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He Z, Li X, Chen S, Cai K, Li X, Liu H. CD105+CAF-derived exosomes CircAMPK1 promotes pancreatic cancer progression by activating autophagy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:79. [PMID: 39103892 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00533-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the heterogeneity of tumor-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment may play a critical role in tumorigenesis; however, the biological function of CAFs in pancreatic cancer is still controversial. In this study, we found that CD105-positive (CD105+) CAF-derived exosomes significantly promoted the proliferative and invasive metastatic abilities of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, RNA-seq and qRT‒PCR experiments revealed circAMPK1 as a key molecule in exosomes from CD105+ CAFs that mediates the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, we demonstrated that circAMPK1 encodes a novel protein (AMPK1-360aa) in pancreatic cancer cells. This protein competes with AMPK1 to bind to the ubiquitination ligase NEDD4, which inhibits AMPK1 protein degradation and ubiquitination and thereby increases AMPK1 levels. Finally, we demonstrated that AMPK1-360aa induces cellular autophagy via NEDD4/AMPK1 to promote the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. In summary, circAMPK1 in CD105+ CAF-derived exosomes may mediate pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and invasive metastasis by inducing autophagy in target cells. Moreover, circAMPK1 may competitively bind to ubiquitinating enzymes through the encoded protein AMPK1-360aa, which in turn inhibits the ubiquitination-mediated degradation of AMPK1 and contributes to the upregulation of AMPK1 expression, thus inducing cellular autophagy to mediate the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550001, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiushen Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyu Chen
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Cai
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowu Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Kong F, Lu Z, Xiong Y, Zhou L, Ye Q. A novel cancer-associated fibroblasts risk score model predict survival and immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma. Mol Genet Genomics 2024; 299:70. [PMID: 39017768 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-024-02156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a special type of fibroblasts, which play an important role in the development and immune escape of tumors. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct the co-expression module. In combination with univariate Cox regression and analysis of least absolute shrinkage operator (LASSO), characteristics associated with CAFs were developed for a prognostic model. The migration and proliferation of lung cancer cells were evaluated in vitro. Finally, the expression levels of proteins were analyzed by Western blot. LASSO Cox regression algorithm was then performed to select hub genes. Finally, a total of 2 Genes (COL5A2, COL6A2) were obtained. We then divided LUAD patients into high- and low-risk groups based on CAFs risk scores. Survival analysis, CAFs score correlation analysis and tumor mutation load analysis showed that COL5A2 and COL6A2 were high-risk genes for LUAD. Human Protein Atlas (HPA), western blot and PCR results showed that COL5A2 and COL6A2 were up-regulated in LUAD tissues. When COL5A2 and COL6A2 were knocked down, the proliferation, invasion and migration of lung cancer cells were significantly decreased. Finally, COL5A2 can affect LUAD progression through the Wnt/β-Catenin and TGF-β signaling pathways. Our CAFs risk score model offers a new approach for predicting the prognosis of LUAD patients. Furthermore, the identification of high-risk genes COL5A2 and COL6A2 and drug sensitivity analysis can provide valuable candidate clues for clinical treatment of LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanhua Kong
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Engineering Research Center of Natural Polymer-based Medical Materials in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Zhongshan Lu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Engineering Research Center of Natural Polymer-based Medical Materials in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Engineering Research Center of Natural Polymer-based Medical Materials in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China.
| | - Lihua Zhou
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Engineering Research Center of Natural Polymer-based Medical Materials in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China.
| | - Qifa Ye
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Engineering Research Center of Natural Polymer-based Medical Materials in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China.
- The 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Research Center of National Health Ministry on Transplantation Medicine Engineering and Technology, Changsha, China.
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3
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Salmaninejad A, Layeghi SM, Falakian Z, Golestani S, Kobravi S, Talebi S, Yousefi M. An update to experimental and clinical aspects of tumor-associated macrophages in cancer development: hopes and pitfalls. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:156. [PMID: 39003350 PMCID: PMC11246281 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01417-w] [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: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent one of the most abundant tumor-infiltrating stromal cells, and their normal function in tumor microenvironment (TME) is to suppress tumor cells by producing cytokines which trigger both direct cell cytotoxicity and antibody-mediated immune response. However, upon prolonged exposure to TME, the classical function of these so-called M1-type TAMs can be converted to another type, "M2-type," which are recruited by tumor cells so that they promote tumor growth and metastasis. This is the reason why the accumulation of TAMs in TME is correlated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Both M1- and M2-types have high degree of plasticity, and M2-type cells can be reprogrammed to M1-type for therapeutic purposes. This characteristic introduces TAMs as promising target for developing novel cancer treatments. In addition, inhibition of M2-type cells and blocking their recruitment in TME, as well as their depletion by inducing apoptosis, are other approaches for effective immunotherapy of cancer. In this review, we summarize the potential of TAMs to be targeted for cancer immunotherapy and provide an up-to-date about novel strategies for targeting TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Salmaninejad
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Pediatric Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Sepideh Mehrpour Layeghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Falakian
- Department of Laboratory Science, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
| | - Shahin Golestani
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepehr Kobravi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tehran Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Talebi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Yousefi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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4
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Ferraresi A, Girone C, Maheshwari C, Vallino L, Dhanasekaran DN, Isidoro C. Ovarian Cancer Cell-Conditioning Medium Induces Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Phenoconversion through Glucose-Dependent Inhibition of Autophagy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5691. [PMID: 38891879 PMCID: PMC11171902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115691] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
