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Guo T, Xu J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:1095-1116. [PMID: 38602594 PMCID: PMC11300527 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of TME and exhibit heterogeneous properties in their communication with tumor cells. This heterogeneity of CAFs can be attributed to various origins, including quiescent fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and mesothelial cells. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing has identified diverse phenotypes of CAFs, with myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) being the most acknowledged, alongside newly discovered subtypes like antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Due to these heterogeneities, CAFs exert multiple functions in tumorigenesis, cancer stemness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metabolism, and metastasis. As a result, targeted therapies aimed at the TME, particularly focusing on CAFs, are rapidly developing, fueling the promising future of advanced tumor-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Guo
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junfen Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
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Yang M, Wang B, Hou W, Zeng H, He W, Zhang XK, Yan D, Yu H, Huang L, Pei L, Li K, Qin H, Lin T, Huang J. NAD + metabolism enzyme NNMT in cancer-associated fibroblasts drives tumor progression and resistance to immunotherapy by modulating macrophages in urothelial bladder cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009281. [PMID: 39067875 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009281] [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] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study comprehensively investigates the association between the expression of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) and clinical outcomes of urothelial bladder cancer (UBC), as well as the molecular mechanisms by which NNMT in cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) modulates tumor progression and immunotherapy resistance in UBC. METHODS Single-cell transcriptomic analyses, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence assays were performed on bladder cancer samples to validate the relationship between NNMT expression and clinical outcomes. A series of experiments, including chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay, and CRISPR‒Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9) knockout, together with in vivo models, have been established to determine the molecular functions of NNMT in CAFs in UBC. RESULTS We demonstrated that elevated expression of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism enzyme NNMT in CAFs (NNMT+ CAFs) was significantly associated with non-response to programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade immunotherapy in patients with UBC and predicted the unfavorable prognosis of UBC in two independent large cohorts. Targeting NNMT using the inhibitor 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium iodide significantly reduced tumor growth and enhanced the apoptotic effects of the anti-PD-L1 antibody in UBC mouse models. Mechanistically, NNMT+ CAFs recruit tumor-associated macrophages via epigenetic reprogramming of serum amyloid A (SAA) to drive tumor cell proliferation and confer resistance to programmed death-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS NNMT+ CAFs were significantly associated with non-response to PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy in patients with UBC. Elevated NNMT, specifically in CAFs, upregulates SAA expression and enhances the recruitment and differentiation of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment, thereby directly or indirectly promoting tumor progression and conferring resistance to immunotherapies in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Yang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R.China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Weibin Hou
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Honghui Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R.China
| | - Wang He
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Ke Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Dong Yan
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Long Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Lu Pei
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Kaiwen Li
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Haide Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Tianxin Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
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Sentek H, Braun A, Budeus B, Klein D. Non-small cell lung cancer cells and concomitant cancer therapy induce a resistance-promoting phenotype of tumor-associated mesenchymal stem cells. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1406268. [PMID: 39011489 PMCID: PMC11246879 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1406268] [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: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The tumor microenvironment gained attraction over the last decades as stromal cells significantly impact on tumor development, progression and metastasis, and immune evasion as well as on cancer therapy resistance. We previously reported that lung-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were mobilized and activated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression and could even mediate radiation resistance in co-cultured NSCLC cells. Methods We investigated how MSCs were affected by NSCLC cells in combination with cancer (radiation) therapy in indirect co-cultures using tumor-conditioned medium and Transwells or direct three-dimensional NSCLC-MSC spheroid co-cultures in order to unravel the resistance-mediating action of tumor-associated MSCs. Results Although no obvious phenotypic and functional alterations in MSCs following NSCLC co-culture could be observed, MSC senescence was induced following co-applied radiotherapy (RT). Global gene expression profiling, in combination with gene set enrichment analysis upon treatment, was used to confirm the senescent phenotype of irradiated MSC and to reveal relevant senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors that could meditate NSCLC RT resistance. We identified senescent tumor-associated MSC-derived serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) E1/PAI1 as potential SASP factor mediating NSCLC progression and RT resistance. Discussion Specified intra-tumor-stroma interactions and cell type-specific pro-tumorigenic functions could not only improve lung cancer classification but could even be used for a more precise profiling of individual patients, finally paving an additional way for the discovery of potential drug targets for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Diana Klein
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
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Noonan HR, Thornock AM, Barbano J, Xifaras ME, Baron CS, Yang S, Koczirka K, McConnell AM, Zon LI. A chronic signaling TGFb zebrafish reporter identifies immune response in melanoma. eLife 2024; 13:e83527. [PMID: 38874379 PMCID: PMC11178360 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83527] [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: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Developmental signaling pathways associated with growth factors such as TGFb are commonly dysregulated in melanoma. Here we identified a human TGFb enhancer specifically activated in melanoma cells treated with TGFB1 ligand. We generated stable transgenic zebrafish with this TGFb Induced Enhancer driving green fluorescent protein (TIE:EGFP). TIE:EGFP was not expressed in normal melanocytes or early melanomas but was expressed in spatially distinct regions of advanced melanomas. Single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed that TIE:EGFP+ melanoma cells down-regulated interferon response while up-regulating a novel set of chronic TGFb target genes. ChIP-sequencing demonstrated that AP-1 factor binding is required for activation of chronic TGFb response. Overexpression of SATB2, a chromatin remodeler associated with tumor spreading, showed activation of TGFb signaling in early melanomas. Confocal imaging and flow cytometric analysis showed that macrophages localize to TIE:EGFP+ regions and preferentially phagocytose TIE:EGFP+ melanoma cells compared to TIE:EGFP- melanoma cells. This work identifies a TGFb induced immune response and demonstrates the need for the development of chronic TGFb biomarkers to predict patient response to TGFb inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley R Noonan
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Alexandra M Thornock
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Julia Barbano
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
| | - Michael E Xifaras
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Immunology Program, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Chloe S Baron
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Song Yang
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Katherine Koczirka
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
| | - Alicia M McConnell
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Leonard I Zon
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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Thu YM, Suzawa K, Tomida S, Ochi K, Tsudaka S, Takatsu F, Date K, Matsuda N, Iwata K, Nakata K, Shien K, Yamamoto H, Okazaki M, Sugimoto S, Toyooka S. PAI-1 mediates acquired resistance to MET-targeted therapy in non-small cell lung cancer. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300644. [PMID: 38758826 PMCID: PMC11101109 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300644] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying primary and acquired resistance to MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in managing non-small cell lung cancer remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms acquired for crizotinib in MET-amplified lung carcinoma cell lines. Two MET-amplified lung cancer cell lines, EBC-1 and H1993, were established for acquired resistance to MET-TKI crizotinib and were functionally elucidated. Genomic and transcriptomic data were used to assess the factors contributing to the resistance mechanism, and the alterations hypothesized to confer resistance were validated. Multiple mechanisms underlie acquired resistance to crizotinib in MET-amplified lung cancer cell lines. In EBC-1-derived resistant cells, the overexpression of SERPINE1, the gene encoding plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), mediated the drug resistance mechanism. Crizotinib resistance was addressed by combination therapy with a PAI-1 inhibitor and PAI-1 knockdown. Another mechanism of resistance in different subline cells of EBC-1 was evaluated as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition with the upregulation of antiapoptotic proteins. In H1993-derived resistant cells, MEK inhibitors could be a potential therapeutic strategy for overcoming resistance with downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation. In this study, we revealed the different mechanisms of acquired resistance to the MET inhibitor crizotinib with potential therapeutic application in patients with MET-amplified lung carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Min Thu
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ken Suzawa
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shuta Tomida
- Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kosuke Ochi
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shimpei Tsudaka
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Takatsu
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Keiichi Date
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naoki Matsuda
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuma Iwata
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nakata
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kazuhiko Shien
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Yamamoto
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Mikio Okazaki
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Sugimoto
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shinichi Toyooka
