1
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Wang D, Zhang Y, Li Q, Li Y, Li W, Zhang A, Xu J, Meng J, Tang L, Lyu S. Epigenetics: Mechanisms, potential roles, and therapeutic strategies in cancer progression. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101020. [PMID: 38988323 PMCID: PMC11233905 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations or abnormal expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are known to cause cancer. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications are key drivers of cancer development and progression. Nevertheless, the mechanistic role of epigenetic dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment is not fully understood. Here, we reviewed the role of epigenetic modifications of cancer cells and non-cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment and recent research advances in cancer epigenetic drugs. In addition, we discussed the great potential of epigenetic combination therapies in the clinical treatment of cancer. However, there are still some challenges in the field of cancer epigenetics, such as epigenetic tumor heterogeneity, epigenetic drug heterogeneity, and crosstalk between epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics, which may be the focus and difficulty of cancer treatment in the future. In conclusion, epigenetic modifications in the tumor microenvironment are essential for future epigenetic drug development and the comprehensive treatment of cancer. Epigenetic combination therapy may be a novel strategy for the future clinical treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qingbo Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yu Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wen Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingxuan Xu
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingyan Meng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Lin Tang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shuhua Lyu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China
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2
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Chen M, Chen F, Gao Z, Li X, Hu L, Yang S, Zhao S, Song Z. CAFs and T cells interplay: The emergence of a new arena in cancer combat. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117045. [PMID: 38955088 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the immune system and the tumor matrix has a huge impact on the progression and treatment of cancer. This paper summarizes and discusses the crosstalk between T cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs can also produce inhibitors that counteract the function of T cells and promote tumor immune escape, while T cells can also engage in complex two-way interactions with CAFs through direct cell contact, the exchange of soluble factors such as cytokines, and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Precise targeted intervention can effectively reverse tumor-promoting crosstalk between T cells and CAFs, improve anti-tumor immune response, and provide a new perspective for cancer treatment. Therefore, it is important to deeply understand the mechanism of crosstalk between T cells and CAFs. This review aims to outline the underlying mechanisms of these interactions and discuss potential therapeutic strategies that may become fundamental tools in the treatment of cancer, especially hard-to-cure cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaofeng Gao
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingyu Hu
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuying Yang
- Department of intensive medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Siqi Zhao
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhengwei Song
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
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3
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Mahale A, Routholla G, Lavanya S, Sharma P, Ghosh B, Kulkarni OP. Pharmacological blockade of HDAC6 attenuates cancer progression by inhibiting IL-1β and modulating immunosuppressive response in OSCC. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111921. [PMID: 38547770 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111921] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) one of the biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is upregulated in tumor-microenvironment (TME) and associated with poor patient survival. Thus, a novel modulator of IL-1β would be of great therapeutic value for OSCC treatment. Here we report regulation of IL-1β and TME by histone deacetylase-6 (HDAC6)-inhibitor in OSCC. We observed significant upregulation of HDAC6 in 4-nitroquniline (4-NQO)-induced OSCC in mice and 4-NQO & Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated OSCC and fibroblast cells. Tubastatin A (TSA)-attenuated the OSCC progression in mice as observed improvement in the histology over tongue and esophagus, with reduced tumor burden. TSA treatment to 4-NQO mice attenuated protein expression of HDAC6, pro-and-mature-IL-1β and pro-and-cleaved-caspase-1 and ameliorated acetylated-tubulin. In support of our experimental work, human TCGA analysis revealed HDAC6 and IL-1β were upregulated in the primary tumor, with different tumor stages and grades. We found TSA modulate TME, indicated by downregulation of CD11b+Gr1+-Myeloid-derived suppressor cells, CD11b+F4/80+CD206+ M2-macrophages and increase in CD11b+F4/80+MHCII+ M1-macrophages. TSA significantly reduced the gene expression of HDAC6, IL-1β, Arginase-1 and iNOS in isolated splenic-MDSCs. FaDu-HTB-43 and NIH3T3 cells stimulated with LPS and 4-NQO exhibit higher IL-1β levels in the supernatant. Interestingly, immunoblot analysis of the cell lysate, we observed that TSA does not alter the expression as well as activation of IL-1β and caspase-1 but the acetylated-tubulin was found to be increased. Nocodazole pre-treatment proved that TSA inhibited the lysosomal exocytosis of IL-1β through tubulin acetylation. In conclusion, HDAC6 inhibitors attenuated TME and cancer progression through the regulation of IL-1β in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Mahale
- Metabolic Disorders and Neuroscience Research laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, India
| | - Ganesh Routholla
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, India
| | - S Lavanya
- Metabolic Disorders and Neuroscience Research laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, India
| | - Pravesh Sharma
- Metabolic Disorders and Neuroscience Research laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, India
| | - Balaram Ghosh
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, India
| | - Onkar Prakash Kulkarni
- Metabolic Disorders and Neuroscience Research laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, India.
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Trnkova L, Buocikova V, Mego M, Cumova A, Burikova M, Bohac M, Miklikova S, Cihova M, Smolkova B. Epigenetic deregulation in breast cancer microenvironment: Implications for tumor progression and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116559. [PMID: 38603889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116559] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer comprises a substantial proportion of cancer diagnoses in women and is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality. While hormone-responsive cases generally have a favorable prognosis, the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer presents challenges, with intrinsic resistance to established treatments being a persistent issue. The complexity intensifies with the emergence of acquired resistance, further complicating the management of breast cancer. Epigenetic changes, encompassing DNA methylation, histone and RNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs, are acknowledged as crucial contributors to the heterogeneity of breast cancer. The unique epigenetic landscape harbored by each cellular component within the tumor microenvironment (TME) adds great diversity to the intricate regulations which influence therapeutic responses. The TME, a sophisticated ecosystem of cellular and non-cellular elements interacting with tumor cells, establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment and fuels processes such as tumor growth, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. These factors contribute to challenging conditions in cancer treatment by fostering a hypoxic environment, inducing metabolic stress, and creating physical barriers to drug delivery. This article delves into the complex connections between breast cancer treatment response, underlying epigenetic changes, and vital interactions within the TME. To restore sensitivity to treatment, it emphasizes the need for combination therapies considering epigenetic changes specific to individual members of the TME. Recognizing the pivotal role of epigenetics in drug resistance and comprehending the specificities of breast TME is essential for devising more effective therapeutic strategies. The development of reliable biomarkers for patient stratification will facilitate tailored and precise treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Trnkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia; 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Cumova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Monika Burikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Martin Bohac
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia; Regenmed Ltd., Medena 29, Bratislava 811 01, Slovakia; Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava 811 08, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia.
