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Zheng J, Hao H. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts in targeted therapies and drug resistance in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1333839. [PMID: 38273859 PMCID: PMC10810416 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1333839] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting a strong association with the advancement of various types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. CAFs represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell population in breast cancer. Through diverse mechanisms, including the release of cytokines and exosomes, CAFs contribute to the progression of breast cancer by influencing tumor energy metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, impairing immune cell function, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, CAFs considerably impact the response to treatment in breast cancer. Consequently, the development of interventions targeting CAFs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of breast cancer. This article provides an analysis of the role of CAFs in breast cancer, specifically in relation to diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis. The paper succinctly outlines the diverse mechanisms through which CAFs contribute to the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential of CAFs as valuable tools for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, treatment resistance, and prognosis assessment in breast cancer, thereby offering novel approaches for targeted therapy and overcoming treatment resistance in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Hao
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Liu YJ, Du J, Li J, Tan XP, Zhang Q. CTHRC1, a novel gene with multiple functions in physiology, disease and solid tumors (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 25:266. [PMID: 37216164 PMCID: PMC10193374 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) is a gene discovered in 2005; it is highly conserved, and no homologous proteins have been disclosed thus far. A number of studies have shown that CTHRC1 is present in normal tissues and organs, and it has vital functions in physiological processes, including participating in the regulation of metabolism, arterial remodeling, bone formation and myelination of the peripheral nervous system. It has been reported that abnormal expression of CTHRC1 is involved in the carcinogenesis of various human organs, such as the breast, colon, pancreas, lung, stomach and liver. Therefore, the present review aims to collate all known findings and results on the regulation of CTHRC1 expression and related signaling pathways. To conclude, this review also provides a hypothesis of the functional mechanism of this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Juan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
- Medical College of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ping Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
- Medical College of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
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3
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Castillo-Sanchez R, Churruca-Schuind A, Martinez-Ival M, Salazar EP. Cancer-associated Fibroblasts Communicate with Breast Tumor Cells Through Extracellular Vesicles in Tumor Development. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2022; 21:15330338221131647. [PMID: 36222020 PMCID: PMC9558853 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221131647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. In solid tumors, the microenvironment plays a critical role in tumor development, and it has been described a communication between the different cell types that conform the stroma, including fibroblasts, pericytes, adipocytes, immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Intercellular communication is bidirectional, complex, multifactorial and is mediated by the secretion of molecules and extracellular vesicles. The extracellular vesicles are vesicles limited by two membranes that are secreted by normal and cancer cells into the extracellular space. Extracellular vesicle cargo is complex and includes proteins, miRNAs, DNA and lipids, and their composition is specific to their parent cells. Extracellular vesicles are taken up for neighboring or distant cells. Particularly, extracellular vesicles from breast cancer cells are taken up for fibroblasts and it induces the activation of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts. Interestingly, cancer associated fibroblasts release extracellular vesicles that are taken up for breast cancer cells and promote migration, invasion, proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, changes in metabolism, chemoresistance, evasion of immune system and remodeling of extracellular matrix. In addition, the enrichment of specific cargos in extracellular vesicles of breast cancer patients has been suggested to be used as biomarkers of the disease. Here we review the current literature about the intercommunication between tumor cells and cancer associated fibroblasts through extracellular vesicles in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eduardo Perez Salazar
- Eduardo Perez Salazar, PhD, Departamento de
Biologia Celular, Cinvestav-IPN, Av. IPN # 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
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4
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Anti-Cancer Role and Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246303. [PMID: 34944923 PMCID: PMC8699603 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is an important mechanism in biological processes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), also referred to as exosomes, microvesicles, and prostasomes, are microvesicles secreted by a variety of cells. EVs are nanometer-scale vesicles composed of a lipid bilayer and contain biological functional molecules, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNAs, and proteins. In this review, "EVs" is used as a comprehensive term for vesicles that are secreted from cells. EV research has been developing over the last four decades. Many studies have suggested that EVs play a crucial role in cell-cell communication. Importantly, EVs contribute to cancer malignancy mechanisms such as carcinogenesis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and escape from the immune system. EVs derived from cancer cells and their microenvironments are diverse, change in nature depending on the condition. As EVs are thought to be secreted into body fluids, they have the potential to serve as diagnostic markers for liquid biopsy. In addition, cells can encapsulate functional molecules in EVs. Hence, the characteristics of EVs make them suitable for use in drug delivery systems and novel cancer treatments. In this review, the potential of EVs as anti-cancer therapeutics is discussed.
