1
|
Xiao X, Li Z, Li Q, Qing L, Wang Y, Ye F, Dong Y, Di X, Mi J. Exploring the clinical and biological significance of the cell cycle-related gene CHMP4C in prostate cancer. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:210. [PMID: 39138470 PMCID: PMC11323463 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01970-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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) stands as the second most prevalent malignancy impacting male health, and the disease's evolutionary course presents formidable challenges in the context of patient treatment and prognostic management. Charged multivesicular body protein 4 C (CHMP4C) participates in the development of several cancers by regulating cell cycle functions. However, the role of CHMP4C in prostate cancer remains unclear. METHODS In terms of bioinformatics, multiple PCa datasets were employed to scrutinize the expression of CHMP4C. Survival analysis coupled with a nomogram approach was employed to probe into the prognostic significance of CHMP4C. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to interrogate the functional implications of CHMP4C. In terms of cellular experimentation, the verification of RNA and protein expression levels was executed through the utilization of qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Upon the establishment of a cell line featuring stable CHMP4C knockdown, a battery of assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, Transwell, and flow cytometry, were employed to discern the impact of CHMP4C on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle function of PCa cells. RESULTS The expression of CHMP4C exhibited upregulation in both PCa cells and tissues, and patients demonstrating elevated CHMP4C expression levels experienced a notably inferior prognosis. The nomogram, constructed using CHMP4C along with clinicopathological features, demonstrated a commendable capacity for prognostic prediction. CHMP4C knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cells (LNcaP and PC3). CHMP4C could impact the advancement of the PCa cell cycle, and its expression might be regulated by berberine. Divergent CHMP4C expression among PCa patients could induce alterations in immune cell infiltration and gene mutation frequency. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that CHMP4C might be a prognostic biomarker in PCa, potentially offering novel perspectives for the advancement of precision therapy for PCa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xiao
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Zonglin Li
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Qingchao Li
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Liangliang Qing
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Fuxiang Ye
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Yajia Dong
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Xiaoyu Di
- Department of plastic surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Jun Mi
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chu X, Tian Y, Lv C. Decoding the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of tumor-associated macrophages. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:150. [PMID: 39068459 PMCID: PMC11282869 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02064-1] [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: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are pivotal in cancer progression, influencing tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. This review explores the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of TAMs within the tumor microenvironment (TME), highlighting their diverse subtypes, origins, and functions. Advanced technologies such as single-cell sequencing and spatial multi-omics have elucidated the intricate interactions between TAMs and other TME components, revealing the mechanisms behind their recruitment, polarization, and distribution. Key findings demonstrate that TAMs support tumor vascularization, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and modulate extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, etc., thereby enhancing tumor invasiveness and metastasis. Understanding these complex dynamics offers new therapeutic targets for disrupting TAM-mediated pathways and overcoming drug resistance. This review underscores the potential of targeting TAMs to develop innovative cancer therapies, emphasizing the need for further research into their spatial characteristics and functional roles within the TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyuan Chu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, P. R. China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, P. R. China.
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Donnenberg VS, Luketich JD, Popov B, Bartlett DL, Donnenberg AD. A common secretomic signature across epithelial cancers metastatic to the pleura supports IL-6 axis therapeutic targeting. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1404373. [PMID: 39114667 PMCID: PMC11303180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1404373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Many cancers metastasize to the pleura, resulting in effusions that cause dyspnea and discomfort. Regardless of the tissue of origin, pleural malignancies are aggressive and uniformly fatal, with no treatment shown to prolong life. The pleural mesothelial monolayer is joined by tight junctions forming a contained bioreactor-like space, concentrating cytokines and chemokines secreted by the mesothelium, tumor, and infiltrating immune cells. This space represents a unique environment that profoundly influences tumor and immune cell behavior. Defining the pleural secretome is an important step in the rational development localized intrapleural immunotherapy. Method We measured cytokine/chemokine content of 252 malignant pleural effusion (MPE) samples across multiple cancers using a 40-analyte panel and Luminex multiplexing technology. Results Eleven analytes were consistently present in concentrations ≥ 10.0 pM: CXCL10/IP10 (geometric mean = 672.3 pM), CCL2/MCP1 (562.9 pM), sIL-6Rα (403.1 pM), IL-6 (137.6 pM), CXCL1/GRO (80.3 pM), TGFβ1 (76.8 pM), CCL22/MDC (54.8 pM), CXCL8/IL-8 (29.2 pM), CCL11/Eotaxin (12.6 pM), IL-10 (11.3 pM), and G-CSF (11.0 pM). All are capable of mediating chemotaxis, promotion of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, or immunosuppression, and many of are reportedly downstream of a pro-inflammatory cytokine cascade mediated by cytokine IL-6 and its soluble receptor. Conclusion The data indicate high concentrations of several cytokines and chemokines across epithelial cancers metastatic to the pleura and support the contention that the pleural environment is the major factor responsible for the clinical course of MPE across cancer types. A sIL-6Rα to IL-6 molar ratio of 2.7 ensures that virtually all epithelial, immune and vascular endothelial cells in the pleural environment are affected by IL-6 signaling. The central role likely played by IL-6 in the pathogenesis of MPE argues in favor of a therapeutic approach targeting the IL-6/IL-6R axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera S. Donnenberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - James D. Luketich
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Bosko Popov
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - David L. Bartlett
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Albert D. Donnenberg
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xia J, Zhang L, Peng X, Tu J, Li S, He X, Li F, Qiang J, Dong H, Deng Q, Liu C, Xu J, Zhang R, Liu Q, Hu G, Liu C, Jiang YZ, Shao ZM, Chen C, Liu S. IL1R2 Blockade Alleviates Immunosuppression and Potentiates Anti-PD-1 Efficacy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2024; 84:2282-2296. [PMID: 38657120 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-3429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with limited therapeutic options. IL1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2) promotes breast tumor-initiating cell (BTIC) self-renewal and tumor growth in TNBC, indicating that targeting it could improve patient treatment. In this study, we observed that IL1R2 blockade strongly attenuated macrophage recruitment and the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) to inhibit BTIC self-renewal and CD8+ T-cell exhaustion, which resulted in reduced tumor burden and prolonged survival in TNBC mouse models. IL1R2 activation by TAM-derived IL1β increased PD-L1 expression by interacting with the transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and inducing YY1 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation in both TAMs and TNBC cells. Loss of YY1 alleviated the transcriptional repression of c-Fos, which is a transcriptional activator of PDL-1. Combined treatment with an IL1R2-neutralizing antibodies and anti-PD-1 led to enhanced antitumor efficacy and reduced TAMs, BTICs, and exhausted CD8+ T cells. These results suggest that IL1R2 blockade might be a strategy to potentiate immune checkpoint blockade efficacy in TNBC to improve patient outcomes. Significance: IL1R2 in both macrophages and breast cancer cells orchestrates an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by upregulating PD-L1 expression and can be targeted to enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1 in triple-negative breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xia
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixing Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xilei Peng
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juchuanli Tu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siqin Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyan He
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengkai Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiankun Qiang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haonan Dong
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaodan Deng
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuicui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahui Xu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- The Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Quentin Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohong Hu
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Precision Cancer Medical Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Precision Cancer Medical Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, China
- Academy of Biomedical Engineering and The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-y] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang L, Hu Q, Huang T. Breast Cancer Treatment Strategies Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment: How to Convert "Cold" Tumors to "Hot" Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7208. [PMID: 39000314 PMCID: PMC11241188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer characterized as "cold tumors" exhibit low levels of immune cell infiltration, which limits the efficacy of conventional immunotherapy. Recent studies have focused on strategies using nanotechnology combined with tumor microenvironment modulation to transform "cold tumors" into "hot tumors". This approach involves the use of functionalized nanoparticles that target and modify the tumor microenvironment to promote the infiltration and activation of antitumor immune cells. By delivering immune activators or blocking immunosuppressive signals, these nanoparticles activate otherwise dormant immune responses, enhancing tumor immunogenicity and the therapeutic response. These strategies not only promise to increase the response rate of breast cancer patients to existing immunotherapies but also may pave new therapeutic avenues, providing a new direction for the immunotherapy of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liucui Yang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qingyi Hu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li Z, Duan D, Li L, Peng D, Ming Y, Ni R, Liu Y. Tumor-associated macrophages in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: recent research progress. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1382256. [PMID: 38957393 PMCID: PMC11217528 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1382256] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the cancers that seriously threaten human health. Immunotherapy serves as the mainstay of treatment for HCC patients by targeting the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis. However, the effectiveness of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment is limited when HCC becomes drug-resistant. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important factor in the negative regulation of PD-1 antibody targeted therapy in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, as an emerging direction in cancer immunotherapy research for the treatment of HCC, it is crucial to elucidate the correlations and mechanisms between TAMs and PD-1/PD-L1-mediated immune tolerance. This paper summarizes the effects of TAMs on the pathogenesis and progression of HCC and their impact on HCC anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, and further explores current potential therapeutic strategies that target TAMs in HCC, including eliminating TAMs in the TME, inhibiting TAMs recruitment to tumors and functionally repolarizing M2-TAMs (tumor-supportive) to M1-TAMs (antitumor type).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Rui Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Toledo B, Zhu Chen L, Paniagua-Sancho M, Marchal JA, Perán M, Giovannetti E. Deciphering the performance of macrophages in tumour microenvironment: a call for precision immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:44. [PMID: 38863020 PMCID: PMC11167803 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01559-0] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages infiltrating tumour tissues or residing in the microenvironment of solid tumours are known as tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs). These specialized immune cells play crucial roles in tumour growth, angiogenesis, immune regulation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. TAMs encompass various subpopulations, primarily classified into M1 and M2 subtypes based on their differentiation and activities. M1 macrophages, characterized by a pro-inflammatory phenotype, exert anti-tumoural effects, while M2 macrophages, with an anti-inflammatory phenotype, function as protumoural regulators. These highly versatile cells respond to stimuli from tumour cells and other constituents within the tumour microenvironment (TME), such as growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes. These stimuli induce their polarization towards one phenotype or another, leading to complex interactions with TME components and influencing both pro-tumour and anti-tumour processes.This review comprehensively and deeply covers the literature on macrophages, their origin and function as well as the intricate interplay between macrophages and the TME, influencing the dual nature of TAMs in promoting both pro- and anti-tumour processes. Moreover, the review delves into the primary pathways implicated in macrophage polarization, examining the diverse stimuli that regulate this process. These stimuli play a crucial role in shaping the phenotype and functions of macrophages. In addition, the advantages and limitations of current macrophage based clinical interventions are reviewed, including enhancing TAM phagocytosis, inducing TAM exhaustion, inhibiting TAM recruitment, and polarizing TAMs towards an M1-like phenotype. In conclusion, while the treatment strategies targeting macrophages in precision medicine show promise, overcoming several obstacles is still necessary to achieve an accessible and efficient immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Lagunillas, Jaén, E-23071, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linrui Zhu Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - María Paniagua-Sancho
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, E-18100, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, Granada, E-18071, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, E-18016, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, E-18016, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, E-18100, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, Granada, E-18071, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, E-18016, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, E-18016, Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Lagunillas, Jaén, E-23071, Spain.
