Emerging cytokine networks in colorectal cancer

Associations of ultraprocessed food consumption with mortality among participants with a history of cancer: a prospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

Although high ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption has been linked with increased mortality risk in the general population, whether UPFs harm participants with a history of cancer remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the association of UPF consumption with mortality among participants with a history of cancer.

METHODS

Prospective cohort analysis was conducted on 13,640 participants with a history of cancer from the UK Biobank. UPFs were defined by the Nova classification. UPF consumption was calculated as the weight proportion of UPFs in the total food consumption. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between UPF consumption and mortality among participants with a history of cancer.

RESULTS

The median UPF consumption was 29.25% (interquartile range [IQR]: 19.46%-40.62%) for males and 25.81% (IQR: 16.61%-36.35%) for females in the total diet among participants with a history of cancer. During a median follow-up of 10.77 years, 1611 deaths were documented. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) among participants in the highest quartile of UPF consumption relative to the lowest were 1.17 (1.02, 1.35) for all-cause mortality and 1.22 (1.03, 1.44) for cancer-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher UPF consumption after the diagnosis among participants with a history of cancer is associated with higher risk of mortality.

Mechanism of probiotics in the intervention of colorectal cancer: a review

The human microbiome interacts with the host mainly in the intestinal lumen, where putrefactive bacteria are suggested to promote colorectal cancer (CRC). In contrast, probiotics and their isolated components and secreted substances, display anti-tumor properties due to their ability to modulate gut microbiota composition, promote apoptosis, enhance immunity, resist oxidation and alter metabolism. Probiotics help to form a solid intestinal barrier against damaging agents via altering the gut microbiota and preventing harmful microbes from colonization. Probiotic strains that specifically target essential proteins involved in the process of apoptosis can overcome CRC resistance to apoptosis. They can increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, essential in preventing carcinogenesis, and eliminate cancer cells by activating T cell-mediated immune responses. There is a clear indication that probiotics optimize the antioxidant system, decrease radical generation, and detect and degrade potential carcinogens. In this review, the pathogenic mechanisms of pathogens in CRC and the recent insights into the mechanism of probiotics in CRC prevention and therapy are discussed to provide a reference for the actual application of probiotics in CRC.

IL-10 polymorphism genotypes, haplotypes, and diplotypes are associated with colorectal cancer predisposition and outcome in Tunisian population

Background and aim

As the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interleukin (IL)-10 gene continues to be a major challenge in the development of effective therapies for digestive cancers, this case-control study was conducted to assess the possible influence of genotype, haplotype and diplotype for two SNPs (-1082A/G (rs1800896) and -592A/C (rs1800872)) located in the promoter region of IL-10 gene on the incidence, severity and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Tunisians.

Methods

IL-10 gene SNPs were analyzed in 130 CRC cases and 165 healthy subjects (HS) using PCR-SSP.

Results

For the IL-10 -1082A/G SNP, the comparison of genotype frequencies between cases and HS groups showed that the G allele significantly reduced CRC risk under the recessive model (GG vs. AA + AG: OR [95%CI] = 0.44 [0.21-0.93], p = 0.03). Conversely, a positive association was observed between the codominant model (AG vs. AA + GG) and high susceptibility (OR [95%CI] = 1.65 [1.02-2.63], p = 0.04). After stratification by disease site, the recessive model was also found to reduce susceptibility to colon cancer (OR [95%CI] = 0.18 [0.04-0.72], p = 0 0.01), while the homozygote model (AA vs. GG) was suggested as a risk factor (OR [95%CI] = 5.16 [1.31-23.26], p = 0.02). Furthermore, the codominant model (AG vs. AA + GG) doubled the risk of rectum cancer (OR [95%CI] = 1.98 [1.07-3.70], p = 0.03). For the IL-10 -592A/C SNP, the codominant model (AC vs. AA + CC) has a protective effect against the development of CRC (OR [95%CI] = 0.59 [0.36-0.94], p = 0.03). The IL-10 gene haplotype was not associated with CRC risk. A stratified analysis by disease site demonstrated that the presence of Hap3 (-1082G and -592C alleles) specifically reduced the risk of developing colon cancer (OR [95%CI] = 0.51 [0.32-0.80], p = 0.003). Moreover, homozygous Hap3/Hap3 diplotype significantly reduced susceptibility to CRC (OR [95%CI] = 0.35 [0.14-0.85], p = 0.02). Interestingly, this diplotype has not been identified in colon cancer patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the homozygous Hap2/Hap2 diplotype was significantly associated with decreased overall survival (Log-rank: p = 0.01). This association was also observed in the colon cancer subgroup (Log-rank: p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings provide preliminary indications that the -1082A/G and -592/AC SNPs within the IL-10 gene may exhibit significant associations with the pathogenesis and prognostic outcomes of CRC. However, further investigations are still warranted to validate and establish the veracity of our findings.

Decoding immune-related gene-signatures in colorectal neoplasia

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health issue, with notable incidence rates in Norway. The immune response plays a dual role in CRC, offering both protective effects and promoting tumor growth. This research aims to provide a detailed screening of immune-related genes and identify specific genes in CRC and adenomatous polyps within the Norwegian population, potentially serving as detection biomarkers.

Methods

The study involved 69 patients (228 biopsies) undergoing colonoscopy, divided into CRC, adenomatous polyps, and control groups. We examined the expression of 579 immune genes through nCounter analysis emphasizing differential expression in tumor versus adjacent non-tumorous tissue and performed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) across patient categories.

Results

Key findings include the elevated expression of CXCL1, CXCL2, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8 (IL8), PTGS2, and SPP1 in CRC tissues. Additionally, CXCL1, CXCL2, IL6, CXCL8, and PTGS2 showed significant expression changes in adenomatous polyps, suggesting their early involvement in carcinogenesis.

Conclusions

This study uncovers a distinctive immunological signature in colorectal neoplasia among Norwegians, highlighting CXCL1, CXCL2, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, PTGS2, and SPP1 as potential CRC biomarkers. These findings warrant further research to confirm their role and explore their utility in non-invasive screening strategies.

Mechanism of bufalin inhibition of colon cancer liver metastasis by regulating M2-type polarization of Kupffer cells induced by highly metastatic colon cancer cells

Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer often have poor outcomes, primarily due to hepatic metastasis. Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells have the ability to secrete cytokines and other molecules that can remodel the tumor microenvironment, facilitating the spread of cancer to the liver. Kupffer cells (KCs), which are macrophages in the liver, can be polarized to M2 type, thereby promoting the expression of adhesion molecules that aid in tumor metastasis. Our research has shown that huachanshu (with bufalin as the main active monomer) can effectively inhibit CRC metastasis. However, the underlying mechanism still needs to be thoroughly investigated. We have observed that highly metastatic CRC cells have a greater ability to induce M2-type polarization of Kupffer cells, leading to enhanced metastasis. Interestingly, we have found that inhibiting the expression of IL-6, which is highly expressed in the serum, can reverse this phenomenon. Notably, bufalin has been shown to attenuate the M2-type polarization of Kupffer cells induced by highly metastatic Colorectal cancer (mCRC) cells and down-regulate IL-6 expression, ultimately inhibiting tumor metastasis. In this project, our aim is to study how high mCRC cells induce M2-type polarization and how bufalin, via the SRC-3/IL-6 pathway, can inhibit CRC metastasis. This research will provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the anti-CRC effect of bufalin.

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 2 is a prognostic marker in colorectal cancer and promotes its progression by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway

BACKGROUND

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 2 (IFITM2) is involved in repressing viral infection. This study aim to investigate the expression of IFITM2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and explore its effect on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

METHODS

We analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for IFITM2 expression in colorectal cancer and used western blots to detect IFITM2 protein in specimens and cell lines of colorectal cancers. To assess the association between IFITM2 and clinical features, both univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis were conducted. Kaplan-Meier plots were used in the TCGA database to assess IFITM2 gene expression's prognostic significance. Silencing IFITM2 in SW480 and HCT116 cells was achieved by transient transfection with siRNA. Proliferation of CRCs was examined using Cell Counting Kit-8. The effect of IFITM2 on the migration and invasion of CRC cells was studied using wound healing and transwell assays. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to examine IFITM2-associated pathways and Western blotting was used to confirm it.

