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Chen Y, Liang Z, Lai M. Targeting the devil: Strategies against cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer. Transl Res 2024; 270:81-93. [PMID: 38614213 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as significant constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a pivotal role in the progression of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this comprehensive review, we presented the origins and activation mechanisms of CAFs in CRC, elaborating on how CAFs drive tumor progression through their interactions with CRC cells, immune cells, vascular endothelial cells, and the extracellular matrix within the TME. We systematically outline the intricate web of interactions among CAFs, tumor cells, and other TME components, and based on this complex interplay, we summarize various therapeutic strategies designed to target CAFs in CRC. It is also essential to recognize that CAFs represent a highly heterogeneous group, encompassing various subtypes such as myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF), inflammatory CAF (iCAF), antigen-presenting CAF (apCAF), vessel-associated CAF (vCAF). Herein, we provide a summary of studies investigating the heterogeneity of CAFs in CRC and the characteristic expression patterns of each subtype. While the majority of CAFs contribute to the exacerbation of CRC malignancy, recent findings have revealed specific subtypes that exert inhibitory effects on CRC progression. Nevertheless, the comprehensive landscape of CAF heterogeneity still awaits exploration. We also highlight pivotal unanswered questions that need to be addressed before CAFs can be recognized as feasible targets for cancer treatment. In conclusion, the aim of our review is to elucidate the significance and challenges of advancing in-depth research on CAFs, while outlining the pathway to uncover the complex roles of CAFs in CRC and underscore their significant potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Chen
- Department of Pathology, and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Research Unit of Intelligence Classification of Tumor Pathology and Precision Therapy of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU042), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Disease, Molecular Pathology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China; Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zhiyong Liang
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Disease, Molecular Pathology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Maode Lai
- Department of Pathology, and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Research Unit of Intelligence Classification of Tumor Pathology and Precision Therapy of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU042), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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2
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Vujičić M, Broderick I, Salmantabar P, Perian C, Nilsson J, Sihlbom Wallem C, Wernstedt Asterholm I. A macrophage-collagen fragment axis mediates subcutaneous adipose tissue remodeling in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313185121. [PMID: 38300872 PMCID: PMC10861897 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313185121] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficient removal of fibrillar collagen is essential for adaptive subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) expansion that protects against ectopic lipid deposition during weight gain. Here, we used mice to further define the mechanism for this collagenolytic process. We show that loss of collagen type-1 (CT1) and increased CT1-fragment levels in expanding SAT are associated with proliferation of resident M2-like macrophages that display increased CD206-mediated engagement in collagen endocytosis compared to chow-fed controls. Blockage of CD206 during acute high-fat diet-induced weight gain leads to SAT CT1-fragment accumulation associated with elevated inflammation and fibrosis markers. Moreover, these SAT macrophages' engagement in collagen endocytosis is diminished in obesity associated with elevated levels collagen fragments that are too short to assemble into triple helices. We show that such short fragments provoke M2-macrophage proliferation and fibroinflammatory changes in fibroblasts. In conclusion, our data delineate the importance of a macrophage-collagen fragment axis in physiological SAT expansion. Therapeutic targeting of this process may be a means to prevent pathological adipose tissue remodeling, which in turn may reduce the risk for obesity-related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Vujičić
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg405 30, Sweden
| | - Isabella Broderick
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg405 30, Sweden
| | - Pegah Salmantabar
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg405 30, Sweden
| | - Charlène Perian
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg405 30, Sweden
| | - Jonas Nilsson
- Proteomics Core Facility, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg405 30, Sweden
| | - Carina Sihlbom Wallem
- Proteomics Core Facility, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg405 30, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Wernstedt Asterholm
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg405 30, Sweden
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3
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Carretta M, Thorseth ML, Schina A, Agardy DA, Johansen AZ, Baker KJ, Khan S, Rømer AMA, Fjæstad KY, Linder H, Kuczek DE, Donia M, Grøntved L, Madsen DH. Dissecting tumor microenvironment heterogeneity in syngeneic mouse models: insights on cancer-associated fibroblast phenotypes shaped by infiltrating T cells. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1320614. [PMID: 38259467 PMCID: PMC10800379 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1320614] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Murine syngeneic tumor models have been used extensively for cancer research for several decades and have been instrumental in driving the discovery and development of cancer immunotherapies. These tumor models are very simplistic cancer models, but recent reports have, however, indicated that the different inoculated cancer cell lines can lead to the formation of unique tumor microenvironments (TMEs). To gain more knowledge from studies based on syngeneic tumor models, it is essential to obtain an in-depth understanding of the cellular and molecular composition of the TME in the different models. Additionally, other parameters that are important for cancer progression, such as collagen content and mechanical tissue stiffness across syngeneic tumor models have not previously been reported. Here, we compare the TME of tumors derived from six common syngeneic tumor models. Using flow cytometry and transcriptomic analyses, we show that strikingly unique TMEs are formed by the different cancer cell lines. The differences are reflected as changes in abundance and phenotype of myeloid, lymphoid, and stromal cells in the tumors. Gene expression analyses support the different cellular composition of the TMEs and indicate that distinct immunosuppressive mechanisms are employed depending on the tumor model. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) also acquire very different phenotypes across the tumor models. These differences include differential expression of genes encoding extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and immunosuppressive factors. The gene expression profiles suggest that CAFs can contribute to the formation of an immunosuppressive TME, and flow cytometry analyses show increased PD-L1 expression by CAFs in the immunogenic tumor models, MC38 and CT26. Comparison with CAF subsets identified in other studies shows that CAFs are skewed towards specific subsets depending on the model. In athymic mice lacking tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T cells, CAFs express lower levels of PD-L1 and lower levels of fibroblast activation markers. Our data underscores that CAFs can be involved in the formation of an immunosuppressive TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Carretta
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Marie-Louise Thorseth
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Aimilia Schina
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Dennis Alexander Agardy
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Astrid Zedlitz Johansen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Kevin James Baker
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Shawez Khan
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Askehøj Rømer
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Klaire Yixin Fjæstad
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Hannes Linder
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Dorota Ewa Kuczek
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Marco Donia
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lars Grøntved
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Daniel Hargbøl Madsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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Chang S, Giannico GA, Haugen E, Jardaneh A, Baba J, Mahadevan-Jansen A, Chang SS, Bowden AK. Multiparameter interferometric polarization-enhanced imaging differentiates carcinoma in situ from inflammation of the bladder: an ex vivo study. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2023; 28:102907. [PMID: 37576611 PMCID: PMC10415042 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.28.10.102907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Significance Successful differentiation of carcinoma in situ (CIS) from inflammation in the bladder is key to preventing unnecessary biopsies and enabling accurate therapeutic decisions. Current standard-of-care diagnostic imaging techniques lack the specificity needed to differentiate these states, leading to false positives. Aim We introduce multiparameter interferometric polarization-enhanced (MultiPIPE) imaging as a promising technology to improve the specificity of detection for better biopsy guidance and clinical outcomes. Approach In this ex vivo study, we extract tissue attenuation-coefficient-based and birefringence-based parameters from MultiPIPE imaging data, collected with a bench-top system, to develop a classifier for the differentiation of benign and CIS tissues. We also analyze morphological features from second harmonic generation imaging and histology slides and perform imaging-to-morphology correlation analysis. Results MultiPIPE enhances specificity to differentiate CIS from benign tissues by nearly 20% and reduces the false-positive rate by more than four-fold over clinical standards. We also show that the MultiPIPE measurements correlate well with changes in morphological features in histological assessments. Conclusions The results of our study show the promise of MultiPIPE imaging to be used for better differentiation of bladder inflammation from flat tumors, leading to a fewer number of unnecessary procedures and shorter operating room (OR) time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Chang
- Vannderbilt University, Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Giovanna A. Giannico
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ezekiel Haugen
- Vannderbilt University, Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ali Jardaneh
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Urology, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Justin Baba
- Vannderbilt University, Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Anita Mahadevan-Jansen
- Vannderbilt University, Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Sam S. Chang
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Urology, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Audrey K. Bowden
- Vannderbilt University, Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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5
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Raudenska M, Balvan J, Hanelova K, Bugajova M, Masarik M. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: Mediators of head and neck tumor microenvironment remodeling. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188940. [PMID: 37331641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are involved in critical aspects of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) pathogenesis, such as the formation of a tumor-permissive extracellular matrix structure, angiogenesis, or immune and metabolic reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment (TME), with implications for metastasis and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The pleiotropic effect of CAFs in TME is likely to reflect the heterogeneity and plasticity of their population, with context-dependent effects on carcinogenesis. The specific properties of CAFs provide many targetable molecules that could play an important role in the future therapy of HNSCC. In this review article, we will focus on the role of CAFs in the TME of HNSCC tumors. We will also discuss clinically relevant agents targeting CAFs, their signals, and signaling pathways, which are activated by CAFs in cancer cells, with the potential for repurposing for HNSCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Raudenska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Balvan
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Hanelova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Bugajova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masarik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Pathophysiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, / U Nemocnice 5, CZ-128 53 Prague, Czech Republic.