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, E-18100, Spain.
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, E-18016, Spain.
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano, Pisa, 56017, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang R, Kang T, Chen S. The role of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor immune evasion. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:238. [PMID: 38713256 PMCID: PMC11076352 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05777-4] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor growth is closely linked to the activities of various cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly immune cells. During tumor progression, circulating monocytes and macrophages are recruited, altering the TME and accelerating growth. These macrophages adjust their functions in response to signals from tumor and stromal cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), similar to M2 macrophages, are key regulators in the TME. METHODS We review the origins, characteristics, and functions of TAMs within the TME. This analysis includes the mechanisms through which TAMs facilitate immune evasion and promote tumor metastasis. Additionally, we explore potential therapeutic strategies that target TAMs. RESULTS TAMs are instrumental in mediating tumor immune evasion and malignant behaviors. They release cytokines that inhibit effector immune cells and attract additional immunosuppressive cells to the TME. TAMs primarily target effector T cells, inducing exhaustion directly, influencing activity indirectly through cellular interactions, or suppressing through immune checkpoints. Additionally, TAMs are directly involved in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Developing innovative tumor-targeted therapies and immunotherapeutic strategies is currently a promising focus in oncology. Given the pivotal role of TAMs in immune evasion, several therapeutic approaches have been devised to target them. These include leveraging epigenetics, metabolic reprogramming, and cellular engineering to repolarize TAMs, inhibiting their recruitment and activity, and using TAMs as drug delivery vehicles. Although some of these strategies remain distant from clinical application, we believe that future therapies targeting TAMs will offer significant benefits to cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhe Huang
- Department of Oncology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ting Kang
- Department of Oncology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dadgar N, Sherry C, Zimmerman J, Park H, Lewis C, Donnenberg A, Zaidi AH, Fan Y, Xiao K, Bartlett D, Donnenberg V, Wagner PL. Targeting interleukin-6 as a treatment approach for peritoneal carcinomatosis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:402. [PMID: 38689325 PMCID: PMC11061933 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05205-8] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is a complex manifestation of abdominal cancers, with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Recent work identifying high concentrations of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its soluble receptor (sIL-6-Rα) in the peritoneal cavity of patients with PC has highlighted this pathway as an emerging potential therapeutic target. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the potential role of IL-6 in the development and progression of PC. We discuss mechansims by which the IL-6 pathway may contribute to peritoneal tumor dissemination, mesothelial adhesion and invasion, stromal invasion and proliferation, and immune response modulation. Finally, we review the prospects for targeting the IL-6 pathway in the treatment of PC, focusing on common sites of origin, including ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal and appendiceal cancer, and mesothelioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neda Dadgar
- Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Enterprise Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Christopher Sherry
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, 314 E. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA
| | - Jenna Zimmerman
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, 314 E. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA
| | - Hyun Park
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, 314 E. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA
| | - Catherine Lewis
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, 314 E. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA
| | - Albert Donnenberg
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, 314 E. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA
| | - Ali H Zaidi
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, 314 E. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA
| | - Yong Fan
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, 314 E. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA
| | - Kunhong Xiao
- Center for Proteomics & Artificial Intelligence, Center for Clinical Mass Spectrometry, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - David Bartlett
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, 314 E. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA
| | - Vera Donnenberg
- University of Pittsburgh School of MedicineDepartment of Cardiothoracic SurgeryUPMC Hillman Cancer Center Wagner, Patrick; Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Patrick L Wagner
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, 314 E. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fedele M, Cerchia L, Battista S. Subtype Transdifferentiation in Human Cancer: The Power of Tissue Plasticity in Tumor Progression. Cells 2024; 13:350. [PMID: 38391963 PMCID: PMC10887430 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040350] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The classification of tumors into subtypes, characterized by phenotypes determined by specific differentiation pathways, aids diagnosis and directs therapy towards targeted approaches. However, with the advent and explosion of next-generation sequencing, cancer phenotypes are turning out to be far more heterogenous than initially thought, and the classification is continually being updated to include more subtypes. Tumors are indeed highly dynamic, and they can evolve and undergo various changes in their characteristics during disease progression. The picture becomes even more complex when the tumor responds to a therapy. In all these cases, cancer cells acquire the ability to transdifferentiate, changing subtype, and adapt to changing microenvironments. These modifications affect the tumor's growth rate, invasiveness, response to treatment, and overall clinical behavior. Studying tumor subtype transitions is crucial for understanding tumor evolution, predicting disease outcomes, and developing personalized treatment strategies. We discuss this emerging hallmark of cancer and the molecular mechanisms involved at the crossroads between tumor cells and their microenvironment, focusing on four different human cancers in which tissue plasticity causes a subtype switch: breast cancer, prostate cancer, glioblastoma, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Fedele
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council—CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (S.B.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cornice J, Verzella D, Arboretto P, Vecchiotti D, Capece D, Zazzeroni F, Franzoso G. NF-κB: Governing Macrophages in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:197. [PMID: 38397187 PMCID: PMC10888451 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020197] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), where they sustain tumor progression and or-tumor immunity. Due to their plasticity, macrophages can exhibit anti- or pro-tumor functions through the expression of different gene sets leading to distinct macrophage phenotypes: M1-like or pro-inflammatory and M2-like or anti-inflammatory. NF-κB transcription factors are central regulators of TAMs in cancers, where they often drive macrophage polarization toward an M2-like phenotype. Therefore, the NF-κB pathway is an attractive therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy in a wide range of human tumors. Hence, targeting NF-κB pathway in the myeloid compartment is a potential clinical strategy to overcome microenvironment-induced immunosuppression and increase anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we discuss the role of NF-κB as a key driver of macrophage functions in tumors as well as the principal strategies to overcome tumor immunosuppression by targeting the NF-κB pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cornice
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Daniela Verzella
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Paola Arboretto
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Davide Vecchiotti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Daria Capece
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Guido Franzoso
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yu S, Chen C, Chen M, Liang J, Jiang K, Lou B, Lu J, Zhu X, Zhou D. MAGOH promotes gastric cancer progression via hnRNPA1 expression inhibition-mediated RONΔ160/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:32. [PMID: 38268030 PMCID: PMC10809607 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02946-8] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is associated with high mortality and heterogeneity and poses a great threat to humans. Gene therapies for the receptor tyrosine kinase RON and its spliceosomes are attracting increasing amounts of attention due to their unique characteristics. However, little is known about the mechanism involved in the formation of the RON mRNA alternative spliceosome RONΔ160. METHODS Fourteen human GC tissue samples and six normal gastric tissue samples were subjected to label-free relative quantitative proteomics analysis, and MAGOH was identified as a candidate protein for subsequent studies. The expression of MAGOH in clinical specimens was verified by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. We then determined the biological function of MAGOH in GC through in vitro and in vivo experiments. RNA pulldown, RNA sequencing and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were subsequently conducted to uncover the underlying mechanism by which MAGOH regulated the formation of RONΔ160. RESULTS Proteomic analysis revealed that MAGOH, which is located at key nodes and participates in RNA processing and mRNA splicing, was upregulated in GC tissue and GC cell lines and was associated with poor prognosis. Functional analysis showed that MAGOH promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, MAGOH inhibited the expression of hnRNPA1 and reduced the binding of hnRNPA1 to RON mRNA, thereby promoting the formation of RONΔ160 to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and consequently facilitating GC progression. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that MAGOH could promote the formation of RONΔ160 and activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through the inhibition of hnRNPA1 expression. We elucidate a novel mechanism and potential therapeutic targets for the growth and metastasis of GC based on the MAGOH-RONΔ160 axis, and these findings have important guiding significance and clinical value for the future development of effective therapeutic strategies for GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinxiao Liang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kecheng Jiang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Lou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Donghui Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Evidence implicating Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands (that together make up the 'Eph system') in cancer development and progression has been accumulating since the discovery of the first Eph receptor approximately 35 years ago. Advances in the past decade and a half have considerably increased the understanding of Eph receptor-ephrin signalling mechanisms in cancer and have uncovered intriguing new roles in cancer progression and drug resistance. This Review focuses mainly on these more recent developments. I provide an update on the different mechanisms of Eph receptor-ephrin-mediated cell-cell communication and cell autonomous signalling, as well as on the interplay of the Eph system with other signalling systems. I further discuss recent advances in elucidating how the Eph system controls tumour expansion, invasiveness and metastasis, supports cancer stem cells, and drives therapy resistance. In addition to functioning within cancer cells, the Eph system also mediates the reciprocal communication between cancer cells and cells of the tumour microenvironment. The involvement of the Eph system in tumour angiogenesis is well established, but recent findings also demonstrate roles in immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix. Lastly, I discuss strategies under evaluation for therapeutic targeting of Eph receptors-ephrins in cancer and conclude with an outlook on promising future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Borlongan MC, Saha D, Wang H. Tumor Microenvironment: A Niche for Cancer Stem Cell Immunotherapy. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:3-24. [PMID: 37861969 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10639-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Tumorigenic Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), often called tumor-initiating cells (TICs), represent a unique subset of cells within the tumor milieu. They stand apart from the bulk of tumor cells due to their exceptional self-renewal, metastatic, and differentiation capabilities. Despite significant progress in classifying CSCs, these cells remain notably resilient to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, contributing to cancer recurrence. In this review, our objective is to explore novel avenues of research that delve into the distinctive characteristics of CSCs within their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). We will start with an overview of the defining features of CSCs and then delve into their intricate interactions with cells from the lymphoid lineage, namely T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Furthermore, we will discuss their dynamic interplay with myeloid lineage cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Moreover, we will illuminate the crosstalk between CSCs and cells of mesenchymal origin, specifically fibroblasts, adipocytes, and endothelial cells. Subsequently, we will underscore the pivotal role of CSCs within the context of the tumor-associated extracellular matrix (ECM). Finally, we will highlight pre-clinical and clinical studies that target CSCs within the intricate landscape of the TME, including CAR-T therapy, oncolytic viruses, and CSC-vaccines, with the ultimate goal of uncovering novel avenues for CSC-based cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia C Borlongan