RESULTS

IFITM2 was over-expressed in the CRC tissues and cells, with high IFITM2 expression related to the tumor N, M, and pathologic stages. The presence of IFITM2 significantly impacted patient survival in CRC. The proliferation of SW480 and HCT116 cells was suppressed when IFITM2 was silenced, resulting in weakened migration and invasion of CRC cells. GSEA analysis showed that IFITM2 was positively related to the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway, and western blot results confirmed that IFITM2 activated it.

CONCLUSIONS

IFITM2 was over-expressed in CRC and modulated the PI3K/AKT pathway to promote CRC cells proliferation and metastasis.

CytoSIP: an annotated structural atlas for interactions involving cytokines or cytokine receptors

Therapeutic agents targeting cytokine-cytokine receptor (CK-CKR) interactions lead to the disruption in cellular signaling and are effective in treating many diseases including tumors. However, a lack of universal and quick access to annotated structural surface regions on CK/CKR has limited the progress of a structure-driven approach in developing targeted macromolecular drugs and precision medicine therapeutics. Herein we develop CytoSIP (Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), Interface, and Phenotype), a rich internet application based on a database of atomic interactions around hotspots in experimentally determined CK/CKR structural complexes. CytoSIP contains: (1) SNPs on CK/CKR; (2) interactions involving CK/CKR domains, including CK/CKR interfaces, oligomeric interfaces, epitopes, or other drug targeting surfaces; and (3) diseases and phenotypes associated with CK/CKR or SNPs. The database framework introduces a unique tri-level SIP data model to bridge genetic variants (atomic level) to disease phenotypes (organism level) using protein structure (complexes) as an underlying framework (molecule level). Customized screening tools are implemented to retrieve relevant CK/CKR subset, which reduces the time and resources needed to interrogate large datasets involving CK/CKR surface hotspots and associated pathologies. CytoSIP portal is publicly accessible at https://CytoSIP.biocloud.top , facilitating the panoramic investigation of the context-dependent crosstalk between CK/CKR and the development of targeted therapeutic agents.

Targeting the "tumor microenvironment": RNA-binding proteins in the spotlight in colorectal cancer therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and has the second highest mortality rate among cancers. The development of CRC involves both genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, and recent research has focused on exploring the ex-transcriptome, particularly post-transcriptional modifications. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are emerging epigenetic regulators that play crucial roles in post-transcriptional events. Dysregulation of RBPs can result in aberrant expression of downstream target genes, thereby affecting the progression of colorectal tumors and the prognosis of patients. Recent studies have shown that RBPs can influence CRC pathogenesis and progression by regulating various components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although previous research on RBPs has primarily focused on their direct regulation of colorectal tumor development, their involvement in the remodeling of the TME has not been systematically reported. This review aims to highlight the significant role of RBPs in the intricate interactions within the CRC tumor microenvironment, including tumor immune microenvironment, inflammatory microenvironment, extracellular matrix, tumor vasculature, and CRC cancer stem cells. We also highlight several compounds under investigation for RBP-TME-based treatment of CRC, including small molecule inhibitors such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNAs, agonists, gene manipulation, and tumor vaccines. The insights gained from this review may lead to the development of RBP-based targeted novel therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the TME, potentially inhibiting the progression and metastasis of CRC.

Multiplex Assay of Cytokines with Tunable Detection Ranges for the Precise Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Precise profiling of the cytokine panel consisting of different levels of cytokines can provide personalized information about several diseases at certain stages. In this study, we have designed and fabricated an "all-in-one" diagnostic tool kit to bioassay multiple inflammatory cytokines ranging from picograms per milliliter to μg/mL in a small cytokine panel. Taking advantage of the kit fabricated by the DNA-encoded assembly of nanocatalysts in dynamic regulation and signal amplification, we have demonstrated the multiplex, visual, and quantitative detection of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with limits of detection of 1.6 ng/mL (61.54 pM), 20 pg/mL (1.57 pM), and 4 pg/mL (0.19 pM), respectively. This diagnostic tool kit can work well with commercial kits for detecting serum cytokines from breast cancer patients treated with immunotherapies. Furthermore, a small cytokine panel composed of CRP, PCT, and IL-6 is revealed to be significantly heterogeneous in each patient and highly dynamic for different treatment courses, showing promise as a panel of quantitative biomarker candidates for individual treatments. So, our work may provide a versatile diagnostic tool kit for the visual detection of clinical biomarkers with an adjustable broad detection range.

Deletion of IL-27p28 induces CD8 T cell immunity against colorectal tumorigenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, characterized by molecular and clinical heterogeneity. Interleukin (IL)-27, a heterodimeric cytokine composed of p28 and EBI3 subunits, has been reported to exert potent antitumor activity in several cancer models. However, the precise role of IL-27 in the pathogenesis of CRC remains unclear. Here, we show that during the azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced CRC development, IL-27p28 levels are dramatically increased in peripheral blood and tumor tissues, and the cytokine is mainly produced by tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. IL-27p28 deficient mice display tumor resistances in both inflammation-associated CRC model and syngeneic MC38 colon cancer model. Administration with IL-27p28 neutralizing antibody also reduces the tumor formation in AOM/DSS-treated mice. Mechanically, CD8+ T cells in IL-27p28-/- mice exhibit enhanced tumor infiltration and cytotoxicity, which can be largely attributed to activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, selective depletion of CD8+ T cells in IL-27p28-/- mice markedly accelerate tumor growth and almost abrogate the protective effects of IL-27p28 deficiency. Most interestingly, the expression of IL-27p28 is also upregulated in tumor tissues of CRC patients and those with high expression of IL-27p28 tend to have a poorer overall survival. Our results suggest that loss of IL-27p28 suppresses colorectal tumorigenesis by augmenting CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Targeting IL-27p28 could be developed as a novel strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancers.

Irradiated engineered tumor cell-derived microparticles remodel the tumor immune microenvironment and enhance antitumor immunity

Radiotherapy (RT), administered to roughly half of all cancer patients, occupies a crucial role in the landscape of cancer treatment. However, expanding the clinical indications of RT remains challenging. Inspired by the radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE), we used the mediators of RIBE to mimic RT. Specifically, we discovered that irradiated tumor cell-released microparticles (RT-MPs) mediated the RIBE and had immune activation effects. To further boost the immune activation effect of RT-MPs to achieve cancer remission, even in advanced stages, we engineered RT-MPs with different cytokine and chemokine combinations by modifying their production method. After comparing the therapeutic effect of the engineered RT-MPs in vitro and in vivo, we demonstrated that tIL-15/tCCL19-RT-MPs effectively activated antitumor immune responses, significantly prolonged the survival of mice with malignant pleural effusion (MPE), and even achieved complete cancer remission. When tIL-15/tCCL19-RT-MPs were combined with PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), a cure rate of up to 60% was achieved. This combination therapy relied on the activation of CD8+ T cells and macrophages, resulting in the inhibition of tumor growth and the establishment of immunological memory against tumor cells. Hence, our research may provide an alternative and promising strategy for cancers that are not amenable to conventional RT.

Farnesoid X receptor mediates macrophage-intrinsic responses to suppress colitis-induced colon cancer progression

Bile acids (BAs) affect the intestinal environment by ensuring barrier integrity, maintaining microbiota balance, regulating epithelium turnover, and modulating the immune system. As a master regulator of BA homeostasis, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is severely compromised in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). At the front line, gut macrophages react to the microbiota and metabolites that breach the epithelium. We aim to study the role of the BA/FXR axis in macrophages. This study demonstrates that inflammation-induced epithelial abnormalities compromised FXR signaling and altered BAs' profile in a mouse CAC model. Further, gut macrophage-intrinsic FXR sensed aberrant BAs, leading to pro-inflammatory cytokines' secretion, which promoted intestinal stem cell proliferation. Mechanistically, activation of FXR ameliorated intestinal inflammation and inhibited colitis-associated tumor growth, by regulating gut macrophages' recruitment, polarization, and crosstalk with Th17 cells. However, deletion of FXR in bone marrow or gut macrophages escalated the intestinal inflammation. In summary, our study reveals a distinctive regulatory role of FXR in gut macrophages, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for addressing IBD and CAC.

