu China
| | - Ming Hu
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Hui Cai
- General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China. .,Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000, Gansu, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, China. .,The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, 204 Donggang West Road, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China. .,Gansu Provincial Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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Merhi M, Ahmad F, Taib N, Inchakalody V, Uddin S, Shablak A, Dermime S. The complex network of transcription factors, immune checkpoint inhibitors and stemness features in colorectal cancer: A recent update. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 89:1-17. [PMID: 36621515 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunity is regulated by several mechanisms that include co-stimulatory and/or co-inhibitory molecules known as immune checkpoints expressed by the immune cells. In colorectal cancer (CRC), CTLA-4, LAG3, TIM-3 and PD-1 are the major co-inhibitory checkpoints involved in tumor development and progression. On the other hand, the deregulation of transcription factors and cancer stem cells activity plays a major role in the development of drug resistance and in the spread of metastatic disease in CRC. In this review, we describe how the modulation of such transcription factors affects the response of CRC to therapies. We also focus on the role of cancer stem cells in tumor metastasis and chemoresistance and discuss both preclinical and clinical approaches for targeting stem cells to prevent their tumorigenic effect. Finally, we provide an update on the clinical applications of immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC and discuss the regulatory effects of transcription factors on the expression of the immune inhibitory checkpoints with specific focus on the PD-1 and PD-L1 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nassiba Taib
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alaaeldin Shablak
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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10
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Zhang R, Peng Y, Gao Z, Qian J, Yang K, Wang X, Lu W, Zhu Y, Qiu D, Jin T, Wang G, He J, Liu N. Oncogenic role and drug sensitivity of ETV4 in human tumors: a pan-cancer analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1121258. [PMID: 37205199 PMCID: PMC10185867 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1121258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence supports a relationship between E twenty-six variant transcription factor 4 (ETV4) and several cancers, but no pan-cancer analysis has been reported. Methods The present study surveyed the effects of ETV4 on cancer using RNA sequencing data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and GTEx, and further explored its role in drug sensitivity using data from Cellminer. Differential expression analyses were conducted for multiple cancers using R software. Cox regression and survival analysis were employed to calculate correlations between ETV4 levels and survival outcomes in multiple cancers using the online tool Sangerbox. ETV4 expression was also compared with immunity, heterogeneity, stemness, mismatch repair genes, and DNA methylation among different cancers. Results ETV4 was found to be significantly upregulated in 28 tumors. Upregulation of ETV4 was associated with poor overall survival, progression free interval, disease-free-interval, and disease specific survival in several cancer types. Expression of ETV4 was also remarkably correlated with immune cell infiltration, tumor heterogeneity, mismatch repair gene expression, DNA methylation, and tumor stemness. Furthermore, ETV4 expression seemed to affect sensitivity to a number of anticancer drugs. Conclusions These results suggest that ETV4 may be useful as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanfang Peng
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhe Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kang Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinfa Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjing Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dezhi Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tong Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junping He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Junping He, ; Ning Liu,
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Junping He, ; Ning Liu,
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11
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Therachiyil L, Hussein OJ, Uddin S, Korashy HM. Regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in cancer and cancer stem cells of gynecological malignancies: An update on signaling pathways. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1186-1202. [PMID: 36252938 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Gynecological malignancies are a female type of cancers that affects the reproductive system. Cancer metastasis or recurrence mediated by cellular invasiveness occurs at advanced stages of cancer progression. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) enrichment in tumors leads to chemoresistance, which results in cancer mortality. Exposure to environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is associated with an increased the risk of CSC enrichment in gynecological cancers. One of the important pathways that mediates the metabolism and bioactivation of these environmental chemicals is the transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The present review explores the molecular mechanisms regulating the crosstalk and interaction of the AhR with cancer-related signaling pathways, such as apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune checkpoints, and G-protein-coupled receptors in several gynecological malignancies such as ovarian, uterine, endometrial, and cervical cancers. The review also discusses the potential of targeting the AhR pathway as a novel chemotherapy for gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Therachiyil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Ola J Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Hesham M Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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12