- College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA
| | - Dipongkor Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
| | - Hongbin Wang
- College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Graduate Studies, Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gomez-Soler M, Olson EJ, de la Torre ER, Zhao C, Lamberto I, Flood DT, Danho W, Lechtenberg BC, Riedl SJ, Dawson PE, Pasquale EB. Lipidation and PEGylation Strategies to Prolong the in Vivo Half-Life of a Nanomolar EphA4 Receptor Antagonist. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115876. [PMID: 38523699 PMCID: PMC10959496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115876] [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] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The EphA4 receptor tyrosine kinase plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases, inhibition of nerve regeneration, cancer progression and other diseases. Therefore, EphA4 inhibition has potential therapeutic value. Selective EphA4 kinase inhibitors are not available, but we identified peptide antagonists that inhibit ephrin ligand binding to EphA4 with high specificity. One of these peptides is the cyclic APY-d3 (βAPYCVYRβASWSC-NH2), which inhibits ephrin-A5 ligand binding to EphA4 with low nanomolar binding affinity and is highly protease resistant. Here we describe modifications of APY-d3 that yield two different key derivatives with greatly increased half-lives in the mouse circulation, the lipidated APY-d3-laur8 and the PEGylated APY-d3-PEG4. These two derivatives inhibit ligand induced EphA4 activation in cells with sub-micromolar potency. Since they retain high potency and specificity for EphA4, lipidated and PEGylated APY-d3 derivatives represent new tools for discriminating EphA4 activities in vivo and for preclinical testing of EphA4 inhibition in animal disease models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maricel Gomez-Soler
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Erika J. Olson
- Departments of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Elena Rubio de la Torre
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Chunxia Zhao
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Ilaria Lamberto
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Dillon T. Flood
- Departments of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Waleed Danho
- Del Mar, California 92014, United States
- Deceased
| | - Bernhard C. Lechtenberg
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Stefan J. Riedl
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Philip E. Dawson
- Departments of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Liu Q, Guo Z, Li G, Zhang Y, Liu X, Li B, Wang J, Li X. Cancer stem cells and their niche in cancer progression and therapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:305. [PMID: 38041196 PMCID: PMC10693166 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03130-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
High recurrence and metastasis rates and poor prognoses are the major challenges of current cancer therapy. Mounting evidence suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in cancer development, chemoradiotherapy resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Therefore, targeted CSC therapy has become a new strategy for solving the problems of cancer metastasis and recurrence. Since the properties of CSCs are regulated by the specific tumour microenvironment, the so-called CSC niche, which targets crosstalk between CSCs and their niches, is vital in our pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities to prevent cancer from recurring. In this review, we aim to highlight the factors within the CSC niche that have important roles in regulating CSC properties, including the extracellular matrix (ECM), stromal cells (e.g., associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)), and physiological changes (e.g., inflammation, hypoxia, and angiogenesis). We also discuss recent progress regarding therapies targeting CSCs and their niche to elucidate developments of more effective therapeutic strategies to eliminate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuping Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Zongliang Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030013, Shanxi, China
| | - Guoyin Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Yunxia Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Xiaomeng Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Bing Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Life Science and Agronomy, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, China
| | - Jinping Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanxi Province People's Hospital, Taiyuan, 030012, Shanxi, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of blood transfusion, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China.
- Department of central laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cao J, Zhang Z, Zhou L, Luo M, Li L, Li B, Nice EC, He W, Zheng S, Huang C. Oncofetal reprogramming in tumor development and progression: novel insights into cancer therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e427. [PMID: 38045829 PMCID: PMC10693315 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that cancer cells can mimic characteristics of embryonic development, promoting their development and progression. Cancer cells share features with embryonic development, characterized by robust proliferation and differentiation regulated by signaling pathways such as Wnt, Notch, hedgehog, and Hippo signaling. In certain phase, these cells also mimic embryonic diapause and fertilized egg implantation to evade treatments or immune elimination and promote metastasis. Additionally, the upregulation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, including multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), and breast cancer-resistant protein (BCRP), in drug-resistant cancer cells, analogous to their role in placental development, may facilitate chemotherapy efflux, further resulting in treatment resistance. In this review, we concentrate on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to tumor development and progression from the perspective of embryonic development, encompassing the dysregulation of developmental signaling pathways, the emergence of dormant cancer cells, immune microenvironment remodeling, and the hyperactivation of ABC transporters. Furthermore, we synthesize and emphasize the connections between cancer hallmarks and embryonic development, offering novel insights for the development of innovative cancer treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangjun Cao
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseasethe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Department of Infectious Diseasesthe Second Affiliated HospitalInstitute for Viral Hepatitis, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Maochao Luo
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lei Li
- Department of anorectal surgeryHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Edouard C. Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of TraumaBurn and Combined InjuryInstitute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Hainan Cancer Medical Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, the Hainan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major DiseasesHainan Medical UniversityHaikouChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of EducationHainan Medical UniversityHaikouChina
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen L, Liu CC, Zhu SY, Ge JY, Chen YF, Ma D, Shao ZM, Yu KD. Multiomics of HER2-low triple-negative breast cancer identifies a receptor tyrosine kinase-relevant subgroup with therapeutic prospects. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e172366. [PMID: 37991016 PMCID: PMC10721318 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172366] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To provide complementary information and reveal the molecular characteristics and therapeutic insights of HER2-low breast cancer, we performed this multiomics study of hormone receptor-negative (HR-) and HER2-low breast cancer, also known as HER2-low triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and identified 3 subgroups: basal-like, receptor tyrosine kinase-relevant (TKR), and mesenchymal stem-like. These 3 subgroups had distinct features and potential therapeutic targets and were validated in external data sets. Interestingly, the TKR subgroup (which exists in both HR+ and HR- breast cancer) had activated HER2 and downstream MAPK signaling. In vitro and in vivo patient-derived xenograft experiments revealed that pretreatment of the TKR subgroup with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (lapatinib or tucatinib) could inhibit HER2 signaling and induce accumulated expression of nonfunctional HER2, resulting in increased sensitivity to the sequential HER2-targeting, Ab-drug conjugate DS-8201. Our findings identify clinically relevant subgroups and provide potential therapeutic strategies for HER2-low TNBC subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lie Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Cui-Cui Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Yuan Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Yu Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Fei Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-Da Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Basak U, Sarkar T, Mukherjee S, Chakraborty S, Dutta A, Dutta S, Nayak D, Kaushik S, Das T, Sa G. Tumor-associated macrophages: an effective player of the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1295257. [PMID: 38035101 PMCID: PMC10687432 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1295257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is primarily caused by interactions between transformed cells and the components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). TAMs (tumor-associated macrophages) make up the majority of the invading immune components, which are further categorized as anti-tumor M1 and pro-tumor M2 subtypes. While M1 is known to have anti-cancer properties, M2 is recognized to extend a protective role to the tumor. As a result, the tumor manipulates the TME in such a way that it induces macrophage infiltration and M1 to M2 switching bias to secure its survival. This M2-TAM bias in the TME promotes cancer cell proliferation, neoangiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, matrix remodeling for metastatic support, and TME manipulation to an immunosuppressive state. TAMs additionally promote the emergence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are known for their ability to originate, metastasize, and relapse into tumors. CSCs also help M2-TAM by revealing immune escape and survival strategies during the initiation and relapse phases. This review describes the reasons for immunotherapy failure and, thereby, devises better strategies to impair the tumor-TAM crosstalk. This study will shed light on the understudied TAM-mediated tumor progression and address the much-needed holistic approach to anti-cancer therapy, which encompasses targeting cancer cells, CSCs, and TAMs all at the same time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Udit Basak
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Tania Sarkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Sumon Mukherjee
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Apratim Dutta
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Saikat Dutta
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Debadatta Nayak
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi, India
| | - Subhash Kaushik
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi, India
| | - Tanya Das
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Gaurisankar Sa