The Association of Inflammatory Related Markers with the Prognosis in Elderly Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy, especially among older adults. Inflammation has been implicated in cancer progression, making inflammatory indices potential prognostic markers. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte/C-reactive protein ratio (LCR), and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) in older adults with CRC.

Methods

This population-based, retrospective observational study included patients aged ≥ 65 years with colorectal adenocarcinoma who were admitted to Taichung Veterans General Hospital (Chiayi branch) between 2017 and 2022. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics, and results of inflammatory indices were collected from medical records for all patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to determine the optimal cutoffs of the inflammatory indices in predicting overall mortality. Associations between the inflammatory indices, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, with model performance evaluated using the C-index.

Results

Data of 106 patients were analyzed. After adjusting for confounders, GPS ≥1 (vs 0) significantly predicted poor OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 3.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30-11.10, p= 0.015, C-index= 0.825) and PFS (aHR: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.34-7.57, p= 0.008, C-index= 0.785). CAR ≥1.0 (vs <1) significantly predicted poor OS (aHR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.01-5.48), p=0.046, C-index= 0.825) and PFS (aHR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.14-4.76, p= 0.020, C-index= 0.786).

Conclusion

Among hospitalized older adults with CRC in Taiwan, high GPS and CAR, but not NLR, PLR or LCR, are potentially useful prognostic indicators for poor OS and PFS.

MAdCAM-1 targeting strategy can prevent colitic cancer carcinogenesis and progression via suppression of immune cell infiltration and inflammatory signals

Chronic inflammation caused by infiltrating immune cells can promote colitis-associated dysplasia/colitic cancer in ulcerative colitis (UC) by activating inflammatory cytokine signalling through the IL-6/p-STAT3 and TNFα/NF-κB pathways. Mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) expressed on high endothelial venules promotes the migration of immune cells from the bloodstream to the gut via interaction with α4β7 integrin expressed on the immune cells. MAdCAM-1, has therefore drawn interest as a novel therapeutic target for treating active UC. However, the role of MAdCAM-1-positive endothelial cells in immune cell infiltration in dysplasia/colitic cancers remains unclear. We evaluated the expression of MAdCAM-1, CD31 and immune cell markers (CD8, CD68, CD163 and FOXP3) in samples surgically resected from 11 UC patients with dysplasia/colitic cancer and 17 patients with sporadic colorectal cancer (SCRC), using immunohistochemical staining. We used an azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulphate mouse model (AOM/DSS mouse) to evaluate whether dysplasia/colitic cancer could be suppressed with an anti-MAdCAM-1 blocking antibody by preventing immune cell infiltration. The number of MAdCAM-1-positive vessels and infiltrating CD8+ , CD68+ and CD163+ immune cells was significantly higher in dysplasia/colitic cancer than in normal, SCRC and UC mucosa. In AOM/DSS mice, the anti-MAdCAM-1 antibody reduced the number, mean diameter, depth of tumours, Ki67 positivity, number of CD8+ , CD68+ and CD163+ immune cells and the IL-6/p-STAT3 and TNF-α/NF-κB signalling. Our results indicate that targeting MAdCAM-1 is a promising strategy for controlling not only UC severity but also carcinogenesis and tumour progression by regulating inflammation/immune cell infiltration in patients with UC.

Hsa_circ_0020134 promotes liver metastasis of colorectal cancer through the miR-183-5p-PFN2-TGF-β/Smad axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a distinct class of non-coding RNAs that play regulatory roles in the initiation and progression of tumors. With advancements in transcriptome sequencing technology, numerous circRNAs that play significant roles in tumor-related genes have been identified. In this study, we used transcriptome sequencing to analyze the expression levels of circRNAs in normal adjacent tissues, primary colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, and CRC tissues with liver metastasis. We successfully identified the circRNA hsa_circ_0020134 (circ0020134), which exhibited significantly elevated expression specifically in CRC with liver metastasis. Importantly, high levels of circ0020134 were associated with a poor prognosis among patients. Functional experiments demonstrated that circ0020134 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, upregulation of circ0020134 was induced by the transcription factor, PAX5, while miR-183-5p acted as a sponge for circ0020134, leading to partial upregulation of PFN2 mRNA and protein levels, thereby further activating the downstream TGF-β/Smad pathway. Additionally, downregulation of circ0020134 inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in CRC cells, which could be reversed by miR-183-5p inhibitor treatment. Collectively, our findings confirm that the circ0020134-miR-183-5p-PFN2-TGF-β/Smad axis induces EMT transformation within tumor cells, promoting CRC proliferation and metastasis, thus highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for patients with CRC liver metastasis.

Large-scale analysis of cell-cell communication reveals angiogenin-dependent tumor progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Cellular crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is still largely uncharacterized, while it plays an essential role in shaping immunosuppression or anti-tumor response. Large-scale analyses are needed to better decipher cell-cell communication in cancer. In this work, we used original and publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) data to characterize in-depth the communication networks in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We identified 50 putative communication channels specifically used by cancer cells to interact with other cells, including two novel angiogenin-mediated interactions. Expression of angiogenin and its receptors was validated at the protein level in primary ccRCC. Mechanistically, angiogenin enhanced ccRCC cell line proliferation and down-regulated secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 proinflammatory molecules. This study provides novel biological insights into molecular mechanisms of ccRCC, and suggests angiogenin and its receptors as potential therapeutic targets in clear cell renal cancer.

Prognostic Value of Circulating Cytokines in Chemorefractory Colorectal Cancer

Circulating cytokines could be optimal biomarkers for prognostication and management decisions in colorectal cancer (CRC). Chemorefractory CRC patients with available plasma samples were included in this study. In the discovery cohort (n = 85), 182 circulating cytokines were tested with a semi-quantitative multiplex assay, and prognostic cytokines were analyzed in the validation cohort (n = 111) by ELISA. Overall survival (OS) was the primary outcome measure, with the false discovery rate (FDR) method (significance level of <0.01) being used to correct for multiple comparisons. Four cytokines were associated with OS in the discovery cohort: insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) (HR 2.1 [95%CI: 1.58-2.79], FDR < 0.001), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2) (HR 1.65 [95%CI: 1.28-2.13], FDR = 0.006), serum amyloid A (SAA) (HR 1.84 [95%CI: 1.39-2.43], FDR < 0.001), and angiotensin II (HR 1.65 [95%CI: 1.29-2.1], FDR = 0.006). Of these, IGFBP-1 (HR 2.70 [95%CI: 1.56-4.76], FDR = 0.007) and IGFBP-2 (HR 3.33 [95%CI: 1.64-6.67], FDR = 0.008) were confirmed to be independently associated with OS in the validation cohort. Patients with high concentrations of IGFBP-1 and/or IGFBP-2 had a median OS of 3.0 months as compared with 6.9 months for those with low concentrations of both cytokines (HR 2.44 [95%CI: 1.52-4.0], FDR = 0.002) Validation of circulating IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 as independent prognostic biomarkers for chemorefractory CRC in larger, independent series is warranted.

Claudin-2 protects against colitis-associated cancer by promoting colitis-associated mucosal healing

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are susceptible to colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Chronic inflammation promotes the risk for CAC. In contrast, mucosal healing predicts improved prognosis in IBD and reduced risk of CAC. However, the molecular integration among colitis, mucosal healing, and CAC remains poorly understood. Claudin-2 (CLDN2) expression is upregulated in IBD; however, its role in CAC is not known. The current study was undertaken to examine the role for CLDN2 in CAC. The AOM/DSS-induced CAC model was used with WT and CLDN2-modified mice. High-throughput expression analyses, murine models of colitis/recovery, chronic colitis, ex vivo crypt culture, and pharmacological manipulations were employed in order to increase our mechanistic understanding. The Cldn2KO mice showed significant inhibition of CAC despite severe colitis compared with WT littermates. Cldn2 loss also resulted in impaired recovery from colitis and increased injury when mice were subjected to intestinal injury by other methods. Mechanistic studies demonstrated a possibly novel role of CLDN2 in promotion of mucosal healing downstream of EGFR signaling and by regulation of Survivin expression. An upregulated CLDN2 expression protected from CAC and associated positively with crypt regeneration and Survivin expression in patients with IBD. We demonstrate a potentially novel role of CLDN2 in promotion of mucosal healing in patients with IBD and thus regulation of vulnerability to colitis severity and CAC, which can be exploited for improved clinical management.