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Yuan H, Yu Q, Pang J, Chen Y, Sheng M, Tang W. The Value of the Stemness Index in Ovarian Cancer Prognosis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13060993. [PMID: 35741755 PMCID: PMC9222264 DOI: 10.3390/genes13060993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. It is associated with a difficult diagnosis and poor prognosis. Our study aimed to analyze tumor stemness to determine the prognosis feature of patients with OC. At this job, we selected the gene expression and the clinical profiles of patients with OC in the TCGA database. We calculated the stemness index of each patient using the one-class logistic regression (OCLR) algorithm and performed correlation analysis with immune infiltration. We used consensus clustering methods to classify OC patients into different stemness subtypes and compared the differences in immune infiltration between them. Finally, we established a prognostic signature by Cox and LASSO regression analysis. We found a significant negative correlation between a high stemness index and immune score. Pathway analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the low- and high-mRNAsi groups were enriched in multiple functions and pathways, such as protein digestion and absorption, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and the TGF-β signaling pathway. By consensus cluster analysis, patients with OC were split into two stemness subtypes, with subtype II having a better prognosis and higher immune infiltration. Furthermore, we identified 11 key genes to construct the prognostic signature for patients with OC. Among these genes, the expression levels of nine, including SFRP2, MFAP4, CCDC80, COL16A1, DUSP1, VSTM2L, TGFBI, PXDN, and GAS1, were increased in the high-risk group. The analysis of the KM and ROC curves indicated that this prognostic signature had a great survival prediction ability and could independently predict the prognosis for patients with OC. We established a stemness index-related risk prognostic module for OC, which has prognostic-independent capabilities and is expected to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with OC.
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13
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Zhao S, Xu B, Ma W, Chen H, Jiang C, Cai J, Meng X. DNA Damage Repair in Brain Tumor Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 12:829268. [PMID: 35095931 PMCID: PMC8792754 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.829268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
With the gradual understanding of tumor development, many tumor therapies have been invented and applied in clinical work, and immunotherapy has been widely concerned as an emerging hot topic in the last decade. It is worth noting that immunotherapy is nowadays applied under too harsh conditions, and many tumors are defined as “cold tumors” that are not sensitive to immunotherapy, and brain tumors are typical of them. However, there is much evidence that suggests a link between DNA damage repair mechanisms and immunotherapy. This may be a breakthrough for the application of immunotherapy in brain tumors. Therefore, in this review, first, we will describe the common pathways of DNA damage repair. Second, we will focus on immunotherapy and analyze the mechanisms of DNA damage repair involved in the immune process. Third, we will review biomarkers that have been or may be used to evaluate immunotherapy for brain tumors, such as TAMs, RPA, and other molecules that may provide a precursor assessment for the rational implementation of immunotherapy for brain tumors. Finally, we will discuss the rational combination of immunotherapy with other therapeutic approaches that have an impact on the DNA damage repair process in order to open new pathways for the application of immunotherapy in brain tumors, to maximize the effect of immunotherapy on DNA damage repair mechanisms, and to provide ideas and guidance for immunotherapy in brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Boya Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chuanlu Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jinquan Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiangqi Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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14
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Margarit DH, González NS, Romanelli LM, Fendrik AJ, Scagliotti AF, Reale MV. An integrative model of cancer cell differentiation with immunotherapy . Phys Biol 2021; 18. [PMID: 34633296 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac2e72] [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: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In order to improve cancer treatments, cancer cell differentiation and immunotherapy are the subjects of several studies in different branches of interdisciplinary sciences. In this work, we develop a new population model that integrates other complementary ones, thus emphasizing the relationship between cancer cells at different differentiation stages and the main immune system cells. For this new system, specific ranges were found where transdifferentiation of differentiated cancer cells can occur. In addition, a specific therapy against cancer stem cells was analysed by simulating cytotoxic cell vaccines. In reference to the latter, the different combinations of parameters that optimize it were studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Margarit
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J M Gutiérrez 1150, Los Polvorines (B1613), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Nadia S González
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J M Gutiérrez 1150, Los Polvorines (B1613), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lilia M Romanelli