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5
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Freag MS, Mohammed MT, Kulkarni A, Emam HE, Maremanda KP, Elzoghby AO. Modulating tumoral exosomes and fibroblast phenotype using nanoliposomes augments cancer immunotherapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk3074. [PMID: 38416824 PMCID: PMC10901379 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells program fibroblasts into cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in a two-step manner. First, cancer cells secrete exosomes to program quiescent fibroblasts into activated CAFs. Second, cancer cells maintain the CAF phenotype via activation of signal transduction pathways. We rationalized that inhibiting this two-step process can normalize CAFs into quiescent fibroblasts and augment the efficacy of immunotherapy. We show that cancer cell-targeted nanoliposomes that inhibit sequential steps of exosome biogenesis and release from lung cancer cells block the differentiation of lung fibroblasts into CAFs. In parallel, we demonstrate that CAF-targeted nanoliposomes that block two distinct nodes in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway can reverse activate CAFs into quiescent fibroblasts. Co-administration of both nanoliposomes significantly improves the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells and enhances the antitumor efficacy of αPD-L1 in immunocompetent lung cancer-bearing mice. Simultaneously blocking the tumoral exosome-mediated activation of fibroblasts and FGFR-Wnt/β-catenin signaling constitutes a promising approach to augment immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- May S. Freag
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Investigative Toxicology, Drug Safety Research and Evaluation, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mostafa T. Mohammed
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Anatomical and Clinical Pathology Department, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arpita Kulkarni
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hagar E. Emam
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Krishna P. Maremanda
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed O. Elzoghby
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Gu M, Ren B, Fang Y, Ren J, Liu X, Wang X, Zhou F, Xiao R, Luo X, You L, Zhao Y. Epigenetic regulation in cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e495. [PMID: 38374872 PMCID: PMC10876210 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.495] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are defined as heritable changes in gene activity that do not involve changes in the underlying DNA sequence. The oncogenic process is driven by the accumulation of alterations that impact genome's structure and function. Genetic mutations, which directly disrupt the DNA sequence, are complemented by epigenetic modifications that modulate gene expression, thereby facilitating the acquisition of malignant characteristics. Principals among these epigenetic changes are shifts in DNA methylation and histone mark patterns, which promote tumor development and metastasis. Notably, the reversible nature of epigenetic alterations, as opposed to the permanence of genetic changes, positions the epigenetic machinery as a prime target in the discovery of novel therapeutics. Our review delves into the complexities of epigenetic regulation, exploring its profound effects on tumor initiation, metastatic behavior, metabolic pathways, and the tumor microenvironment. We place a particular emphasis on the dysregulation at each level of epigenetic modulation, including but not limited to, the aberrations in enzymes responsible for DNA methylation and histone modification, subunit loss or fusions in chromatin remodeling complexes, and the disturbances in higher-order chromatin structure. Finally, we also evaluate therapeutic approaches that leverage the growing understanding of chromatin dysregulation, offering new avenues for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzhi Gu
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Bo Ren
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Feihan Zhou
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Ruiling Xiao
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xiyuan Luo
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General SurgeryPeking Union Medical College HospitalPeking Union Medical CollegeChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic TumorChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College HospitalBeijingP. R. China
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7
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Zheng J, Hao H. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts in targeted therapies and drug resistance in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1333839. [PMID: 38273859 PMCID: PMC10810416 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1333839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting a strong association with the advancement of various types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. CAFs represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell population in breast cancer. Through diverse mechanisms, including the release of cytokines and exosomes, CAFs contribute to the progression of breast cancer by influencing tumor energy metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, impairing immune cell function, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, CAFs considerably impact the response to treatment in breast cancer. Consequently, the development of interventions targeting CAFs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of breast cancer. This article provides an analysis of the role of CAFs in breast cancer, specifically in relation to diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis. The paper succinctly outlines the diverse mechanisms through which CAFs contribute to the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential of CAFs as valuable tools for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, treatment resistance, and prognosis assessment in breast cancer, thereby offering novel approaches for targeted therapy and overcoming treatment resistance in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Hao
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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8
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Borzone FR, Giorello MB, Sanmartin MC, Yannarelli G, Martinez LM, Chasseing NA. Mesenchymal stem cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts as a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:238-256. [PMID: 35485850 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death among women. Recent evidence suggests that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have an essential role in cancer progression, invasion and therapy resistance. Therefore, they are considered as highly promising future therapeutic targets against breast cancer. The intrinsic tumour tropism and immunomodulatory capacities of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells are of special relevance for developing mesenchymal stromal/stem cells-based anti-tumour therapies that suppress primary tumour growth and metastasis. In addition, the utilization of therapies that target the stromal components of the tumour microenvironment in combination with standard drugs is an innovative tool that could improve patients' response to therapies and their survival. In this review, we discuss the currently available information regarding the possible use of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells-derived anti-tumour therapies, as well as the utilization of therapies that target CAFs in breast cancer microenvironment. Finally, these data can serve as a guide map for future research in this field, ultimately aiding the effective transition of these results into the clinic. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Cancer Microenvironment and Pharmacological Interventions. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.2/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Raúl Borzone
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Giorello
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Cecilia Sanmartin
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Regulación Génica y Células Madre, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Trasplante y Bioingeniería (IMeTTyB), Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Yannarelli
- Laboratorio de Regulación Génica y Células Madre, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Trasplante y Bioingeniería (IMeTTyB), Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Marcelo Martinez
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Norma Alejandra Chasseing
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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9
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Xiong D, Zhang L, Sun ZJ. Targeting the epigenome to reinvigorate T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:59. [PMID: 38044445 PMCID: PMC10694991 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00496-2] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy using immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the field of cancer treatment; however, ICI efficacy is constrained by progressive dysfunction of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which is termed T cell exhaustion. This process is driven by diverse extrinsic factors across heterogeneous tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Simultaneously, tumorigenesis entails robust reshaping of the epigenetic landscape, potentially instigating T cell exhaustion. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic mechanisms governing tumor microenvironmental cues leading to T cell exhaustion, and discuss therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic regulators for immunotherapies. Finally, we outline conceptual and technical advances in developing potential treatment paradigms involving immunostimulatory agents and epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, School and and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
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10
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Shan P, Wang C, Chen H, Yu J, Zhang H. Inonotsutriol E from Inonotus obliquus exhibits promising anti breast cancer activity via regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Bioorg Chem 2023; 139:106741. [PMID: 37480812 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the small molecule anticancer agents in the medicinal fungus Inonotus obliquus and further characterize their possible molecular mechanisms. Chemical fractionation of the ethanol extract of this fungus yielded a panel of lanostane triterpenoids (1-13) and their structures were characterized on the basis of spectroscopic methods. Subsequent preliminary biological screening on these triterpenoids revealed significant cytotoxicity against various tumor cell lines, and inonotsutriol E (ITE, 1) showed the best activity. Of note, ITE displayed stronger inhibitory effect on breast cancer (BC) than other tumor cell lines. Functional assays revealed that ITE significantly inhibited the growth and migration of BC cells and exerted promising antitumor activity in patient-derived organoids (PDO). Further mechanistic study demonstrated that the anti-BC activity of ITE was achieved via inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signal axis. Taken together, the current work has demonstrated the therapeutic material basis of I. obliquus and provided further evidence for the traditional application of this medicinal species in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Shan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - He Chen
- Department of Research and Education, Fuwai Hospital, Qingdao 266034, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Hospital, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China.