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chang M, Ellmaker K, Esposito A, Lauricella A, Pa S, Roberts M, Kurt RA. The Impact of Tumor-Associated Macrophages Found at Mammary Carcinoma Sites is Dependent Upon the Tumor Type. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:909-924. [PMID: 37647339 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2252463] [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] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, we reported that tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) at early sites of mammary carcinoma showed a decrease in ATP production rate and a higher dependence on oxidative phosphorylation. METHODS Since these changes can result from activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) during metabolic stress, we investigated whether the TAM showed increased expression of ampk and glut1, as well as another indicator of metabolic stress, pkm2. Indeed, the TAM exhibited significant expression of pkm2, glut1, and ampk. RESULTS Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) co-cultured with 4T1, EMT6, and 168 in vitro similarly showed increased expression of pkm2, glut1, and ampk. Moreover, lactate, which is expressed at significant levels by all three tumors, induced expression of these same genes in BMDM suggesting that lactate may induce a metabolic stress response in these TAM. Yet, the three different mammary carcinoma models benefited from different targeting strategies. Macrophage depletion studies revealed that the TAM contributed to growth of the EMT6 tumor and metastasis of the 4T1 tumor. Targeting the stress response with the Integrated Stress Response Inhibitor (ISRIB), which targets eIF2, impacted 168 tumor progression, and ISRIB as well as FX-11, which targets lactate dehydrogenase, impacted 4T1 tumor progression and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data demonstrate that targeting TAM or metabolism at early tumor sites can impact tumor progression. However, variability in the responses underscore the fact that the impact of macrophages differs even within three different syngeneic mammary carcinoma models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Musea Chang
- Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Abigail Esposito
- Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Sophea Pa
- Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meghan Roberts
- Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert A Kurt
- Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kong W, Gao Y, Zhao S, Yang H. Cancer stem cells: advances in the glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism. Mol Cell Biochem 2023:10.1007/s11010-023-04861-6. [PMID: 37882986 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04861-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a class of cells with self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation potential, which are present in most tumors, particularly in aggressive tumors, and perform a pivotal role in recurrence and metastasis and are expected to be one of the important targets for tumor therapy. Studies of tumor metabolism in recent years have found that the metabolic characteristics of CSCs are distinct from those of differentiated tumor cells, which are unique to CSCs and contribute to the maintenance of the stemness characteristics of CSCs. Moreover, these altered metabolic profiles can drive the transformation between CSCs and non-CSCs, implying that these metabolic alterations are important markers for CSCs to play their biological roles. The identification of metabolic changes in CSCs and their metabolic plasticity mechanisms may provide some new opportunities for tumor therapy. In this paper, we review the metabolism-related mechanisms of CSCs in order to provide a theoretical basis for their potential application in tumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weina Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Air Forth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yunge Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Air Forth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuhua Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Air Forth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Air Forth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zeng Z, Fu M, Hu Y, Wei Y, Wei X, Luo M. Regulation and signaling pathways in cancer stem cells: implications for targeted therapy for cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:172. [PMID: 37853437 PMCID: PMC10583419 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01877-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), initially identified in leukemia in 1994, constitute a distinct subset of tumor cells characterized by surface markers such as CD133, CD44, and ALDH. Their behavior is regulated through a complex interplay of networks, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, epigenetic, tumor microenvironment (TME), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors. Numerous signaling pathways were found to be involved in the regulatory network of CSCs. The maintenance of CSC characteristics plays a pivotal role in driving CSC-associated tumor metastasis and conferring resistance to therapy. Consequently, CSCs have emerged as promising targets in cancer treatment. To date, researchers have developed several anticancer agents tailored to specifically target CSCs, with some of these treatment strategies currently undergoing preclinical or clinical trials. In this review, we outline the origin and biological characteristics of CSCs, explore the regulatory networks governing CSCs, discuss the signaling pathways implicated in these networks, and investigate the influential factors contributing to therapy resistance in CSCs. Finally, we offer insights into preclinical and clinical agents designed to eliminate CSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zeng
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Minyang Fu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology Nursing, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li YR, Fang Y, Lyu Z, Zhu Y, Yang L. Exploring the dynamic interplay between cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment: implications for novel therapeutic strategies. J Transl Med 2023; 21:686. [PMID: 37784157 PMCID: PMC10546755 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as key contributors to tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. In addition, CSCs play a significant role in inducing immune evasion, thereby compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The reciprocal communication between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is observed, with the TME providing a supportive niche for CSC survival and self-renewal, while CSCs, in turn, influence the polarization and persistence of the TME, promoting an immunosuppressive state. Consequently, these interactions hinder the efficacy of current cancer therapies, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to modulate the TME and target CSCs. In this review, we highlight the intricate strategies employed by CSCs to evade immune surveillance and develop resistance to therapies. Furthermore, we examine the dynamic interplay between CSCs and the TME, shedding light on how this interaction impacts cancer progression. Moreover, we provide an overview of advanced therapeutic strategies that specifically target CSCs and the TME, which hold promise for future clinical and translational studies in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zibai Lyu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Soureas K, Papadimitriou MA, Panoutsopoulou K, Pilala KM, Scorilas A, Avgeris M. Cancer quiescence: non-coding RNAs in the spotlight. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:843-858. [PMID: 37516569 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Cancer quiescence reflects the ability of cancer cells to enter a reversible slow-cycling or mitotically dormant state and represents a powerful self-protecting mechanism preventing cancer cell 'damage' from hypoxic conditions, nutrient deprivation, immune surveillance, and (chemo)therapy. When stress conditions are restrained, and tumor microenvironment becomes beneficial, quiescent cancer cells re-enter cell cycle to facilitate tumor spread and cancer progression/metastasis. Recent studies have highlighted the dynamic role of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in orchestrating cancer quiescence. The elucidation of regulatory ncRNA networks will shed light on the quiescence-proliferation equilibrium and, ultimately, pave the way for new treatment options. Herein, we have summarized the ever-growing role of ncRNAs upon cancer quiescence regulation and their impact on treatment resistance and modern cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Soureas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry - Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'P. & A. Kyriakou' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Alexandra Papadimitriou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Panoutsopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina-Marina Pilala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Margaritis Avgeris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry - Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'P. & A. Kyriakou' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gao Q, Zhan Y, Sun L, Zhu W. Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment in Tumor Drug Resistance. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2141-2154. [PMID: 37477773 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10593-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Although there has been some progress in the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs, drug resistance remains challenging. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are self-renewing and differentiate into cancer tissues with tumor heterogeneity. CSCs are associated with the progression of breast, colon, and lung cancers. Hence, recent studies have focused on the role of CSCs in resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Increasing evidence suggests that CSCs interact with components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as vascular and immune cells, as well as various cytokines, and are regulated by multiple signaling pathways, thereby promoting drug resistance in various cancers. Therefore, it is important to clarify the mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between CSCs and the TME for the development of targeted anti-cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuzhi Gao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Yixiang Zhan
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jiang S, Deng T, Cheng H, Liu W, Shi D, Yuan J, He Z, Wang W, Chen B, Ma L, Zhang X, Gong P. Macrophage-organoid co-culture model for identifying treatment strategies against macrophage-related gemcitabine resistance. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:199. [PMID: 37553567 PMCID: PMC10411021 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02756-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gemcitabine resistance (GR) is a significant clinical challenge in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) treatment. Macrophages in the tumor immune-microenvironment are closely related to GR. Uncovering the macrophage-induced GR mechanism could help devise a novel strategy to improve gemcitabine treatment outcomes in PAAD. Therefore, preclinical models accurately replicating patient tumor properties are essential for cancer research and drug development. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) represent a promising in vitro model for investigating tumor targets, accelerating drug development, and enabling personalized treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes. METHODS To investigate the effects of macrophage stimulation on GR, co-cultures were set up using PDOs from three PAAD patients with macrophages. To identify signaling factors between macrophages and pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs), a 97-target cytokine array and the TCGA-GTEx database were utilized. The analysis revealed CCL5 and AREG as potential candidates. The role of CCL5 in inducing GR was further investigated using clinical data and tumor sections obtained from 48 PAAD patients over three years, inhibitors, and short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Furthermore, single-cell sequencing data from the GEO database were analyzed to explore the crosstalk between PCCs and macrophages. To overcome GR, inhibitors targeting the macrophage-CCL5-Sp1-AREG feedback loop were evaluated in cell lines, PDOs, and orthotopic mouse models of pancreatic carcinoma. RESULTS The macrophage-CCL5-Sp1-AREG feedback loop between macrophages and PCCs is responsible for GR. Macrophage-derived CCL5 activates the CCR5/AKT/Sp1/CD44 axis to confer stemness and chemoresistance to PCCs. PCC-derived AREG promotes CCL5 secretion in macrophages through the Hippo-YAP pathway. By targeting the feedback loop, mithramycin improves the outcome of gemcitabine treatment in PAAD. The results from the PDO model were corroborated with cell lines, mouse models, and clinical data. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights that the PDO model is a superior choice for preclinical research and precision medicine. The macrophage-CCL5-Sp1-AREG feedback loop confers stemness to PCCs to facilitate gemcitabine resistance by activating the CCR5/AKT/SP1/CD44 pathway. The combination of gemcitabine and mithramycin shows potential as a therapeutic strategy for treating PAAD in cell lines, PDOs, and mouse models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Jiang