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J M Gutiérrez 1150, Los Polvorines (B1613), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Alejandro J Fendrik
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J M Gutiérrez 1150, Los Polvorines (B1613), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Ariel F Scagliotti
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J M Gutiérrez 1150, Los Polvorines (B1613), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Marcela V Reale
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J M Gutiérrez 1150, Los Polvorines (B1613), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Ingeniería e Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de La Matanza (UNLaM), Florencio Varela 1903, San Justo (B1754), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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15
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Tang Y, Zhang AXJ, Chen G, Wu Y, Gu W. Prognostic and therapeutic TILs of cervical cancer-Current advances and future perspectives. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 22:410-430. [PMID: 34553029 PMCID: PMC8430272 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a top lethal cancer for women worldwide. Although screening and vaccination programs are available in many countries, resulting in the decline of new cases, this is not true for developing countries where there are many new cases and related deaths. Cancer immunotherapy through adaptive cell therapy (ACT) has been applied in clinics, but now much attention is focused on autogenic tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)-based therapy, which has shown more specificity and better ability to inhibit tumor growth. Data from melanoma and cervical cancers confirm that tumor-specific T cells in TILs can be expanded for more specific and effective ACT. Moreover, TILs are derived from individual patients and are ready to home back to kill tumor cells after patient infusion, aligning well with personalized and precision medicine. In addition to therapy, TIL cell types and numbers are good indicators of host immune response to the tumor, and thus they have significant values in prognosis. Because of the special relationship with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer has some specialties in TIL-based prognosis and therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the prognostic significance of TILs and TIL-based therapy for cervical cancer and discuss related perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tang
- Institute of Tumor, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anne X J Zhang
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanheng Wu
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyi Gu
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China.,Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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16
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Glucocorticoid and PD-1 Cross-Talk: Does the Immune System Become Confused? Cells 2021; 10:cells10092333. [PMID: 34571982 PMCID: PMC8468592 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligands, PD-L1/2, control T cell activation and tolerance. While PD-1 expression is induced upon T cell receptor (TCR) activation or cytokine signaling, PD-L1 is expressed on B cells, antigen presenting cells, and on non-immune tissues, including cancer cells. Importantly, PD-L1 binding inhibits T cell activation. Therefore, the modulation of PD-1/PD-L1 expression on immune cells, both circulating or in a tumor microenvironment and/or on the tumor cell surface, is one mechanism of cancer immune evasion. Therapies that target PD-1/PD-L1, blocking the T cell-cancer cell interaction, have been successful in patients with various types of cancer. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are often administered to manage the side effects of chemo- or immuno-therapy, exerting a wide range of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects. However, GCs may also have tumor-promoting effects, interfering with therapy. In this review, we examine GC signaling and how it intersects with PD-1/PD-L1 pathways, including a discussion on the potential for GC- and PD-1/PD-L1-targeted therapies to "confuse" the immune system, leading to a cancer cell advantage that counteracts anti-cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, combination therapies should be utilized with an awareness of the potential for opposing effects on the immune system.
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17
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Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer: Challenges and Future Prospects. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091075. [PMID: 34572263 PMCID: PMC8467932 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a new pillar of cancer therapy that provides novel opportunities to treat solid tumors. In this context, the development of new drugs targeting immune checkpoints is considered a promising approach in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment because it can be induce specific and durable anti-cancer effects. Despite many advances in the immunotherapy of CRC, there are still limitations and obstacles to successful treatment. The immunosuppressive function of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is one of the causes of poor response to treatment in CRC patients. For this reason, checkpoint-blocking antibodies have shown promising outcomes in CRC patients by blocking inhibitory immune checkpoints and enhancing immune responses against tumors. This review summarizes recent advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, LAG-3, and TIM-3 in CRC, and it discusses various therapeutic strategies with ICIs, including the double blockade of ICIs, combination therapy of ICIs with other immunotherapies, and conventional treatments. This review also delineates a new hopeful path in the combination of anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 with other ICIs such as anti-CTLA-4, anti-LAG-3, and anti-TIM-3 for CRC treatment.