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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Bai HX, Qiu XM, Xu CH, Guo JQ. MiRNA-145-5p inhibits gastric cancer progression via the serpin family E member 1- extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 axis. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2123-2140. [PMID: 38764835 PMCID: PMC11099451 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.2123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and play a critical role in cancer physiology. However, there is still a limited understanding of the function and regulatory mechanism of miRNAs in gastric cancer (GC). AIM To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of miRNA-145-5p (miR145-5p) in the progression of GC. METHODS Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect miRNA expression in human GC tissues and cells. The ability of cancer cells to migrate and invade was assessed using wound-healing and transwell assays, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured using cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays, and apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry. Expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated protein was determined by Western blot. Targets of miR-145-5p were predicated using bioinformatics analysis and verified using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) expression in GC tissues and cells was evaluated using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The correlation between SERPINE1 expression and overall patient survival was determined using Kaplan-Meier plot analysis. The association between SERPINE1 and GC progression was also tested. A rescue experiment of SERPINE1 overexpression was conducted to verify the relationship between this protein and miR-145-5p. The mechanism by which miR-145-5p influences GC progression was further explored by assessing tumor formation in nude mice. RESULTS GC tissues and cells had reduced miR-145-5p expression and SERPINE1 was identified as a direct target of this miRNA. Overexpression of miR-145-5p was associated with decreased GC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT, and these effects were reversed by forcing SERPINE1 expression. Kaplan-Meier plot analysis revealed that patients with higher SERPINE1 expression had a shorter survival rate than those with lower SERPINE1 expression. Nude mouse tumorigenesis experiments confirmed that miR-145-5p targets SERPINE1 to regulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2). CONCLUSION This study found that miR-145-5p inhibits tumor progression and is expressed in lower amounts in patients with GC. MiR-145-5p was found to affect GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by negatively regulating SERPINE1 levels and controlling the ERK1/2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng 252000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xue-Mei Qiu
- Department of Reproductive Center, Zaozhuang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zaozhuang 277000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chun-Hong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng 252000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China
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Czekay RP, Higgins CE, Aydin HB, Samarakoon R, Subasi NB, Higgins SP, Lee H, Higgins PJ. SERPINE1: Role in Cholangiocarcinoma Progression and a Therapeutic Target in the Desmoplastic Microenvironment. Cells 2024; 13:796. [PMID: 38786020 PMCID: PMC11119900 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100796] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A heterogenous population of inflammatory elements, other immune and nonimmune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are evident in solid malignancies where they coexist with the growing tumor mass. In highly desmoplastic malignancies, CAFs are the prominent mesenchymal cell type in the tumor microenvironment (TME), where their presence and abundance signal a poor prognosis. CAFs play a major role in the progression of various cancers by remodeling the supporting stroma into a dense, fibrotic matrix while secreting factors that promote the maintenance of cancer stem-like characteristics, tumor cell survival, aggressive growth and metastasis and reduced sensitivity to chemotherapeutics. Tumors with high stromal fibrotic signatures are more likely to be associated with drug resistance and eventual relapse. Identifying the molecular underpinnings for such multidirectional crosstalk among the various normal and neoplastic cell types in the TME may provide new targets and novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This review highlights recent concepts regarding the complexity of CAF biology in cholangiocarcinoma, a highly desmoplastic cancer. The discussion focuses on CAF heterogeneity, functionality in drug resistance, contributions to a progressively fibrotic tumor stroma, the involved signaling pathways and the participating genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf-Peter Czekay
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.-P.C.); (C.E.H.); (R.S.); (S.P.H.)
| | - Craig E. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.-P.C.); (C.E.H.); (R.S.); (S.P.H.)
| | - Hasan Basri Aydin
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (H.B.A.); (N.B.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Rohan Samarakoon
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.-P.C.); (C.E.H.); (R.S.); (S.P.H.)
| | - Nusret Bekir Subasi
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (H.B.A.); (N.B.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Stephen P. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.-P.C.); (C.E.H.); (R.S.); (S.P.H.)
| | - Hwajeong Lee
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (H.B.A.); (N.B.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Paul J. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.-P.C.); (C.E.H.); (R.S.); (S.P.H.)
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Miyako S, Koma YI, Nakanishi T, Tsukamoto S, Yamanaka K, Ishihara N, Azumi Y, Urakami S, Shimizu M, Kodama T, Nishio M, Shigeoka M, Kakeji Y, Yokozaki H. Periostin in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Enhancing Cancer and Stromal Cell Migration. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:828-848. [PMID: 38320632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment are involved in the progression of various cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). CAF-like cells were generated through direct co-culture of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, one of CAF origins, with ESCC cells. Periostin (POSTN) was found to be highly expressed in CAF-like cells. After direct co-culture, ESCC cells showed increased malignant phenotypes, such as survival, growth, and migration, as well as increased phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk). Recombinant human POSTN activated Akt and Erk signaling pathways in ESCC cells, enhancing survival and migration. The suppression of POSTN in CAF-like cells by siRNA during direct co-culture also suppressed enhanced survival and migration in ESCC cells. In ESCC cells, knockdown of POSTN receptor integrin β4 inhibited Akt and Erk phosphorylation, and survival and migration increased by POSTN. POSTN also enhanced mesenchymal stem cell and macrophage migration and endowed macrophages with tumor-associated macrophage-like properties. Immunohistochemistry showed that high POSTN expression in the cancer stroma was significantly associated with tumor invasion depth, lymphatic and blood vessel invasion, higher pathologic stage, CAF marker expression, and infiltrating tumor-associated macrophage numbers. Moreover, patients with ESCC with high POSTN expression exhibited poor postoperative outcomes. Thus, CAF-secreted POSTN contributed to tumor microenvironment development. These results indicate that POSTN may be a novel therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoji Miyako
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yu-Ichiro Koma
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Takashi Nakanishi
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shuichi Tsukamoto
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanaka
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Surgery Related, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Ishihara
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuki Azumi
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoshi Urakami
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masaki Shimizu
- Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kodama
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Mari Nishio
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Manabu Shigeoka
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kakeji
- Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yokozaki
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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9
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Wang Z, Chen G, Yuan D, Wu P, Guo J, Lu Y, Wang Z. Caveolin-1 promotes glioma proliferation and metastasis by enhancing EMT via mediating PAI-1 activation and its correlation with immune infiltrates. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24464. [PMID: 38298655 PMCID: PMC10827802 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24464] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioma is typically characterized by a poor prognosis and is associated with a decline in the quality of life as the disease advances. However, the development of effective therapies for glioma has been inadequate. Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) is a membrane protein that plays a role in caveolae formation and interacts with numerous signaling proteins, compartmentalizing them in caveolae and frequently exerting direct control over their activity through binding to its scaffolding domain. Although CAV-1 is a vital regulator of tumour progression, its role in glioma remains unclear. Our findings indicated that the knockdown of CAV-1 significantly inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of glioma. Subsequent mechanistic investigations demonstrated that CAV-1 promotes proliferation and metastasis by activating the photoshatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CAV-1 overexpression upregulates the expression of serpin peptidase inhibitor, class E, member 1 (SERPINE1, also known as PAI-1), which serves as a marker for the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Further research showed that PAI-1 knockdown abolished the CAV-1 mediated activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In glioma tissues, CAV-1 expression exhibited a correlation with unfavorable prognosis and immune infiltration among glioma patients. In summary, our study provided evidence that CAV-1 activates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by upregulating PAI-1, thereby promoting the proliferation and metastasis of glioma through enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis, and CAV-1 is involved in the immune infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 166 Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, No. 166 Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 166 Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, No. 166 Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Debin Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 166 Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, No. 166 Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peizhang Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 166 Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, No. 166 Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 166 Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, No. 166 Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yisheng Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Department of Pediatric General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 355 Luding Road, Shanghai, 200062, Shanghai, China
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10