One aspect of ovarian tumorigenesis which is still poorly understood is the tumor-stroma interaction, which plays a major role in chemoresistance and tumor progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most abundant stromal cell type in the tumor microenvironment, influence tumor growth, metabolism, metastasis, and response to therapy, making them attractive targets for anti-cancer treatment. Unraveling the mechanisms involved in CAFs activation and maintenance is therefore crucial for the improvement of therapy efficacy. Here, we report that CAFs phenoconversion relies on the glucose-dependent inhibition of autophagy. We show that ovarian cancer cell-conditioning medium induces a metabolic reprogramming towards the CAF-phenotype that requires the autophagy-dependent glycolytic shift. In fact, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) strongly hampers such phenoconversion and, most importantly, induces the phenoreversion of CAFs into quiescent fibroblasts. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition (by proline) or autophagy gene knockdown (by siBECN1 or siATG7) promotes, while autophagy induction (by either 2DG or rapamycin) counteracts, the metabolic rewiring induced by the ovarian cancer cell secretome. Notably, the nutraceutical resveratrol (RV), known to inhibit glucose metabolism and to induce autophagy, promotes the phenoreversion of CAFs into normal fibroblasts even in the presence of ovarian cancer cell-conditioning medium. Overall, our data support the view of testing autophagy inducers for targeting the tumor-promoting stroma as an adjuvant strategy to improve therapy success rates, especially for tumors with a highly desmoplastic stroma, like ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ferraresi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.G.); (C.M.); (L.V.)
| | - Carlo Girone
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.G.); (C.M.); (L.V.)
| | - Chinmay Maheshwari
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.G.); (C.M.); (L.V.)
| | - Letizia Vallino
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.G.); (C.M.); (L.V.)
| | - Danny N. Dhanasekaran
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.G.); (C.M.); (L.V.)
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5
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Chen B, Chan WN, Xie F, Mui CW, Liu X, Cheung AHK, Lung RWM, Chow C, Zhang Z, Fang C, Yu P, Shi S, Zhou S, Chen G, Wang Z, Wang S, Ding X, Huang B, Liang L, Dong Y, Wong CC, Wu WKK, Cheng ASL, Wong N, Yu J, Lo KW, Tse GMK, Kang W, To KF. The molecular classification of cancer-associated fibroblasts on a pan-cancer single-cell transcriptional atlas. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1516. [PMID: 38148640 PMCID: PMC10751516 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1516] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), integral to the tumour microenvironment, are pivotal in cancer progression, exhibiting either pro-tumourigenic or anti-tumourigenic functions. Their inherent phenotypic and functional diversity allows for the subdivision of CAFs into various subpopulations. While several classification systems have been suggested for different cancer types, a unified molecular classification of CAFs on a single-cell pan-cancer scale has yet to be established. METHODS We employed a comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic atlas encompassing 12 solid tumour types. Our objective was to establish a novel molecular classification and to elucidate the evolutionary trajectories of CAFs. We investigated the functional profiles of each CAF subtype using Single-Cell Regulatory Network Inference and Clustering and single-cell gene set enrichment analysis. The clinical relevance of these subtypes was assessed through survival curve analysis. Concurrently, we employed multiplex immunofluorescence staining on tumour tissues to determine the dynamic changes of CAF subtypes across different tumour stages. Additionally, we identified the small molecule procyanidin C1 (PCC1) as a target for matrix-producing CAF (matCAF) using molecular docking techniques and further validated these findings through in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS In our investigation of solid tumours, we identified four molecular clusters of CAFs: progenitor CAF (proCAF), inflammatory CAF (iCAF), myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF) and matCAF, each characterised by distinct molecular traits. This classification was consistently applicable across all nine studied solid tumour types. These CAF subtypes displayed unique evolutionary pathways, functional roles and clinical relevance in various solid tumours. Notably, the matCAF subtype was associated with poorer prognoses in several cancer types. The targeting of matCAF using the identified small molecule, PCC1, demonstrated promising antitumour activity. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the various subtypes of CAFs, particularly matCAF, are crucial in the initiation and progression of cancer. Focusing therapeutic strategies on targeting matCAF in solid tumours holds significant potential for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonan Chen
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wai Nok Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fuda Xie
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chun Wai Mui
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alvin H K Cheung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Raymond W M Lung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chit Chow
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canbin Fang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peiyao Yu
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Shi
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shikun Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoming Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhangding Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Shouyu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofan Ding
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujuan Dong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Chun Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William K K Wu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alfred S L Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary M K Tse
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ka Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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6
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Nesi I, Della Bella C, Taddei ML, Santi A, Pranzini E, Paoli P, D’Elios MM, Ramazzotti M, Genovese M, Caselli A, Cirri P. Targeting of tumor cells by custom antigen transfer: a novel approach for immunotherapy of cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1245248. [PMID: 37901327 PMCID: PMC10612144 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1245248] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In the early stages of carcinogenesis, the transformed cells become "invisible" to the immune system. From this moment on, the evolution of the tumor depends essentially on the genotype of the primitive cancer cells and their subsequent genetic drift. The role of the immune system in blocking tumor progression from the earliest stages is largely underestimated because by the time tumors are clinically detectable, the immune system has already completely failed its task. Therefore, a clinical treatment capable of restoring the natural anti-tumor role of the immune system could prove to be the "ultimate weapon" against cancer. Herein, we propose a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of solid cancer that exploits the capability of activated monocytes to transfer major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) molecules bound to antigenic peptides to cancer cells using microvesicles as cargo, making tumor cells target of a "natural" CD8+ T lymphocyte cytotoxic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Nesi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Chiara Della Bella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Taddei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Alice Santi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Erica Pranzini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Paolo Paoli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Mario Milco D’Elios
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Ramazzotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Massimo Genovese
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Anna Caselli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Paolo Cirri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
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7