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18
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Kursunel MA, Taskiran EZ, Tavukcuoglu E, Yanik H, Demirag F, Karaosmanoglu B, Ozbay FG, Uner A, Esendagli D, Kizilgoz D, Yilmaz U, Esendagli G. Small cell lung cancer stem cells display mesenchymal properties and exploit immune checkpoint pathways in activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:445-459. [PMID: 34228218 PMCID: PMC8783896 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02998-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive tumor type with early dissemination and distant metastasis capacity. Even though optimal chemotherapy responses are observed initially in many patients, therapy resistance is almost inevitable. Accordingly, SCLC has been regarded as an archetype for cancer stem cell (CSC) dynamics. To determine the immune-modulatory influence of CSC in SCLC, this study focused on the characterization of CD44+CD90+ CSC-like subpopulations in SCLC. These cells displayed mesenchymal properties, differentiated into different lineages and further contributed to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) responses. The interaction between CD44+CD90+ CSC-like cells and T cells led to the upregulation of checkpoint molecules PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, and LAG3. In the patient-derived lymph nodes, CD44+ SCLC metastases were also observed with T cells expressing PD-1, TIM-3, or LAG3. Proliferation and IFN-γ expression capacity of TIM-3 and LAG3 co-expressing CTLs are adversely affected over long-time co-culture with CD44+CD90+ CSC-like cells. Moreover, especially through IFN-γ secreted by the T cells, the CSC-like SCLC cells highly expressed PD-L1 and PD-L2. Upon a second encounter with immune-experienced, IFN-γ-stimulated CSC-like SCLC cells, both cytotoxic and proliferation capacities of T cells were hampered. In conclusion, our data provide evidence for the superior potential of the SCLC cells with stem-like and mesenchymal properties to gain immune regulatory capacities and cope with cytotoxic T cell responses. With their high metastatic and immune-modulatory assets, the CSC subpopulation in SCLC may serve as a preferential target for checkpoint blockade immunotherapy
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alper Kursunel
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rossle Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ekim Z Taskiran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ece Tavukcuoglu
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hamdullah Yanik
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Funda Demirag
- Department of Pathology, Atatürk Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Beren Karaosmanoglu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Feyza Gul Ozbay
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Uner
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dorina Esendagli
- Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Derya Kizilgoz
- Department of Chest Diseases, Atatürk Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ulku Yilmaz
- Department of Chest Diseases, Atatürk Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gunes Esendagli
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
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19
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Li C, Qiu Q, Gao X, Yan X, Fan C, Luo X, Liu X, Wang S, Lai X, Song Y, Deng Y. Sialic acid conjugate-modified liposomal platform modulates immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in multiple ways for improved immune checkpoint blockade therapy. J Control Release 2021; 337:393-406. [PMID: 34171446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment is promising for the clinical therapy of numerous malignancies. However, most cancer patients rarely benefit from such single-agent immunotherapies because of the complexity of both the tumor and tumor microenvironment. A tumor-specific liposomal vehicle (DOX-SAL) modified with a sialic acid-cholesterol conjugate (SA-CH) and remotely loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) is herein reported for improving chemoimmunotherapy. The intravenous administration of DOX-SAL dramatically downregulates tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-mediated immunosuppression, inhibits immunoregulatory functions, and promotes intratumoral infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Compared to conventional liposomes, DOX-SAL-mediated combination therapy with a PD-1-blocking monoclonal antibody (aPD-1 mAb) almost completely eliminates B16F10 tumors and efficiently inhibits 4T1 tumors. Moreover, cancer stem cells exhibit efficient tumor-initiating, tumor-propagating, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment-shaping capabilities. To further improve the treatment efficacy of an immunologically "cold" tumor, metformin (MET), which selectively eradicates breast cancer tumor stem cells, is co-encapsulated with DOX into liposomes to develop DOX/MET-SAL. The combination therapy with DOX/MET-SAL and aPD-1 mAb in a 4T1 orthotopic mouse model indicates their synergetic benefit on primary tumor inhibition, metastasis suppression, and survival rate improvement. Thus, the multifunctional liposomal platform has potential value for ICB combination immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Qiujun Qiu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Xin Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Xinyang Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Chuizhong Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Xiang Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Xinrong Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Xiaoxue Lai
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Yanzhi Song
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China.
| | - Yihui Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China.