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11
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Singh S, Barik D, Arukha AP, Prasad S, Mohapatra I, Singh A, Singh G. Small Molecule Targeting Immune Cells: A Novel Approach for Cancer Treatment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2621. [PMID: 37892995 PMCID: PMC10604364 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional and cancer immunotherapies encompass diverse strategies to address various cancer types and stages. However, combining these approaches often encounters limitations such as non-specific targeting, resistance development, and high toxicity, leading to suboptimal outcomes in many cancers. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is orchestrated by intricate interactions between immune and non-immune cells dictating tumor progression. An innovative avenue in cancer therapy involves leveraging small molecules to influence a spectrum of resistant cell populations within the TME. Recent discoveries have unveiled a phenotypically diverse cohort of innate-like T (ILT) cells and tumor hybrid cells (HCs) exhibiting novel characteristics, including augmented proliferation, migration, resistance to exhaustion, evasion of immunosurveillance, reduced apoptosis, drug resistance, and heightened metastasis frequency. Leveraging small-molecule immunomodulators to target these immune players presents an exciting frontier in developing novel tumor immunotherapies. Moreover, combining small molecule modulators with immunotherapy can synergistically enhance the inhibitory impact on tumor progression by empowering the immune system to meticulously fine-tune responses within the TME, bolstering its capacity to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This review outlines strategies involving small molecules that modify immune cells within the TME, potentially revolutionizing therapeutic interventions and enhancing the anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Debashis Barik
- Center for Computational Natural Science and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500032, Telangana, India
| | | | | | - Iteeshree Mohapatra
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Amar Singh
- Schulze Diabetes Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Gatikrushna Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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12
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Zheng YC, Kang HQ, Wang B, Zhu YZ, Mamun MAA, Zhao LF, Nie HQ, Liu Y, Zhao LJ, Zhang XN, Gao MM, Jiang DD, Liu HM, Gao Y. Curriculum vitae of HDAC6 in solid tumors. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123219. [PMID: 36642357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is the only member of the HDAC family that resides primarily in the cytoplasm with two catalytic domains and a ubiquitin-binding domain. HDAC6 is highly expressed in various solid tumors and participates in a wide range of biological activities, including hormone receptors, the p53 signaling pathway, and the kinase cascade signaling pathway due to its unique structural foundation and abundant substrate types. Additionally, HDAC6 can function as an oncogenic factor in solid tumors, boosting tumor cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, drug resistance, stemness, and lowering tumor cell immunogenicity, so assisting in carcinogenesis. Pan-HDAC inhibitors for cancer prevention are associated with potential cardiotoxicity in clinical investigations. It's interesting that HDAC6 silencing didn't cause any significant harm to normal cells. Currently, the use of HDAC6 specific inhibitors, individually or in combination, is among the most promising therapies in solid tumors. This review's objective is to give a general overview of the structure, biological functions, and mechanism of HDAC6 in solid tumor cells and in the immunological milieu and discuss the preclinical and clinical trials of selective HDAC6 inhibitors. These endeavors highlight that targeting HDAC6 could effectively kill tumor cells and enhance patients' immunity during solid tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Hui-Qin Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yuan-Zai Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - M A A Mamun
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Long-Fei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Hai-Qian Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan 450001, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Xiao-Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Mei-Mei Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan 450001, China
| | - Dan-Dan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Henan 450001, China
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Ya Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
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13
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Dinakar YH, Kumar H, Mudavath SL, Jain R, Ajmeer R, Jain V. Role of STAT3 in the initiation, progression, proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer and strategies to deliver JAK and STAT3 inhibitors. Life Sci 2022; 309:120996. [PMID: 36170890 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer (BC) accounts for the majority of cancers among the female population. Anomalous activation of various signaling pathways has become an issue of concern. The JAK-STAT signaling pathway is activated in numerous cancers, including BC. STAT3 is widely involved in BCs, as 40 % of BCs display phosphorylated STAT3. JAK-STAT signaling is crucial for proliferation, survival, metastasis and other cellular events associated with the tumor microenvironment. Hence, targeting this pathway has become an area of interest among researchers. KEY FINDINGS This review article focuses on the role of STAT3 in the initiation, proliferation, progression and metastasis of BC. The roles of various phytochemicals, synthetic molecules and biologicals against JAK-STAT and STAT3 in various cancers have been discussed, with special emphasis on BC. SIGNIFICANCE JAK and STAT3 are involved in various phases from initiation to metastasis, and targeting this pathway is a promising approach to inhibit the various stages of BC development and to prevent metastasis. A number of phytochemicals and synthetic and biological molecules have demonstrated potential inhibitory effects on JAK and STAT3, thereby paving the way for the development of better therapeutics against BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirivinti Hayagreeva Dinakar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Hitesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Shyam Lal Mudavath
- Infectious Disease Biology Laboratory, Chemical Biology Unit, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Rupshee Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | - Ramkishan Ajmeer
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, East Zone, Kolkata 700020, West Bengal, India
| | - Vikas Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India.
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14
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Immunotherapy and immunoengineering for breast cancer; a comprehensive insight into CAR-T cell therapy advancements, challenges and prospects. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:755-777. [PMID: 35943716 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00700-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is a highly prevalent solid cancer with a high-rise infiltration of immune cells, turning it into a significant candidate for tumor-specific immunotherapies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells are emerging as immunotherapeutic tools with genetically engineered receptors to efficiently recognize and attack tumor cells that express specific target antigens. Technological advancements in CAR design have provided five generations of CAR-T cells applicable to a wide range of cancer patients while boosting CAR-T cell therapy safety. However, CAR-T cell therapy is ineffective against breast cancer because of the loss of specified antigens, the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor and CAR-T cell-induced toxicities. Next-generation CAR-T cells actively pass through the tumor vascular barriers, persist for extended periods and disrupt the tumor microenvironment (TME) to block immune escape. CONCLUSION CAR-T cell therapy embodies advanced immunotherapy for BC, but further pre-clinical and clinical assessments are recommended to achieve maximized efficiency and safety.
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15
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Ou L, Wang H, Huang H, Zhou Z, Lin Q, Guo Y, Mitchell T, Huang AC, Karakousis G, Schuchter L, Amaravadi R, Guo W, Salvino J, Herlyn M, Xu X. Preclinical platforms to study therapeutic efficacy of human γδ T cells. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e814. [PMID: 35731974 PMCID: PMC9217106 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gamma delta (γδ) T lymphocytes are promising candidate for adoptive T cell therapy, however, their treatment efficacy is not satisfactory. Vδ2 T cells are unique to primates and few suitable models are available to assay their anti-tumour function. METHODS We tested human γδ T cell activation, tumour infiltration, and tumour-killing in four three-dimensional (3D) models, including unicellular, bicellular and multicellular melanoma spheroids, and patient-derived melanoma organoids. We studied the effects of checkpoint inhibitors on γδ T cells and performed a small molecule screen using these platforms. RESULTS γδ T cells rapidly responded to melanoma cells and infiltrated melanoma spheroids better than αβ T cells in PBMCs. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in bicellular spheroids, stroma cells in multicellular melanoma spheroids and inhibitory immune cells in organoids significantly inhibited immune cell infiltrates including γδ T cells and lessened their cytotoxicity to tumour cells. Tumour-infiltrating γδ T cells showed exhausted immunophenotypes with high checkpoints expression (CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1). Immune checkpoint inhibitors increased γδ T cell infiltration of 3D models and killing of melanoma cells in all four 3D models. Our small molecule screen assay and subsequent mechanistic studies demonstrated that epigenetic modifiers enhanced the chemotaxis and cytotoxicity of γδ T cells through upregulating MICA/B, inhibiting HDAC6/7 pathway and downregulating the levels of PD-L1 and PD-L2 in CAFs and tumour cells. These compounds increased CXCR4 and CD107a expression, IFN-γ production and decreased PD-1 expression of γδ T cells. CONCLUSIONS Tumour-infiltrating γδ T cells show exhausted immunophenotypes and limited anti-tumour capacity in melanoma 3D models. Checkpoint inhibitors and epigenetic modifiers enhance anti-tumour functions of γδ T cells. These four 3D models provided valuable preclinical platforms to test γδ T cell functions for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Ou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Stomatological HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Huaishan Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hui Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhiyan Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiang Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yeye Guo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Tara Mitchell
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Alexander C. Huang
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Giorgos Karakousis
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Lynn Schuchter
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ravi Amaravadi
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Joseph Salvino
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis ProgramThe Wistar InstitutePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Meenhard Herlyn
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis ProgramThe Wistar InstitutePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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16
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Xie X, Lee J, Iwase T, Kai M, Ueno NT. Emerging drug targets for triple-negative breast cancer: A guided tour of the preclinical landscape. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:405-425. [PMID: 35574694 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2077188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most fatal molecular subtype of breast cancer because of its aggressiveness and resistance to chemotherapy. FDA-approved therapies for TNBC are limited to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and trophoblast cell surface antigen 2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate. Therefore, developing a novel effective targeted therapy for TNBC is an urgent unmet need. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, we discuss emerging targets for TNBC treatment discovered in early translational studies. We focus on cancer cell membrane molecules, hyperactive intracellular signaling pathways, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) based on their druggability, therapeutic potency, specificity to TNBC, and application in immunotherapy. EXPERT OPINION The significant challenges in the identification and validation of TNBC-associated targets are 1) application of appropriate genetic, molecular, and immunological approaches for modulating the target, 2) establishment of a proper mouse model that accurately represents the human immune TME, 3) TNBC molecular heterogeneity, and 4) failure translation of preclinical findings to clinical practice. To overcome those difficulties, future research needs to apply novel technology, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptase sequencing, and humanized mouse models. Further, combination treatment targeting multiple pathways in both the TNBC tumor and its TME is essential for effective disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Xie
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jangsoon Lee
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Toshiaki Iwase
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Megumi Kai
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Naoto T Ueno
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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17
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Hu D, Li Z, Zheng B, Lin X, Pan Y, Gong P, Zhuo W, Hu Y, Chen C, Chen L, Zhou J, Wang L. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast cancer: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:401-434. [PMID: 35481621 PMCID: PMC9118050 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is proposed to contribute substantially to the progression of cancers, including breast cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant components of the tumor microenvironment. Studies have revealed that CAFs in breast cancer originate from several types of cells and promote breast cancer malignancy by secreting factors, generating exosomes, releasing nutrients, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and suppressing the function of immune cells. CAFs are also becoming therapeutic targets for breast cancer due to their specific distribution in tumors and their unique biomarkers. Agents interrupting the effect of CAFs on surrounding cells have been developed and applied in clinical trials. Here, we reviewed studies examining the heterogeneity of CAFs in breast cancer and expression patterns of CAF markers in different subtypes of breast cancer. We hope that summarizing CAF-related studies from a historical perspective will help to accelerate the development of CAF-targeted therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengdi Hu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoqing Li
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Xixi Lin
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Yuehong Pan
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Peirong Gong
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Wenying Zhuo
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China.,Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Hu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Cong Chen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Lini Chen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Jichun Zhou
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Linbo Wang
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
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18
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Zhou M, Yuan M, Zhang M, Lei C, Aras O, Zhang X, An F. Combining histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) with other therapies for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113825. [PMID: 34562854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play an important role in regulating the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis and tumor maintenance, and hence they have been considered as key targets in cancer therapy. As a novel category of antitumor agents, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) can induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and differentiation in cancer cells, ultimately combating cancer. Although in the United States, the use of HDACis for the treatment of certain cancers has been approved, the therapeutic efficacy of HDACis as a single therapeutic agent in solid tumorshas been unsatisfactory and drug resistance may yet occur. To enhance therapeutic efficacy and limit drug resistance, numerous combination therapies involving HDACis in synergy with other antitumor therapies have been studied. In this review, we describe the classification of HDACs. Moreover, we summarize the antitumor mechanism of the HDACis for targeting key cellular processes of cancers (cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, DNA repair, and immune response). In addition, we outline the major developments of other antitumor therapies in combination with HDACis, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, phototherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the current state and challenges of HDACis-drugs combinations in future clinical studies, with the aim of optimizing the antitumor effect of such combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Minjian Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Science, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyi Lei
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Science, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Omer Aras
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, United States
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science & Technology, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Feifei An
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Science, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science & Technology, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, PR China.