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Xueyuan Road 1066, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Tingwei Deng
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Huan Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology, Dalian Medical University, Lvshun Road 9, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Weihan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Dalian Medical University, Lvshun Road 9, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Dan Shi
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Xueyuan Road 1066, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jiahui Yuan
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Xueyuan Road 1066, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhiwei He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Xueyuan Road 1066, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road 7, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Boning Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Road 7, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Li Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, Dalian Medical University, Lvshun Road 9, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
- Carson International Cancer Center & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 1066, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang X, Golino JL, Hawk NV, Xie C. Reciprocal Interaction of Cancer Stem Cells of Cholangiocarcinoma with Macrophage. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2013-2023. [PMID: 37249733 PMCID: PMC10390592 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10557-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is an aggressive type of liver cancer with few effective treatment options. Therefore, there is great need to better understand the biology of this malignancy to further development of novel treatment options. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to the underlying reason for cancer initiation, metastasis, and relapse. However, due to their elusive character and differences in identification among different types of cancer, it remains a challenge to study such cells. Additionally, characterization of the tumor microenvironment such as interactions with immune cells remain largely unknown. Here, we employ a fluorescent reporter system to track and isolate stem-like cancer cells of cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Following verification of a stem-like signature (upregulated expression of stemness markers, resistance to chemotherapy, increased spheroid formation, and tumorigenesis capabilities despite inoculation of a small number of cells), we analyzed the interaction of these cells with macrophages via direct and indirect coculture assays. We noted direct coculturing increased stemness among CSC populations and induced both M1 (CD80 and HLA-DR) and M2 (CD163) tumor associated macrophage polarization. These studies suggest that there is a bi-directional crosstalk between macrophages and CSCs that promotes stemness renewal and tumor associated macrophage polarization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Jihye L Golino
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Nga Voong Hawk
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Changqing Xie
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
- NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10 3B43, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhou S, Yu J. Crohn's disease and breast cancer: a literature review of the mechanisms and treatment. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:1303-1316. [PMID: 37138170 PMCID: PMC10412481 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03281-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
This is a literature review describes Crohn's disease (CD) concomitant with breast cancer and summarizes possible common pathogenic mechanisms shared by the two diseases involving the IL-17 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and Th17 cells in CD patients can induce activation of the ERK1/2, NF-κB and Bcl-2 pathways. Hub genes are involved in the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and are related to inflammatory mediators, including CXCL8, IL1-β and PTGS2, which promote inflammation and breast cancer growth, metastasis, and development. CD activity is highly associated with altered intestinal microbiota processes, including secretion of complex glucose polysaccharides by Ruminococcus gnavus colonies; furthermore, γ-proteobacteria and Clostridium are associated with CD recurrence and active CD, while Ruminococcaceae, Faecococcus and Vibrio desulfuris are associated with CD remission. Intestinal microbiota disorder promotes breast cancer occurrence and development. Bacteroides fragilis can produce toxins that induce breast epithelial hyperplasia and breast cancer growth and metastasis. Gut microbiota regulation can also improve chemotherapy and immunotherapy efficacy in breast cancer treatment. Intestinal inflammation can affects the brain through the brain-gut axis, which activates the hypothalamic‒pituitary‒adrenal (HPA) axis to induce anxiety and depression in patients; these effects can inhibit the antitumor immune responses of the immune system and promote breast cancer occurrence in patients with CD. There are few studies on the treatment of patients with CD concomitant with breast cancer, but published studies show three main strategies: new biological agents combined with breast cancer treatment methods, intestinal fecal bacteria transplantation, and dietary treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Pérez-González A, Bévant K, Blanpain C. Cancer cell plasticity during tumor progression, metastasis and response to therapy. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:1063-1082. [PMID: 37537300 PMCID: PMC7615147 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00595-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Cell plasticity represents the ability of cells to be reprogrammed and to change their fate and identity, enabling homeostasis restoration and tissue regeneration following damage. Cell plasticity also contributes to pathological conditions, such as cancer, enabling cells to acquire new phenotypic and functional features by transiting across distinct cell states that contribute to tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and resistance to therapy. Here, we review the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms driving cell plasticity that promote tumor growth and proliferation as well as metastasis and drug tolerance. Finally, we discuss how cell plasticity could be exploited for anti-cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pérez-González
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Bévant
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cédric Blanpain
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
- WELBIO, ULB, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bou Antoun N, Chioni AM. Dysregulated Signalling Pathways Driving Anticancer Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12222. [PMID: 37569598 PMCID: PMC10418675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the leading causes of death worldwide, in both men and women, is cancer. Despite the significant development in therapeutic strategies, the inevitable emergence of drug resistance limits the success and impedes the curative outcome. Intrinsic and acquired resistance are common mechanisms responsible for cancer relapse. Several factors crucially regulate tumourigenesis and resistance, including physical barriers, tumour microenvironment (TME), heterogeneity, genetic and epigenetic alterations, the immune system, tumour burden, growth kinetics and undruggable targets. Moreover, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), integrin-extracellular matrix (ECM), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphoinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), wingless-related integration site (Wnt/β-catenin), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) and RAS/RAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways are some of the key players that have a pivotal role in drug resistance mechanisms. To guide future cancer treatments and improve results, a deeper comprehension of drug resistance pathways is necessary. This review covers both intrinsic and acquired resistance and gives a comprehensive overview of recent research on mechanisms that enable cancer cells to bypass barriers put up by treatments, and, like "satellite navigation", find alternative routes by which to carry on their "journey" to cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Athina-Myrto Chioni
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Biomolecular Sciences Department, Kingston University London, Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 2EE, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lučić I, Kurtović M, Mlinarić M, Piteša N, Čipak Gašparović A, Sabol M, Milković L. Deciphering Common Traits of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells and Possible Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10683. [PMID: 37445860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) are among the most common and deadly cancers affecting women worldwide. Both are complex diseases with marked heterogeneity. Despite the induction of screening programs that increase the frequency of earlier diagnosis of BC, at a stage when the cancer is more likely to respond to therapy, which does not exist for OC, more than 50% of both cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Initial therapy can put the cancer into remission. However, recurrences occur frequently in both BC and OC, which are highly cancer-subtype dependent. Therapy resistance is mainly attributed to a rare subpopulation of cells, named cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-initiating cells, as they are capable of self-renewal, tumor initiation, and regrowth of tumor bulk. In this review, we will discuss the distinctive markers and signaling pathways that characterize CSC, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and the strategies they employ to evade immune surveillance. Our focus will be on identifying the common features of breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) and ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSC) and suggesting potential therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Lučić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Kurtović
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Mlinarić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Piteša
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Čipak Gašparović
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lidija Milković
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Canale FP, Neumann J, von Renesse J, Loggi E, Pecoraro M, Vogel I, Zoppi G, Antonini G, Wolf T, Jin W, Zheng X, La Barba G, Birgin E, Forkel M, Nilsson T, Marone R, Mueller H, Pelletier N, Jeker LT, Civenni G, Schlapbach C, Catapano CV, Seifert L, Seifert AM, Gillessen S, De Dosso S, Cristaudi A, Rahbari NN, Ercolani G, Geiger R. Proteomics of immune cells from liver tumors reveals immunotherapy targets. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100331. [PMID: 37388918 PMCID: PMC10300607 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating the mechanisms by which immune cells become dysfunctional in tumors is critical to developing next-generation immunotherapies. We profiled proteomes of cancer tissue as well as monocyte/macrophages, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and NK cells isolated from tumors, liver, and blood of 48 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. We found that tumor macrophages induce the sphingosine-1-phospate-degrading enzyme SGPL1, which dampened their inflammatory phenotype and anti-tumor function in vivo. We further discovered that the signaling scaffold protein AFAP1L2, typically only found in activated NK cells, is also upregulated in chronically stimulated CD8+ T cells in tumors. Ablation of AFAP1L2 in CD8+ T cells increased their viability upon repeated stimulation and enhanced their anti-tumor activity synergistically with PD-L1 blockade in mouse models. Our data reveal new targets for immunotherapy and provide a resource on immune cell proteomes in liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando P. Canale
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Julia Neumann
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Janusz von Renesse
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Loggi
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Pecoraro
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ian Vogel
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giada Zoppi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Gaia Antonini
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Wolf
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Wenjie Jin
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Xiaoqin Zheng
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giuliano La Barba
- General and Oncologic Surgery, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | - Emrullah Birgin
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marianne Forkel
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Infectious Diseases Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Nilsson