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6
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Hasselbalch HC, Junker P, Skov V, Kjær L, Knudsen TA, Larsen MK, Holmström MO, Andersen MH, Jensen C, Karsdal MA, Willumsen N. Revisiting Circulating Extracellular Matrix Fragments as Disease Markers in Myelofibrosis and Related Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4323. [PMID: 37686599 PMCID: PMC10486581 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174323] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) arise due to acquired somatic driver mutations in stem cells and develop over 10-30 years from the earliest cancer stages (essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera) towards the advanced myelofibrosis stage with bone marrow failure. The JAK2V617F mutation is the most prevalent driver mutation. Chronic inflammation is considered to be a major pathogenetic player, both as a trigger of MPN development and as a driver of disease progression. Chronic inflammation in MPNs is characterized by persistent connective tissue remodeling, which leads to organ dysfunction and ultimately, organ failure, due to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Considering that MPNs are acquired clonal stem cell diseases developing in an inflammatory microenvironment in which the hematopoietic cell populations are progressively replaced by stromal proliferation-"a wound that never heals"-we herein aim to provide a comprehensive review of previous promising research in the field of circulating ECM fragments in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of MPNs. We address the rationales and highlight new perspectives for the use of circulating ECM protein fragments as biologically plausible, noninvasive disease markers in the management of MPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Carl Hasselbalch
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Peter Junker
- Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Vibe Skov
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Lasse Kjær
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Trine A. Knudsen
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Morten Kranker Larsen
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.O.H.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.O.H.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Christina Jensen
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (C.J.); (M.A.K.); (N.W.)
| | - Morten A. Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (C.J.); (M.A.K.); (N.W.)
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7
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Merk-Ahmad K, Bein J, Scharf S, Schäfer H, Bexte T, Ullrich E, Loth AG, Flinner N, Senff T, Schneider O, Hansmann ML, Piel M, Häupl B, Oellerich T, Donnadieu E, Hartmann S. The RHOA Mutation G17V Does Not Lead to Increased Migration of Human Malignant T Cells but Is Associated with Matrix Remodelling. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3226. [PMID: 37370838 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123226] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nodal T-follicular helper cell lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic-type (AITL), is characterized by constitutional symptoms, advanced-stage disease, and generalized lymphadenopathy. A genetic hallmark of this lymphoma is the frequent occurrence of the RHOA mutation G17V in neoplastic cells, which is observed in around 60% of patients. Because RHOA is involved in both T-cell receptor downstream signalling and cell migration, we hypothesized that the characteristic presentation of AITL could be the result of enhanced tumor cell migration. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the impact of the RHOA variant G17V on the migration of neoplastic T cells. We transfected the T-cell lymphoma cell lines HH and HuT78 to stably express the RHOA-G17V variant. RHOA-G17V-expressing T cells did not exhibit enhanced motility compared to empty-vector-transfected cells in microchannels, a 3D collagen gel, or primary human lymphatic tissue. Cells of the HH cell line expressing RHOA-G17V had an increased number of cells with cleaved collagen compared with the empty-vector-transfected cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that the early spread of AITL tumor cells may be related to remodelling of the extracellular matrix. Accordingly, we observed a significant negative correlation between the relative area of collagen in histological sections from 18 primary AITL and the allele frequency of the RHOA-G17V mutation. In conclusion, our results suggest that the characteristic presentation of AITL with early, widespread dissemination of lymphoma cells is not the result of an enhanced migration capacity due to the RHOA-G17V mutation; instead, this feature may rather be related to extracellular matrix remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Merk-Ahmad
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julia Bein
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sonja Scharf
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Molecular Bioinformatics, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Robert-Mayer-Str. 11-15, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hendrik Schäfer
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tobias Bexte
- Department for Pediatrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCT) Frankfurt, University Hospital, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Department for Pediatrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas G Loth
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nadine Flinner
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tina Senff
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Helios Klinikum Wuppertal, 42283 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Olga Schneider