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He L, Shi M, Ren S, Zhang J, Tian Y, Yang X, Liu H. Jun-APOE-LRP1 axis promotes tumor metastasis in colorectal cancer. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2023; 23:1026-1037. [PMID: 37310025 PMCID: PMC10655886 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2023.9248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) has previously been reported to play vital roles in tumor progression. However, the impact of apoE on colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the role of apoE in CRC metastasis and to identify the transcription factor and receptor of apoE involved in regulation of CRC metastasis. Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to examine the expression pattern and prognosis of apolipoproteins. APOE-overexpressing cell lines were utilized to explore the effects of apoE on proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. Additionally, the transcription factor and receptor of apoE were screened via bioinformatics, and further validated through knockdown experiments. We discovered that the mRNA levels of APOC1, APOC2, APOD and APOE were higher in lymphatic invasion group, and a higher apoE level indicated poorer overall survival and progression-free interval. In vitro studies demonstrated that APOE-overexpression did not affect proliferation but promoted the migration and invasion of CRC cells. We also reported that APOE-expression was modulated by the transcription factor Jun by activating the proximal promoter region of APOE, and APOE-overexpression reversed the metastasis suppression of JUN knockdown. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis suggested an interaction between apoE and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). LRP1 was highly expressed in both the lymphatic invasion group and the APOEHigh group. Additionally, we found that APOE-overexpression upregulated LRP1 protein levels, and LRP1 knockdown attenuated the metastasis-promoting function of APOE. Overall, our study suggests that the Jun-APOE-LRP1 axis contributes to tumor metastasis in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyuan He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengchen Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuwei Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingdan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangling Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huanliang Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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11
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Xue M, Tong Y, Xiong Y, Yu C. Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the progression, therapeutic resistance and targeted therapy of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1257266. [PMID: 37927475 PMCID: PMC10623436 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1257266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumours with high morbidity and mortality. Although surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are common treatment options available for oesophageal cancer, the 5-year survival rate remains low after treatment. On the one hand, many oesophageal cancers are are discovered at an advanced stage and, on the other hand, treatment resistance is a major obstacle to treating locally advanced ESCC. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the main type of stromal cell in the tumour microenvironment, enhance tumour progression and treatment resistance and have emerged as a major focus of study on targeted therapy of oesophageal cancer.With the aim of providing potential, prospective targets for improving therapeutic efficacy, this review summarises the origin and activation of CAFs and their specific role in regulating tumour progression and treatment resistance in ESCC. We also emphasize the clinical potential and emerging trends of ESCC CAFs-targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Changhua Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
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12
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Lai X, Fu G, Du H, Xie Z, Lin S, Li Q, Lin K. Identification of a cancer-associated fibroblast classifier for predicting prognosis and therapeutic response in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35005. [PMID: 37746966 PMCID: PMC10519496 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable prognostic gene signatures for cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) are still lacking, and the underlying genetic principles remain unclear. Therefore, the 2 main aims of our study were to establish a reliable CAFs prognostic gene signature that can be used to stratify patients with LUSC and to identify promising potential targets for more effective and individualized therapies. Clinical information and mRNA expression were accessed of the cancer genome atlas-LUSC cohort (n = 501) and GSE157011 cohort (n = 484). CAFs abundance were quantified by the multi-estimated algorithms. Stromal CAF-related genes were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression method was utilized to identify the most relevant CAFs candidates for predicting prognosis. Chemotherapy sensitivity scores were calculated using the "pRRophetic" package in R software, and the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion algorithm was employed to evaluate immunotherapy response. Gene set enrichment analysis and the Search Tool for Interaction of Chemicals database were applied to clarify the molecular mechanisms. In this study, we identified 288 hub CAF-related candidate genes by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Next, 34 potential prognostic CAFs candidate genes were identified by univariate Cox regression in the cancer genome atlas-LUSC cohort. We prioritized the top 8 CAFs prognostic genes (DCBLD1, SLC24A3, ILK, SMAD7, SERPINE1, SNX9, PDGFA, and KLF10) by a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model, and these genes were used to identify low- and high-risk subgroups for unfavorable survival. In silico drug screening identified 6 effective compounds for high-risk CAFs-related LUSC: TAK-715, GW 441756, OSU-03012, MP470, FH535, and KIN001-266. Additionally, search tool for interaction of chemicals database highlighted PI3K-Akt signaling as a potential target pathway for high-risk CAFs-related LUSC. Overall, our findings provide a molecular classifier for high-risk CAFs-related LUSC and suggest that treatment with PI3K-Akt signaling inhibitors could benefit these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Lai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gangze Fu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Du
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zuoliu Xie
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Saifeng Lin
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kuailu Lin
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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13
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An L, Li M, Jia Q. Mechanisms of radiotherapy resistance and radiosensitization strategies for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:140. [PMID: 37598158 PMCID: PMC10439611 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01839-2] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with more than half of them occurred in China. Radiotherapy (RT) has been widely used for treating ESCC. However, radiation-induced DNA damage response (DDR) can promote the release of cytokines and chemokines, and triggers inflammatory reactions and changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby inhibiting the immune function and causing the invasion and metastasis of ESCC. Radioresistance is the major cause of disease progression and mortality in cancer, and it is associated with heterogeneity. Therefore, a better understanding of the radioresistance mechanisms may generate more reversal strategies to improve the cure rates and survival periods of ESCC patients. We mainly summarized the possible mechanisms of radioresistance in order to reveal new targets for ESCC therapy. Then we summarized and compared the current strategies to reverse radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbo An
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- College of Medical Technology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingge Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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14
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Tong H, Li K, Zhou M, Wu R, Yang H, Peng Z, Zhao Q, Luo KQ. Coculture of cancer cells with platelets increases their survival and metastasis by activating the TGFβ/Smad/PAI-1 and PI3K/AKT pathways. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4259-4277. [PMID: 37705745 PMCID: PMC10496510 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.85986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
When cancer cells enter the bloodstream, they can interact with platelets to acquire stronger survival and metastatic abilities. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we cocultured metastatic melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer cells with species-homologous platelets. We found that cocultured cancer cells displayed higher viabilities in circulation, stronger capacities for cell migration, invasion, and colony formation in vitro, and more tumorigenesis and metastasis in mice. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the level of serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) was significantly upregulated in cocultured cancer cells. Knockdown of SERPINE1 reversed the coculture-elevated survival and metastatic phenotypes of cancer cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that coculture with platelets activated the TGFβ/Smad pathway to induce SERPINE1 expression in cancer cells, which encodes plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). PAI-1 then activated PI3K to increase the phosphorylation of AKTThr308 and Bad to elevate Bcl-2, which enhanced cell survival in circulation. Moreover, higher levels of PAI-1 were detected in metastatic tumors from melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer patients than in normal tissues, and high levels of PAI-1 were associated with a shorter overall survival time and worse disease progression in breast cancer. PAI-1 may act as a potential biomarker for detecting and treating metastatic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Tong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Koukou Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Muya Zhou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Renfei Wu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zheng Peng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau
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15
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Wei WF, Zhou HL, Chen PY, Huang XL, Huang L, Liang LJ, Guo CH, Zhou CF, Yu L, Fan LS, Wang W. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived PAI-1 promotes lymphatic metastasis via the induction of EndoMT in lymphatic endothelial cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:160. [PMID: 37415190 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02714-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is an emerging adaptive process that modulates lymphatic endothelial function to drive aberrant lymphatic vascularization in the tumour microenvironment (TME); however, the molecular determinants that govern the functional role of EndoMT remain unclear. Here, we show that cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived PAI-1 promoted the EndoMT of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). METHODS Immunofluorescent staining of α-SMA, LYVE-1 and DAPI were examined in primary tumour samples obtained from 57 CSCC patients. Assessment of cytokines secreted by CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) was performed using human cytokine antibody arrays. The phenotype of EndoMT in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), gene expression levels, protein secretion and activity of signaling pathways were measured by real-time RT-PCR, ELISA or western blotting. The function of lymphatic endothelial monolayers was examined by transwell, tube formation assay, transendothelial migration assay in vitro. Lymphatic metastasis was measured using popliteal lymph node metastasis model. Furthermore, association between PAI-1 expression and EndoMT in CSCC was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases was used to assess the association of PAI-1 with survival rate in CSCC. RESULTS CAF-derived PAI-1 promoted the EndoMT of LECs in CSCC. LECs undergoing EndoMT could initiate tumour neolymphangiogenesis that facilitated cancer cell intravasation/extravasation, which in turn promoted lymphatic metastasis in CSCC. Mechanistically, PAI-1 activated the AKT/ERK1/2 pathways by directly interacting with low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP1), thereby leading to elevated EndoMT activity in LECs. Blockade of PAI-1 or inhibition of LRP1/AKT/ERK1/2 abrogated EndoMT and consequently attenuated CAF-induced tumour neolymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, clinical data revealed that increased PAI-1 levels positively correlated with EndoMT activity and poor prognosis in CSCC patients. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that CAF-derived PAI-1 acts as an important neolymphangiogenesis-initiating molecular during CSCC progression through modulating the EndoMT of LECs, resulting in promotion of metastasis ability in primary site. PAI-1 could serve as an effective prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CSCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Fei Wei