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Infectious Diseases Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Romina Marone
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Henrik Mueller
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Infectious Diseases Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nadege Pelletier
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Infectious Diseases Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas T. Jeker
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Civenni
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Schlapbach
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carlo V. Catapano
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Lena Seifert
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
| | - Adrian M. Seifert
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
| | - Silke Gillessen
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Sara De Dosso
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Cristaudi
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Nuh N. Rahbari
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Giorgio Ercolani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - DIMEC; Alma Mater Studiorum - Univeristy of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Ausl Romagna, Forlì, Italy
| | - Roger Geiger
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kvokačková B, Fedr R, Kužílková D, Stuchlý J, Vávrová A, Navrátil J, Fabian P, Ondruššek R, Ovesná P, Remšík J, Bouchal J, Kalina T, Souček K. Single-cell protein profiling defines cell populations associated with triple-negative breast cancer aggressiveness. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:1024-1040. [PMID: 36550781 PMCID: PMC10257414 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13365] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and complex subtype of breast cancer that lacks targeted therapy. TNBC manifests characteristic, extensive intratumoral heterogeneity that promotes disease progression and influences drug response. Single-cell techniques in combination with next-generation computation provide an unprecedented opportunity to identify molecular events with therapeutic potential. Here, we describe the generation of a comprehensive mass cytometry panel for multiparametric detection of 23 phenotypic markers and 13 signaling molecules. This single-cell proteomic approach allowed us to explore the landscape of TNBC heterogeneity, with particular emphasis on the tumor microenvironment. We prospectively profiled freshly resected tumors from 26 TNBC patients. These tumors contained phenotypically distinct subpopulations of cancer and stromal cells that were associated with the patient's clinical status at the time of surgery. We further classified the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity of tumor cells, and molecularly defined phenotypically diverse populations of tumor-associated stroma. Furthermore, in a retrospective tissue-microarray TNBC cohort, we showed that the level of CD97 at the time of surgery has prognostic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Kvokačková
- Department of CytokineticsInstitute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of SciencesBrnoCzech Republic
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrnoCzech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of ScienceMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Radek Fedr
- Department of CytokineticsInstitute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of SciencesBrnoCzech Republic
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Daniela Kužílková
- Childhood Leukaemia Investigation PragueCzech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, 2nd Faculty of MedicineCharles University Prague and University Hospital MotolCzech Republic
| | - Jan Stuchlý
- Childhood Leukaemia Investigation PragueCzech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, 2nd Faculty of MedicineCharles University Prague and University Hospital MotolCzech Republic
| | - Adéla Vávrová
- Childhood Leukaemia Investigation PragueCzech Republic
- Faculty of ScienceCharles University PragueCzech Republic
| | - Jiří Navrátil
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer CareMasaryk Memorial Cancer InstituteBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Pavel Fabian
- Department of Oncological PathologyMasaryk Memorial Cancer InstituteBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Róbert Ondruššek
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryPalacký University and University HospitalOlomoucCzech Republic
- Department of PathologyEUC Laboratoře CGB a.s.OstravaCzech Republic
| | - Petra Ovesná
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of MedicineMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Ján Remšík
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis ProgramMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew York CityNYUSA
| | - Jan Bouchal
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryPalacký University and University HospitalOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Tomáš Kalina
- Childhood Leukaemia Investigation PragueCzech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, 2nd Faculty of MedicineCharles University Prague and University Hospital MotolCzech Republic
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of CytokineticsInstitute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of SciencesBrnoCzech Republic
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrnoCzech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of ScienceMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
González-Callejo P, Gener P, Díaz-Riascos ZV, Conti S, Cámara-Sánchez P, Riera R, Mancilla S, García-Gabilondo M, Peg V, Arango D, Rosell A, Labernadie A, Trepat X, Albertazzi L, Schwartz S, Seras-Franzoso J, Abasolo I. Extracellular vesicles secreted by triple-negative breast cancer stem cells trigger premetastatic niche remodeling and metastatic growth in the lungs. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:2153-2165. [PMID: 36705298 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Tumor secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) are potent intercellular signaling platforms. They are responsible for the accommodation of the premetastatic niche (PMN) to support cancer cell engraftment and metastatic growth. However, complex cancer cell composition within the tumor increases also the heterogeneity among cancer secreted EVs subsets, a functional diversity that has been poorly explored. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in highly plastic and heterogenous triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), in which a significant representation of malignant cancer stem cells (CSCs) is displayed. Herein, we selectively isolated and characterized EVs from CSC or differentiated cancer cells (DCC; EVsCSC and EVsDCC , respectively) from the MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell line. Our results showed that EVsCSC and EVsDCC contain distinct bioactive cargos and therefore elicit a differential effect on stromal cells in the TME. Specifically, EVsDCC activated secretory cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), triggering IL-6/IL-8 signaling and sustaining CSC phenotype maintenance. Complementarily, EVsCSC promoted the activation of α-SMA+ myofibroblastic CAFs subpopulations and increased the endothelial remodeling, enhancing the invasive potential of TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, solely the EVsCSC mediated signaling prompted the transformation of healthy lungs into receptive niches able to support metastatic growth of breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia González-Callejo
- Drug Delivery & Targeting, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Petra Gener
- Drug Delivery & Targeting, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Zamira V Díaz-Riascos
- Drug Delivery & Targeting, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Functional Validation & Preclinical Research (FVPR), Vall d‧Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sefora Conti
- Integrative Cell and Tissue Dynamics Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Cámara-Sánchez
- Drug Delivery & Targeting, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Functional Validation & Preclinical Research (FVPR), Vall d‧Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger Riera
- Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Sandra Mancilla
- Drug Delivery & Targeting, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Functional Validation & Preclinical Research (FVPR), Vall d‧Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel García-Gabilondo
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d‧Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Passeig Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Peg
- Department of Pathology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Network Centre in Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Arango
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Biomedical Research in Digestive Tract Tumors, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Rosell
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d‧Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Passeig Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Labernadie
- Integrative Cell and Tissue Dynamics Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Trepat
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Integrative Cell and Tissue Dynamics Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Albertazzi
- Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Simó Schwartz
- Drug Delivery & Targeting, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquin Seras-Franzoso
- Drug Delivery & Targeting, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ibane Abasolo
- Drug Delivery & Targeting, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Functional Validation & Preclinical Research (FVPR), Vall d‧Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kong M, Li Y, Wang K, Zhang S, Ji Y. Infantile hemangioma models: is the needle in a haystack? J Transl Med 2023; 21:308. [PMID: 37149592 PMCID: PMC10163722 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04144-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most prevalent benign vascular tumor in infants, with distinct disease stages and durations. Despite the fact that the majority of IHs can regress spontaneously, a small percentage can cause disfigurement or even be fatal. The mechanisms underlying the development of IH have not been fully elucidated. Establishing stable and reliable IH models provides a standardized experimental platform for elucidating its pathogenesis, thereby facilitating the development of new drugs and the identification of effective treatments. Common IH models include the cell suspension implantation model, the viral gene transfer model, the tissue block transplantation model, and the most recent three-dimensional (3D) microtumor model. This article summarizes the research progress and clinical utility of various IH models, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each. Researchers should select distinct IH models based on their individual research objectives to achieve their anticipated experimental objectives, thereby increasing the clinical relevance of their findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Kong
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, #37# Guo-Xue-Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, #37# Guo-Xue-Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, #37# Guo-Xue-Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shisong Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, #23976# Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250022, China.
| | - Yi Ji
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, #37# Guo-Xue-Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Radiation prevents tumor progression by inhibiting the miR‑93‑5p/EphA4/NF‑κB pathway in triple‑negative breast cancer. Oncol Rep 2023; 49:78. [PMID: 36866759 PMCID: PMC10018453 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8515] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer in women. Triple‑negative BC (TNBC) constitutes 10‑15% of all BC cases and is associated with a poor prognosis. It has previously been reported that microRNA (miR)‑93‑5p is dysregulated in plasma exosomes from patients with BC and that miR‑93‑5p improves radiosensitivity in BC cells. The present study identified EphA4 as a potential target gene of miR‑93‑5p and investigated the pathway related to miR‑93‑5p in TNBC. Cell transfection and nude mouse experiments were performed to verify the role of the miR‑93‑5p/EphA4/NF‑κB pathway. Moreover, miR‑93‑5p, EphA4 and NF‑κB were detected in clinical patients. The results revealed that EphA4 and NF‑κB were downregulated in the miR‑93‑5p overexpression group. By contrast, EphA4 and NF‑κB expression levels were not significantly altered in the miR‑93‑5p overexpression + radiation group compared with those in the radiation group. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‑93‑5p with concomitant radiation therapy significantly decreased the growth of TNBC tumors in vivo. In conclusion, the present study revealed that miR‑93‑5p targeted EphA4 in TNBC through the NF‑κB pathway. However, radiation therapy prevented tumor progression by inhibiting the miR‑93‑5p/EphA4/NF‑κB pathway. Therefore, it would be interesting to elucidate the role of miR‑93‑5p in clinical research.