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19
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Zhou C, Lv M, Wang P, Guo C, Ni Z, Bao H, Tang Y, Cai H, Lu J, Deng W, Yang X, Xia G, Wang H, Wang C, Kong S. Sequential activation of uterine epithelial IGF1R by stromal IGF1 and embryonic IGF2 directs normal uterine preparation for embryo implantation. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 13:646-661. [PMID: 34097060 PMCID: PMC8648386 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation in both humans and rodents is initiated by the attachment of a blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. For blastocyst attachment, the uterine epithelium needs to transform at both the structural and molecular levels first, and then initiate the interaction with trophectoderm. Any perturbation during this process will result in implantation failure or long-term adverse pregnancy outcomes. Endocrine steroid hormones, which function through nuclear receptors, combine with the local molecules produced by the uteri or embryo to facilitate implantation. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling has been reported to play a vital role during pregnancy. However, its physiological function during implantation remains elusive. This study revealed that mice with conditional deletion of Igf1r gene in uteri suffered from subfertility, mainly due to the disturbed uterine receptivity and abnormal embryo implantation. Mechanistically, we uncovered that in response to the nidatory estrogen on D4 of pregnancy, the epithelial IGF1R, stimulated by the stromal cell-produced IGF1, facilitated epithelial STAT3 activation to modulate the epithelial depolarity. Furthermore, embryonic derived IGF2 could activate both the epithelial ERK1/2 and STAT3 signaling through IGF1R, which was critical for the transcription of Cox2 and normal attachment reaction. In brief, our data revealed that epithelial IGF1R was sequentially activated by the uterine stromal IGF1 and embryonic IGF2 to guarantee normal epithelium differentiation during the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Meiying Lv
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Peike Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chuanhui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhangli Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yedong Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Han Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, NingXia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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20
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Kohandel Z, Farkhondeh T, Aschner M, Pourbagher-Shahri AM, Samarghandian S. STAT3 pathway as a molecular target for resveratrol in breast cancer treatment. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:468. [PMID: 34488773 PMCID: PMC8422731 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02179-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) induces breast cancer malignancy. Recent clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated an association between overexpressed and activated STAT3 and breast cancer progression, proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Resveratrol (RES), a naturally occurring phytoalexin, has demonstrated anti-cancer activity in several disease models. Furthermore, RES has also been shown to regulate the STAT3 signaling cascade via its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present review, we describe the STAT3 cascade signaling pathway and address the therapeutic targeting of STAT3 by RES as a tool to mitigate breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Kohandel
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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21
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Chen J, Wang Y, Zhang W, Zhao D, Zhang L, Zhang J, Fan J, Zhan Q. NOX5 mediates the crosstalk between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts via regulating cytokine network. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e472. [PMID: 34459125 PMCID: PMC8329696 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is a crucial feature for tumor malignancy. The reciprocal interplay between tumor cells and CAFs not only facilitates tumor progression and metastasis but also sustains the tumor-promoting function of CAFs. Nevertheless, how tumor cells readily adapt to these functional CAFs is still unclear. NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) is a strong reactive oxygen species producer overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. In this study, we showed that NOX5-positive ESCC cells induced normal fibroblasts (NFs) or adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to express the marker of CAFs-α smooth muscle actin. Moreover, these tumor cells reprogrammed the cytokine profile of the activated CAFs, which further stimulated NFs or MSCs to CAFs and induced lymphangiogenesis to facilitate ESCC malignancy. NOX5 activated intratumoral Src/nuclear factor-κB signaling to stimulate secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and lactate from tumor cells. Subsequently, TNF-α, IL-1β, and lactate activated CAFs, and facilitated the secretion of IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, CCL5, and transforming growth factor-β1 from CAFs. These CAFs-derived cytokines reciprocally induced the progression of NOX5-positive ESCC cells. Our findings together indicate that NOX5 serves as the driving oncoprotein to provide a niche that is beneficial for tumor malignant progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Di Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Lingyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Jiawen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Qimin Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
- Institute of Cancer ResearchShenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer ResearchChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
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22
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Crosstalk between Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth and Immunosuppression of Breast Cancer. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:8840066. [PMID: 34337083 PMCID: PMC8294979 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8840066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Signals from the tumor microenvironment (TME) have a profound influence on the maintenance and progression of cancers. Chronic inflammation and the infiltration of immune cells in breast cancer (BC) have been strongly associated with early carcinogenic events and a switch to a more immunosuppressive response. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant stromal component and can modulate tumor progression according to their secretomes. The immune cells including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and helper T cell (Th)), monocyte-infiltrating cells (MICs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), mast cells (MCs), and natural killer cells (NKs) play an important part in the immunological balance, fluctuating TME between protumoral and antitumoral responses. In this review article, we have summarized the impact of these immunological players together with CAF secreted substances in driving BC progression. We explain the crosstalk of CAFs and tumor-infiltrating immune cells suppressing antitumor response in BC, proposing these cellular entities as predictive markers of poor prognosis. CAF-tumor-infiltrating immune cell interaction is suggested as an alternative therapeutic strategy to regulate the immunosuppressive microenvironment in BC.