- Department of Gynaecology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Ling Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Pei-Yu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Long Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Luo-Jiao Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chu-Hong Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chen-Fei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Lan Yu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang-Sheng Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gynaecology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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16
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Wang Y, Yang W, Wang Q, Zhou Y. Mechanisms of esophageal cancer metastasis and treatment progress. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1206504. [PMID: 37359527 PMCID: PMC10285156 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1206504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is a prevalent tumor of the digestive tract worldwide. The detection rate of early-stage esophageal cancer is very low, and most patients are diagnosed with metastasis. Metastasis of esophageal cancer mainly includes direct diffusion metastasis, hematogenous metastasis, and lymphatic metastasis. This article reviews the metabolic process of esophageal cancer metastasis and the mechanisms by which M2 macrophages, CAF, regulatory T cells, and their released cytokines, including chemokines, interleukins, and growth factors, form an immune barrier to the anti-tumor immune response mediated by CD8+ T cells, impeding their ability to kill tumor cells during tumor immune escape. The effect of Ferroptosis on the metastasis of esophageal cancer is briefly mentioned. Moreover, the paper also summarizes common drugs and research directions in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy for advanced metastatic esophageal cancer. This review aims to serve as a foundation for further investigations into the mechanism and management of esophageal cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianyun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
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17
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Rodenas MC, Peñas-Martínez J, Pardo-Sánchez I, Zaragoza-Huesca D, Ortega-Sabater C, Peña-García J, Espín S, Ricote G, Montenegro S, Ayala-De La Peña F, Luengo-Gil G, Nieto A, García-Molina F, Vicente V, Bernardi F, Lozano ML, Mulero V, Pérez-Sánchez H, Carmona-Bayonas A, Martínez-Martínez I. Venetoclax is a potent hepsin inhibitor that reduces the metastatic and prothrombotic phenotypes of hepsin-expressing colorectal cancer cells. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1182925. [PMID: 37275957 PMCID: PMC10235687 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1182925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hepsin is a type II transmembrane serine protease and its expression has been linked to greater tumorigenicity and worse prognosis in different tumors. Recently, our group demonstrated that high hepsin levels from primary tumor were associated with a higher risk of metastasis and thrombosis in localized colorectal cancer patients. This study aims to explore the molecular role of hepsin in colorectal cancer. Methods: Hepsin levels in plasma from resected and metastatic colorectal cancer patients were analyzed by ELISA. The effect of hepsin levels on cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, as well as on the activation of crucial cancer signaling pathways, was performed in vitro using colorectal cancer cells. A thrombin generation assay determined the procoagulant function of hepsin from these cells. A virtual screening of a database containing more than 2000 FDA-approved compounds was performed to screen hepsin inhibitors, and selected compounds were tested in vitro for their ability to suppress hepsin effects in colorectal cancer cells. Xenotransplantation assays were done in zebrafish larvae to study the impact of venetoclax on invasion promoted by hepsin. Results: Our results showed higher plasma hepsin levels in metastatic patients, among which, hepsin was higher in those suffering thrombosis. Hepsin overexpression increased colorectal cancer cell invasion, Erk1/2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, and thrombin generation in plasma. In addition, we identified venetoclax as a potent hepsin inhibitor that reduced the metastatic and prothrombotic phenotypes of hepsin-expressing colorectal cancer cells. Interestingly, pretreatment with Venetoclax of cells overexpressing hepsin reduced their invasiveness in vivo. Discussion: Our results demonstrate that hepsin overexpression correlates with a more aggressive and prothrombotic tumor phenotype. Likewise, they demonstrate the antitumor role of venetoclax as a hepsin inhibitor, laying the groundwork for molecular-targeted therapy for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmen Rodenas
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Julia Peñas-Martínez
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Irene Pardo-Sánchez
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - David Zaragoza-Huesca
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Ortega-Sabater
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jorge Peña-García
- Computer Engineering Department, Structural Bioinformatics and High Performance Computing Research Group (BIO-HPC), UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Guadalupe, Spain
| | - Salvador Espín
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Guillermo Ricote
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sofía Montenegro
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Ayala-De La Peña
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ginés Luengo-Gil
- Clinical Analysis and Pathology Department, Group of Molecular Pathology and Pharmacogenetics, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain
| | - Andrés Nieto
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Vicente Vicente
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francesco Bernardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - María Luisa Lozano
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Victoriano Mulero
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Horacio Pérez-Sánchez
- Computer Engineering Department, Structural Bioinformatics and High Performance Computing Research Group (BIO-HPC), UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Guadalupe, Spain
| | - Alberto Carmona-Bayonas
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Irene Martínez-Martínez
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Zhou Z, Guo S, Lai S, Wang T, Du Y, Deng J, Zhang S, Gao G, Zhang J. Integrated single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing analysis identifies a cancer-associated fibroblast-related gene signature for predicting survival and therapy in gastric cancer. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:108. [PMID: 36717783 PMCID: PMC9887891 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As the dominant component of the tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), play a vital role in tumor progression. An increasing number of studies have confirmed that CAFs are involved in almost every aspect of tumors including tumorigenesis, metabolism, invasion, metastasis and drug resistance, and CAFs provide an attractive therapeutic target. This study aimed to explore the feature genes of CAFs for potential therapeutic targets and reliable prediction of prognosis in patients with gastric cancer (GC). Bioinformatic analysis was utilized to identify the feature genes of CAFs in GC by performing an integrated analysis of single-cell and transcriptome RNA sequencing using R software. Based on these feature genes, a CAF-related gene signature was constructed for prognostic prediction by LASSO. Simultaneously, survival analysis and nomogram were performed to validate the prognostic predictive value of this gene signature, and qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining verified the expression of the feature genes of CAFs. In addition, small molecular drugs for gene therapy of CAF-related gene signatures in GC patients were identified using the connectivity map (CMAP) database. A combination of nine CAF-related genes was constructed to characterize the prognosis of GC, and the prognostic potential and differential expression of the gene signature were initially validated. Additionally, three small molecular drugs were deduced to have anticancer properties on GC progression. By integrating single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing analyses, a novel gene signature of CAFs was constructed. The results provide a positive impact on future research and clinical studies involving CAFs for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyang Zhou
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province China
| | - Sixuan Guo
- grid.260463.50000 0001 2182 8825Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province China
| | - Shuhui Lai
- grid.260463.50000 0001 2182 8825Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province China
| | - Tao Wang
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of Day Ward, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province China
| | - Yao Du
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province China
| | - Junping Deng
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province China
| | - Shun Zhang
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province China
| | - Ge Gao
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province China
| | - Jiangnan Zhang
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province China
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19
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Su YH, Wu YZ, Ann DK, Chen JLY, Kuo CY. Obesity promotes radioresistance through SERPINE1-mediated aggressiveness and DNA repair of triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:53. [PMID: 36681663 PMCID: PMC9867751 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a risk factor in various types of cancer, including breast cancer. The disturbance of adipose tissue in obesity highly correlates with cancer progression and resistance to standard treatments such as chemo- and radio-therapies. In this study, in a syngeneic mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), diet-induced obesity (DIO) not only promoted tumor growth, but also reduced tumor response to radiotherapy. Serpine1 (Pai-1) was elevated in the circulation of obese mice and was enriched within tumor microenvironment. In vitro co-culture of human white adipocytes-conditioned medium (hAd-CM) with TNBC cells potentiated the aggressive phenotypes and radioresistance of TNBC cells. Moreover, inhibition of both cancer cell autonomous and non-autonomous SERPINE1 by either genetic or pharmacological strategy markedly dampened the aggressive phenotypes and radioresistance of TNBC cells. Mechanistically, we uncovered a previously unrecognized role of SERPINE1 in DNA damage response. Ionizing radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) increased the expression of SERPINE1 in cancer cells in an ATM/ATR-dependent manner, and promoted nuclear localization of SERPINE1 to facilitate DSB repair. By analyzing public clinical datasets, higher SERPINE1 expression in TNBC correlated with patients' BMI as well as poor outcomes. Elevated SERPINE1 expression and nuclear localization were also observed in radioresistant breast cancer cells. Collectively, we reveal a link between obesity and radioresistance in TNBC and identify SERPINE1 to be a crucial factor mediating obesity-associated tumor radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Han Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Zhen Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - David K Ann
- Department of Diabetes Complications & Metabolism, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Jenny Ling-Yu Chen