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin-Leo Hansmann
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Matthieu Piel
- Institut Curie and Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, CNRS, UMR 144, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Björn Häupl
- Department of Internal Medicine 2, Goethe University Hospital, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Oellerich
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCT) Frankfurt, University Hospital, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine 2, Goethe University Hospital, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Donnadieu
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Sylvia Hartmann
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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8
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COL12A1 Acts as a Novel Prognosis Biomarker and Activates Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Cancer through Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051480. [PMID: 36900272 PMCID: PMC10000532 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051480] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies to date and is associated with poor survival. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that play a crucial role in tumor progression in pancreatic cancer. Thus, uncovering the key genes involved in CAF progression and determining their prognostic value is critically important. Herein, we report our discoveries in this research area. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and investigation of our clinical tissue samples indicated that COL12A1 expression was aberrantly highly expressed in pancreatic cancer. Survival and COX regression analyses revealed the significant clinical prognostic value of COL12A1 expression in pancreatic cancer. COL12A1 was mainly expressed in CAFs but not in tumor cells. This was verified with our PCR analysis in cancer cells and CAFs. The knocking down of COL12A1 decreased the proliferation and migration of CAFs and down-regulated the expression of CAF activation markers actin alpha 2 (ACTA2), fibroblast activation protein (FAP), and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1). Meanwhile, the interleukin 6 (IL6), CXC chemokine Ligand-5 (CXCL5), and CXC chemokine Ligand-10 (CXCL10) expressions were inhibited, and the cancer-promoting effect was reversed by COL12A1 knockdown. Therefore, we demonstrated the potential prognostic and target therapy value of COL12A1 expression in pancreatic cancer and elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying its role in CAFs. The findings of this study might provide new opportunities for TME-targeted therapies in pancreatic cancer.
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9
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Macrophages and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021367. [PMID: 36674887 PMCID: PMC9863885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) aids in motion and acts to absorb energy transmitted to the spine. With little inherent regenerative capacity, degeneration of the intervertebral disc results in intervertebral disc disease, which contributes to low back pain and significant disability in many individuals. Increasing evidence suggests that IVD degeneration is a disease of the whole joint that is associated with significant inflammation. Moreover, studies show elevated macrophage accumulation within the IVD with increasing levels of disease severity; however, we still need to understand the roles, be they causative or consequential, of macrophages during the degenerative process. In this narrative review, we discuss hallmarks of IVD degeneration, showcase evidence of macrophage involvement during disc degeneration, and explore burgeoning research aimed at understanding the molecular pathways regulating macrophage functions during intervertebral disc degeneration.
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10
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Li HX, Wang SQ, Lian ZX, Deng SL, Yu K. Relationship between Tumor Infiltrating Immune Cells and Tumor Metastasis and Its Prognostic Value in Cancer. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010064. [PMID: 36611857 PMCID: PMC9818185 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is an important reason for the difficulty of tumor treatment. Besides the tumor cells themselves, the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the process of tumor metastasis. Tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) are one of the main components of TME and plays an important role in every link of tumor metastasis. This article mainly reviews the role of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in epithelial mesenchymal transformation, extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor angiogenesis and formation of pre-metastatic niche. The value of TIICs in the prognosis of cervical cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer was also discussed. We believe that accurate prognosis of cancer treatment outcomes is conducive to further improving treatment regimens, determining personalized treatment strategies, and ultimately achieving successful cancer treatment. This paper elucidates the relationship between tumor and TIICs in order to explore the function of immune cells in different diseases and provide new ideas for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Xiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shu-Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zheng-Xing Lian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- National Health Commission (NHC) of China Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Correspondence: (S.-L.D.); (K.Y.)
| | - Kun Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (S.-L.D.); (K.Y.)