The role of TXNIP in cancer: a fine balance between redox, metabolic, and immunological tumor control

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is commonly considered a master regulator of cellular oxidation, regulating the expression and function of Thioredoxin (Trx). Recent work has identified that TXNIP has a far wider range of additional roles: from regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, to cell cycle arrest and inflammation. Its expression is increased by stressors commonly found in neoplastic cells and the wider tumor microenvironment (TME), and, as such, TXNIP has been extensively studied in cancers. In this review, we evaluate the current literature regarding the regulation and the function of TXNIP, highlighting its emerging role in modulating signaling between different cell types within the TME. We then assess current and future translational opportunities and the associated challenges in this area. An improved understanding of the functions and mechanisms of TXNIP in cancers may enhance its suitability as a therapeutic target.

Collagen 1-mediated CXCL1 secretion in tumor cells activates fibroblasts to promote radioresistance of esophageal cancer

Esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) is commonly treated with radiotherapy; however, radioresistance hinders its clinical effectiveness, and the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we develop patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) from 19 patients with ESCC to investigate the mechanisms driving radioresistance. Using RNA sequencing, cytokine arrays, and single-cell RNA sequencing, we reveal an enrichment of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived collagen type 1 (Col1) and tumor-cell-derived CXCL1 in non-responsive PDXs. Col1 not only promotes radioresistance by augmenting DNA repair capacity but also induces CXCL1 secretion in tumor cells. Additionally, CXCL1 further activates CAFs via the CXCR2-STAT3 pathway, establishing a positive feedback loop. Directly interfering with tumor-cell-derived CXCL1 or inhibiting the CXCL1-CXCR2 pathway effectively restores the radiosensitivity of radioresistant xenografts in vivo. Collectively, our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying radioresistance and identifies potential targets to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy for ESCC.

Polyoxazoline-Based Nanovaccine Synergizes with Tumor-Associated Macrophage Targeting and Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy against Solid Tumors

Immune checkpoint blockade reaches remarkable clinical responses. However, even in the most favorable cases, half of these patients do not benefit from these therapies in the long term. It is hypothesized that the activation of host immunity by co-delivering peptide antigens, adjuvants, and regulators of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β expression using a polyoxazoline (POx)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanovaccine, while modulating the tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) function within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and blocking the anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) can constitute an alternative approach for cancer immunotherapy. POx-Mannose (Man) nanovaccines generate antigen-specific T-cell responses that control tumor growth to a higher extent than poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-Man nanovaccines. This anti-tumor effect induced by the POx-Man nanovaccines is mediated by a CD8+ -T cell-dependent mechanism, in contrast to the PEG-Man nanovaccines. POx-Man nanovaccine combines with pexidartinib, a modulator of the TAM function, restricts the MC38 tumor growth, and synergizes with PD-1 blockade, controlling MC38 and CT26 tumor growth and survival. This data is further validated in the highly aggressive and poorly immunogenic B16F10 melanoma mouse model. Therefore, the synergistic anti-tumor effect induced by the combination of nanovaccines with the inhibition of both TAM- and PD-1-inducing immunosuppression, holds great potential for improving immunotherapy outcomes in solid cancer patients.

Identification of Novel Biomarkers for Response to Preoperative Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer with Genetic Algorithm-Based Gene Selection

BACKGROUND

The conventional treatment for patients with locally advanced colorectal tumors is preoperative chemo-radiotherapy (PCRT) preceding surgery. This treatment strategy has some long-term side effects, and some patients do not respond to it. Therefore, an evaluation of biomarkers that may help predict patients' response to PCRT is essential.

METHODS

We took advantage of genetic algorithm to search the space of possible combinations of features to choose subsets of genes that would yield convenient performance in differentiating PCRT responders from non-responders using a logistic regression model as our classifier.

RESULTS

We developed two gene signatures; first, to achieve the maximum prediction accuracy, the algorithm yielded 39 genes, and then, aiming to reduce the feature numbers as much as possible (while maintaining acceptable performance), a 5-gene signature was chosen. The performance of the two gene signatures was (accuracy = 0.97 and 0.81, sensitivity = 0.96 and 0.83, and specificity = 86 and 0.77) using a logistic regression classifier. Through analyzing bias and variance decomposition of the model error, we further investigated the involved genes by discovering and validating another 28-gene signature which possibly points towards two different sub-systems involved in the response of the patients to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Using genetic algorithm as our gene selection method, we have identified two groups of genes that can differentiate PCRT responders from non-responders in patients of the studied dataset with considerable performance.

IMPACT

After passing standard requirements, our gene signatures may be applicable as a robust and effective PCRT response prediction tool for colorectal cancer patients in clinical settings and may also help future studies aiming to further investigate involved pathways gain a clearer picture for the course of their research.

A pairwise immune gene model for predicting overall survival and stratifying subtypes of colon adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

There is increasing evidence for a close correlation between risk stratification, prognosis and the immune environment in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). However, the efficacy of immunotherapy is different among different patients with COAD. Therefore, the current work tends to use immune-related gene to develop a gene-pair model to evaluate the COAD prognosis, and to develop a new method for risk stratification of COAD, which is conducive to better predict the immunotherapy effect of patients.

METHODS

Specifically, from the TCGA and GEO (GSE14333 and GSE39582) databases, we first collected gene expression profiles, associated survival follow-up information of COAD patients. Through systematic bioinformatics analysis, we established a prognosis-related model of colon cancer with three pairs of "immune gene pairs", with uni- and multivariate and lasso cox regression analyses verifying the model stability. Most immune cells showed markedly different levels of infiltration between the two risk subgroups calculated by the model. More, single-cell RNA-seq analyses were also performed to validate the selected genes in the immune gene-pair model.

RESULTS

A prognosis-related model of colon cancer with three pairs of "immune gene pairs" were built and validated by several datasets. The analysis of immune landscape of COAD revealed that low-risk subgroup obtained by the prognosis-related model for COAD can be further divided into three subclusters with different prognosis. Then, we applied the Tumor online Prognostic analyses Platform (ToPP) to construct a prognostic model using these five genes. Results show that APOD, ISG20 and STC2 are risk factors, while CXCL9 and IL7R are protection factors. We also found that only the five-gene model could also predict the prognosis of COAD patients, indicating the robustness of the gene-pair model. Among the five genes, including CXCL9, APOD, STC2, ISG20, and IL7R, in the gene-pair model, single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the high expression of CXCL9 and IL7R in inflammatory macrophages. Using cell-cell interaction and trajectory analysis, data indicate that CXCL9+/IL7R+ pro-inflammatory macrophages were capable of secreting and activating more anti-tumor pathways than CXCL9-/IL7R- pro-inflammatory macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

In short, we have successfully developed an "immune gene pair" related model that can judge the prognostic status of patients with COAD and may contribute to risk stratification and evaluate potential beneficiaries of immunotherapy, providing new ideas for the anti-COAD management and therapy.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide modulates immune response in the colorectal tumor microenvironment

Immune responses can have opposing effects in colorectal cancer (CRC), the balance of which may determine whether a cancer regresses, progresses, or potentially metastasizes. These effects are evident in CRC consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) where both CMS1 and CMS4 contain immune infiltrates yet have opposing prognoses. The microbiome has previously been associated with CRC and immune response in CRC but has largely been ignored in the CRC subtype discussion. We used CMS subtyping on surgical resections from patients and aimed to determine the contributions of the microbiome to the pleiotropic effects evident in immune-infiltrated subtypes. We integrated host gene-expression and meta-transcriptomic data to determine the link between immune characteristics and microbiome contributions in these subtypes and identified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding as a potential functional mechanism. We identified candidate bacteria with LPS properties that could affect immune response, and tested the effects of their LPS on cytokine production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We focused on Fusobacterium periodonticum and Bacteroides fragilis in CMS1, and Porphyromonas asaccharolytica in CMS4. Treatment of PBMCs with LPS isolated from these bacteria showed that F. periodonticum stimulates cytokine production in PBMCs while both B. fragilis and P. asaccharolytica had an inhibitory effect. Furthermore, LPS from the latter two species can inhibit the immunogenic properties of F. periodonticum LPS when co-incubated with PBMCs. We propose that different microbes in the CRC tumor microenvironment can alter the local immune activity, with important implications for prognosis and treatment response.