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20
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Deng Z, Zheng Y, Cai P, Zheng Z. The Role of B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator in Respiratory System Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:635623. [PMID: 34163466 PMCID: PMC8215117 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.635623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), an immunomodulatory molecule widely expressed on the surface of immune cells, can influence various signaling pathways and negatively regulate the activation and proliferation of immune cells by binding to its ligand herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM). BTLA plays an important role in immunoregulation and is involved in the pathogenesis of various respiratory diseases, including airway inflammation, asthma, infection, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung cancer. In recent years, some studies have found that BTLA also has played a positive regulatory effect on immunity system in the occurrence and development of respiratory diseases. Since severe pulmonary infection is a risk factor for sepsis, this review also summarized the new findings on the role of BTLA in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Deng
- General Department, Hunan Institute for Tuberculosis Control, Changsha, China.,General Department, Hunan Chest Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Pei Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zheng Zheng
- General Department, Hunan Institute for Tuberculosis Control, Changsha, China.,General Department, Hunan Chest Hospital, Changsha, China
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21
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Hosseinkhani N, Derakhshani A, Shadbad MA, Argentiero A, Racanelli V, Kazemi T, Mokhtarzadeh A, Brunetti O, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. The Role of V-Domain Ig Suppressor of T Cell Activation (VISTA) in Cancer Therapy: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676181. [PMID: 34093577 PMCID: PMC8172140 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints (ICs) have pivotal roles in regulating immune responses. The inhibitory ICs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been implicated in the immune evasion of tumoral cells. Therefore, identifying and targeting these inhibitory ICs might be critical for eliminating tumoral cells. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a novel inhibitory IC that is expressed on myeloid cells, lymphoid cells, and tumoral cells; therefore, VISTA can substantially regulate innate and adaptive anti-tumoral immune responses. Besides, growing evidence indicates that VISTA blockade can enhance the sensitivity of tumoral cells to conventional IC-based immunotherapy, e.g., cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors. In this regard, the current study aimed to review the current evidence about the structure and expression pattern of VISTA, its role in TME, the clinicopathological significance of VISTA, and its prognostic values in various cancers. Besides, this review intended to collect the lessons from the recent pre-clinical and clinical studies and propose a strategy to overcome tumor immune-resistance states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Hosseinkhani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Mahdi Abdoli Shadbad
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Antonella Argentiero
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Tohid Kazemi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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22
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Li Y, Wu Y, Hu Y. Metabolites in the Tumor Microenvironment Reprogram Functions of Immune Effector Cells Through Epigenetic Modifications. Front Immunol 2021; 12:641883. [PMID: 33927716 PMCID: PMC8078775 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.641883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolism of both cancer and immune cells in the acidic, hypoxic, and nutrient-depleted tumor microenvironment (TME) has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer cells in TME could outcompete immune cells for nutrients and at the same time, producing inhibitory products that suppress immune effector cell functions. Recent progress revealed that metabolites in the TME could dysregulate gene expression patterns in the differentiation, proliferation, and activation of immune effector cells by interfering with the epigenetic programs and signal transduction networks. Nevertheless, encouraging studies indicated that metabolic plasticity and heterogeneity between cancer and immune effector cells could provide us the opportunity to discover and target the metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells while potentiating the anti-tumor functions of immune effector cells. In this review, we will discuss the metabolic impacts on the immune effector cells in TME and explore the therapeutic opportunities for metabolically enhanced immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Li
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.,Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.,Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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23
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Tan J, Zhu H, Tang G, Liu H, Wanggou S, Cao Y, Xin Z, Zhou Q, Zhan C, Wu Z, Guo Y, Jiang Z, Zhao M, Ren C, Jiang X, Yin W. Molecular Subtypes Based on the Stemness Index Predict Prognosis in Glioma Patients. Front Genet 2021; 12:616507. [PMID: 33732284 PMCID: PMC7957071 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.616507] [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: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the common histological subtype of malignancy in the central nervous system, with high morbidity and mortality. Glioma cancer stem cells (CSCs) play essential roles in tumor recurrence and treatment resistance. Thus, exploring the stem cell-related genes and subtypes in glioma is important. In this study, we collected the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data and clinical information of glioma patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases. With the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA), we identified 86 mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi)-related genes in 583 samples from TCGA RNA-seq dataset. Furthermore, these samples from TCGA database could be divided into two significantly different subtypes with different prognoses based on the mRNAsi corresponding gene, which could also be validated in the CGGA database. The clinical characteristics and immune cell infiltrate distribution of the two stemness subtypes are different. Then, functional enrichment analyses were performed to identify the different gene ontology (GO) terms and pathways in the two different subtypes. Moreover, we constructed a stemness subtype-related risk score model and nomogram to predict the prognosis of glioma patients. Finally, we selected one gene (ETV2) from the risk score model for experimental validation. The results showed that ETV2 can contribute to the invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of glioma. In conclusion, we identified two distinct molecular subtypes and potential therapeutic targets of glioma, which could provide new insights for the development of precision diagnosis and prognostic prediction for glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hecheng Zhu