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11
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Ashenafi S, Brighenti S. Reinventing the human tuberculosis (TB) granuloma: Learning from the cancer field. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1059725. [PMID: 36591229 PMCID: PMC9797505 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1059725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world and every 20 seconds a person dies from TB. An important attribute of human TB is induction of a granulomatous inflammation that creates a dynamic range of local microenvironments in infected organs, where the immune responses may be considerably different compared to the systemic circulation. New and improved technologies for in situ quantification and multimodal imaging of mRNA transcripts and protein expression at the single-cell level have enabled significantly improved insights into the local TB granuloma microenvironment. Here, we review the most recent data on regulation of immunity in the TB granuloma with an enhanced focus on selected in situ studies that enable spatial mapping of immune cell phenotypes and functions. We take advantage of the conceptual framework of the cancer-immunity cycle to speculate how local T cell responses may be enhanced in the granuloma microenvironment at the site of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This includes an exploratory definition of "hot", immune-inflamed, and "cold", immune-excluded TB granulomas that does not refer to the level of bacterial replication or metabolic activity, but to the relative infiltration of T cells into the infected lesions. Finally, we reflect on the current knowledge and controversy related to reactivation of active TB in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. An understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in the induction and maintenance or disruption of immunoregulation in the TB granuloma microenvironment may provide new avenues for host-directed therapies that can support standard antibiotic treatment of persistent TB disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senait Ashenafi
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), Karolinska Institutet, ANA Futura, Huddinge, Sweden,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Susanna Brighenti
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), Karolinska Institutet, ANA Futura, Huddinge, Sweden,*Correspondence: Susanna Brighenti,
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12
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Park M, Bang C, Yun WS, Jin S, Jeong YM. Transwell-Hypoxia Method Facilitates the Outgrowth of 3D-Printed Collagen Scaffolds Loaded with Cryopreserved Patient-Derived Melanoma Explants. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:5302-5309. [PMID: 36265170 PMCID: PMC9682519 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00710] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A previous study from our laboratory demonstrated the effects of in vitro three-dimensional (3D)-printed collagen scaffolds on the maintenance of cryopreserved patient-derived melanoma explants (PDMEs). However, it remains unknown whether 3D-printed collagen scaffolds (3D-PCSs) can be harmonized with any external culture conditions to increase the growth of cryopreserved PDMEs. In this study, 3D-PCSs were manufactured with a 3DX bioprinter. The 3D-printed collagen scaffold-on-frame construction was loaded with fragments of cryopreserved PDMEs (approximately 1-2 mm). 3D-PCSs loaded with patient-derived melanoma explants (3D-PCS-PDMEs) were incubated using two types of methods: (1) in transwells in the presence of a low concentration of oxygen (transwell-hypoxia method) and (2) using a traditional adherent attached to the bottom flat surface of a standard culture dish (traditional flat condition). In addition, we used six different types of media (DMEM high glucose, MEM α, DMEM/F12, RPMI1640, fibroblast basal medium (FBM), and SBM (stem cell basal medium)) for 7 days. The results reveal that the culture conditions of MEM α, DMEM/F12, and FBM using the transwell-hypoxia method show greater synergic effects on the outgrowth of the 3D-PCS-PDME compared to the traditional flat condition. In addition, the transwell-hypoxia method shows a higher expression of the MMP14 gene and the multidrug-resistant gene product 1 (MDR1) than in the typical culture method. Taken together, our findings suggest that the transwell-hypoxia method could serve as an improved, 3D alternative to animal-free testing that better mimics the skin's microenvironment using in vitro PDMEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- MinJi Park
- T&R
Biofab Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si13487, Republic of Korea
| | - ChulHwan Bang
- Department
of Dermatology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul296-12, Korea
| | - Won-Soo Yun
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Tech University
of Korea, 237 Sangidaehak
Street, Si-heung City15115, Republic of Korea
| | - Songwan Jin
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Tech University
of Korea, 237 Sangidaehak
Street, Si-heung City15115, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Mi Jeong
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Tech University
of Korea, 237 Sangidaehak
Street, Si-heung City15115, Republic of Korea,
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13
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Baldari S, Di Modugno F, Nisticò P, Toietta G. Strategies for Efficient Targeting of Tumor Collagen for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194706. [PMID: 36230627 PMCID: PMC9563908 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment encompasses the cellular and extracellular matrix components that support and shape the three-dimensional framework in which solid tumors develop and grow. The extracellular matrix of the tumor is characterized by increased deposition and aberrant architecture of collagen fibers. Therefore, as a key mechanical component of the tumor microenvironment, collagen plays a critical role in cancer progression, metastasis, and therapeutic response. To boost the efficacy of current anticancer therapies, including immunotherapy, innovative approaches should take into account strategies directed against the dysregulated non-cancer cell stromal components. In the current review, we provide an overview of the principal approaches to target tumor collagen to provide therapeutic benefits. Abstract The tumor stroma, which comprises stromal cells and non-cellular elements, is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The dynamic interactions between the tumor cells and the stroma may promote tumor progression and metastasis and dictate resistance to established cancer therapies. Therefore, novel antitumor approaches should combine anticancer and anti-stroma strategies targeting dysregulated tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM remodeling is a hallmark of solid tumors, leading to extensive biochemical and biomechanical changes, affecting cell signaling and tumor tissue three-dimensional architecture. Increased deposition of fibrillar collagen is the most distinctive alteration of the tumor ECM. Consequently, several anticancer therapeutic strategies have been developed to reduce excessive tumor collagen deposition. Herein, we provide an overview of the current advances and challenges of the main approaches aiming at tumor collagen normalization, which include targeted anticancer drug delivery, promotion of degradation, modulation of structure and biosynthesis of collagen, and targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts, which are the major extracellular matrix producers.