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Zhao D, Mo Y, Neganova ME, Aleksandrova Y, Tse E, Chubarev VN, Fan R, Sukocheva OA, Liu J. Dual effects of radiotherapy on tumor microenvironment and its contribution towards the development of resistance to immunotherapy in gastrointestinal and thoracic cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1266537. [PMID: 37849740 PMCID: PMC10577389 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1266537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful clinical methods for tumor elimination include a combination of surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is one of the crucial components of the cancer treatment regimens which allow to extend patient life expectancy. Current cutting-edge radiotherapy research is focused on the identification of methods that should increase cancer cell sensitivity to radiation and activate anti-cancer immunity mechanisms. Radiation treatment activates various cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and impacts tumor growth, angiogenesis, and anti-cancer immunity. Radiotherapy was shown to regulate signaling and anti-cancer functions of various TME immune and vasculature cell components, including tumor-associated macrophages, dendritic cells, endothelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), natural killers, and other T cell subsets. Dual effects of radiation, including metastasis-promoting effects and activation of oxidative stress, have been detected, suggesting that radiotherapy triggers heterogeneous targets. In this review, we critically discuss the activation of TME and angiogenesis during radiotherapy which is used to strengthen the effects of novel immunotherapy. Intracellular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms of signaling and clinical manipulations of immune responses and oxidative stress by radiotherapy are accented. Current findings indicate that radiotherapy should be considered as a supporting instrument for immunotherapy to limit the cancer-promoting effects of TME. To increase cancer-free survival rates, it is recommended to combine personalized radiation therapy methods with TME-targeting drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyao Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingyi Mo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Margarita E. Neganova
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russia
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Yulia Aleksandrova
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russia
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Edmund Tse
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, CALHN, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Vladimir N. Chubarev
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ruitai Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Olga A. Sukocheva
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, CALHN, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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8
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Sang S, Wang X, Duan J, Cao Y, Shen Z, Sun L, Duan Q, Liu Z. 3D printing to construct in vitro multicellular models of melanoma. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:2853-2864. [PMID: 37227037 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is a lack of suitable models for in-vitro studies of malignant melanoma and traditional single cell culture models no longer reproduce tumor structure and physiological complexity well. The tumor microenvironment is closely related to carcinogenesis and it is particularly important to understand how tumor cells interact and communicate with surrounding nonmalignant cells. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro multicellular culture models can better simulate the tumor microenvironment due to their excellent physicochemical properties. In this study, 3D composite hydrogel scaffolds were prepared from gelatin methacrylate and polyethylene glycol diacrylate hydrogels by 3D printing and light curing techniques, and 3D multicellular in vitro tumor culture models were established by inoculating human melanoma cells (A375) and human fibroblasts cells on them. The cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance of the 3D multicellular in vitro model was evaluated. Compared with the single-cell model, the cells in the multicellular model had higher proliferation activity and migration ability, and were easy to form dense structures. Several tumor cell markers, such as matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), MMP-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor, were highly expressed in the multicellular culture model, which were more favorable for tumor development. In addition, higher cell survival rate was observed after exposure to luteolin. The anticancer drug resistance result of the malignant melanoma cells in the 3D bioprinted construct demonstrated physiological properties, suggesting the promising potential of current 3D printed tumor model in the development of personalized therapy, especially for discovery of more conducive targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengbo Sang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Institute of 6D Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Science, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiahui Duan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanyan Cao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Institute of 6D Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Science, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhizhong Shen
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Institute of 6D Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Science, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qianqian Duan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zixian Liu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Micro Nano Sensors & Artificial Intelligence Perception, College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
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9
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Chen J, Zhou Y, Wu M, Yuan Y, Wu W. m6A Modification Mediates Exosomal LINC00657 to Trigger Breast Cancer Progression Via Inducing Macrophage M2 Polarization. Clin Breast Cancer 2023:S1526-8209(23)00092-7. [PMID: 37198028 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosome-mediated transfer of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is critical for the cell-cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, the role of breast cancer (BC) cell-derived exosomal lncRNA in macrophage polarization during the development of BC remains unclear. METHODS The key lncRNAs carried by BC cell-derived exosomes were identified by RNA-seq. CCK-8, flow cytometry, and transwell assay were conducted to analyze the role of LINC00657 in BC cells. In addition, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, western blot, and MeRIP-PCR were used to evaluate the function and underlying mechanism of exosomal LINC00657 in macrophage polarization. RESULTS LINC00657 was distinctly upregulated in BC-derived exosomes and it was associated with increased m6A methylation modification levels. In addition, the depletion of LINC00657 significantly diminished the proliferative activity, migration and invasion potential of BC cells, and it also accelerated cell apoptosis. Exosomal LINC00657 from MDA-MB-231 cells could facilitate macrophage M2 activation, thus stimulating BC development in turn. Furthermore, LINC00657 activated the TGF-β signaling pathway by sequestering miR-92b-3p in macrophages. CONCLUSION Exosomal LINC00657 secreted by BC cells could induce macrophage M2 activation, and these macrophages preferentially contributed to the malignant phenotype of BC cells. These results improve our understanding of BC and suggest a new therapeutic strategy for patients with BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuxin Zhou
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Minhua Wu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yijie Yuan
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weizhu Wu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
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10