- Department of Radiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ying Kuo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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20
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Du Y, Liu Y, Cao J, Jiang X, Wang Y, Yu J, Wang B, Wang X, Xue B. LDL receptor related protein 1 is an adverse prognostic biomarker that correlates with stromal remodeling and macrophages infiltration in bladder cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1113756. [PMID: 37153545 PMCID: PMC10157184 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1113756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a highly heterogeneous disease influenced by the tumor microenvironment, which may affect patients' response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Therefore, identifying molecular markers and therapeutic targets to improve treatment is essential. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of LRP1 in BLCA. Methods We analyzed TCGA and IMvigor210 cohorts to investigate the relationship of LRP1 with BLCA prognosis. We utilized gene mutation analysis and enrichment to identify LRP1-associated mutated genes and biological processes. Deconvolution algorithms and single-cell analysis were used to understand the tumor-infiltrated cells and biological pathways associated with LRP1 expression. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to validate the bioinformatics analysis. Results Our study revealed that LRP1 was an independent risk factor for overall survival in BLCA patients and was associated with clinicopathological features and FGFR3 mutation frequency. Enrichment analysis demonstrated that LRP1 was involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and tumor metabolic processes. Furthermore, the ssGSEA algorithm revealed that LRP1 was positively correlated with the activities of tumor-associated pathways. Our study also found that high LRP1 expression impaired patients' responsiveness to ICB therapy in BLCA, which was predicted by TIDE prediction and validated by IMvigor210 cohort. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of LRP1 in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) and macrophages in the tumor microenvironment of BLCA. Discussion Our study suggests that LRP1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in BLCA. Further research on LRP1 may improve BLCA precision medicine and enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- YiHeng Du
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - YiZheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Pathology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiang Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiang Yu
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - XiZhi Wang
- Department of Urology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: BoXin Xue, ; XiZhi Wang,
| | - BoXin Xue
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: BoXin Xue, ; XiZhi Wang,
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21
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Jayaraman H, Anandhapadman A, Ghone NV. In Vitro and In Vivo Comparative Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes and Signaling Pathways in Breast Cancer Cells on Interaction with Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:401-431. [PMID: 36087230 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of breast cancer cells (BCC) with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) plays a vital role in influencing the gene expression in breast cancer cells and thereby its uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. The extent of MSC governing the BCC or the extent of BCC influencing the MSC is a complex process, and the interaction strongly depends upon conditions such as the presence or absence of other cell types and in vivo tumor microenvironment or simple in vitro conditions. Hence, understanding this interaction through gene expression profiling may provide key insights about potential genes which can be targeted for breast cancer treatment. In the current study, in vitro microarray dataset and in vivo RNA-seq dataset of BCC on interaction with the MSC were downloaded from NCBI GEO database and analyzed for differentially expressed genes (DEGs), gene ontology (GO) term enrichment, and Reactome pathway analysis. To target the genes which have similar effect on both in vitro and in vivo, a comparative analysis was performed, 24 genes were commonly upregulated in both in vitro and in vivo datasets, while no common downregulated genes were observed. Out of which, 16 significant genes based upon fold change (logFC > 2) are identified for manipulating the interactions between MSC and BCC. Among them, 6 of the identified genes (FSTL1, LOX, SERPINE1, INHBA, FN1, and VEGFA) have already been reported to be upregulated in BCC on interaction with MSC by various studies. Further experiments need to be conducted to understand the role of remaining 10 identified genes (EFEMP1, IGFBP3, EDIL3, IFITM1, IGFBP4, ITGA5, SLC3A2, HRH1, PPP1R15A, and NNMT) in MSC-BCC interaction. In addition to the reported significant genes and its associated pathways, the expression of long non-coding RNA identified in this study may increase our understanding about the way MSC interacts with BCC and accelerate MSC-based treatment strategies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hariharan Jayaraman
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Post Bag No. 1, Sriperumbudur Taluk, 602117, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ashwin Anandhapadman
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Post Bag No. 1, Sriperumbudur Taluk, 602117, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nalinkanth Veerabadran Ghone
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Kalavakkam, 603110, Tamil Nadu, India.
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22
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Liu Y, Jian J, Zhang Y, Wang L, Liu X, Chen Z. Construction of cancer- associated fibroblasts related risk signature based on single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data in bladder urothelial carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1170893. [PMID: 37124542 PMCID: PMC10140328 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1170893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The ability of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to encourage angiogenesis, tumor cell spread, and increase treatment resistance makes them pro-tumorigenic. We aimed to investigate the CAF signature in Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) and, for clinical application, to build a CAF-based risk signature to decipher the immune landscape and screen for suitable treatment BLCA samples. Methods CAF-related genes were discovered by superimposing CAF marker genes discovered from single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data taken from the GEO database with CAF module genes discovered by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) using bulk RNA-seq data from TCGA. After identifying prognostic genes related with CAF using univariate Cox regression, Lasso regression was used to build a risk signature. With microarray data from the GEO database, prognostic characteristics were externally verified. For high and low CAF-risk categories, immune cells and immunotherapy responses were analyzed. Finally, a nomogram model based on the risk signature and prospective chemotherapeutic drugs were examined. Results Combining scRNA-seq and bulk-seq data analysis yielded a total of 124 CAF-related genes. LRP1, ANXA5, SERPINE2, ECM1, RBP1, GJA1, and FKBP10 were the seven BLCA prognostic genes that remained after univariate Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses. Then, based on these genes, prognostic characteristics were created and validated to predict survival in BLCA patients. Additionally, risk signature had a strong correlation with known CAF scores, stromal scores, and certain immune cells. The CAF-risk signature was identified as an independent prognostic factor for BLCA using multifactorial analysis, and its usefulness in predicting immunotherapy response was confirmed. Based on risk classification, we projected six highly sensitive anticancer medicines for the high-risk group. Conclusion The prognosis of BLCA may be accurately predicted using CAF-based risk signature. With a thorough understanding of the BLCA CAF-signature, it might be able to explain the BLCA patients' response to immunotherapy and identify a potential target for BLCA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxun Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Jian
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiuheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuheng Liu, ; Zhiyuan Chen,
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuheng Liu, ; Zhiyuan Chen,
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Zheng Y, Meng L, Qu L, Zhao C, Wang L, Liu C, Shou C. Anti-PAI-1 Monoclonal Antibody Inhibits the Metastasis and Growth of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Cancer 2023; 14:114-128. [PMID: 36605486 PMCID: PMC9809335 DOI: 10.7150/jca.77888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) is highly expressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and strongly contributes to metastasis, making it a potential target for ESCC therapy. However, the antibodies and inhibitors targeting PAI-1 have not shown good therapeutic effect in the in vivo experiments yet. Here, we generated a panel of novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against PAI-1. Analysis of PAI-1 expression in 90 tissue specimens and 128 serum specimens from ESCC patients with these mAbs confirmed that PAI-1 levels was significantly correlated with metastasis and poor survival. In addition, we found that high PAI-1 expression contributed to the enhanced motility and invasiveness of two ESCC cell lines. Next, mAb-1E2 and mAb-2E3, which have highest affinity with PAI-1, were shown to possess strong inhibitory effects on ESCC migration and invasion. Anti-tumor and anti-metastatic effects of mAb-2E3 were further demonstrated in the experimental animal models. Finally, LRP1 was identified as key factor mediating the pro-invasive function of PAI-1 and the anti-invasive capacity of mAb-2E3 in ESCC cells. The mAb-2E3 markedly decreased STAT1 phosphorylation levels and blocked the binding between PAI-1 and LRP1-ClusterII domain. Collectively, mAb-2E3 developed by our lab may be an effective antibody drug which can be used for anti-metastatic therapy in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Caiyun Liu
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Chengchao Shou (E-mail: ), Caiyun Liu (E-mail: )
| | - Chengchao Shou
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Chengchao Shou (E-mail: ), Caiyun Liu (E-mail: )
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24
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Naa10p promotes cell invasiveness of esophageal cancer by coordinating the c-Myc and PAI1 regulatory axis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:995. [PMID: 36433943 PMCID: PMC9700753 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05441-0] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
N-α-acetyltransferase 10 protein, Naa10p, is involved in various cellular functions impacting tumor progression. Due to its capacity to acetylate a large spectrum of proteins, both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles of Naa10p have been documented. Here, we report an oncogenic role of Naa10p in promoting metastasis of esophageal cancer. NAA10 is more highly expressed in esophageal cancer tissues compared to normal tissues. Higher NAA10 expression also correlates with poorer survival of esophageal cancer patients. We found that NAA10 expression was transcriptionally regulated by the critical oncogene c-Myc in esophageal cancer. Furthermore, activation of the c-Myc-Naa10p axis resulted in upregulated cell invasiveness of esophageal cancer. This increased cell invasiveness was also elucidated to depend on the enzymatic activity of Naa10p. Moreover, Naa10p cooperated with Naa15p to interact with the protease inhibitor, PAI1, and prevent its secretion. This inhibition of PAI1 secretion may derive from the N-terminal acetylation effect of the Naa10p/Naa15p complex. Our results establish the significance of Naa10p in driving metastasis in esophageal cancer by coordinating the c-Myc-PAI1 axis, with implications for its potential use as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for esophageal cancer.