Collapse
|
38
|
Donnenberg VS, Luketich JD, Sultan I, Lister J, Bartlett DL, Ghosh S, Donnenberg AD. A maladaptive pleural environment suppresses preexisting anti-tumor activity of pleural infiltrating T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1157697. [PMID: 37063842 PMCID: PMC10097923 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1157697] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Treatment options for patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPE) are limited due, at least in part, to the unique environment of the pleural space, which drives an aggressive tumor state and governs the behavior of infiltrating immune cells. Modulation of the pleural environment may be a necessary step toward the development of effective treatments. We examine immune checkpoint molecule (ICM) expression on pleural T cells, the secretomes of pleural fluid, pleural infiltrating T cells (PIT), and ability to activate PIT ex vivo. Methods ICM expression was determined on freshly drained and in vitro activated PIT from breast, lung and renal cell cancer. Secretomics (63 analytes) of activated PIT, primary tumor cultures and MPE fluid was determined using Luminex technology. Complementary digital spatial proteomic profiling (42 analytes) of CD45+ MPE cells was done using the Nanostring GeoMx platform. Cytolytic activity was measured against autologous tumor targets. Results ICM expression was low on freshy isolated PIT; regulatory T cells (T-reg) were not detectable by GeoMx. In vitro activated PIT coexpressed PD-1, LAG-3 and TIGIT but were highly cytotoxic against autologous tumor and uniquely secreted cytokines and chemokines in the > 100 pM range. These included CCL4, CCL3, granzyme B, IL-13, TNFα, IL-2 IFNγ, GM-CSF, and perforin. Activated PIT also secreted high levels of IL-6, IL-8 and sIL-6Rα, which contribute to polarization of the pleural environment toward wound healing and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Addition of IL-6Rα antagonist to cultures reversed tumor EMT but did not alter PIT activation, cytokine secretion or cytotoxicity. Discussion Despite the negative environment, immune effector cells are plentiful, persist in MPE in a quiescent state, and are easily activated and expanded in culture. Low expression of ICM on native PIT may explain reported lack of responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade. The potent cytotoxic activity of activated PIT and a proof-of-concept clinical scale GMP-expansion experiment support their promise as a cellular therapeutic. We expect that a successful approach will require combining cellular therapy with pleural conditioning using immune checkpoint blockers together with inhibitors of upstream master cytokines such as the IL-6/IL-6R axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera S. Donnenberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Centers, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - James D. Luketich
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Centers, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ibrahim Sultan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - John Lister
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David L. Bartlett
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sohini Ghosh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Albert D. Donnenberg
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Centers, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
PMN-MDSCs modulated by CCL20 from cancer cells promoted breast cancer cell stemness through CXCL2-CXCR2 pathway. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:97. [PMID: 36859354 PMCID: PMC9977784 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01337-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have showed that C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) advanced tumor progression and enhanced the chemoresistance of cancer cells by positively regulating breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) self-renewal. However, it is unclear whether CCL20 affects breast cancer progression by remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we observed that polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) were remarkably enriched in TME of CCL20-overexpressing cancer cell orthotopic allograft tumors. Mechanistically, CCL20 activated the differentiation of granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMPs) via its receptor C-C motif chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) leading to the PMN-MDSC expansion. PMN-MDSCs from CCL20-overexpressing cell orthotopic allograft tumors (CCL20-modulated PMN-MDSCs) secreted amounts of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2) and increased ALDH+ BCSCs via activating CXCR2/NOTCH1/HEY1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) antagonist SB225002 enhanced the docetaxel (DTX) effects on tumor growth by decreasing BCSCs in CCL20high-expressing tumors. These findings elucidated how CCL20 modulated the TME to promote cancer development, indicating a new therapeutic strategy by interfering with the interaction between PMN-MDSCs and BCSCs in breast cancer, especially in CCL20high-expressing breast cancer.
Collapse
|
40
|
Razi S, Yaghmoorian Khojini J, Kargarijam F, Panahi S, Tahershamsi Z, Tajbakhsh A, Gheibihayat SM. Macrophage efferocytosis in health and disease. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:152-165. [PMID: 36794573 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Creating cellular homeostasis within a defined tissue typically relates to the processes of apoptosis and efferocytosis. A great example here is cell debris that must be removed to prevent unwanted inflammatory responses and then reduce autoimmunity. In view of that, defective efferocytosis is often assumed to be responsible for the improper clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs). This predicament triggers off inflammation and even results in disease development. Any disruption of phagocytic receptors, molecules as bridging groups, or signaling routes can also inhibit macrophage efferocytosis and lead to the impaired clearance of the apoptotic body. In this line, macrophages as professional phagocytic cells take the lead in the efferocytosis process. As well, insufficiency in macrophage efferocytosis facilitates the spread of a wide variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, kidney problems, types of cancer, asthma, and the like. Establishing the functions of macrophages in this respect can be thus useful in the treatment of many diseases. Against this background, this review aimed to recapitulate the knowledge about the mechanisms related to macrophage polarization under physiological or pathological conditions, and shed light on its interaction with efferocytosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shokufeh Razi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Yaghmoorian Khojini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fateme Kargarijam
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences and Advanced Technology in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Susan Panahi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Zahra Tahershamsi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Tajbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Gheibihayat
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Tumour progression is modulated by the local microenvironment. This environment is populated by many immune cells, of which macrophages are among the most abundant. Clinical correlative data and a plethora of preclinical studies in mouse models of cancers have shown that tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a cancer-promoting role. Within the primary tumour, TAMs promote tumour cell invasion and intravasation and tumour stem cell viability and induce angiogenesis. At the metastatic site, metastasis-associated macrophages promote extravasation, tumour cell survival and persistent growth, as well as maintain tumour cell dormancy in some contexts. In both the primary and metastatic sites, TAMs are suppressive to the activities of cytotoxic T and natural killer cells that have the potential to eradicate tumours. Such activities suggest that TAMs will be a major target for therapeutic intervention. In this Perspective article, we chronologically explore the evolution of our understanding of TAM biology put into the context of major enabling advances in macrophage biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey W Pollard
- MRC-Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Al-Holou WN, Wang H, Ravikumar V, Shankar S, Oneka M, Fehmi Z, Verhaak RG, Kim H, Pratt D, Camelo-Piragua S, Speers C, Wahl DR, Hollon T, Sagher O, Heth JA, Muraszko KM, Lawrence TS, de Carvalho AC, Mikkelsen T, Rao A, Rehemtulla A. Subclonal evolution and expansion of spatially distinct THY1-positive cells is associated with recurrence in glioblastoma. Neoplasia 2023; 36:100872. [PMID: 36621024 PMCID: PMC9841165 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastoma(GBM) is a lethal disease characterized by inevitable recurrence. Here we investigate the molecular pathways mediating resistance, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic opportunities. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We developed a longitudinal in vivo recurrence model utilizing patient-derived explants to produce paired specimens(pre- and post-recurrence) following temozolomide(TMZ) and radiation(IR). These specimens were evaluated for treatment response and to identify gene expression pathways driving treatment resistance. Findings were clinically validated using spatial transcriptomics of human GBMs. RESULTS These studies reveal in replicate cohorts, a gene expression profile characterized by upregulation of mesenchymal and stem-like genes at recurrence. Analyses of clinical databases revealed significant association of this transcriptional profile with worse overall survival and upregulation at recurrence. Notably, gene expression analyses identified upregulation of TGFβ signaling, and more than one-hundred-fold increase in THY1 levels at recurrence. Furthermore, THY1-positive cells represented <10% of cells in treatment-naïve tumors, compared to 75-96% in recurrent tumors. We then isolated THY1-positive cells from treatment-naïve patient samples and determined that they were inherently resistant to chemoradiation in orthotopic models. Additionally, using image-guided biopsies from treatment-naïve human GBM, we conducted spatial transcriptomic analyses. This revealed rare THY1+ regions characterized by mesenchymal/stem-like gene expression, analogous to our recurrent mouse model, which co-localized with macrophages within the perivascular niche. We then inhibited TGFBRI activity in vivo which decreased mesenchymal/stem-like protein levels, including THY1, and restored sensitivity to TMZ/IR in recurrent tumors. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal that GBM recurrence may result from tumor repopulation by pre-existing, therapy-resistant, THY1-positive, mesenchymal cells within the perivascular niche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wajd N Al-Holou
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Hanxiao Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, NCRC 520, Room 1342, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States; AstraZeneca, United States
| | - Visweswaran Ravikumar
- Department of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Sunita Shankar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Morgan Oneka
- Department of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Ziad Fehmi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | | | - Hoon Kim
- The Jackson Laboratory, Farmington, CT 06032, United States; Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea
| | - Drew Pratt
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, United States
| | | | - Corey Speers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, NCRC 520, Room 1342, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
| | - Daniel R Wahl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, NCRC 520, Room 1342, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
| | - Todd Hollon
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Oren Sagher
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Jason A Heth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Karin M Muraszko
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Theodore S Lawrence
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, NCRC 520, Room 1342, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
| | - Ana C de Carvalho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
| | - Tom Mikkelsen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
| | - Arvind Rao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, NCRC 520, Room 1342, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States; Department of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Alnawaz Rehemtulla
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, NCRC 520, Room 1342, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Eph Receptors in Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020315. [PMID: 36830852 PMCID: PMC9953285 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Eph receptor tyrosine kinases play critical functions during development, in the formation of tissue and organ borders, and the vascular and neural systems. Uniquely among tyrosine kinases, their activities are controlled by binding to membrane-bound ligands, called ephrins. Ephs and ephrins generally have a low expression in adults, functioning mainly in tissue homeostasis and plasticity, but are often overexpressed in cancers, where they are especially associated with undifferentiated or progenitor cells, and with tumour development, vasculature, and invasion. Mutations in Eph receptors also occur in various tumour types and are suspected to promote tumourigenesis. Ephs and ephrins have the capacity to operate as both tumour promoters and tumour suppressors, depending on the circumstances. They have been demonstrated to impact tumour cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as tumour development, angiogenesis, and metastases in vivo, making them potential therapeutic targets. However, successful development of therapies will require detailed understanding of the opposing roles of Ephs in various cancers. In this review, we discuss the variations in Eph expression and functions in a variety of malignancies. We also describe the multiple strategies that are currently available to target them in tumours, including preclinical and clinical development.