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23
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Mhaidly R, Mechta‐Grigoriou F. Role of cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations in immune infiltration, as a new means of treatment in cancer. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:259-272. [PMID: 34013544 PMCID: PMC8360036 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) has been identified as one of the driving factors of tumor progression and invasion. Within this microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) have multiple tumor-promoting functions and play key roles in drug resistance, through multiple mechanisms, including extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, production of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, and modulation of metabolism and angiogenesis. More recently, a growing body of evidence has shown that CAF also modulate immune cell activity and suppress anti-tumor immune response. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on CAF heterogeneity in terms of identity and functions. Moreover, we analyze how distinct CAF subpopulations differentially interact with immune cells, with a particular focus on T lymphocytes. We address how specific CAF subsets contribute to cancer progression through induction of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Finally, we highlight potential therapeutic strategies for targeting CAF subpopulations in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Mhaidly
- Institut CurieStress and Cancer LaboratoryEquipe labelisée Ligue Nationale Contre le CancerPSL Research UniversityParisFrance
- U830, InsermParisFrance
| | - Fatima Mechta‐Grigoriou
- Institut CurieStress and Cancer LaboratoryEquipe labelisée Ligue Nationale Contre le CancerPSL Research UniversityParisFrance
- U830, InsermParisFrance
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24
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Shani O, Raz Y, Monteran L, Scharff Y, Levi-Galibov O, Megides O, Shacham H, Cohen N, Silverbush D, Avivi C, Sharan R, Madi A, Scherz-Shouval R, Barshack I, Tsarfaty I, Erez N. Evolution of fibroblasts in the lung metastatic microenvironment is driven by stage-specific transcriptional plasticity. eLife 2021; 10:e60745. [PMID: 34169837 PMCID: PMC8257251 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mortality from breast cancer is almost exclusively a result of tumor metastasis, and lungs are one of the main metastatic sites. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are prominent players in the microenvironment of breast cancer. However, their role in the metastatic niche is largely unknown. In this study, we profiled the transcriptional co-evolution of lung fibroblasts isolated from transgenic mice at defined stage-specific time points of metastases formation. Employing multiple knowledge-based platforms of data analysis provided powerful insights on functional and temporal regulation of the transcriptome of fibroblasts. We demonstrate that fibroblasts in lung metastases are transcriptionally dynamic and plastic, and reveal stage-specific gene signatures that imply functional tasks, including extracellular matrix remodeling, stress response, and shaping the inflammatory microenvironment. Furthermore, we identified Myc as a central regulator of fibroblast rewiring and found that stromal upregulation of Myc transcriptional networks is associated with disease progression in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophir Shani
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Yael Raz
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical CenterTel AvivIsrael
| | - Lea Monteran
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Ye'ela Scharff
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Oshrat Levi-Galibov
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Or Megides
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Hila Shacham
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Noam Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Dana Silverbush
- Blavatnik School of Computer Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Camilla Avivi
- Department of Pathology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Roded Sharan
- Blavatnik School of Computer Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Asaf Madi
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Ruth Scherz-Shouval
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Iris Barshack
- Department of Pathology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Ilan Tsarfaty
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Neta Erez
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
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25
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Dong J, Cheng XD, Zhang WD, Qin JJ. Recent Update on Development of Small-Molecule STAT3 Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy: From Phosphorylation Inhibition to Protein Degradation. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8884-8915. [PMID: 34170703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that regulates various biological processes, including proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune response, and chemoresistance. In normal cells, STAT3 is tightly regulated to maintain a transiently active state, while persistent STAT3 activation occurs frequently in cancers, associating with a poor prognosis and tumor progression. Targeting the STAT3 protein is a potentially promising therapeutic strategy for tumors. Although none of the STAT3 inhibitors has been marketed yet, a few of them have succeeded in entering clinical trials. This Review aims to systematically summarize the progress of the last 5 years in the discovery of directive STAT3 small-molecule inhibitors and degraders, focusing primarily on their structural features, design strategies, and bioactivities. We hope this Review will shed light on future drug design and inhibitor optimization to accelerate the discovery process of STAT3 inhibitors or degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyun Dong
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Cheng
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
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26
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Shi Y, Ni J, Tao M, Ma X, Wang Y, Zang X, Hu Y, Qiu A, Zhuang S, Liu N. Elevated expression of HDAC6 in clinical peritoneal dialysis patients and its pathogenic role on peritoneal angiogenesis. Ren Fail 2021; 42:890-901. [PMID: 32862739 PMCID: PMC7472510 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2020.1811119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. However, its complications, such as peritoneal fibrosis (PF) and angiogenesis can cause ultrafiltration failure and PD termination. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) has been demonstrated to be involved in PF. However, its underlying role in peritoneal angiogenesis is still unknown and clinical value needs to be explored. In this study, we analyzed the expression of HDAC6 in the peritoneum from patients with non-PD and PD-related peritonitis and dialysis effluent from stable PD patients. Our study revealed that HDAC6 expressed highly in the peritoneum with peritonitis and co-stained with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a biomarker of the myofibroblast. And the level of HDAC6 in the dialysate increased with time and positively correlated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and negatively with cancer antigen 125 (CA125). In vitro, blockading HDAC6 with a selective inhibitor tubastatin A (TA) or silencing HDAC6 with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) prominently decreased IL-6-stimulated VEGF expression in cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs), and inhibited proliferation and vasoformation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). TA or HDAC6 siRNA also suppressed the expression of Wnt1, β-catenin, and the phosphorylation of STAT3 in IL-6-treated HPMCs. In summary, HDAC6 inhibition protects against PD-induced angiogenesis through suppression of IL-6/STAT3 and Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway, subsequently reducing the VEGF production and angiogenesis. It could become a new therapeutic target or forecast biomarker for PF, inflammation, and angiogenesis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfeng Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Ni
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Nephrology, Baoshan Branch of Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiujuan Zang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Andong Qiu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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27
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Abstract
The development of tumors requires an initiator event, usually exposure to DNA damaging agents that cause genetic alterations such as gene mutations or chromosomal abnormalities, leading to deregulated cell proliferation. Although the mere stochastic accumulation of further mutations may cause tumor progression, it is now clear that an inflammatory microenvironment has a major tumor-promoting influence on initiated cells, in particular when a chronic inflammatory reaction already existed before the initiated tumor cell was formed. Moreover, inflammatory cells become mobilized in response to signals emanating from tumor cells. In both cases, the microenvironment provides signals that initiated tumor cells perceive by membrane receptors and transduce via downstream kinase cascades to modulate multiple cellular processes and respond with changes in cell gene expression, metabolism, and morphology. Cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors are examples of major signals secreted by immune cells, fibroblast, and endothelial cells and mediate an intricate cell-cell crosstalk in an inflammatory microenvironment, which contributes to increased cancer cell survival, phenotypic plasticity and adaptation to surrounding tissue conditions. Eventually, consequent changes in extracellular matrix stiffness and architecture, coupled with additional genetic alterations, further fortify the malignant progression of tumor cells, priming them for invasion and metastasis. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the composition of the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, with an emphasis on the major signals and signal-transducing events mediating different aspects of stromal cell-tumor cell communication that ultimately lead to malignant progression.
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28
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Pflieger M, Sönnichsen M, Horstick‐Muche N, Yang J, Schliehe‐Diecks J, Schöler A, Borkhardt A, Hamacher A, Kassack MU, Hansen FK, Bhatia S, Kurz T. Oxa Analogues of Nexturastat A Demonstrate Improved HDAC6 Selectivity and Superior Antileukaemia Activity. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:1798-1803. [PMID: 33629513 PMCID: PMC8251746 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202001011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The acetylome is important for maintaining the homeostasis of cells. Abnormal changes can result in the pathogenesis of immunological or neurological diseases, and degeneration can promote the manifestation of cancer. In particular, pharmacological intervention in the acetylome with pan-histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors is clinically validated. However, these drugs exhibit an undesirable risk-benefit profile due to severe side effects. Selective HDAC inhibitors might promote patient compliance and represent a valuable opportunity in personalised medicine. Therefore, we envisioned the development of HDAC6-selective inhibitors. During our lead structure identification, we demonstrated that an alkoxyurea-based connecting unit proves to be beneficial for HDAC6 selectivity and established the synthesis of alkoxyurea-based hydroxamic acids. Herein, we report highly potent N-alkoxyurea-based hydroxamic acids with improved HDAC6 preference compared to nexturastat A. We further validated the biological activity of these oxa analogues of nexturastat A in a broad subset of leukaemia cell lines and demonstrated their superior anti-proliferative properties compared to nexturastat A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Pflieger
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische ChemieHeinrich-Heine-Universität DüsseldorfUniversitätsstr. 140225DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Melf Sönnichsen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical FacultyHeinrich Heine University DüsseldorfUniversitätsstr. 140225DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Nadine Horstick‐Muche
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische ChemieHeinrich-Heine-Universität DüsseldorfUniversitätsstr. 140225DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical FacultyHeinrich Heine University DüsseldorfUniversitätsstr. 140225DüsseldorfGermany
- Department of MedicineYangzhou Polytechnic CollegeWest Wenchang Road 458Yangzhou225009P.R. China
| | - Julian Schliehe‐Diecks
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical FacultyHeinrich Heine University DüsseldorfUniversitätsstr. 140225DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Andrea Schöler
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Medical FacultyLeipzig UniversityBrüderstraße 3404103LeipzigGermany
| | - Arndt Borkhardt
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical FacultyHeinrich Heine University DüsseldorfUniversitätsstr. 140225DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Alexandra Hamacher
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische ChemieHeinrich-Heine-Universität DüsseldorfUniversitätsstr. 140225DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Matthias U. Kassack
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische ChemieHeinrich-Heine-Universität DüsseldorfUniversitätsstr. 140225DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Finn K. Hansen
- Pharmaceutical and Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical InstituteUniversity of BonnAn der Immenburg 453121BonnGermany
| | - Sanil Bhatia
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical FacultyHeinrich Heine University DüsseldorfUniversitätsstr. 140225DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische ChemieHeinrich-Heine-Universität DüsseldorfUniversitätsstr. 140225DüsseldorfGermany
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29
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Role of CD8 + T lymphocyte cells: Interplay with stromal cells in tumor microenvironment. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:1365-1378. [PMID: 34221857 PMCID: PMC8245853 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T lymphocytes are pivotal cells in the host response to antitumor immunity. Tumor-driven microenvironments provide the conditions necessary for regulating infiltrating CD8+ T cells in favor of tumor survival, including weakening CD8+ T cell activation, driving tumor cells to impair immune attack, and recruiting other cells to reprogram the immune milieu. Also in tumor microenvironment, stromal cells exert immunosuppressive skills to avoid CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity. In this review, we explore the universal function and fate decision of infiltrated CD8+ T cells and highlight their antitumor response within various stromal architectures in the process of confronting neoantigen-specific tumor cells. Thus, this review provides a foundation for the development of antitumor therapy based on CD8+ T lymphocyte manipulation.