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25
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Khan M, Lin J, Wang B, Chen C, Huang Z, Tian Y, Yuan Y, Bu J. A novel necroptosis-related gene index for predicting prognosis and a cold tumor immune microenvironment in stomach adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:968165. [PMID: 36389725 PMCID: PMC9646549 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.968165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) represents a major global clinical problem with very limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Necroptosis, a recently discovered inflammatory form of cell death, has been implicated in carcinogenesis and inducing necroptosis has also been considered as a therapeutic strategy. Objective We aim to evaluate the role of this pathway in gastric cancer development, prognosis and immune aspects of its tumor microenvironment. Methods and results In this study, we evaluated the gene expression of 55 necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) that were identified via carrying out a comprehensive review of the medical literature. Necroptosis pathway was deregulated in gastric cancer samples (n=375) as compared to adjacent normal tissues (n=32) obtained from the “The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)”. Based on the expression of these NRGs, two molecular subtypes were obtained through consensus clustering that also showed significant prognostic difference. Differentially expressed genes between these two clusters were retrieved and subjected to prognostic evaluation via univariate cox regression analysis and LASSO cox regression analysis. A 13-gene risk signature, termed as necroptosis-related genes prognostic index (NRGPI), was constructed that comprehensively differentiated the gastric cancer patients into high- and low-risk subgroups. The prognostic significance of NRGPI was validated in the GEO cohort (GSE84437: n=408). The NRGPI-high subgroup was characterized by upregulation of 10 genes (CYTL1, PLCL1, CGB5, CNTN1, GRP, APOD, CST6, GPX3, FCN1, SERPINE1) and downregulation of 3 genes (EFNA3, E2F2, SOX14). Further dissection of these two risk groups by differential gene expression analysis indicated involvement of signaling pathways associated with cancer cell progression and immune suppression such as WNT and TGF-β signaling pathway. Para-inflammation and type-II interferon pathways were activated in NRGPI-high patients with an increased infiltration of Tregs and M2 macrophage indicating an exhausted immune phenotype of the tumor microenvironment. These molecular characteristics were mainly driven by the eight NRGPI oncogenes (CYTL1, PLCL1, CNTN1, GRP, APOD, GPX3, FCN1, SERPINE1) as validated in the gastric cancer cell lines and clinical samples. NRGPI-high patients showed sensitivity to a number of targeted agents, in particular, the tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Conclusions Necroptosis appears to play a critical role in the development of gastric cancer, prognosis and shaping of its tumor immune microenvironment. NRGPI can be used as a promising prognostic biomarker to identify gastric cancer patients with a cold tumor immune microenvironment and poor prognosis who may response to selected molecular targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Khan
- Department of Oncology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baiyao Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengcong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhong Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunhong Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yawei Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Junguo Bu, ; Yawei Yuan,
| | - Junguo Bu
- Department of Oncology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Junguo Bu, ; Yawei Yuan,
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The Role of Selected Serpins in Gastrointestinal (GI) Malignancies. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206225. [PMID: 36294546 PMCID: PMC9604722 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, which are a diverse group of malignant diseases, represent a major healthcare problem around the world. Due to the lack of specific symptoms in the early stages as well as insufficient diagnostic possibilities, these malignancies occupy the leading position in the causes of death worldwide. The currently available tests have too many limitations to be part of routine diagnostics. Therefore, new potential biomarkers that could be used as diagnostic and prognostic factors for these cancers are still being sought. Among the proteins that might fit this role are serpins, which are serine protease inhibitors. Although the serpins themselves have been known for many years, they have recently become the centre of attention for many authors, especially due to the fact that a number of proteins in this family are involved in many stages of neoplasia formation, from angiogenesis through tumour growth to progression. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present the current knowledge about the significance of serpins in GI malignancies, especially their involvement in the development and progression of oesophageal, gastric, pancreatic and colorectal cancers. This review summarises and confirms the important roles of selected serpins in the pathogenesis of various GI cancers and also points to their promising roles as therapeutic targets. However, due to the relatively nonspecific nature of serpins, future research should be carried out to elucidate the mechanisms involved in tumour pathogenesis in more detail.