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Li L, Tian Y. The role of metabolic reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114504. [PMID: 37002579 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114504] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are potent immune effector cells in innate immunity and exert dual-effects in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) make up a significant portion of TME immune cells. Similar to M1/M2 macrophages, TAMs are also highly plastic, and their functions are regulated by cytokines, chemokines and other factors in the TME. The metabolic changes in TAMs are significantly associated with polarization towards a protumour or antitumour phenotype. The metabolites generated via TAM metabolic reprogramming in turn promote tumor progression and immune tolerance. In this review, we explore the metabolic reprogramming of TAMs in terms of energy, amino acid and fatty acid metabolism and the potential roles of these changes in immune suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunxu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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11
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Chhabra Y, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in cancer: Unity in heterogeneity. Cell 2023; 186:1580-1609. [PMID: 37059066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells do not exist in isolation in vivo, and carcinogenesis depends on the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of a myriad of cell types and biophysical and biochemical components. Fibroblasts are integral in maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, even before a tumor develops, pro-tumorigenic fibroblasts in close proximity can provide the fertile 'soil' to the cancer 'seed' and are known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In response to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, CAFs reorganize the TME enabling metastasis, therapeutic resistance, dormancy and reactivation by secreting cellular and acellular factors. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries on CAF-mediated cancer progression with a particular focus on fibroblast heterogeneity and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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12
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Slominski RM, Raman C, Chen JY, Slominski AT. How cancer hijacks the body's homeostasis through the neuroendocrine system. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:263-275. [PMID: 36803800 PMCID: PMC10038913 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
During oncogenesis, cancer not only escapes the body's regulatory mechanisms, but also gains the ability to affect local and systemic homeostasis. Specifically, tumors produce cytokines, immune mediators, classical neurotransmitters, hypothalamic and pituitary hormones, biogenic amines, melatonin, and glucocorticoids, as demonstrated in human and animal models of cancer. The tumor, through the release of these neurohormonal and immune mediators, can control the main neuroendocrine centers such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals, and thyroid to modulate body homeostasis through central regulatory axes. We hypothesize that the tumor-derived catecholamines, serotonin, melatonin, neuropeptides, and other neurotransmitters can affect body and brain functions. Bidirectional communication between local autonomic and sensory nerves and the tumor, with putative effects on the brain, is also envisioned. Overall, we propose that cancers can take control of the central neuroendocrine and immune systems to reset the body homeostasis in a mode favoring its expansion at the expense of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radomir M Slominski
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Informatics Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Chander Raman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jake Y Chen
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Informatics Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andrzej T Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Chemoprevention Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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13
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Wei L, Zhao D, Sun W, Lin L, Sui D, Li W, Gui Y, Wang J, Deng Y, Song Y. Targeting of TAMs with freeze-dried monosialotetrahexosylganglioside and sialic acid-octadecylamine co-modified liposomes remodels the tumor microenvironment and enhances anti-tumor activity. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 184:50-61. [PMID: 36682511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.01.011] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Although anti-tumor strategies targeting tumor-associated immune cells were being rapidly developed, the preparations were usually limited in targeting efficiency. To overcome this barrier, this study reported a novel sialic acid-octadecylamine (SA-ODA) and monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) co-modified epirubicin liposomes (5-5-SAGL-EPI), which improved tumor-targeting ability through the active targeting of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) by SA-ODA and the long circulation of GM1. Thus, we evaluated 5-5-SAGL-EPI in vitro and in vivo. Analysis of cellular uptake by RAW264.7 cells using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed a higher rate of cellular uptake for 5-5-SAGL-EPI than for the common liposomes (CL-EPI). In pharmacokinetic studies using Wistar rats, compared to CL-EPI, 5-5-SAGL-EPI showed a higher circulation time in vivo. Tissue distribution studies in Kunming mice bearing S180 tumors revealed increased distribution of 5-5-SAGL-EPI in tumor tissues compared with liposomes modified with single ligands (SA-ODA [5-SAL-EPI] or GM1 [5-GL-EPI]). In vivo anti-tumor experiments using the S180 tumor-bearing mice revealed a high tumor inhibition rate and low toxicity for 5-5-SAGL-EPI. Moreover, freeze-dried 5-5-SAGL-EPI had good storage stability, and the anti-tumor effect was comparable to that before freeze-drying. Overall, 5-5-SAGL-EPI exhibited excellent anti-tumor effects before and after lyophilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wei
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Dan Zhao
- Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd., Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Wenliang Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Lin Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Dezhi Sui
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Wen Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Yangxu Gui
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Jia Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Yihui Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Yanzhi Song
- College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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14
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Sorvina A, Antoniou M, Esmaeili Z, Kochetkova M. Unusual Suspects: Bone and Cartilage ECM Proteins as Carcinoma Facilitators. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030791. [PMID: 36765749 PMCID: PMC9913341 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030791] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the complex three-dimensional network of fibrous proteins and proteoglycans that constitutes an essential part of every tissue to provide support for normal tissue homeostasis. Tissue specificity of the ECM in its topology and structure supports unique biochemical and mechanical properties of each organ. Cancers, like normal tissues, require the ECM to maintain multiple processes governing tumor development, progression and spread. A large body of experimental and clinical evidence has now accumulated to demonstrate essential roles of numerous ECM components in all cancer types. Latest findings also suggest that multiple tumor types express, and use to their advantage, atypical ECM components that are not found in the cancer tissue of origin. However, the understanding of cancer-specific expression patterns of these ECM proteins and their exact roles in selected tumor types is still sketchy. In this review, we summarize the latest data on the aberrant expression of bone and cartilage ECM proteins in epithelial cancers and their specific functions in the pathogenesis of carcinomas and discuss future directions in exploring the utility of this selective group of ECM components as future drug targets.