- Changsha Kexin Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Guihua Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
| | - Hongwei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siyi Wanggou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yudong Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaoqi Xin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Quanwei Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaohong Zhan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaoping Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Youwei Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhipeng Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Changsha Kexin Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Caiping Ren
- Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis of Chinese Ministry of Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xingjun Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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24
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Want MY, Tsuji T, Singh PK, Thorne JL, Matsuzaki J, Karasik E, Gillard B, Cortes Gomez E, Koya RC, Lugade A, Odunsi K, Battaglia S. WHSC1/NSD2 regulates immune infiltration in prostate cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001374. [PMID: 33589522 PMCID: PMC7887377 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy in prostate cancer (PCa) lags behind the progresses obtained in other cancer types partially because of its limited immune infiltration. Tumor-resident immune cells have been detected in the prostate, but the regulatory mechanisms that govern tumor infiltration are still poorly understood. To address this gap, we investigated the role of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1 (WHSC1), a histone methyltransferase enzyme that targets dimethyl and trimethyl H3K36. WHSC1 is known to promote malignant growth and progression in multiple tumors, but its role in the interface between PCa and immune system is unknown. METHODS RNA Sequencing (RNASeq) data from patients with PCa from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were collected and divided into top/bottom 30% based on the expression of WHSC1 and disease-free survival was calculated. Publicly available chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIPSeq) data were obtained from Cistrome and integrated with the available RNASeq data. RNASeq, ATACSeq and methylomic were analyzed using R Bioconductor packages comparing C42 cells with or without stable knockdown on WHSC1. Flow cytometry was used to measure Major Histocompatibility complex (MHC) levels, MHC-bound ovalbumin and tumor infiltration. C57B6 and NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice were subcutaneously grafted with TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) C2 cells and treated with MCTP39 (10 mg/kg); tumor size was monitored over time and curves were compared using permutation analyses. All analyses used a significance threshold of 0.05. RESULTS Leveraging TCGA data, we demonstrated that elevated WHSC1 levels positively correlate with the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. We validated those results in vitro, demonstrating that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of WHSC1 restores antigen presentation. This occurs via an elegant epigenetic regulation of gene expression at the chromatin and DNA methylation levels. In vivo studies in immunocompetent mice also show an increased frequency of CD8+ T cells in tumors from mice treated with WHSC1 inhibitor, supporting the hypothesis that the antitumor effect following WHSC1 inhibition requires a fully functional immune system. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a novel role for WHSC1 in defining immune infiltration in PCa, with significant future implications for the use of immunotherapies in prostate malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzamil Y Want
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Takemasa Tsuji
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Prashant K Singh
- Genomics Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - James L Thorne
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Junko Matsuzaki
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ellen Karasik
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Bryan Gillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Eduardo Cortes Gomez
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Richard C Koya
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Amit Lugade
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sebastiano Battaglia
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
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25
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Suppression of Nanog inhibited cell migration and increased the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 894:173871. [PMID: 33460610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanog is a major transcription factor related to cellular multipotency that plays important roles in the development of tumor cells, drug resistance, migration, and stemness; indicating its great potential as a therapeutic target for various malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the Nanog suppression effect using small interference RNA (siRNA) combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on CRC cells. Nanog-overexpressing SW-480 cells were transfected with Nanog si-RNA and treated with 5-FU, in combination or separately. Subsequently, it was observed that Nanog expression was significantly reduced after transfection of SW-480 cells using Nanog siRNA in mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, Nanog knockdown significantly increased CRC cell sensitivity to 5-FU drug via modulating Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Also, Nanog knockdown and 5-FU treatment cooperatively decreased the migration and self-renewal ability of SW-480 cells by regulating the expression of relevant genes. Moreover, combination therapy led to cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 phase in CRC cells. In conclusion, our results indicated that Nanog may play an important role in the drug sensitivity, migration, and self-renewal of CRC cells; suggesting Nanog as a promising target in combination with 5-FU for the development of new therapeutic approaches for CRC.