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Chakravarthy A, Reddin I, Henderson S, Dong C, Kirkwood N, Jeyakumar M, Rodriguez DR, Martinez NG, McDermott J, Su X, Egawa N, Fjeldbo CS, Skingen VE, Lyng H, Halle MK, Krakstad C, Soleiman A, Sprung S, Lechner M, Ellis PJI, Wass M, Michaelis M, Fiegl H, Salvesen H, Thomas GJ, Doorbar J, Chester K, Feber A, Fenton TR. Integrated analysis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma cohorts from three continents reveals conserved subtypes of prognostic significance. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5818. [PMID: 36207323 PMCID: PMC9547055 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33544-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Here we present an integrated multi-omic analysis of 643 cervical squamous cell carcinomas (CSCC, the most common histological variant of cervical cancer), representing patient populations from the USA, Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa and identify two CSCC subtypes (C1 and C2) with differing prognosis. C1 and C2 tumours can be driven by either of the two most common HPV types in cervical cancer (16 and 18) and while HPV16 and HPV18 are overrepresented among C1 and C2 tumours respectively, the prognostic difference between groups is not due to HPV type. C2 tumours, which comprise approximately 20% of CSCCs across these cohorts, display distinct genomic alterations, including loss or mutation of the STK11 tumour suppressor gene, increased expression of several immune checkpoint genes and differences in the tumour immune microenvironment that may explain the shorter survival associated with this group. In conclusion, we identify two therapy-relevant CSCC subtypes that share the same defining characteristics across three geographically diverse cohorts. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known cause of cervical cancer. Here, the authors perform a multi-omic analysis using published cervical squamous cell carcinoma cohorts from the USA, Europe, and SubSaharan Africa and identify two cervical squamous cell carcinoma subtypes that display prognostic differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Chakravarthy
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Reddin
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Stephen Henderson
- UCL Cancer Institute, Bill Lyons Informatics Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cindy Dong
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Nerissa Kirkwood
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Maxmilan Jeyakumar
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Nagayasau Egawa
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Heidi Lyng
- Department of Radiation Biology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mari Kyllesø Halle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Camilla Krakstad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Afschin Soleiman
- INNPATH, Institute of Pathology, Tirol Kliniken Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Susanne Sprung
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matt Lechner
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter J I Ellis
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Mark Wass
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Martin Michaelis
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Heidi Fiegl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helga Salvesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gareth J Thomas
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - John Doorbar
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kerry Chester
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Andrew Feber
- Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital Trust, London, UK. .,Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Tim R Fenton
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. .,School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK. .,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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Secretory SERPINE1 Expression Is Increased by Antiplatelet Therapy, Inducing MMP1 Expression and Increasing Colon Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179596. [PMID: 36076991 PMCID: PMC9455756 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrary to many reports that antiplatelet agents inhibit cancer growth and metastasis, new solid tumors have been reported in patients receiving long-term antiplatelet therapy. We investigated the effects of these agents directly on cancer cells in the absence of platelets to mimic the effects of long-term therapy. When four antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor) were administered to colon cancer cells, cancer cell proliferation was inhibited similarly to a previous study. However, surprisingly, when cells were treated with a purinergic P2Y12 inhibitor (purinergic antiplatelet agent), the motility of the cancer cells was significantly increased. Therefore, gene expression profiles were identified to investigate the effect of P2Y12 inhibitors on cell mobility, and Serpin family 1 (SERPINE1) was identified as a common gene associated with cell migration and cell death in three groups. Antiplatelet treatment increased the level of SERPINE1 in cancer cells and also promoted the secretion of SERPINE1 into the medium. Increased SERPINE1 was found to induce MMP1 and, thus, increase cell motility. In addition, an increase in SERPINE1 was confirmed using the serum of patients who received these antiplatelet drugs. With these results, we propose that SERPINE1 could be used as a new target gene to prevent the onset and metastasis of cancer in patients with long-term antiplatelet therapy.
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Single Cell Analysis Reveals Reciprocal Tumor-Macrophage Intercellular Communications Related with Metabolic Reprogramming in Stem-like Gastric Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152373. [PMID: 35954218 PMCID: PMC9368184 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic alterations and direct cell–cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) affect the prognostic molecular landscape of tumors; thus, it is imperative to investigate metabolic activity at the single-cell level rather than in bulk samples to understand the high-resolution mechanistic influences of cell-type specific metabolic pathway alterations on tumor cells. To investigate tumor metabolic reprogramming and intercellular communication at the single-cell level, we analyzed eighty-four metabolic pathways, seven metabolic signatures, and tumor-stroma cell interaction using 21,084 cells comprising gastric cancer and paired normal tissue. High EMT-score cells and stem-like subtype tumors showed elevated glycosaminoglycan metabolism, which was associated with poor patient outcome. Adenocarcinoma and macrophage cells had higher reactive oxidative species levels than the normal controls; they largely constituted the highest stemness cluster. They were found to reciprocally communicate through the common ligand RPS19. Consequently, ligand-target regulated transcriptional reprogramming resulted in HS6ST2 expression in adenocarcinoma cells and SERPINE1 expression in macrophages. Gastric cancer patients with increased SERPINE1 and HS6ST2 expression had unfavorable prognoses, suggesting these as potential drug targets. Our findings indicate that malignant stem-like/EMT cancer cell state might be regulated through reciprocal cancer cell-macrophage intercellular communication and metabolic reprogramming in the heterogeneous TME of gastric cancer at the single-cell level.
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Scales MK, Velez-Delgado A, Steele NG, Schrader HE, Stabnick AM, Yan W, Mercado Soto NM, Nwosu ZC, Johnson C, Zhang Y, Salas-Escabillas DJ, Menjivar RE, Maurer HC, Crawford HC, Bednar F, Olive KP, Pasca di Magliano M, Allen BL. Combinatorial Gli activity directs immune infiltration and tumor growth in pancreatic cancer. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010315. [PMID: 35867772 PMCID: PMC9348714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper Hedgehog (HH) signaling is essential for embryonic development, while aberrant HH signaling drives pediatric and adult cancers. HH signaling is frequently dysregulated in pancreatic cancer, yet its role remains controversial, with both tumor-promoting and tumor-restraining functions reported. Notably, the GLI family of HH transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, GLI3), remain largely unexplored in pancreatic cancer. We therefore investigated the individual and combined contributions of GLI1-3 to pancreatic cancer progression. At pre-cancerous stages, fibroblast-specific Gli2/Gli3 deletion decreases immunosuppressive macrophage infiltration and promotes T cell infiltration. Strikingly, combined loss of Gli1/Gli2/Gli3 promotes macrophage infiltration, indicating that subtle changes in Gli expression differentially regulate immune infiltration. In invasive tumors, Gli2/Gli3 KO fibroblasts exclude immunosuppressive myeloid cells and suppress tumor growth by recruiting natural killer cells. Finally, we demonstrate that fibroblasts directly regulate macrophage and T cell migration through the expression of Gli-dependent cytokines. Thus, the coordinated activity of GLI1-3 directs the fibroinflammatory response throughout pancreatic cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. Scales
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ashley Velez-Delgado
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Nina G. Steele
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Hannah E. Schrader
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Anna M. Stabnick
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Nayanna M. Mercado Soto
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Zeribe C. Nwosu
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Craig Johnson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Yaqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | - Rosa E. Menjivar
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - H. Carlo Maurer
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York city, New York, United States of America
- Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Howard C. Crawford
- Department of Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Filip Bednar
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kenneth P. Olive
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York city, New York, United States of America
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York city, New York, United States of America
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Benjamin L. Allen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Mechanisms of Tumor Progression and Novel Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051231. [PMID: 35267539 PMCID: PMC8909913 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in determining the biological behavior of several of the more aggressive malignancies. Among the various cell types evident in the tumor “field”, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogenous collection of activated fibroblasts secreting a wide repertoire of factors that regulate tumor development and progression, inflammation, drug resistance, metastasis and recurrence. Insensitivity to chemotherapeutics and metastatic spread are the major contributors to cancer patient mortality. This review discusses the complex interactions between CAFs and the various populations of normal and neoplastic cells that interact within the dynamic confines of the tumor microenvironment with a focus on the involved pathways and genes. Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogenous population of stromal cells found in solid malignancies that coexist with the growing tumor mass and other immune/nonimmune cellular elements. In certain neoplasms (e.g., desmoplastic tumors), CAFs are the prominent mesenchymal cell type in the tumor microenvironment, where their presence and abundance signal a poor prognosis in multiple cancers. CAFs play a major role in the progression of various malignancies by remodeling the supporting stromal matrix into a dense, fibrotic structure while secreting factors that lead to the acquisition of cancer stem-like characteristics and promoting tumor cell survival, reduced sensitivity to chemotherapeutics, aggressive growth and metastasis. Tumors with high stromal fibrotic signatures are more likely to be associated with drug resistance and eventual relapse. Clarifying the molecular basis for such multidirectional crosstalk among the various normal and neoplastic cell types present in the tumor microenvironment may yield novel targets and new opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This review highlights the most recent concepts regarding the complexity of CAF biology including CAF heterogeneity, functionality in drug resistance, contribution to a progressively fibrotic tumor stroma, the involved signaling pathways and the participating genes.