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15
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Gu L, Liao P, Liu H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in acute leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1022979. [PMID: 36601484 PMCID: PMC9806275 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1022979] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the prognosis for acute leukemia has greatly improved, treatment of relapsed/refractory acute leukemia (R/R AL) remains challenging. Recently, increasing evidence indicates that the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) plays a crucial role in leukemogenesis and therapeutic resistance; therefore, BMM-targeted strategies should be a potent protocol for treating R/R AL. The targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in solid tumors has received much attention and has achieved some progress, as CAFs might act as an organizer in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, over the last 10 years, attention has been drawn to the role of CAFs in the BMM. In spite of certain successes in preclinical and clinical studies, the heterogeneity and plasticity of CAFs mean targeting them is a big challenge. Herein, we review the heterogeneity and roles of CAFs in the BMM and highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with acute leukemia therapies that involve the targeting of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Gu
- Department of Pediatrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,The Joint Laboratory for Lung Development and Related Diseases of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and School of Life Sciences of Fudan University, West China Institute of Women and Children’s Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Ling Gu, ; Ping Liao, ; Hanmin Liu,
| | - Ping Liao
- Calcium Signalling Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore,Academic & Clinical Development, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore,Health and Social Sciences, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore,*Correspondence: Ling Gu, ; Ping Liao, ; Hanmin Liu,
| | - Hanmin Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,The Joint Laboratory for Lung Development and Related Diseases of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and School of Life Sciences of Fudan University, West China Institute of Women and Children’s Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Birth Defects Clinical Research Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Ling Gu, ; Ping Liao, ; Hanmin Liu,
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16
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Eulberg D, Frömming A, Lapid K, Mangasarian A, Barak A. The prospect of tumor microenvironment-modulating therapeutical strategies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1070243. [PMID: 36568151 PMCID: PMC9772844 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1070243] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple mechanisms promote tumor prosperity, which does not only depend on cell-autonomous, inherent abnormal characteristics of the malignant cells that facilitate rapid cell division and tumor expansion. The neoplastic tissue is embedded in a supportive and dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME) that nurtures and protects the malignant cells, maintaining and perpetuating malignant cell expansion. The TME consists of different elements, such as atypical vasculature, various innate and adaptive immune cells with immunosuppressive or pro-inflammatory properties, altered extracellular matrix (ECM), activated stromal cells, and a wide range of secreted/stroma-tethered bioactive molecules that contribute to malignancy, directly or indirectly. In this review, we describe the various TME components and provide examples of anti-cancer therapies and novel drugs under development that aim to target these components rather than the intrinsic processes within the malignant cells. Combinatory TME-modulating therapeutic strategies may be required to overcome the resistance to current treatment options and prevent tumor recurrence.
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17
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Rodrigues FS, Ciccarelli FD, Malanchi I. Reflected stemness as a potential driver of the tumour microenvironment. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:979-987. [PMID: 35589467 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.04.007] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental requirement for cancer initiation is the activation of developmental programmes by mutant cells. Oncogenic signals often confer an undifferentiated, stem cell-like phenotype that supports the long-term proliferative potential of cancer cells. Although cancer is a genetically driven disease, mutations in cancer-driver genes alone are insufficient for tumour formation, and the proliferation of cells harbouring oncogenic mutations depends on their microenvironment. In this Opinion article we discuss how the reprogrammed status of cancer cells not only represents the essence of their tumorigenicity but triggers 'reflected stemness' in their surrounding normal counterparts. We propose that this reciprocal interaction underpins the establishment of the tumour microenvironment (TME).
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe S Rodrigues
- Tumour-Host Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Francesca D Ciccarelli
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Ilaria Malanchi
- Tumour-Host Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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18
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Cui M, Liu Y, Cheng L, Li T, Deng Y, Liu D. Research progress on anti-ovarian cancer mechanism of miRNA regulating tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1050917. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1050917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most deadly malignancy among women, but its complex pathogenesis is unknown. Most patients with ovarian cancer have a poor prognosis due to high recurrence rates and chemotherapy resistance as well as the lack of effective early diagnostic methods. The tumor microenvironment mainly includes extracellular matrix, CAFs, tumor angiogenesis and immune-associated cells. The interaction between tumor cells and TME plays a key role in tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis and treatment, affecting tumor progression. Therefore, it is significant to find new tumor biomarkers and therapeutic targets. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of target genes and affect a variety of biological processes. Studies have shown that miRNAs regulate tumor development by affecting TME. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which miRNAs affect ovarian cancer by regulating TME and highlight the key role of miRNAs in TME, which provides new targets and theoretical basis for ovarian cancer treatment.