Beneficial effects of alpha-1 antitrypsin therapy in a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer

BACKGROUND

It is widely accepted that chronic inflammatory bowel diseases significantly higher a risk for colorectal cancer development. Among different types of treatments for patients with colon cancer, novel protein-based therapeutic strategies are considered.

AIM

To explore the effect of human plasma alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein in the chemically induced mouse model of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

BALB/c mice with azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), we intraperitoneally treated with commercial preparation of human plasma AAT (4 mg per mouse). Effects of this therapy were evaluated histologically, and by immunohistochemical and gene expression assays.

RESULTS

When compared with non-treated controls, AOM/DSS mice receiving AAT therapy exhibited significantly longer colons, and less anal bleeding. Concurrently, AAT-treated mice had significantly fewer polyps, and lower numbers of large colon tumors. Immunohistochemical examinations of colon tissues showed significantly lower neutrophil counts, more granzyme B-positive but fewer MMP9 (gelatinase B)-positive cancer cells and lower numbers of apoptotic cells in mice receiving AAT therapy. The expression levels of IL4 were significantly higher while TNFA was slightly reduced in tumor tissues of AOM/DSS mice treated with AAT than in AOM/DSS mice.

CONCLUSION

Human AAT is an acute phase protein with a broad-protease inhibitory and immunomodulatory activities used as a therapeutic for emphysema patients with inherited AAT deficiency. Our results are consistent with previous findings and support an idea that AAT alone and/or in combination with available anti-cancer therapies may represent a new personalized approach for patients with colitis-induced colon cancer.

Research progress of STAT3-based dual inhibitors for cancer therapy

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a transcription factor, regulates gene levels that are associated with cell survival, cell cycle, and immune reaction. It is correlated with the grade of malignancy and the development of various cancers and targeting STAT3 protein is a potentially promising therapeutic strategy for tumors. Over the past 20 years, various compounds have been found to directly inhibit STAT3 activity via different strategies. However, numerous difficulties exist in the development of STAT3 inhibitors, such as serious toxic effects, poor therapeutic effects, and intrinsic and acquired drug resistance. STAT3 inhibitors synergistically suppress cancer development with additional anti-tumor drugs, such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 inhibitors (IDO1i), histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), DNA inhibitors, pro-tumorigenic cytokine inhibitors (PTCi), NF-κB inhibitors, and tubulin inhibitors. Therefore, individual molecule- based dual-target inhibitors can be the candidate alternative or complementary treatment to overcome the disadvantages of just STAT3 or other targets as a monotherapy. In this review, we discuss the theoretical basis for formulating STAT3-based dual-target inhibitors and also summarize their structure-activity relationships (SARs).

Microbiota regulation in constipation and colorectal cancer

The relevance of constipation to the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently a controversial issue. Studies have shown that changes in the composition of the gut microbiota, a condition known as ecological imbalance, are correlated with an increasing number of common human diseases, including CRC and constipation. CRC is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and constipation has been receiving widespread attention as a risk factor for CRC. Early colonoscopy screening of constipated patients, with regular follow-ups and timely intervention, can help detect early intestinal lesions and reduce the risks of developing colorectal polyps and CRC. As an important regulator of the intestinal microenvironment, the gut microbiota plays a critical role in the onset and progression of CRC. An increasing amount of evidence supports the thought that gut microbial composition and function are key determinants of CRC development and progression, with alterations inducing changes in the expression of host genes, metabolic regulation, and local and systemic immunological responses. Furthermore, constipation greatly affects the composition of the gut microbiota, which in turn influences the susceptibility to intestinal diseases such as CRC. However, the crosstalk between the gut microbiota, constipation, and CRC is still unclear.

Interleukins (Cytokines) as Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: Progression, Detection, and Monitoring

Cancer is the primary cause of death in economically developed countries and the second leading cause in developing countries. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Risk factors for CRC include obesity, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, and smoking. CRC has a poor prognosis, and there is a critical need for new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to reduce related deaths. Recently, studies have focused more on molecular testing to guide targeted treatments for CRC patients. The most crucial feature of activated immune cells is the production and release of growth factors and cytokines that modulate the inflammatory conditions in tumor tissues. The cytokine network is valuable for the prognosis and pathogenesis of colorectal cancer as they can aid in the cost-effective and non-invasive detection of cancer. A large number of interleukins (IL) released by the immune system at various stages of CRC can act as "biomarkers". They play diverse functions in colorectal cancer, and include IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-33, TNF, TGF-β, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are pro-tumorigenic genes. However, there are an inadequate number of studies in this area considering its correlation with cytokine profiles that are clinically useful in diagnosing cancer. A better understanding of cytokine levels to establish diagnostic pathways entails an understanding of cytokine interactions and the regulation of their various biochemical signaling pathways in healthy individuals. This review provides a comprehensive summary of some interleukins as immunological biomarkers of CRC.

Differential profile of protumor immunological factors between the tumor site and the tumor-free site - predictive potential of IL-8 and COX2 for colorectal cancer and metastasis

To study the role of host immune surveillance in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), a set of protumor immunological factors was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR) between the primary tumor and the adjacent tumor-free site tissues in 63 patients with colorectal neoplasms. Results showed that expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-23, and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) mRNAs, except transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), in adenoma tissues were significantly higher than that in relative adjacent tissues. Difference of immunological factor levels between adenoma and adjacent tissues (Δ values) was in an order of ΔIL-8 > ΔIL-6 > ΔIL-17A > ΔIL-1β > ΔCOX2 > ΔIL-23; Analysis showed that the value of ΔCOX2 correlated to the grade of dysplastic degree in patients with adenoma. Notably, levels of all these immunological factors in CRC tissues were continuously increased, the order of values of Δ immunological factors was ΔIL-8 > ΔCOX2 > ΔIL-6 > ΔIL-1β > ΔIL-17A > ΔIL-23 > ΔTGFβ. Further analysis revealed that increased value of Δ IL-1β was associated with advanced TNM stage, a higher value of Δ COX2 tended to predicate a deeper degree of tumor invasion; and higher values of Δ IL-1β, IL-6 and COX2 closely correlated to lymph node metastasis in patients with CRC. In addition, the ratio of ΔIL-8/ΔTGFβ was most obvious changed factor and associated with node metastasis in patients with CRC. Therefore, we concluded that the difference of protumor immunological factor levels between the primary tumor site and tumor-free site along the adenoma-carcinoma sequence reflects the change of protumor/antitumor force balance, which is associated with CRC initiation and invasion.

A novel inflammation-related signature for predicting prognosis and characterizing the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer

Inflammation is a critical component of tumor progression, and it modifies the tumor microenvironment by various mechanisms. Here, we explore the effect of the inflammatory response on the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer (CRC). A prognostic signature consisting of inflammation-related genes (IRGs) was constructed and verified based on the inflammatory response by bioinformatics analysis. IRG risk model was identified as an independent prognostic factor in CRC, and was related to biological processes of extracellular matrix, cell adhesion and angiogenesis. The IRG risk score predicted the clinical benefit of ipilimumab. Weighted correlation network analysis identified TIMP1 as the hub gene of the inflammatory response in the IRG risk model. Coculture experiments with macrophages and CRC cells revealed that TIMP1 promoted macrophage migration, inhibited the expression of M1 markers (CD11C and CD80), and promoted the expression of M2 markers (ARG1 and CD163). TIMP1 promoted the expression of ICAM1 and CCL2 by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway to promote macrophage migration and M2-like polarization. These IRGs in the risk model regulated stromal and immune components in the tumor microenvironment and could serve as potential therapeutic targets in CRC. TIMP1 promoted macrophage migration and meditated macrophage M2 polarization by activating ERK1/2/CLAM1 and CCL2.