Collapse
|
44
|
Cancer Stem Cell Relationship with Pro-Tumoral Inflammatory Microenvironment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010189. [PMID: 36672697 PMCID: PMC9855358 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010189] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory processes and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are increasingly recognized as factors in the development of tumors. Emerging evidence indicates that CSCs are associated with cancer properties such as metastasis, treatment resistance, and disease recurrence. However, the precise interaction between CSCs and the immune microenvironment remains unexplored. Although evasion of the immune system by CSCs has been extensively studied, new research demonstrates that CSCs can also control and even profit from the immune response. This review provides an overview of the reciprocal interplay between CSCs and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, collecting pertinent data about how CSCs stimulate leukocyte reprogramming, resulting in pro-tumor immune cells that promote metastasis, chemoresistance, tumorigenicity, and even a rise in the number of CSCs. Tumor-associated macrophages, neutrophils, Th17 and regulatory T cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as the signaling pathways involved in these pro-tumor activities, are among the immune cells studied. Although cytotoxic leukocytes have the potential to eliminate CSCs, immune evasion mechanisms in CSCs and their clinical implications are also known. We intended to compile experimental findings that provide direct evidence of interactions between CSCs and the immune system and CSCs and the inflammatory milieu. In addition, we aimed to summarize key concepts in order to comprehend the cross-talk between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment as a crucial process for the effective design of anti-CSC therapies.
Collapse
|
45
|
Miao Y, Wang S, Zhang B, Liu L. Carbon dot-based nanomaterials: a promising future nano-platform for targeting tumor-associated macrophages. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133238. [PMID: 37205099 PMCID: PMC10186348 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133238] [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: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is the internal environment that tumors depend on for survival and development. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), as an important part of the tumor microenvironment, which plays a crucial role in the occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis of various malignant tumors and has immunosuppressant ability. With the development of immunotherapy, eradicating cancer cells by activating the innate immune system has yielded encouraging results, however only a minority of patients show a lasting response. Therefore, in vivo imaging of dynamic TAMs is crucial in patient-tailored immunotherapy to identify patients who will benefit from immunotherapy, monitor efficacy after treatment, and identify alternative strategies for non-responders. Meanwhile, developing nanomedicines based on TAMs-related antitumor mechanisms to effectively inhibit tumor growth is expected to become a promising research field. Carbon dots (CDs), as an emerging member of the carbon material family, exhibit unexpected superiority in fluorescence imaging/sensing, such as near infrared imaging, photostability, biocompatibility and low toxicity. Their characteristics naturally integrate therapy and diagnosis, and when CDs are combined with targeted chemical/genetic/photodynamic/photothermal therapeutic moieties, they are good candidates for targeting TAMs. We concentrate our discussion on the current learn of TAMs and describe recent examples of macrophage modulation based on carbon dot-associated nanoparticles, emphasizing the advantages of their multifunctional platform and their potential for TAMs theranostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lin Liu
- *Correspondence: Butian Zhang, ; Lin Liu,
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
The Role of Cancer Stem Cells and Their Extracellular Vesicles in the Modulation of the Antitumor Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010395. [PMID: 36613838 PMCID: PMC9820747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a population of tumor cells that share similar properties to normal stem cells. CSCs are able to promote tumor progression and recurrence due to their resistance to chemotherapy and ability to stimulate angiogenesis and differentiate into non-CSCs. Cancer stem cells can also create a significant immunosuppressive environment around themselves by suppressing the activity of effector immune cells and recruiting cells that support tumor escape from immune response. The immunosuppressive effect of CSCs can be mediated by receptors located on their surface, as well as by secreted molecules, which transfer immunosuppressive signals to the cells of tumor microenvironment. In this article, the ability of CSCs to regulate the antitumor immune response and a contribution of CSC-derived EVs into the avoidance of the immune response are discussed.
Collapse
|
47
|
Macrophages as a Potential Immunotherapeutic Target in Solid Cancers. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 11:vaccines11010055. [PMID: 36679900 PMCID: PMC9863216 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The revolution in cancer immunotherapy over the last few decades has resulted in a paradigm shift in the clinical care of cancer. Most of the cancer immunotherapeutic regimens approved so far have relied on modulating the adaptive immune system. In recent years, strategies and approaches targeting the components of innate immunity have become widely recognized for their efficacy in targeting solid cancers. Macrophages are effector cells of the innate immune system, which can play a crucial role in the generation of anti-tumor immunity through their ability to phagocytose cancer cells and present tumor antigens to the cells of adaptive immunity. However, the macrophages that are recruited to the tumor microenvironment predominantly play pro-tumorigenic roles. Several strategies targeting pro-tumorigenic functions and harnessing the anti-tumorigenic properties of macrophages have shown promising results in preclinical studies, and a few of them have also advanced to clinical trials. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the pathobiology of TAMs and their role in the progression of solid malignancies. We discuss various mechanisms through which TAMs promote tumor progression, such as inflammation, genomic instability, tumor growth, cancer stem cell formation, angiogenesis, EMT and metastasis, tissue remodeling, and immunosuppression, etc. In addition, we also discuss potential therapeutic strategies for targeting TAMs and explore how macrophages can be used as a tool for next-generation immunotherapy for the treatment of solid malignancies.
Collapse
|
48
|
The Emerging Role of Tumor Microenvironmental Stimuli in Regulating Metabolic Rewiring of Liver Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010005. [PMID: 36612000 PMCID: PMC9817521 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most devastating cancers worldwide. Extensive phenotypical and functional heterogeneity is a cardinal hallmark of cancer, including PLC, and is related to the cancer stem cell (CSC) concept. CSCs are responsible for tumor growth, progression, relapse and resistance to conventional therapies. Metabolic reprogramming represents an emerging hallmark of cancer. Cancer cells, including CSCs, are very plastic and possess the dynamic ability to constantly shift between different metabolic states depending on various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, therefore amplifying the complexity of understanding tumor heterogeneity. Besides the well-known Warburg effect, several other metabolic pathways including lipids and iron metabolism are altered in PLC. An increasing number of studies supports the role of the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME) in the metabolic control of liver CSCs. In this review, we discuss the complex metabolic rewiring affecting liver cancer cells and, in particular, liver CSCs. Moreover, we highlight the role of TME cellular and noncellular components in regulating liver CSC metabolic plasticity. Deciphering the specific mechanisms regulating liver CSC-TME metabolic interplay could be very helpful with respect to the development of more effective and innovative combinatorial therapies for PLC treatment.
Collapse
|
49
|
The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Regulating the Plasticity of Osteosarcoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416155. [PMID: 36555795 PMCID: PMC9788144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416155] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignancy that is becoming increasingly common in adolescents. OS stem cells (OSCs) form a dynamic subset of OS cells that are responsible for malignant progression and chemoradiotherapy resistance. The unique properties of OSCs, including self-renewal, multilineage differentiation and metastatic potential, 149 depend closely on their tumor microenvironment. In recent years, the likelihood of its dynamic plasticity has been extensively studied. Importantly, the tumor microenvironment appears to act as the main regulatory component of OS cell plasticity. For these reasons aforementioned, novel strategies for OS treatment focusing on modulating OS cell plasticity and the possibility of modulating the composition of the tumor microenvironment are currently being explored. In this paper, we review recent studies describing the phenomenon of OSCs and factors known to influence phenotypic plasticity. The microenvironment, which can regulate OSC plasticity, has great potential for clinical exploitation and provides different perspectives for drug and treatment design for OS.
Collapse
|
50
|
Immune Checkpoint and Other Receptor-Ligand Pairs Modulating Macrophages in Cancer: Present and Prospects. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235963. [PMID: 36497444 PMCID: PMC9736575 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235963] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint blocking, has become the primary anti-tumor treatment in recent years. However, the current immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is far from satisfactory. Macrophages are a key component of anti-tumor immunity as they are a common immune cell subset in tumor tissues and act as a link between innate and adaptive immunity. Hence, understanding the regulation of macrophage activation in tumor tissues by receptor-ligand interaction will provide promising macrophage-targeting strategies to complement current adaptive immunity-based immunotherapy and traditional anti-tumor treatment. This review aims to offer a systematic summary of the current advances in number, structure, expression, biological function, and interplay of immune checkpoint and other receptor-ligand between macrophages and tumor cells.
Collapse
|