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19
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Wang Q, Zhang X, Du K, Wu X, Zhou Y, Chen D, Zeng L. Machine learning identifies characteristics molecules of cancer associated fibroblasts significantly correlated with the prognosis, immunotherapy response and immune microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1059253. [PMID: 36439484 PMCID: PMC9682016 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1059253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly lethal disease with a dramatic pro-fibrocytic response. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been reported to play a key role in lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS Marker genes of CAFs were obtained from the Cell Marker website. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used for CAFs quantification. R and GraphPad Prism software were utilized for all analysis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized to detect the RNA level of specific molecules. RESULTS Based on the ssGSEA algorithm and obtained CAFs markers, the LUAD patients with low- and high-CAFs infiltration were successfully identified, which had different response patterns to immunotherapy. Through the machine learning algorithm - LASSO logistic regression, we identified 44 characteristic molecules of CAFs. Furthermore, a prognosis signature consisting of seven characteristic genes was established, which showed great prognosis prediction ability. Additionally, we found that patients in the low-risk group might have better outcomes when receiving immunotherapy of PD-1, but not CTLA4. Also, the biological enrichment analysis revealed that immune response-related pathways were significantly associated with CAFs infiltration. Meanwhile, we investigated the underlying biological and microenvironment difference in patients with high- and low-risk groups. Finally, we identified that AMPD1 might be a novel target for LUAD immunotherapy. Patients with a high level of AMPD1 were correlated with worse responses to immunotherapy. Moreover, immunohistochemistry showed that the protein level of AMPD1 was higher in lung cancer. Results of qRT-PCR demonstrated that AMPD1 was upregulated in A549 cells compared with BEAS-2B. Meanwhile, we found that the knockdown of AMPD4 can significantly reduce the expression of CTLA4 and PDCD1, but not CD274 and PDCD1LG2. CONCLUSION We comprehensively explored the role of CAFs and its characteristics molecules in LUAD immunotherapy and developed an effective signature to indicate patients prognosis and immunotherapy response. Moreover, AMPD1 was identified as a novel target for lung cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xunlang Zhang
- Department of Geriatric, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kangming Du
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinhui Wu
- Department of Geriatric, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yexin Zhou
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Diang Chen
- Department of Urology Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Kandalaft LE, Dangaj Laniti D, Coukos G. Immunobiology of high-grade serous ovarian cancer: lessons for clinical translation. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:640-656. [PMID: 36109621 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00503-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) remains challenging. Although HGSOC can potentially be responsive to immunotherapy owing to endogenous immunity at the molecular or T cell level, immunotherapy for this disease has fallen short of expectations to date. This Review proposes a working classification for HGSOC based on the presence or absence of intraepithelial T cells, and elaborates the putative mechanisms that give rise to such immunophenotypes. These differences might explain the failures of existing immunotherapies, and suggest that rational therapeutic approaches tailored to each immunophenotype might meet with improved success. In T cell-inflamed tumours, treatment could focus on mobilizing pre-existing immunity and strengthening the activation of T cells embedded in intraepithelial tumour myeloid niches. Conversely, in immune-excluded and immune-desert tumours, treatment could focus on restoring inflammation by reprogramming myeloid cells, stromal cells and vascular epithelial cells. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, low-dose radiotherapy, epigenetic drugs and anti-angiogenesis therapy are among the tools available to restore T cell infiltration in HGSOC tumours and could be implemented in combination with vaccines and redirected T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana E Kandalaft
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Denarda Dangaj Laniti
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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21
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Schirrmacher V, van Gool S, Stuecker W. Counteracting Immunosuppression in the Tumor Microenvironment by Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus and Cellular Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13050. [PMID: 36361831 PMCID: PMC9655431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
An apparent paradox exists between the evidence for spontaneous systemic T cell- mediated anti-tumor immune responses in cancer patients, observed particularly in their bone marrow, and local tumor growth in the periphery. This phenomenon, known as "concomitant immunity" suggests that the local tumor and its tumor microenvironment (TME) prevent systemic antitumor immunity to become effective. Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an agent with inherent anti-neoplastic and immune stimulatory properties, is capable of breaking therapy resistance and immunosuppression. This review updates latest information about immunosuppression by the TME and discusses mechanisms of how oncolytic viruses, in particular NDV, and cellular immunotherapy can counteract the immunosuppressive effect of the TME. With regard to cellular immunotherapy, the review presents pre-clinical studies of post-operative active-specific immunotherapy and of adoptive T cell-mediated therapy in immunocompetent mice. Memory T cell (MTC) transfer in tumor challenged T cell-deficient nu/nu mice demonstrates longevity and functionality of these cells. Graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) studies in mice demonstrate complete remission of late-stage disease including metastases and cachexia. T cell based immunotherapy studies with human cells in human tumor xenotransplanted NOD/SCID mice demonstrate superiority of bone marrow-derived as compared to blood-derived MTCs. Results from clinical studies presented include vaccination studies using two different types of NDV-modified cancer vaccine and a pilot adoptive T-cell mediated therapy study using re-activated bone marrow-derived cancer-reactive MTCs. As an example for what can be expected from clinical immunotherapy against tumors with an immunosuppressive TME, results from vaccination studies are presented from the aggressive brain tumor glioblastoma multiforme. The last decades of basic research in virology, oncology and immunology can be considered as a success story. Based on discoveries of these research areas, translational research and clinical studies have changed the way of treatment of cancer by introducing and including immunotherapy.