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He C, Wang L, Li L, Zhu G. Extracellular vesicle-orchestrated crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumors. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101231. [PMID: 34601397 PMCID: PMC8493591 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
EVs mediate the interaction between tumor and stromal cells in the TME. Tumors mediate CAF-like activation of stromal cells through EVs. CAF-derived EVs promote tumor proliferation, metastasis and therapeutic resistance.
Communication networks in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a crucial role in tumor progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are among the most abundant stromal cells in the TME. Bidirectional signal transduction between cancer cells and CAFs within the TME is important for cancer development and treatment responsiveness. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying proteins, miRNAs, and other biomolecules are secreted into the extracellular matrix (ECM), which has been demonstrated to be an important communication medium between tumors and CAFs. Tumors regulate the activation of CAFs by secreting EVs. Conversely, CAFs can also affect tumor proliferation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance through EVs. Here, we will classify EV cargoes and discuss the role of EV-mediated interactions between CAFs and tumors, reviewing current knowledge in combination with our confirmed results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanshi He
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Sichuan Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Sichuan Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Sichuan Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Guiquan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renmin South Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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Isca C, Piacentini F, Mastrolia I, Masciale V, Caggia F, Toss A, Piombino C, Moscetti L, Barbolini M, Maur M, Dominici M, Omarini C. Circulating and Intracellular miRNAs as Prognostic and Predictive Factors in HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Review of the Literature. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194894. [PMID: 34638377 PMCID: PMC8508299 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small noncoding RNAs that can act as both oncogene and tumor suppressors. Deregulated miRNA expression has been detected in human cancers, including breast cancer (BC). Considering their important roles in tumorigenesis, miRNAs have been investigated as potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. Neoadjuvant setting is an optimal model to investigate in vivo the mechanism of treatment resistance. In the management of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive early BC, the anti-HER2-targeted therapies have drastically changed the survival outcomes. Despite this, growing drug resistance due to the pressure of therapy is relatively frequent. In the present review, we focused on the main miRNAs involved in HER2-positive BC tumorigenesis and discussed the recent evidence on their predictive and prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystel Isca
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (C.I.); (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.T.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Federico Piacentini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (C.I.); (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.T.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Ilenia Mastrolia
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (I.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (I.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Federica Caggia
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (C.I.); (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.T.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Angela Toss
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (C.I.); (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.T.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Claudia Piombino
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (C.I.); (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.T.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Luca Moscetti
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology-Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (L.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Monica Barbolini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (C.I.); (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.T.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Michela Maur
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology-Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (L.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (C.I.); (F.P.); (F.C.); (A.T.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (M.D.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (I.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Claudia Omarini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology-Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (L.M.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-059-4222845
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Apoptosis Deregulation and the Development of Cancer Multi-Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174363. [PMID: 34503172 PMCID: PMC8430856 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite recent therapeutic advances against cancer, many patients do not respond well or respond poorly, to treatment and develop resistance to more than one anti-cancer drug, a term called multi-drug resistance (MDR). One of the main factors that contribute to MDR is the deregulation of apoptosis or programmed cell death. Herein, we describe the major apoptotic pathways and discuss how pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins are modified in cancer cells to convey drug resistance. We also focus on our current understanding related to the interactions between survival and cell death pathways, as well as on mechanisms underlying the balance shift towards cancer cell growth and drug resistance. Moreover, we highlight the role of the tumor microenvironment components in blocking apoptosis in MDR tumors, and we discuss the significance and potential exploitation of epigenetic modifications for cancer treatment. Finally, we summarize the current and future therapeutic approaches for overcoming MDR. Abstract The ability of tumor cells to evade apoptosis is established as one of the hallmarks of cancer. The deregulation of apoptotic pathways conveys a survival advantage enabling cancer cells to develop multi-drug resistance (MDR), a complex tumor phenotype referring to concurrent resistance toward agents with different function and/or structure. Proteins implicated in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, including the Bcl-2 superfamily and Inhibitors of Apoptosis (IAP) family members, as well as their regulator, tumor suppressor p53, have been implicated in the development of MDR in many cancer types. The PI3K/AKT pathway is pivotal in promoting survival and proliferation and is often overactive in MDR tumors. In addition, the tumor microenvironment, particularly factors secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts, can inhibit apoptosis in cancer cells and reduce the effectiveness of different anti-cancer drugs. In this review, we describe the main alterations that occur in apoptosis-and related pathways to promote MDR. We also summarize the main therapeutic approaches against resistant tumors, including agents targeting Bcl-2 family members, small molecule inhibitors against IAPs or AKT and agents of natural origin that may be used as monotherapy or in combination with conventional therapeutics. Finally, we highlight the potential of therapeutic exploitation of epigenetic modifications to reverse the MDR phenotype.
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