Ferroptosis in colorectal cancer: a future target?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and is characterised by frequently mutated genes, such as APC, TP53, KRAS and BRAF. The current treatment options of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are met with challenges such as cancer recurrence, drug resistance, and overt toxicity. CRC therapies exert their efficacy against cancer cells by activating biological pathways that contribute to various forms of regulated cell death (RCD). In 2012, ferroptosis was discovered as an iron-dependent and lipid peroxide-driven form of RCD. Recent studies suggest that therapies which target ferroptosis are promising treatment strategies for CRC. However, a greater understanding of the mechanisms of ferroptosis initiation, propagation, and resistance in CRC is needed. This review provides an overview of recent research in ferroptosis and its potential role as a therapeutic target in CRC. We also propose future research directions that could help to enhance our understanding of ferroptosis in CRC.

Synbiotics and Surgery: Can Prebiotics and Probiotics Affect Inflammatory Surgical Outcomes?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics have received increasing attention over the years for their beneficial impact on the gut microbiome and for their systemic anti-inflammatory effects. They have also been shown to improve surgical outcomes. Here, we review the inflammatory effects of surgery as well as the data which suggests a benefit of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics taken in the perioperative period.

RECENT FINDINGS

Synbiotics and fermented foods may have an even greater anti-inflammatory effect than probiotics or prebiotics alone. Recent data suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects and microbiome changes brought on by prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics have the potential to improve surgical outcomes. We highlight the potential to alter systemic inflammation, surgical and hospital-acquired infections, colorectal cancer formation, recurrence, and anastomotic leak. Synbiotics could also impact metabolic syndrome. Prebiotics, probiotics, and especially synbiotics may be extremely beneficial when taken in the perioperative period. Even short-term gut microbiome pre-habilitation could alter surgical outcomes significantly.

The Impact of Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolites on the Tumor Immune Microenvironment

Prevention of the effectiveness of anti-tumor immune responses is one of the canonical cancer hallmarks. The competition for crucial nutrients within the tumor microenvironment (TME) between cancer cells and immune cells creates a complex interplay characterized by metabolic deprivation. Extensive efforts have recently been made to understand better the dynamic interactions between cancer cells and surrounding immune cells. Paradoxically, both cancer cells and activated T cells are metabolically dependent on glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen, a metabolic process known as the Warburg effect. The intestinal microbial community delivers various types of small molecules that can potentially augment the functional capabilities of the host immune system. Currently, several studies are trying to explore the complex functional relationship between the metabolites secreted by the human microbiome and anti-tumor immunity. Recently, it has been shown that a diverse array of commensal bacteria synthetizes bioactive molecules that enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment and adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. In this review, we highlight the importance of commensal bacteria, particularly of the gut microbiota-derived metabolites that are capable of shaping metabolic, transcriptional and epigenetic processes within the TME in a therapeutically meaningful way.

Inhibition of RNA Polymerase III Augments the Anti-Cancer Properties of TNFα

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a pivotal role in apoptosis, cell survival, as well as in inflammation and immunity. Although named for its antitumor properties, TNFα also has tumour-promoting properties. TNFα is often present in large quantities in tumours, and cancer cells frequently acquire resistance to this cytokine. Consequently, TNFα may increase the proliferation and metastatic potential of cancer cells. Furthermore, the TNFα-driven increase in metastasis is a result of the ability of this cytokine to induce the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Overcoming the resistance of cancer cells to TNFα may have a potential therapeutic benefit. NF-κB is a crucial transcription factor mediating inflammatory signals and has a wide-ranging role in tumour progression. NF-κB is strongly activated in response to TNFα and contributes to cell survival and proliferation. The pro-inflammatory and pro-survival function of NF-κB can be disrupted by blocking macromolecule synthesis (transcription, translation). Consistently, inhibition of transcription or translation strongly sensitises cells to TNFα-induced cell death. RNA polymerase III (Pol III) synthesises several essential components of the protein biosynthetic machinery, such as tRNA, 5S rRNA, and 7SL RNA. No studies, however, directly explored the possibility that specific inhibition of Pol III activity sensitises cancer cells to TNFα. Here we show that in colorectal cancer cells, Pol III inhibition augments the cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of TNFα. Pol III inhibition enhances TNFα-induced apoptosis and also blocks TNFα-induced EMT. Concomitantly, we observe alterations in the levels of proteins related to proliferation, migration, and EMT. Finally, our data show that Pol III inhibition is associated with lower NF-κB activation upon TNFα treatment, thus potentially suggesting the mechanism of Pol III inhibition-driven sensitisation of cancer cells to this cytokine.

The KRAS-Mutant Consensus Molecular Subtype 3 Reveals an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancers (CRC) with KRAS mutations (KRAS^mut) are frequently included in consensus molecular subtype 3 (CMS3) with profound metabolic deregulation. We explored the transcriptomic impact of KRAS^mut, focusing on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and pathways beyond metabolic deregulation. The status of KRAS^mut in patients with CRC was investigated and overall survival (OS) was compared with wild-type KRAS (KRAS^wt). Next, we identified CMS, and further investigated differentially expressed genes (DEG) of KRAS^mut and distinctive pathways. Lastly, we used spatially resolved gene expression profiling to define the effect of KRAS^mut in the TME regions of CMS3-classified CRC tissues. CRC patients with KRAS^mut were mainly enriched in CMS3. Their specific enrichments of immune gene signatures in immunosuppressive TME were associated with worse OS. Activation of TGFβ signaling by KRAS^mut was related to reduced pro-inflammatory and cytokine gene signatures, leading to suppression of immune infiltration. Digital spatial profiling in TME regions of KRAS^mut CMS3-classified tissues suggested up-regulated genes, CD40, CTLA4, ARG1, STAT3, IDO, and CD274, that could be characteristic of immune suppression in TME. This study may help to depict the complex transcriptomic profile of KRAS^mut in immunosuppressive TME. Future studies and clinical trials in CRC patients with KRAS^mut should consider these transcriptional landscapes.

Integration of quantitative methods and mathematical approaches for the modeling of cancer cell proliferation dynamics

Physiological processes rely on the control of cell proliferation, and the dysregulation of these processes underlies various pathological conditions, including cancer. Mathematical modeling can provide new insights into the complex regulation of cell proliferation dynamics. In this review, we first examine quantitative experimental approaches for measuring cell proliferation dynamics in vitro and compare the various types of data that can be obtained in these settings. We then explore the toolbox of common mathematical modeling frameworks that can describe cell behavior, dynamics, and interactions of proliferation. We discuss how these wet-laboratory studies may be integrated with different mathematical modeling approaches to aid the interpretation of the results and to enable the prediction of cell behaviors, specifically in the context of cancer.

Icariside II potentiates the anti-PD-1 antitumor effect by reducing chemotactic infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells into the tumor microenvironment via ROS-mediated inactivation of the SRC/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint blockade agents, such as anti-PD-1 antibodies, show promising antitumor efficacy but only a limited response in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Icariside II (IS), a metabolite of Herba Epimedii, is a COX-2 and EGFR inhibitor that can enhance the anti-PD-1 effect. This study aimed to evaluate the antitumor effect of IS in combination with anti-PD-1 and explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Tumor growth was assessed in Lewis Lung Cancer (LLC) tumor-bearing mice in seven groups (control, IS 20 mg/kg, IS 40 mg/kg, anti-PD-1, IS 20 mg/kg+anti-PD-1, IS 40 mg/kg+anti-PD-1, ERK inhibitor+anti-PD-1). Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were measured by flow cytometry. The mechanisms were explored by tumor RNA-seq and validated in LLC cells through molecular biological experiments using qRT‒PCR, ELISA, and western blotting.

RESULTS

Animal experiments showed that IS in combination with anti-PD-1 further inhibited tumor growth and remarkably reduced the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) into the tumor compared with anti-PD-1 monotherapy. RNA-seq and in vitro experiments showed that IS suppressed the chemotactic migration of MDSCs by downregulating the expression of CXC chemokine ligands 2 (CXCL2) and CXCL3. Moreover, IS promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and inhibited the activation of SRC/ERK/STAT3 in LLC cells, which are upstream signaling pathways of these chemokines.

CONCLUSION

IS potentiates the anti-PD-1 anti-tumor effect by reducing chemotactic infiltration of the myeloid-derived suppressor cell into the tumor microenvironment, via ROS-mediated inactivation of SRC/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathways.

Postdiagnostic intake of a more proinflammatory diet is associated with a higher risk of recurrence and all-cause mortality in colorectal cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

The inflammatory potential of the diet has been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, but its association with CRC prognosis is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inflammatory potential of the diet in relation to recurrence and all-cause mortality among persons diagnosed with stage I to III CRC.