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30
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The multiple myeloma microenvironment is defined by an inflammatory stromal cell landscape. Nat Immunol 2021; 22:769-780. [PMID: 34017122 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-021-00931-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Progression and persistence of malignancies are influenced by the local tumor microenvironment, and future eradication of currently incurable tumors will, in part, hinge on our understanding of malignant cell biology in the context of their nourishing surroundings. Here, we generated paired single-cell transcriptomic datasets of tumor cells and the bone marrow immune and stromal microenvironment in multiple myeloma. These analyses identified myeloma-specific inflammatory mesenchymal stromal cells, which spatially colocalized with tumor cells and immune cells and transcribed genes involved in tumor survival and immune modulation. Inflammatory stromal cell signatures were driven by stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines, and analyses of immune cell subsets suggested interferon-responsive effector T cell and CD8+ stem cell memory T cell populations as potential sources of stromal cell-activating cytokines. Tracking stromal inflammation in individuals over time revealed that successful antitumor induction therapy is unable to revert bone marrow inflammation, predicting a role for mesenchymal stromal cells in disease persistence.
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31
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Shen Z, Liu B, Wu B, Zhou H, Wang X, Cao J, Jiang M, Zhou Y, Guo F, Xue C, Wu ZS. FMRP regulates STAT3 mRNA localization to cellular protrusions and local translation to promote hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis. Commun Biol 2021; 4:540. [PMID: 33972660 PMCID: PMC8110961 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02071-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Most hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-associated mortalities are related to the metastasis of cancer cells. The localization of mRNAs and their products to cell protrusions has been reported to play a crucial role in the metastasis. Our previous findings demonstrated that STAT3 mRNA accumulated in the protrusions of metastatic HCC cells. However, the underlying mechanism and functional significance of this localization of STAT3 mRNA has remained unexplored. Here we show that fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) modulates the localization and translation of STAT3 mRNA, accelerating HCC metastasis. The results of molecular analyses reveal that the 3′UTR of STAT3 mRNA is responsible for the localization of STAT3 mRNA to cell protrusions. FMRP is able to interact with the 3′UTR of STAT3 mRNA and facilitates its localization to protrusions. Importantly, FMRP could promote the IL-6-mediated translation of STAT3, and serine 114 of FMRP is identified as a potential phosphorylation site required for IL-6-mediated STAT3 translation. Furthermore, FMRP is highly expressed in HCC tissues and FMRP knockdown efficiently suppresses HCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings provide further insights into the mechanism of HCC metastasis associated with the regulation of STAT3 mRNA localization and translation. Shen et al. propose a mechanism for the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through the localization and translation modulation of the STAT3 oncogene by fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). To this end, the authors also find that FMRP knockdown efficiently suppresses HCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifa Shen
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China. .,Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, National & Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Bowen Liu
- Research Center for Molecular Oncology and Functional Nucleic Acids, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Biting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongyin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangyun Wang
- Research Center for Molecular Oncology and Functional Nucleic Acids, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Jinling Cao
- Research Center for Molecular Oncology and Functional Nucleic Acids, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yingying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Feixia Guo
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chang Xue
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, National & Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zai-Sheng Wu
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, National & Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
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Mezawa Y, Orimo A. Phenotypic heterogeneity, stability and plasticity in tumor-promoting carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. FEBS J 2021; 289:2429-2447. [PMID: 33786982 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are essential for full-blown tumor development. Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the TME together with a wide variety of stromal cell types including vascular, inflammatory, and immune cells in the extracellular matrix. CAFs not only promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis, but also dampen the efficacy of various therapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors. CAFs are composed of distinct fibroblast populations presumably with diverse activated fibroblastic states and tumor-promoting phenotypes in a tumor, indicating intratumor heterogeneity in these fibroblasts. Given that CAFs have been implicated in both disease progression and therapeutic responses, elucidating the functional roles of each fibroblast population in CAFs and the molecular mechanisms mediating their phenotypic stability and plasticity in the TME would be crucial for understanding tumor biology. We herein discuss how distinct fibroblast populations comprising CAFs establish their cell identities, in terms of cells-of-origin, stimuli from the TME, and the phenotypes characteristic of activated states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Mezawa
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Orimo
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Lee JE, Kim MY. Cancer epigenetics: Past, present and future. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 83:4-14. [PMID: 33798724 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer was thought to be caused solely by genetic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In the last 35 years, however, epigenetic changes have been increasingly recognized as another primary driver of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Epigenetic deregulation in cancer often includes mutations and/or aberrant expression of chromatin-modifying enzymes, their associated proteins, and even non-coding RNAs, which can alter chromatin structure and dynamics. This leads to changes in gene expression that ultimately contribute to the emergence and evolution of cancer cells. Studies of the deregulation of chromatin modifiers in cancer cells have reshaped the way we approach cancer and guided the development of novel anticancer therapeutics that target epigenetic factors. There remain, however, a number of unanswered questions in this field that are the focus of present research. Areas of particular interest include the actions of emerging classes of epigenetic regulators of carcinogenesis and the tumor microenvironment, as well as epigenetic tumor heterogeneity. In this review, we discuss past findings on epigenetic mechanisms of cancer, current trends in the field of cancer epigenetics, and the directions of future research that may lead to the identification of new prognostic markers for cancer and the development of more effective anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Eun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Young Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Cancer Metastasis Control Center, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Feng B, Hess J. Immune-Related Mutational Landscape and Gene Signatures: Prognostic Value and Therapeutic Impact for Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051162. [PMID: 33800421 PMCID: PMC7962834 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy has emerged as a standard-of-care for most human malignancies, including head and neck cancer, but only a limited number of patients exhibit a durable clinical benefit. An urgent medical need is the establishment of accurate response predictors, which is handicapped by the growing body of molecular, cellular and clinical variables that modify the complex nature of an effective anti-tumor immune response. This review summarizes more recent efforts to elucidate immune-related mutational landscapes and gene expression signatures by integrative analysis of multi-omics data, and highlights their potential therapeutic impact for head and neck cancer. A better knowledge of the underlying principles and relevant interactions could pave the way for rational therapeutic combinations to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy, in particular for those cancer patients at a higher risk for treatment failure. Abstract Immunotherapy by immune checkpoint inhibition has become a main pillar in the armamentarium to treat head and neck cancer and is based on the premise that the host immune system can be reactivated to successfully eliminate cancer cells. However, the response rate remains low and only a small subset of head and neck cancer patients achieves a durable clinical benefit. The availability of multi-omics data and emerging computational technologies facilitate not only a deeper understanding of the cellular composition in the tumor immune microenvironment but also enables the study of molecular principles in the complex regulation of immune surveillance versus tolerance. These knowledges will pave the way to apply immunotherapy more precisely and effectively. This review aims to provide a holistic view on how the immune landscape dictates the tumor fate and vice versa, and how integrative analysis of multi-omics data contribute to our current knowledge on the accuracy of predictive biomarkers and on a broad range of factors influencing the response to immunotherapy in head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohai Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Research Group Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Pu D, Yin L, Huang L, Qin C, Zhou Y, Wu Q, Li Y, Zhou Q, Li L. Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor: A Potential Combination Strategy With Immunotherapy in Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:637504. [PMID: 33718229 PMCID: PMC7952860 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.637504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical application of immunotherapy is the milestone of cancer treatment. However, some patients have bad reaction. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is frequently expressed in multiple cancer cells and is associated with poor prognosis. It is the key enzyme of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) that has been proved to promote the development, proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. Recent studies further find the PGE2 in tumor microenvironment (TME) actively triggers tumor immune evasion via many ways, leading to poor response of immunotherapy. COX-2 inhibitor is suggested to restrain the immunosuppression of PGE2 and may enhance or reverse the response of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This review provides insight into the mechanism of COX-2/PGE2 signal in immunosuppressive TME and summarizes the clinical application and trials in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Pu
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyuan Yin
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changlong Qin
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuwen Zhou
- Oncology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Xu L, Xie X, Luo Y. The role of macrophage in regulating tumour microenvironment and the strategies for reprogramming tumour-associated macrophages in antitumour therapy. Eur J Cell Biol 2021; 100:151153. [PMID: 33476912 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2021.151153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) that present abundantly in the tumour microenvironment (TME) exhibit a protumour property, such as promoting genetic instability, tumour metastasis and immunosuppression. Macrophage-targeted therapeutic approaches hence have been applied and shown their significances in the process of tumour immune treatment, including blocking TAM recruitment, depleting or transforming TAMs that already exist in the tumour site. Here, we summarized the functional regulation of TAMs in the respects of hypoxia environment, metabolism in the tumour microenvironment and the transcription factors involved. We reviewed the strategies for transforming TAMs, including immune stimuli targeting TAMs, inhibitors against TAMs, pathogen or irradiation stimulation on TAMs, and the application of natural compounds in TAMs. Furthermore, we also discussed the macrophage-targeted therapies in the clinical studies. Taken together, this review tries to shed light on the TAM regulation and the main strategies of TAM reprogramming for an enhanced immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Xu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, PR China; Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Xie