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26
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Antitumor potential of the protein phosphatase inhibitor, cantharidin, and selected derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 32:116012. [PMID: 33454654 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cantharidin is a potent natural protein phosphatase monoterpene anhydride inhibitor secreted by several species of blister beetle, with its demethylated anhydride analogue, (S)-palasonin, occurring as a constituent of the higher plant Butea frondosa. Cantharidin shows both potent protein phosphatase inhibitory and cancer cell cytotoxic activities, but possible preclinical development of this anhydride has been limited thus far by its toxicity. Thus, several synthetic derivatives of cantharidin have been prepared, of which some compounds exhibit improved antitumor potential and may have use as lead compounds. In the present review, the potential antitumor activity, structure-activity relationships, and development of cantharidin-based anticancer drug conjugates are summarized, with protein phosphatase-related and other types of mechanisms of action discussed. Protein phosphatases play a key role in the tumor microenvironment, and thus described herein is also the potential for developing new tumor microenvironment-targeted cancer chemotherapeutic agents, based on cantharidin and its naturally occurring analogues and synthetic derivatives.
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27
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Li N, Li Y, Zheng P, Zhan X. Cancer Stemness-Based Prognostic Immune-Related Gene Signatures in Lung Adenocarcinoma and Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:755805. [PMID: 34745015 PMCID: PMC8567176 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.755805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) refer to cells with self-renewal capability in tumors. CSCs play important roles in proliferation, metastasis, recurrence, and tumor heterogeneity. This study aimed to identify immune-related gene-prognostic models based on stemness index (mRNAsi) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), respectively. METHODS X-tile software was used to determine the best cutoff value of survival data in LUAD and LUSC based on mRNAsi. Tumor purity and the scores of infiltrating stromal and immune cells in lung cancer tissues were predicted with ESTIMATE R package. Differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) between higher- and lower-mRNAsi subtypes were used to construct prognostic models. RESULTS mRNAsi was negatively associated with StromalScore, ImmuneScore, and ESTIMATEScore, and was positively associated with tumor purity. LUAD and LUSC samples were divided into higher- and lower-mRNAsi groups with X-title software. The distribution of immune cells was significantly different between higher- and lower-mRNAsi groups in LUAD and LUSC. DEIRGs between those two groups in LUAD and LUSC were enriched in multiple cancer- or immune-related pathways. The network between transcriptional factors (TFs) and DEIRGs revealed potential mechanisms of DEIRGs in LUAD and LUSC. The eight-gene-signature prognostic model (ANGPTL5, CD1B, CD1E, CNTFR, CTSG, EDN3, IL12B, and IL2)-based high- and low-risk groups were significantly related to overall survival (OS), tumor microenvironment (TME) immune cells, and clinical characteristics in LUAD. The five-gene-signature prognostic model (CCL1, KLRC3, KLRC4, CCL23, and KLRC1)-based high- and low-risk groups were significantly related to OS, TME immune cells, and clinical characteristics in LUSC. These two prognostic models were tested as good ones with principal components analysis (PCA) and univariate and multivariate analyses. Tumor T stage, pathological stage, or metastasis status were significantly correlated with DEIRGs contained in prognostic models of LUAD and LUSC. CONCLUSION Cancer stemness was not only an important biological process in cancer progression but also might affect TME immune cell infiltration in LUAD and LUSC. The mRNAsi-related immune genes could be potential biomarkers of LUAD and LUSC. Evaluation of integrative characterization of multiple immune-related genes and pathways could help to understand the association between cancer stemness and tumor microenvironment in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, and 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
| | - Yalin Li
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Peixian Zheng
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xianquan Zhan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, and 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
- Gastroenterology Research Institute and Clinical Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xianquan Zhan,
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28
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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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