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Zhang C, Huang R, Xi X. Cuproptosis patterns in papillary renal cell carcinoma are characterized by distinct tumor microenvironment infiltration landscapes. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:910928. [PMID: 36275614 PMCID: PMC9579370 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.910928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis is a novel kind of programmed cell death that has been linked to tumor development, prognosis, and responsiveness to therapy. Nevertheless, the precise function of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unknown. We characterized the genetic and transcriptional changes of CRGs in papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) samples and analyzed the expression patterns in two separate cohorts. We observed that two unique cuproptosis-related subgroups and three separate gene subgroups were connected with clinicopathological, prognostic, and TME features of patients. Then, a risk score for predicting overall survival (OS) was created and validated in patients with PRCC. To make the risk score more clinically useful, we created a nomogram that was very accurate. A lower risk score, which was associated with higher tumor mutation burden, and immune activity, suggested a better prognosis for OS. Additionally, the risk score was shown to be substantially linked with the drug’s susceptibility to chemotherapeutic agents. Our extensive research of CRGs in PRCC identified possible roles for them in the TME, clinicopathological features, and overall survival. These findings may help advance our knowledge of CRGs in PRCC and pave the way for improved prognosis and the creation of more effective immunotherapy therapies.
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23
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Amelimojarad M, AmeliMojarad M, Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad E. Exosomal noncoding RNAs in colorectal cancer: An overview of functions, challenges, opportunities, and clinical applications. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 238:154133. [PMID: 36152568 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most threatening malignancy worldwide. Colorectal tumors transfer information with their tumor microenvironment (TME) and communicate together which can be detected through exosome transmission. Exosomes are important regulators made by different types of cells in all body fluids containing RNA, DNA, metabolites, and proteins. Recently, Exosome-derived noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) applications have gained great consideration based on their potential role in the different pathological processes. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the recent discoveries on exosomal ncRNAs function in CRC initiation and development, and drug resistance to provide a novel insight into exosomal ncRNAs' clinical application and their potential to be biomarkers for CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Amelimojarad
- Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer Department, Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mandana AmeliMojarad
- Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer Department, Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad
- Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer Department, Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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24
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Zhang D, Lu W, Zhuo Z, Mei H, Wu X, Cui Y. Construction of a breast cancer prognosis model based on alternative splicing and immune infiltration. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:78. [PMID: 35988113 PMCID: PMC9393119 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00506-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women in the world. Alternative splicing (AS) is an important mechanism for regulating gene expression and producing proteome diversity, which is closely related to tumorigenesis. Understanding the role of AS in BC may be helpful to reveal new therapeutic targets for clinical interventions. METHODS RNA-seq, clinical and AS data of TCGA-BRCA were downloaded from TCGA and TCGA SpliceSeq databases. AS events associated with prognosis were filtered by univariate Cox regression. The AS risk model of BC was built by Lasso regression, random forest and multivariate Cox regression. The accuracy of the AS risk model and clinicopathological factors were evaluated by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The significant factors were used to construct the nomogram model. Tumor microenvironment analysis, immune infiltration and immune checkpoint analysis were performed to show the differences between the high and low AS risk groups. The expression differences of genes of AS events constituting the risk model in tumor tissues and normal tissues were analyzed, the genes with significant differences were screened, and their relationship with prognosis, tumor microenvironment, immune infiltration and immune checkpoint were analyzed. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis was used to calculate the correlation coefficient between splicing factors (SF) and prognostic AS events in TCGA-BRCA. The results were imported into Cytoscape, and the associated network was constructed. RESULTS A total of 21,232 genes had 45,421 AS events occurring in TCGA-BRCA, while 1604 AS events were found to be significantly correlated with survival. The BRCA risk model consisted of 5 AS events, (TTC39C|44853|AT*- 2.67) + (HSPBP1|52052|AP*- 4.28) + (MAZ|35942|ES*2.34) + (ANK3|11845|AP*1.18) + (ZC3HAV1|81940|AT*1.59), which were confirmed to be valuable for predicting BRCA prognosis to a certain degree, including ROC curve, survival analysis, tumor microenvironment analysis, immune infiltration and immune checkpoint analysis. Based on this, we constructed a nomogram prediction model composed of clinicopathological features and the AS risk signature. Furthermore, we found that MAZ was a core gene indicating the connection of tumor prognosis and AS events. Ultimately, a network of SF-AS regulation was established to reveal the relationship between them. CONCLUSIONS We constructed a nomogram model combined with clinicopathological features and AS risk score to predict the prognosis of BC. The detailed analysis of tumor microenvironment and immune infiltration in the AS risk model may further reveal the potential mechanisms of BC recurrence and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongni Zhang
- Oncology Department, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenping Lu
- Oncology Department, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhili Zhuo
- Oncology Department, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Heting Mei
- Oncology Department, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wu
- Oncology Department, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongjia Cui
- Oncology Department, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
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25
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Chen X, Jia M, Ji J, Zhao Z, Zhao Y. Exosome-Derived Non-Coding RNAs in the Tumor Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer: Possible Functions, Mechanisms and Clinical Applications. Front Oncol 2022; 12:887532. [PMID: 35646623 PMCID: PMC9133322 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.887532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death and the third most prevalent malignancy. Colorectal tumors exchange information with the surrounding environment and influence each other, which collectively constitutes the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC. Many studies have shown that exosome-derived non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important roles in various pathophysiological processes by regulating the TME of CRC. This review summarizes recent findings on the fundamental roles of exosomal ncRNAs in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, tumor immunity, tumor metabolism and drug resistance. Certainly, the in-depth understanding of exosomal ncRNAs will provide comprehensive insights into the clinical application of these molecules against CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Chen
