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Ibello E, Saracino F, Delle Cave D, Buonaiuto S, Amoroso F, Andolfi G, Corona M, Guardiola O, Colonna V, Sainz B, Altucci L, De Cesare D, Cobellis G, Lonardo E, Patriarca EJ, D'Aniello C, Minchiotti G. Three-dimensional environment sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to the anti-proliferative effect of budesonide by reprogramming energy metabolism. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:165. [PMID: 38877560 PMCID: PMC11177459 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03072-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal cancer with an aggressive metastatic phenotype and very poor clinical prognosis. Interestingly, a lower occurrence of PDAC has been described in individuals with severe and long-standing asthma. Here we explored the potential link between PDAC and the glucocorticoid (GC) budesonide, a first-line therapy to treat asthma. METHODS We tested the effect of budesonide and the classical GCs on the morphology, proliferation, migration and invasiveness of patient-derived PDAC cells and pancreatic cancer cell lines, using 2D and 3D cultures in vitro. Furthermore, a xenograft model was used to investigate the effect of budesonide on PDAC tumor growth in vivo. Finally, we combined genome-wide transcriptome analysis with genetic and pharmacological approaches to explore the mechanisms underlying budesonide activities in the different environmental conditions. RESULTS We found that in 2D culture settings, high micromolar concentrations of budesonide reduced the mesenchymal invasive/migrating features of PDAC cells, without affecting proliferation or survival. This activity was specific and independent of the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR). Conversely, in a more physiological 3D environment, low nanomolar concentrations of budesonide strongly reduced PDAC cell proliferation in a GR-dependent manner. Accordingly, we found that budesonide reduced PDAC tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the 3D environment drives the cells towards a general metabolic reprogramming involving protein, lipid, and energy metabolism (e.g., increased glycolysis dependency). This metabolic change sensitizes PDAC cells to the anti-proliferative effect of budesonide, which instead induces opposite changes (e.g., increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation). Finally, we provide evidence that budesonide inhibits PDAC growth, at least in part, through the tumor suppressor CDKN1C/p57Kip2. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our study reveals that the microenvironment influences the susceptibility of PDAC cells to GCs and provides unprecedented evidence for the anti-proliferative activity of budesonide on PDAC cells in 3D conditions, in vitro and in vivo. Our findings may explain, at least in part, the reason for the lower occurrence of pancreatic cancer in asthmatic patients and suggest a potential suitability of budesonide for clinical trials as a therapeutic approach to fight pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Ibello
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Saracino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Buonaiuto
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Filomena Amoroso
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Andolfi
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Corona
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Ombretta Guardiola
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Colonna
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Cancer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas Sols-Morreale (IIBM), CSIC- UAM, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon Y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, 28034, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área Cáncer, CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
- BIOGEM, Ariano Irpino, Ariano Irpino, AV, 83031, Italy
- IEOS-CNR, Naples, 80100, Italy
- Medical Epigenetics Program, AOU Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Dario De Cesare
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Enza Lonardo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Cristina D'Aniello
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Minchiotti
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, Naples, Italy.
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Schiedlauske K, Deipenbrock A, Pflieger M, Hamacher A, Hänsel J, Kassack MU, Kurz T, Teusch NE. Novel Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitor Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses Invasion via E-Cadherin Upregulation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:752. [PMID: 38931419 PMCID: PMC11206922 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal form of pancreatic cancer characterized by therapy resistance and early metastasis, resulting in a low survival rate. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors showed potential for the treatment of hematological malignancies. In PDAC, the overexpression of HDAC 2 is associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), principally accompanied by the downregulation of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and increased metastatic capacity. The effector cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF β) is known to be a major inducer of the EMT in PDAC, leading to high metastatic and invasive potential. In addition, the overexpression of HDAC 6 in PDAC is associated with reduced apoptosis. Here, we have demonstrated that a novel HDAC 2/6 inhibitor not only significantly increased E-cadherin expression in PANC-1 cells (5.5-fold) and in 3D PDAC co-culture spheroids (2.5-fold) but was also able to reverse the TGF-β-induced downregulation of E-cadherin expression. Moreover, our study indicates that the HDAC inhibitor mediated re-differentiation resulting in a significant inhibition of tumor cell invasion by approximately 60% compared to control. In particular, we have shown that the HDAC inhibitor induces both apoptosis (2-fold) and cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, the HDAC 2/6 inhibitor acts by suppressing invasion via upregulating E-cadherin mediated by HDAC 2 blockade and by inducing cell cycle arrest leading to apoptosis via HDAC 6 inhibition. These results suggest that the HDAC 2/6 inhibitor might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PDAC tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Schiedlauske