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Ying Luo
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory & Drug Development on Common Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
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37
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Lee YT, Tan YJ, Falasca M, Oon CE. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Epigenetic Regulation and Therapeutic Intervention in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2949. [PMID: 33066013 PMCID: PMC7600259 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous population of cells in the solid tumour microenvironment. These cells are positively linked to breast cancer progression. Breast CAFs can be categorised into distinct subtypes according to their roles in breast carcinogenesis. Epigenetic modifications change gene expression patterns as a consequence of altered chromatin configuration and DNA accessibility to transcriptional machinery, without affecting the primary structure of DNA. Epigenetic dysregulation in breast CAFs may enhance breast cancer cell survival and ultimately lead to therapeutic resistance. A growing body of evidence has described epigenetic modulators that target histones, DNA, and miRNA as a promising approach to treat cancer. This review aims to summarise the current findings on the mechanisms involved in the epigenetic regulation in breast CAFs and discusses the potential therapeutic strategies via targeting these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeuan Ting Lee
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Yi Jer Tan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Chern Ein Oon
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
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Connections between Metabolism and Epigenetic Modification in MDSCs. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197356. [PMID: 33027968 PMCID: PMC7582655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are major immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). During the differentiation and development of MDSCs from myeloid progenitor cells, their functions are also affected by a series of regulatory factors in the TME, such as metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modification, and cell signaling pathways. Additionally, there is a crosstalk between these regulatory factors. This review mainly introduces the metabolism (especially glucose metabolism) and significant epigenetic modification of MDSCs in the TME, and briefly introduces the connections between metabolism and epigenetic modification in MDSCs, in order to determine the further impact on the immunosuppressive effect of MDSCs, so as to serve as a more effective target for tumor therapy.
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Pan X, Zheng L. Epigenetics in modulating immune functions of stromal and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 17:940-953. [PMID: 32699350 PMCID: PMC7609272 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0505-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression in cancer cells has been extensively studied in recent decades, resulting in the FDA approval of multiple epigenetic agents for treating different cancer types. Recent studies have revealed novel roles of epigenetic dysregulation in altering the phenotypes of immune cells and tumor-associated stromal cells, including fibroblasts and endothelial cells. As a result, epigenetic dysregulation of these cells reshapes the tumor microenvironment (TME), changing it from an antitumor environment to an immunosuppressive environment. Here, we review recent studies demonstrating how specific epigenetic mechanisms drive aspects of stromal and immune cell differentiation with implications for the development of solid tumor therapeutics, focusing on the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) TME as a representative of solid tumors. Due to their unique ability to reprogram the TME into a more immunopermissive environment, epigenetic agents have great potential for sensitizing cancer immunotherapy to augment the antitumor response, as an immunopermissive TME is a prerequisite for the success of cancer immunotherapy but is often not developed with solid tumors. The idea of combining epigenetic agents with cancer immunotherapy has been tested both in preclinical settings and in multiple clinical trials. In this review, we highlight the basic biological mechanisms underlying the synergy between epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy and discuss current efforts to translate this knowledge into clinical benefits for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyi Pan
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Graduate Training Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Graduate Training Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Akhtar S, Hourani S, Therachiyil L, Al-Dhfyan A, Agouni A, Zeidan A, Uddin S, Korashy HM. Epigenetic Regulation of Cancer Stem Cells by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Pathway. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:177-196. [PMID: 32877761 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence has demonstrated that tumor bulk comprises distinctive subset of cells generally referred as cancer stem cells (CSCs) that have been proposed as a strong sustainer and promoter of tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance. These distinguished properties of CSCs have raised interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern the maintenance of these cells. Numerous experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure to environmental toxins such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is strongly involved in cancer initiation and progression. The PAH-induced carcinogenesis is shown to be mediated through the activation of a cytosolic receptor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/Cytochrome P4501A pathway, suggesting a possible direct link between AhR and CSCs. Several recent studies have investigated the role of AhR in CSCs self-renewal and maintenance, however the molecular mechanisms and particularly the epigenetic regulations of CSCs by the AhR/CYP1A pathway have not been reviewed before. In this review, we first summarize the crosstalk between AhR and cancer genetics, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms relevant to CSCs such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, NF-κB, and PTEN-PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. The second part of this review discusses the recent advances and studies highlighting the epigenetic mechanisms mediated by the AhR/CYP1A pathway that control CSC gene expression, self-renewal, and chemoresistance in various human cancers. Furthermore, the review also sheds light on the importance of targeting the epigenetic pathways as a novel therapeutic approach against CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Akhtar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shireen Hourani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lubna Therachiyil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdullah Al-Dhfyan
- Stem Cell & Tissue Re-Engineering, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelali Agouni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asad Zeidan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hesham M Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Yang Y, Li C, Liu T, Dai X, Bazhin AV. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Tumors: From Mechanisms to Antigen Specificity and Microenvironmental Regulation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1371. [PMID: 32793192 PMCID: PMC7387650 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the various immunological and non-immunological tumor-promoting activities of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), their immunosuppressive capacity remains a key hallmark. Effort in the past decade has provided us with a clearer view of the suppressive nature of MDSCs. More suppressive pathways have been identified, and their recognized targets have been expanded from T cells and natural killer (NK) cells to other immune cells. These novel mechanisms and targets afford MDSCs versatility in suppressing both innate and adaptive immunity. On the other hand, a better understanding of the regulation of their development and function has been unveiled. This intricate regulatory network, consisting of tumor cells, stromal cells, soluble mediators, and hostile physical conditions, reveals bi-directional crosstalk between MDSCs and the tumor microenvironment. In this article, we will review available information on how MDSCs exert their immunosuppressive function and how they are regulated in the tumor milieu. As MDSCs are a well-established obstacle to anti-tumor immunity, new insights in the potential synergistic combination of MDSC-targeted therapy and immunotherapy will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Lab of Molecular Imaging, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaofang Dai
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Mhaidly R, Mechta-Grigoriou F. Fibroblast heterogeneity in tumor micro-environment: Role in immunosuppression and new therapies. Semin Immunol 2020; 48:101417. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2020.101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Qin J, Shen X, Zhang J, Jia D. Allosteric inhibitors of the STAT3 signaling pathway. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 190:112122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Abstract
Breast cancer has grown to be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Only a few treatment options are available for breast cancer due to the widespread occurrence of chemoresistance, which emphasizes the need to discover and develop new methods to treat this disease. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an early tumor diagnostic marker and is known to promote breast cancer malignancy. Recent clinical and preclinical data indicate the involvement of overexpressed and constitutively activated STAT3 in the progression, proliferation, metastasis and chemoresistance of breast cancer. Moreover, new pathways comprised of upstream regulators and downstream targets of STAT3 have been discovered. In addition, small molecule inhibitors targeting STAT3 activation have been found to be efficient for therapeutic treatment of breast cancer. This systematic review discusses the advances in the discovery of the STAT3 pathways and drugs targeting STAT3 in breast cancer. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-hui Ma
- Marine College, Shandong University, Wenhua West Rd. 180, Weihai, Shandong 264209 P.R. China
| | - Li Qin
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Sino-US Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xia Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Wenhua West Rd. 180, Weihai, Shandong 264209 P.R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
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45
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HDAC6-an Emerging Target Against Chronic Myeloid Leukemia? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020318. [PMID: 32013157 PMCID: PMC7072136 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Imatinib became the standard treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) about 20 years ago, which was a major breakthrough in stabilizing the pathology and improving the quality of life of patients. However, the emergence of resistance to imatinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors leads researchers to characterize new therapeutic targets. Several studies have highlighted the role of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in various pathologies, including cancer. This protein effectively intervenes in cellular activities by its primarily cytoplasmic localization. In this review, we will discuss the molecular characteristics of the HDAC6 protein, as well as its overexpression in CML leukemic stem cells, which make it a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of CML.