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Lee HC, Chang CY, Huang YC, Wu KL, Chiang HH, Chang YY, Liu LX, Hung JY, Hsu YL, Wu YY, Tsai YM. Downregulated ADAMTS1 Incorporating A2M Contributes to Tumorigenesis and Alters Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Lung Adenocarcinoma. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050760. [PMID: 35625488 PMCID: PMC9139094 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Lung cancer is the most dreadful cancer type and has the worst cancer-related clinical outcomes. This study used specimens from the in-house lung cancer cohort and public cohort to verify the roles of downregulated ADAMTS1, a protease remodeling extracellular matrix, to facilitate cancer promotion and progress. Based on the clinical specimens, cell and animal study with the aid of the public databases, we concluded that downregulated expression of ADAMTS1 might promote tumor progression and metastasis and modify the tumor microenvironment in lung cancer. Further investigation would be required for its application in treating lung cancer. Abstract Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) still holds the most dreadful clinical outcomes worldwide. Despite advanced treatment strategies, there are still some unmet needs. Next-generation sequencing of large-scale cancer genomics discovery projects combined with bioinformatics provides the opportunity to take a step forward in meeting clinical conditions. Based on in-house and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohorts, the results showed decreased levels of ADAMTS1 conferred poor survival compared with normal parts. Gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) indicated the negative correlation between ADAMTS1 and the potential roles of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and poor prognosis in LUAD patients. With the knockdown of ADAMTS1, A549 lung cancer cells exhibited more aggressive behaviors such as EMT and increased migration, resulting in cancer metastasis in a mouse model. The pathway interaction network disclosed the linkage of downregulated α2-macroglobulin (A2M), which regulates EMT and metastasis. Furthermore, immune components analysis indicated a positive relationship between ADAMTS1 and the infiltrating levels of multiple immune cells, especially anticancer CD4+ T cells in LUAD. Notably, ADAMTS1 expression was also inversely correlated with the accumulation of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, implying the downregulated ADAMTS1 mediated immune adjustment to fit the tumor survival disadvantages in LUAD patients. In conclusion, our study indicates that ADAMTS1 interacts with A2M in regulating EMT and metastasis in LUAD. Additionally, ADAMTS1 contributes to poor prognosis and immune infiltration in LUAD patients
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Chen Lee
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (Y.-C.H.); (K.-L.W.); (L.-X.L.); (J.-Y.H.); (Y.-L.H.)
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Yuan Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (Y.-C.H.); (K.-L.W.); (L.-X.L.); (J.-Y.H.); (Y.-L.H.)
- Department of Anatomy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chi Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (Y.-C.H.); (K.-L.W.); (L.-X.L.); (J.-Y.H.); (Y.-L.H.)
| | - Kuan-Li Wu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (Y.-C.H.); (K.-L.W.); (L.-X.L.); (J.-Y.H.); (Y.-L.H.)
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Hung-Hsing Chiang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Yung-Yun Chang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Division of General Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Xiu Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (Y.-C.H.); (K.-L.W.); (L.-X.L.); (J.-Y.H.); (Y.-L.H.)
| | - Jen-Yu Hung
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (Y.-C.H.); (K.-L.W.); (L.-X.L.); (J.-Y.H.); (Y.-L.H.)
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ling Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (Y.-C.H.); (K.-L.W.); (L.-X.L.); (J.-Y.H.); (Y.-L.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yuan Wu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Ying-Ming Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (Y.-C.H.); (K.-L.W.); (L.-X.L.); (J.-Y.H.); (Y.-L.H.)