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengmeng Jia
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Ji
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhiying Zhao
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanjie Zhao
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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26
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Kolesnikoff N, Chen CH, Samuel M. Interrelationships between the extracellular matrix and the immune microenvironment that govern epithelial tumour progression. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:361-377. [PMID: 35260891 PMCID: PMC8907655 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Solid tumours are composed of cancer cells characterised by genetic mutations that underpin the disease, but also contain a suite of genetically normal cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). These two latter components are constituents of the tumour microenvironment (TME), and are key determinants of tumour biology and thereby the outcomes for patients. The tumour ECM has been the subject of intense research over the past two decades, revealing key biochemical and mechanobiological principles that underpin its role in tumour cell proliferation and survival. However, the ECM also strongly influences the genetically normal immune cells within the microenvironment, regulating not only their proliferation and survival, but also their differentiation and access to tumour cells. Here we review recent advances in our knowledge of how the ECM regulates the tumour immune microenvironment and vice versa, comparing normal skin wound healing to the pathological condition of tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Kolesnikoff
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Chun-Hsien Chen
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Susithiran Samuel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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27
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Vitale C, Marzagalli M, Scaglione S, Dondero A, Bottino C, Castriconi R. Tumor Microenvironment and Hydrogel-Based 3D Cancer Models for In Vitro Testing Immunotherapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1013. [PMID: 35205760 PMCID: PMC8870468 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In a relevant percentage of patients, however, clinical benefits are lower than expected, pushing researchers to deeply analyze the immune responses against tumors and find more reliable and efficient tools to predict the individual response to therapy. Novel tissue engineering strategies can be adopted to realize in vitro fully humanized matrix-based models, as a compromise between standard two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and animal tests, which are costly and hardly usable in personalized medicine. In this review, we describe the main mechanisms allowing cancer cells to escape the immune surveillance, which may play a significant role in the failure of immunotherapies. In particular, we discuss the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the establishment of a milieu that greatly favors cancer malignant progression and impact on the interactions with immune cells. Then, we present an overview of the recent in vitro engineered preclinical three-dimensional (3D) models that have been adopted to resemble the interplays between cancer and immune cells and for testing current therapies and immunotherapeutic approaches. Specifically, we focus on 3D hydrogel-based tools based on different types of polymers, discussing the suitability of each of them in reproducing the TME key features based on their intrinsic or tunable characteristics. Finally, we introduce the possibility to combine the 3D models with technological fluid dynamics platforms, reproducing the dynamic complex interactions between tumor cells and immune effectors migrated in situ via the systemic circulation, pointing out the challenges that still have to be overcome for setting more predictive preclinical assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vitale
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.V.); (A.D.); (R.C.)
| | | | - Silvia Scaglione
- React4life SRL, 16121 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (S.S.)
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Electronics, Information Engineering and Telecommunications (IEIIT), 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dondero
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.V.); (A.D.); (R.C.)
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.V.); (A.D.); (R.C.)
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.V.); (A.D.); (R.C.)
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28
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Guerra E, Di Pietro R, Basile M, Trerotola M, Alberti S. Cancer-Homing CAR-T Cells and Endogenous Immune Population Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:405. [PMID: 35008832 PMCID: PMC8745734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy is based on patient blood-derived T cells and natural killer cells, which are engineered in vitro to recognize a target antigen in cancer cells. Most CAR-T recognize target antigens through immunoglobulin antigen-binding regions. Hence, CAR-T cells do not require the major histocompatibility complex presentation of a target peptide. CAR-T therapy has been tremendously successful in the treatment of leukemias. On the other hand, the clinical efficacy of CAR-T cells is rarely detected against solid tumors. CAR-T-cell therapy of cancer faces many hurdles, starting from the administration of engineered cells, wherein CAR-T cells must encounter the correct chemotactic signals to traffic to the tumor in sufficient numbers. Additional obstacles arise from the hostile environment that cancers provide to CAR-T cells. Intense efforts have gone into tackling these pitfalls. However, we argue that some CAR-engineering strategies may risk missing the bigger picture, i.e., that a successful CAR-T-cell therapy must efficiently intertwine with the complex and heterogeneous responses that the body has already mounted against the tumor. Recent findings lend support to this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Guerra
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, University “G. d’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (E.G.); (M.T.)
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberta Di Pietro
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Section of Biomorphology, University “G. d’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.D.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Mariangela Basile
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Section of Biomorphology, University “G. d’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.D.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Trerotola
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, University “G. d’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (E.G.); (M.T.)
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Saverio Alberti
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
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