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Klimczak-Bitner AA, Bitner J, Hiruta K, Szemraj J. Exploring a possible association between the occurrence of the SERPINE1-675 4G/5G (rs1799889) polymorphism and the increased risk of esophageal cancer in the Caucasian population. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 28:101147. [PMID: 34660916 PMCID: PMC8502711 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this research was to analyze the SERPINE1 -675 4G/5G (rs1799889) and MMP9 T-1702A (rs2297864) polymorphisms in esophageal cancer among polish patients, classified as part of the Caucasian population. The analysis of polymorphic gene variants was performed on 35 randomly selected samples excised from patients with esophageal cancer. The tissue specimens were stored as Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) blocks. All patients in the sample group were of Caucasian ethnicity. The genotype distribution of MMP9 T-1702A and SERPINE1 -675 polymorphisms was analyzed using the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method. A correlation between the expression of −675 polymorphic form of SERPINE1 and alcohol abuse has been found. Additionally, a correlation between the −675 polymorphism and the subtype of EC developed by the patient has been shown. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report investigating the SERPINE1 -675 4G/5G (rs1799889) polymorphism as a potential candidate for a prognostic biomarker of esophageal cancer. FFPE cancer samples serve as good material for detecting SERPINE1 -675 4G/5G (rs1799889) and MMP9 T-1702A (rs2297864) polymorphisms. Expression of −675 polymorphism of SERPINE1 may correlate with pathoclinical factors for esophageal cancer in Caucasians. SERPINE1 -675 4G/5G (rs1799889) polymorphism may potentially serve as a prognostic biomarker for esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Bitner
- Department of Medicinal Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Komei Hiruta
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Japan
| | - Janusz Szemraj
- Department of Medicinal Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
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Shimizu M, Koma YI, Sakamoto H, Tsukamoto S, Kitamura Y, Urakami S, Tanigawa K, Kodama T, Higashino N, Nishio M, Shigeoka M, Kakeji Y, Yokozaki H. Metallothionein 2A Expression in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Cancer Cells Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4552. [PMID: 34572779 PMCID: PMC8464741 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer has the sixth highest mortality rate worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are involved in the progression of various cancers. Previously, we demonstrated an association between high expression of the CAF marker, fibroblast activation protein, and poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We also established CAF-like cells by indirect co-culture of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells with ESCC cell lines and found metallothionein 2A (MT2A) to be highly expressed in them. Here, to explore the function of MT2A in CAFs, we silenced MT2A in the CAF-like cells and ESCC cell lines using small interfering RNA. MT2A knockdown in the CAF-like cells suppressed expression and secretion of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2); recombinant IGFBP2 promoted migration and invasiveness of ESCC cells via NFκB, Akt, and Erk signaling pathways. Furthermore, MT2A knockdown in the ESCC cell lines inhibited their growth, migration, and invasiveness. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that high MT2A expression in the cancer stroma and cancer nest of ESCC tissues correlated with poor prognosis of ESCC patients. Hence, we report that MT2A in CAFs and cancer cells contributes to ESCC progression. MT2A and IGFBP2 are potential novel therapeutic targets in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Shimizu
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
- Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Yu-ichiro Koma
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hiroki Sakamoto
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
- Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Shuichi Tsukamoto
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
| | - Yu Kitamura
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
- Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Urakami
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Kohei Tanigawa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
- Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Takayuki Kodama
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
| | - Nobuhide Higashino
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
- Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Mari Nishio
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
| | - Manabu Shigeoka
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
| | - Yoshihiro Kakeji
- Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Yokozaki
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (M.S.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (S.U.); (K.T.); (T.K.); (N.H.); (M.N.); (M.S.); (H.Y.)
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Huang X, Zhang F, He D, Ji X, Gao J, Liu W, Wang Y, Liu Q, Xin T. Immune-Related Gene SERPINE1 Is a Novel Biomarker for Diffuse Lower-Grade Gliomas via Large-Scale Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:646060. [PMID: 34094933 PMCID: PMC8173178 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.646060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioma is one of the highly fatal primary tumors in the central nervous system. As a major component of tumor microenvironment (TME), immune cell has been proved to play a critical role in the progression and prognosis of the diffuse lower-grade gliomas (LGGs). This study aims to screen the key immune-related factors of LGGs by investigating the TCGA database. Methods The RNA-sequencing data of 508 LGG patients were downloaded in the TCGA database. ESTIMATE algorithm was utilized to calculate the stromal, immune, and ESTIMATE scores, based on which, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by using “limma” package. Cox regression analysis and the cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape software were subsequently applied to screen the survival-related genes and hub genes, the intersection of which led to the identification of SERPINE1 that played key roles in the LGGs. The expression patterns, clinical features, and regulatory mechanisms of SERPINE1 in the LGGs were further analyzed by data mining of the TCGA database. What’s more, the above analyses of SERPINE1 were further validated in the LGG cohort from the CGGA database. Result We found that stromal and immune cell infiltrations were strongly related to the prognosis and malignancy of the LGGs. A total of 54 survival-related genes and 46 hub genes were screened out in the DEGs, within which SERPINE1 was identified to be significantly overexpressed in the LGG samples compared with the normal tissues. Moreover, the upregulation of SERPINE1 was more pronounced in the gliomas of WHO grade III and IDH wild type, and its expression was correlated with poor prognosis in the LGG patients. The independent prognostic value of SERPINE1 in the LGG patients was also confirmed by Cox regression analysis. In terms of the functions of SERPINE1, the results of enrichment analysis indicated that SERPINE1 was mainly enriched in the immune‐related biological processes and signaling pathways. Furthermore, it was closely associated with infiltrations of immune cells in the LGG microenvironment and acted synergistically with PD1, PD-L1, PD-L2. Conclusion These findings proved that SERPINE1 could serve as a prognostic biomarker and potential immunotherapy target of LGGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fenglin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dong He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoshuai Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiajia Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenqing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunda Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Xin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
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35
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He Z, Wang G, Wu J, Tang Z, Luo M. The molecular mechanism of LRP1 in physiological vascular homeostasis and signal transduction pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111667. [PMID: 34243608 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions between vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes (PCs) and macrophages (MФ), the major components of blood vessels, play a crucial role in maintaining vascular structural and functional homeostasis. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1), a transmembrane receptor protein belonging to the LDL receptor family, plays multifunctional roles in maintaining endocytosis, homeostasis, and signal transduction. Accumulating evidence suggests that LRP1 modulates vascular homeostasis mainly by regulating vasoactive substances and specific intracellular signaling pathways, including the plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) signaling pathway, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. The aim of the present review is to focus on recent advances in the discovery and mechanism of vascular homeostasis regulated by LRP1-dependent signaling pathways. These recent discoveries expand our understanding of the mechanisms controlling LRP1 as a target for studies on vascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui He
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Drug Discovery Reseach Center, Southwest Medical University, 319 Zhongshan Road, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Drug Discovery Reseach Center, Southwest Medical University, 319 Zhongshan Road, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology of Department of Pharmacology, the School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianbo Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Drug Discovery Reseach Center, Southwest Medical University, 319 Zhongshan Road, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology of Department of Pharmacology, the School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Zonghao Tang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Drug Discovery Reseach Center, Southwest Medical University, 319 Zhongshan Road, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology of Department of Pharmacology, the School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| | - Mao Luo
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Drug Discovery Reseach Center, Southwest Medical University, 319 Zhongshan Road, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology of Department of Pharmacology, the School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
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36
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Sachdeva UM, Shimonosono M, Flashner S, Cruz-Acuña R, Gabre JT, Nakagawa H. Understanding the cellular origin and progression of esophageal cancer using esophageal organoids. Cancer Lett 2021; 509:39-52. [PMID: 33838281 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) organoids are a novel tool to model epithelial cell biology and human diseases of the esophagus. 3D organoid culture systems have been utilized to investigate the pathobiology of esophageal cancer, including both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Additional organoid-based approaches for study of esophageal development and benign esophageal diseases have provided key insights into esophageal keratinocyte differentiation and mucosal regeneration. These investigations have implications for the identification of esophageal cancer stem cells, as well as the potential to halt malignant progression through induction of differentiation pathways. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) from human tissue samples allow for unique and faithful in vitro modeling of esophageal cancers, and provide an exciting platform for investigation into personalized medicine and targeted treatment approaches, as well as new models for understanding therapy resistance and recurrent disease. Future directions include high-throughput genomic screening using PDOs, and study of tumor-microenvironmental interactions through co-culture with immune and stromal cells and novel extracellular matrix complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma M Sachdeva
- Divison of Thoracic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Masataka Shimonosono
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel Flashner
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ricardo Cruz-Acuña
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joel T Gabre
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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