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Correspondence:
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15
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Willumsen N, Jensen C, Green G, Nissen NI, Neely J, Nelson DM, Pedersen RS, Frederiksen P, Chen IM, Boisen MK, Johansen AZ, Madsen DH, Svane IM, Lipton A, Leitzel K, Ali SM, Erler JT, Hurkmans DP, Mathijssen RHJ, Aerts J, Eslam M, George J, Christiansen C, Bissel MJ, Karsdal MA. Fibrotic activity quantified in serum by measurements of type III collagen pro-peptides can be used for prognosis across different solid tumor types. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:204. [PMID: 35332383 PMCID: PMC8948122 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04226-0] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to activation of fibroblast into cancer-associated fibroblasts, there is often an increased deposition of extracellular matrix and fibrillar collagens, e.g. type III collagen, in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that leads to tumor fibrosis (desmoplasia). Tumor fibrosis is closely associated with treatment response and poor prognosis for patients with solid tumors. To assure that the best possible treatment option is provided for patients, there is medical need for identifying patients with high (or low) fibrotic activity in the TME. Measuring unique collagen fragments such as the pro-peptides released into the bloodstream during fibrillar collagen deposition in the TME can provide a non-invasive measure of the fibrotic activity. Based on data from 8 previously published cohorts, this review provides insight into the prognostic value of quantifying tumor fibrosis by measuring the pro-peptide of type III collagen in serum of a total of 1692 patients with different solid tumor types and discusses the importance of tumor fibrosis for understanding prognosis and for potentially guiding future drug development efforts that aim at overcoming the poor outcome associated with a fibrotic TME.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina Jensen
- Nordic Bioscience, Herlev Hovedgade 205-207, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Neel I Nissen
- Nordic Bioscience, Herlev Hovedgade 205-207, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Inna M Chen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mogens K Boisen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Astrid Z Johansen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Daniel H Madsen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Allan Lipton
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Kim Leitzel
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Janine T Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daan P Hurkmans
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron H J Mathijssen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim Aerts
- Department of Pulmonology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Mina J Bissel
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Morten A Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience, Herlev Hovedgade 205-207, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
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16
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Gommes CJ, Louis T, Bourgot I, Noël A, Blacher S, Maquoi E. Remodelling of the fibre-aggregate structure of collagen gels by cancer-associated fibroblasts: A time-resolved grey-tone image analysis based on stochastic modelling. Front Immunol 2022; 13:988502. [PMID: 36818478 PMCID: PMC9936192 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Solid tumors consist of tumor cells associated with stromal and immune cells, secreted factors and extracellular matrix (ECM), which together constitute the tumor microenvironment. Among stromal cells, activated fibroblasts, known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are of particular interest. CAFs secrete a plethora of ECM components including collagen and modulate the architecture of the ECM, thereby influencing cancer cell migration. The characterization of the collagen fibre network and its space and time-dependent microstructural modifications is key to investigating the interactions between cells and the ECM. Developing image analysis tools for that purpose is still a challenge because the structural complexity of the collagen network calls for specific statistical descriptors. Moreover, the low signal-to-noise ratio of imaging techniques available for time-resolved studies rules out standard methods based on image segmentation. Methods In this work, we develop a novel approach based on the stochastic modelling of the gel structure and on grey-tone image analysis. The method is then used to study the remodelling of a collagen matrix by migrating breast cancer-derived CAFs in a three-dimensional spheroid model of cellular invasion imaged by time-lapse confocal microscopy. Results The structure of the collagen at the scale of a few microns consists in regions with high fibre density separated by depleted regions, which can be thought of as aggregates and pores. The approach developped captures this two-scale structure with a clipped Gaussian field model to describe the aggregates-and-pores large-scale structure, and a homogeneous Boolean model to describe the small-scale fibre network within the aggregates. The model parameters are identified by fitting the grey-tone histograms and correlation functions of the images. The method applies to unprocessed grey-tone images, and it can therefore be used with low magnification, noisy time-lapse reflectance images. When applied to the CAF spheroid time-resolved images, the method reveals different matrix densification mechanisms for the matrix in direct contact or far from the cells. Conclusion We developed a novel and multidisciplinary image analysis approach to investigate the remodelling of fibrillar collagen in a 3D spheroid model of cellular invasion. The specificity of the method is that it applies to the unprocessed grey-tone images, and it can therefore be used with noisy time-lapse reflectance images of non-fluorescent collagen. When applied to the CAF spheroid time-resolved images, the method reveals different matrix densification mechanisms for the matrix in direct contact or far from the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric J Gommes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Thomas Louis
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Bourgot
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Agnès Noël
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Silvia Blacher
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Erik Maquoi
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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