METHODS

Data of the COLON study, a prospective cohort among CRC survivors were used. Dietary intake, 6 mo after diagnosis, was assessed by using a food frequency questionnaire and was available for 1631 individuals. The empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) score was used as a proxy for the inflammatory potential of the diet. The EDIP score was created by using reduced rank regression and stepwise linear regression to identify food groups that explained most of the variations in plasma inflammatory markers (IL6, IL8, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α) measured in a subgroup of survivors (n = 421). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models with restricted cubic splines were used to investigate the relation between the EDIP score and CRC recurrence and all-cause mortality. Models were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, PAL, smoking status, stage of disease, and tumor location.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 2.6 y (IQR: 2.1) for recurrence and 5.6 y (IQR: 3.0) for all-cause mortality, during which 154 and 239 events occurred, respectively. A nonlinear positive association between the EDIP score and recurrence and all-cause mortality was observed. For example, a more proinflammatory diet (EDIP score +0.75) compared with the median (EDIP score 0) was associated with a higher risk of CRC recurrence (HR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.29) and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.35).

CONCLUSIONS

A more proinflammatory diet was associated with a higher risk of recurrence and all-cause mortality in CRC survivors. Further intervention studies should investigate whether a switch to a more anti-inflammatory diet improves CRC prognosis.

Obesity hormones and itaconate mediating inflammation in human colon cancer cells - Another lead to early-onset colon cancer?

Background

Chronic inflammation is a key feature of obesity and a hallmark of colon cancer (CC). The obesity-related hormones leptin and adiponectin alter inflammatory gene profiles in cancer, but their specific role in CC is unclear. We have previously studied the effects of leptin and the macrophage-specific mediator itaconate on M2-like macrophages. This current study evaluates their effects on CC cells.

Methods

HT-29 CC cells (derived from a young patient, stage III CC) were treated with either leptin, adiponectin, 4-octyl itaconate (OI) or dimethyl itaconate (DI). Gene expression after treatment was analyzed at four time points (3, 6, 18, and 24 h).

Results

CCL22 was upregulated after treatment with adiponectin (at 18 h [FC 16.3, p < 0.001]). IL-8 expression increased following both adiponectin (at 3 h [FC 68.1, p < 0.001]) and leptin treatments (at 6 h [FC 7.3, p < 0.001]), while OI induced downregulation of IL-8 (at 24 h [FC -5.0, p < 0.001]). CXCL10 was upregulated after adiponectin treatment (at 6 h [FC 3.0, p = 0.025]) and downregulated by both OI and DI at 24 h, respectively (OI [FC -10.0, p < 0.001]; DI [FC -10.0, p < 0.001]). IL-1β was upregulated after adiponectin treatment (at 3 h [FC 10.6, p < 0.001]) and downregulated by DI (at 24 h [FC -5.0, p < 0.001]). TNF-α expression was induced following adiponectin (at 6 h [FC 110.7, p < 0.001]), leptin (at 18 h [FC 5.8, p = 0.027]) and OI (at 3 h [FC 91.1, p = 0.001]). PPARγ was affected by both OI (at 3 h [FC 10.1, p = 0.031], at 24 h [FC -10.0, p = 0.031]) and DI (at 18 h [FC -1.7, p = 0.033]).

Conclusions

Obesity hormones directly affect inflammatory gene expression in HT29 CC cells, potentially enhancing cancer progression. Itaconate affects the prognostic marker PPARγ in HT29 CC cells. Leptin, adiponectin and itaconate may represent a link between obesity and CC.

The immunomodulatory role of matrix metalloproteinases in colitis-associated cancer

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are an important class of enzymes in the body that function through the extracellular matrix (ECM). They are involved in diverse pathophysiological processes, such as tumor invasion and metastasis, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, periodontal disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, and diseases of the central nervous system. MMPs participate in the occurrence and development of numerous cancers and are closely related to immunity. In the present study, we review the immunomodulatory role of MMPs in colitis-associated cancer (CAC) and discuss relevant clinical applications. We analyze more than 300 pharmacological studies retrieved from PubMed and the Web of Science, related to MMPs, cancer, colitis, CAC, and immunomodulation. Key MMPs that interfere with pathological processes in CAC such as MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-12, and MMP-13, as well as their corresponding mechanisms are elaborated. MMPs are involved in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, angiogenesis, ECM remodeling, and the inflammatory response in CAC. They also affect the immune system by modulating differentiation and immune activity of immune cells, recruitment of macrophages, and recruitment of neutrophils. Herein we describe the immunomodulatory role of MMPs in CAC to facilitate treatment of this special type of colon cancer, which is preceded by detectable inflammatory bowel disease in clinical populations.

MAP7D2 reduces CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration through MYH9-HMGB1 axis in colorectal cancer

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a new paradigm in cancer immunotherapy, but can be largely restricted by the limited presence of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors. Here, through next-generation sequencing, we identify microtubule-associated protein 7 domain 2 (MAP7D2) as an exploitable therapeutic maneuver to improve the efficacy of ICIs for MSS CRC therapy. In human CRC tissues, MAP7D2 expression is significantly increased in MSS CRC, and MAP7D2 adversely correlates with the presence of antitumor T lymphocytes. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that MAP7D2 knockdown significantly increases the infiltration of CD8+ CTLs, thereby inhibiting tumor progression and improving the efficacy of ICIs in MSS CRC murine models. Mechanistically, MAP7D2 interacts with MYH9 and protects it from ubiquitin-mediated degradation, subsequently decreasing the secretion of HMGB1, which suppresses the infiltration of CD8+ CTLs in MSS CRC. These findings highlight the importance of MAP7D2 in determining the infiltration of CD8+ CTLs and indicate that targeting MAP7D2 in MSS CRC may present a novel antitumor immunotherapy.

A comprehensive review on RNA interference-mediated targeting of interleukins and its potential therapeutic implications in colon cancer

Colon cancer is the world's fourth leading cause of death. It is cancer of the latter part of the large intestine, i.e. the colon. Chronic inflammation over a long period also leads to the development of cancer. Cancer in the colon region is arduous to diagnose and is detected at a later stage when it metastasizes to other parts of the body like the liver, lungs, peritoneum, etc. Colon cancer is a great example of solid tumours associated with chronic inflammation. Although conventional therapies are effective, they lose their effectiveness beyond a certain point. Relapse of the disease occurs frequently. RNA interference (RNAi) is emerging as a great tool to specifically attack the cancer cells of a target site like the colon. RNAi deals with epigenetic changes made in the defective cells which ultimately leads to their death without harming the healthy cells. In this review, two types of epigenetic modulators have been considered, namely siRNA and miRNA, and their effect on interleukins. Interleukins, a class of cytokines, are major inflammatory responses of the body that are released by immune cells like leukocytes and macrophages. Some of these interleukins are pro-inflammatory, thereby promoting inflammation which eventually causes cancer. RNAi can prevent colon cancer by inhibiting pro-inflammatory interleukins.

Endothelial cells-directed angiogenesis in colorectal cancer: Interleukin as the mediator and pharmacological target

Enhanced angiogenesis is a cancer hallmark and critical for colorectal cancer (CRC) invasion and metastasis. Upon exposure to proangiogenic factors, therefore, targeting tumor-associated proangiogenic factors/receptors hold great promise as a therapeutic modality to treat CRC, particularly metastatic CRC. Accumulating evidence from numerous studies suggests that tumor endothelial cells (ECs) are not only the target of proangiogenic factors, but also function as the cellular source of proangiogenic factors. Studies showed that ECs can produce different proangiogenic factors to participate in the regulation of angiogenesis process, in which ECs-derived interleukins (ILs) show a potential stimulatory effect on angiogenesis via either an direct action on their receptors expressed on progenitor of ECs or an indirect way through enhanced production of other proangiogenic factors. Although a great deal of attention is given to the effects of tumor-derived and immune cell-derived ILs, few studies describe the potential effects of vascular ECs-derived ILs on the tumor angiogenesis process. This review provides an updated summary of available information on proangiogenic ILs, such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, IL-33, IL-34, and IL-37, released by microvascular ECs as potential drivers of the tumor angiogenesis process and discusses their potential as a novel candidate for antiangiogenic target for the treatment of CRC patients.