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Chu H, He QX, Wang J, Hu Y, Wang YQ, Lin ZH. In silico design of novel benzohydroxamate-based compounds as inhibitors of histone deacetylase 6 based on 3D-QSAR, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj04704j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In silico design of benzohydroxamate-based selective HDAC6 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chu
- Department of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
- Chongqing University of Technology
- Chongqing
- P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Screening and Activity Evaluation of Targeted Drugs
| | - Qing-xiu He
- Department of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
- Chongqing University of Technology
- Chongqing
- P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Screening and Activity Evaluation of Targeted Drugs
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
- Chongqing University of Technology
- Chongqing
- P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Screening and Activity Evaluation of Targeted Drugs
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
- Chongqing University of Technology
- Chongqing
- P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Screening and Activity Evaluation of Targeted Drugs
| | - Yuan-qiang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
- Chongqing University of Technology
- Chongqing
- P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Screening and Activity Evaluation of Targeted Drugs
| | - Zhi-hua Lin
- Department of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
- Chongqing University of Technology
- Chongqing
- P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Screening and Activity Evaluation of Targeted Drugs
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Sylvestre M, Tarte K, Roulois D. Epigenetic mechanisms driving tumor supportive microenvironment differentiation and function: a role in cancer therapy? Epigenomics 2019; 12:157-169. [PMID: 31849241 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in tumor development and drug resistance. Within TME, the stromal cell subset, called cancer-associated fibroblasts, is a heterogeneous population originating from poorly characterized precursors. Since cancer-associated fibroblasts do not acquire somatic mutations, other mechanisms like epigenetic regulation, could be involved in the development of these cells and in the acquisition of tumor supportive phenotypes. Moreover, such epigenetic modulations have been correlated to the emergence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment facilitating tumor evasion. These findings underline the need to deepen our knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms driving TME development and function, and to understand the impact of epigenetic drugs that could be used in future to target both tumor cells and their TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Sylvestre
- UMR _S 1236, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Établissement français du sang (EFS) Bretagne, Rennes, France
| | - Karin Tarte
- UMR _S 1236, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Établissement français du sang (EFS) Bretagne, Rennes, France.,Laboratoire Suivi Immunologique des Thérapeutiques Innovantes (SITI), Centre Hospitalier Universitaires de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - David Roulois
- UMR _S 1236, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, Établissement français du sang (EFS) Bretagne, Rennes, France.,Niches & Epigenetics of Tumors from Cancéropole Grand Ouest, France
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Najafi M, Ahmadi A, Mortezaee K. Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling as a target for cancer therapy: an updated review. Cell Biol Int 2019; 43:1206-1222. [PMID: 31136035 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is activated in a wide spectrum of human tumors, exhibiting cardinal oncogenic roles and sustained inhibition of this pathway is considered as a primary goal in clinic. Within this pathway, receptor tyrosine kinases such as epithelial growth factor receptor, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, and AXL act as upstream regulators of RAS/RAF/MEK/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase. MAPK signaling is active in both early and advanced stages of tumorigenesis, and it promotes tumor proliferation, survival, and metastasis. MAPK regulatory effects on cellular constituent of the tumor microenvironment is for immunosuppressive purposes. Cross-talking between MAPK with oncogenic signaling pathways including WNT, cyclooxygenase-2, transforming growth factor-β, NOTCH and (in particular) with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is contributed to the multiplication of tumor progression and drug resistance. Developing resistance (intrinsic or acquired) to MAPK-targeted therapy also occurs due to heterogeneity of tumors along with mutations and negative feedback loop of interactions exist between various kinases causing rebound activation of this signaling. Multidrug regimen is a preferred therapeutic avenue for targeting MAPK signaling. To enhance patient tolerance and to mitigate potential adversarial effects related to the combination therapy, determination of a desired dose and drug along with pre-evaluation of cancer-type-specific kinase mutation and sensitivity, especially for patients receiving triplet therapy is an urgent need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Najafi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Ahmadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48175-861, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Houthuijzen JM, Jonkers J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts as key regulators of the breast cancer tumor microenvironment. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2019; 37:577-597. [PMID: 30465162 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-018-9768-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells exist in close proximity with non-malignant cells. Extensive and multilayered crosstalk between tumor cells and stromal cells tailors the tumor microenvironment (TME) to support survival, growth, and metastasis. Fibroblasts are one of the largest populations of non-malignant host cells that can be found within the TME of breast, pancreatic, and prostate tumors. Substantial scientific evidence has shown that these cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are not only associated with tumors by proximity but are also actively recruited to developing tumors where they can influence other cells of the TME as well as influencing tumor cell survival and metastasis. This review discusses the impact of CAFs on breast cancer biology and highlights their heterogeneity, origin and their role in tumor progression, ECM remodeling, therapy resistance, metastasis, and the challenges ahead of targeting CAFs to improve therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Houthuijzen
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - J Jonkers
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Mazarakis N, Snibson K, Licciardi PV, Karagiannis TC. The potential use of l-sulforaphane for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases: A review of the clinical evidence. Clin Nutr 2019; 39:664-675. [PMID: 30954362 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2019.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
According to the World Health Organisation, 70% of all deaths globally can be attributed to chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. Chronic inflammation has a significant impact on the quality of life of affected individuals with an increased risk of developing other chronic inflammatory diseases. Given the limitations of current pharmaceuticals, there is an intense research interest in identifying novel dietary interventions that can regulate and alleviate inflammation. A diet rich in cruciferous vegetables has been extensively studied for its immediate and long-term health benefits, particularly in the context of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Cruciferous vegetables contain the precursor glucoraphanin, which is hydrolysed upon consumption to form l-sulforaphane (LSF), the primary active compound that mediates potential cardio-protective and anti-carcinogenic effects. LSF has been shown to have beneficial effects in vitro and in animal studies through its classical antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and more recently its chromatin modifying effects. This review discusses the clinical evidence to date in relation to the use of LSF in the context of chronic inflammatory diseases as well as provide key mechanistic insights for these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Mazarakis
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kenneth Snibson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul V Licciardi
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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