PD-1 expression, among other immune checkpoints, on tumor-infiltrating NK and NKT cells is associated with longer disease-free survival in treatment-naïve CRC patients

A variety of variables, such as microsatellite instability or inflammatory mediators, are critical players in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells are involved in the prognoses of CRC. Immunological components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) impact cancer progression and therapeutic responses. We report that CRC patients with higher frequencies of tumor-infiltrating PD-1+ NK and NKT cells had significantly longer disease-free survival (DFS) than patients with lower frequencies. In agreement with that, patients with higher frequencies of tumor-infiltrating PD-1− NK and NKT cells showed shorter DFS. There were no significant associations between tumor-infiltrating PD-1+TIM-3+, PD-1+TIGIT+, PD-1+ICOS+, PD-1+LAG-3+ NK cells, and PD-1+TIM-3+, PD-1+TIGIT+, and PD-1+LAG-3+ NKT cells with DFS. This study highlights the significance of PD-1 expression on tumor-infiltrating NK and NKT cells and its association with disease prognoses in CRC patients.

Oral fullerene tablets for colorectal cancer therapy based on modulation of tumor inflammatory microenvironments

The development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) are highly dependent on the long-term inflammatory microenvironment with immune dysregulation in the colorectum. However, effective therapeutics are limited to targeting CRC. Here, we developed oral fullerene tablets (OFTs) that can act directly on the colorectal site by oral administration and reduce the inflammatory state at the tumor site for effective CRC therapy. In detail, OFTs scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS), restrained the mutation of the wild-type P53, inhibited the activation of the inflammatory pathway nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the colorectum of CRC mice. Subsequently, OFTs could greatly reduce the infiltration of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and neutrophils at the tumor site, restoring the inflammatory microenvironment and immune homeostasis in the colorectal region, and ultimately achieving the inhibition of CRC. In addition, there were no significant toxic side effects of the long-term administration of OFTs. Our work provides an effective oral therapeutic strategy for CRC therapy by modulating the colorectal tumor inflammatory microenvironment and sheds light on the route for oral nano-materials in the clinical treatment of CRC.

METTL3 Inhibits Antitumor Immunity by Targeting m6A-BHLHE41-CXCL1/CXCR2 Axis to Promote Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent RNA modification and recognized as an important epitranscriptomic mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to exploit whether and how tumor-intrinsic m6A modification driven by methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) can dictate the immune landscape of CRC.

METHODS

Mettl3 knockout mice, CD34+ humanized mice, and different syngeneic mice models were used. Immune cell composition and cytokine level were analyzed by flow cytometry and Cytokine 23-Plex immunoassay, respectively. M6A sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed to identify downstream targets and pathways of METTL3. Human CRC specimens (n = 176) were used to evaluate correlation between METTL3 expression and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) infiltration.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that silencing of METTL3 in CRC cells reduced MDSC accumulation to sustain activation and proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and eventually suppressed CRC in ApcMin/+Mettl3+/- mice, CD34+ humanized mice, and syngeneic mice models. Mechanistically, METTL3 activated the m6A-BHLHE41-CXCL1 axis by analysis of m6A sequencing, RNA sequencing, and cytokine arrays. METTL3 promoted BHLHE41 expression in an m6A-dependent manner, which subsequently induced CXCL1 transcription to enhance MDSC migration in vitro. However, the effect was negligible on BHLHE41 depletion, CXCL1 protein or CXCR2 inhibitor SB265610 administration, inferring that METTL3 promotes MDSC migration via BHLHE41-CXCL1/CXCR2. Consistently, depletion of MDSCs by anti-Gr1 antibody or SB265610 blocked the tumor-promoting effect of METTL3 in vivo. Importantly, targeting METTL3 by METTL3-single guide RNA or specific inhibitor potentiated the effect of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD1) treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identifies METTL3 as a potential therapeutic target for CRC immunotherapy whose inhibition reverses immune suppression through the m6A-BHLHE41-CXCL1 axis. METTL3 inhibition plus anti-PD1 treatment shows promising antitumor efficacy against CRC.

Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids Decrease the Proliferation, Invasion, and Secretion of Clinically Relevant Cytokines by Cultured Human Colon Cancer Cells

Alkaloids isolated from members of the Amaryllidaceae plant family are promising anticancer agents. The purpose of the current study was to determine if the isocarbostyrils narciclasine, pancratistatin, lycorane, lycorine, crinane, and haemanthamine inhibit phenomena related to cancer progression in vitro. To achieve this, we examined the proliferation, adhesion, and invasion of cultured human colon cancer cells via MTT assay and Matrigel-coated Boyden chambers. In addition, Luminex assays were used to quantify the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and cytokines associated with poor clinical outcomes. We found that all alkaloids decreased cell proliferation regardless of TP53 status, with narciclasine exhibiting the greatest potency. The effects on cell proliferation also appear to be specific to cancer cells. Narciclasine, lycorine, and haemanthamine decrease both adhesion and invasion but with various potencies depending on the cell line. In addition, narciclasine, lycorine, and haemanthamine decreased the secretion of MMP-1, -2, and -7, as well as the secretion of the cytokines pentraxin 3 and vascular endothelial growth factor. In conclusion, the present study shows that Amaryllidaceae alkaloids decrease phenomena and cytokines associated with colorectal cancer progression, supporting future investigations regarding their potential as multifaceted drug candidates.

Correlations between Circulating and Tumor-Infiltrating CD4+ Treg Subsets with Immune Checkpoints in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Early and Advanced Stages

The existence of various T regulatory cell (Treg) subsets in colorectal cancer (CRC) could play a variety of functions in the regulation of anti-cancer immunity. We studied correlations between CD4⁺ Treg subsets with the expression of immunological checkpoints on CD4⁺ T cells, including PD-1, TIM-3, LAG-3, and CTLA-4 in CRC patients with early and advanced TNM staging. Strong positive correlations were found between frequencies of FoxP3⁺ Tregs and FoxP3⁺Helios⁺ Tregs with frequencies of various immune checkpoint-expressing CD4⁺ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, there were strong negative correlations between frequencies of FoxP3⁻Helios⁻ T cells and these immune checkpoint-expressing CD4⁺ T cells. Specifically, in the TME, we found that the correlations between FoxP3⁺ Tregs, FoxP3⁺Helios⁺ Tregs, FoxP3⁺Helios⁻ Tregs, and FoxP3⁻Helios⁻ T cells with CD4⁺LAG-3⁺ T cells and CD4⁺CTLA-4⁺ T cells were higher in patients with early stages, suggesting the potential of these highly immunosuppressive cells in inhibiting inflammatory responses in the TME. However, the correlations between FoxP3⁺ Tregs, FoxP3⁺Helios⁺ Tregs, and FoxP3⁻Helios⁻ T cells with CD4⁺TIM-3⁺ T cells were higher in patients with advanced stages. This is the first study to explore correlations of Treg subpopulations with immune checkpoint-expressing CD4⁺ T cells in CRC based on clinicopathological features of CRC patients. The findings of our study provide a justification for focusing on these cells that possess highly immunosuppressive features. Understanding the correlations between different immune checkpoints and Treg subsets in CRC patients has the potential to enhance our understanding of core mechanisms of Treg-mediated immunosuppression in cancer.

The role of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer and the potential therapeutic approaches

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) with a high prevalence is recognized as the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death globally. Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the network of tumor cells, stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessel cells, and fibroblasts that comprise the tumor microenvironment (TME) to identify new therapeutic interventions.

METHODS

Databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, were searched to provide an overview of the recent research progress related to targeting the TME as a novel therapeutic approach.

RESULTS

Tumor microenvironment as a result of the cross talk between these cells may result in either advantages or disadvantages in tumor development and metastasis, affecting the signals and responses from the surrounding cells. Whilst chemotherapy has led to an improvement in CRC patients' survival, the metastatic aspect of the disease remains difficult to avoid.

CONCLUSIONS

The present review emphasizes the structure and function of the TME, alterations in the TME, its role in the incidence and progression of CRC, the effects on tumor development and metastasis, and also the potential of its alterations as therapeutic targets. It should be noted that providing novel studies in this field of research might help us to achieve practical therapeutic strategies based on their interaction.