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alina Deipenbrock
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marc Pflieger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra Hamacher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Hänsel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Matthias U. Kassack
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicole E. Teusch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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3
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Farhangnia P, Khorramdelazad H, Nickho H, Delbandi AA. Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38835055 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Tran TM, Chand Thakuri BK, Nurmukhambetova S, Lee JJ, Hu P, Tran NQ, Steimle B, Dash P, Schneider D. Armored TGFβRIIDN ROR1-CAR T cells reject solid tumors and resist suppression by constitutively-expressed and treatment-induced TGFβ1. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008261. [PMID: 38609317 PMCID: PMC11029479 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy target receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) is broadly expressed in hematologic and solid tumors, however clinically-characterized ROR1-CAR T cells with single chain variable fragment (scFv)-R12 targeting domain failed to induce durable remissions, in part due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we describe the development of an improved ROR1-CAR with a novel, fully human scFv9 targeting domain, and augmented with TGFβRIIDN armor protective against a major TME factor, transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). METHODS CAR T cells were generated by lentiviral transduction of enriched CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and the novel scFv9-based ROR1-CAR-1 was compared with the clinically-characterized ROR1-R12-scFv-based CAR-2 in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS CAR-1 T cells exhibited greater CAR surface density than CAR-2 when normalized for %CAR+, and produced more interferon (IFN)-γ tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-2 in response to hematologic (Jeko-1, RPMI-8226) and solid (OVCAR-3, Capan-2, NCI-H226) tumor cell lines in vitro. In vivo, CAR-1 and CAR-2 both cleared hematologic Jeko-1 lymphoma xenografts, however only CAR-1 fully rejected ovarian solid OVCAR-3 tumors, concordantly with greater expansion of CD8+ and CD4+CAR T cells, and enrichment for central and effector memory phenotype. When equipped with TGFβ-protective armor TGFβRIIDN, CAR-1 T cells resisted TGFβ-mediated pSmad2/3 phosphorylation, as compared with CAR-1 alone. When co-cultured with ROR-1+ AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer line in the presence of TGFβ1, armored CAR-1 demonstrated improved recovery of killing function, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 secretion. In mouse AsPC-1 pancreatic tumor xenografts overexpressing TGFβ1, armored CAR-1, in contrast to CAR-1 alone, achieved complete tumor remissions, and yielded accelerated expansion of CAR+ T cells, diminished circulating active TGFβ1, and no apparent toxicity or weight loss. Unexpectedly, in AsPC-1 xenografts without TGFβ overexpression, TGFβ1 production was specifically induced by ROR-1-CAR T cells interaction with ROR-1 positive tumor cells, and the TGFβRIIDN armor conferred accelerated tumor clearance. CONCLUSIONS The novel fully human TGFßRIIDN-armored ROR1-CAR-1 T cells are highly potent against ROR1-positive tumors, and withstand the inhibitory effects of TGFß in solid TME. Moreover, TGFβ1 induction represents a novel, CAR-induced checkpoint in the solid TME, which can be circumvented by co-expressing the TGβRIIDN armor on T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tri Minh Tran
- Lentigen Technology Inc., a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Jia-Jye Lee
- Lentigen Technology Inc., a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Peirong Hu
- Lentigen Technology Inc., a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Ngoc Q Tran
- Lentigen Technology Inc., a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Brittany Steimle
- Lentigen Technology Inc., a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Pradyot Dash
- Lentigen Technology Inc., a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Dina Schneider
- Lentigen Technology Inc., a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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5
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Pleskač P, Fargeas CA, Veselska R, Corbeil D, Skoda J. Emerging roles of prominin-1 (CD133) in the dynamics of plasma membrane architecture and cell signaling pathways in health and disease. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:41. [PMID: 38532366 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00554-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Prominin-1 (CD133) is a cholesterol-binding membrane glycoprotein selectively associated with highly curved and prominent membrane structures. It is widely recognized as an antigenic marker of stem cells and cancer stem cells and is frequently used to isolate them from biological and clinical samples. Recent progress in understanding various aspects of CD133 biology in different cell types has revealed the involvement of CD133 in the architecture and dynamics of plasma membrane protrusions, such as microvilli and cilia, including the release of extracellular vesicles, as well as in various signaling pathways, which may be regulated in part by posttranslational modifications of CD133 and its interactions with a variety of proteins and lipids. Hence, CD133 appears to be a master regulator of cell signaling as its engagement in PI3K/Akt, Src-FAK, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β/Smad and MAPK/ERK pathways may explain its broad action in many cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration or intercellular communication. Here, we summarize early studies on CD133, as they are essential to grasp its novel features, and describe recent evidence demonstrating that this unique molecule is involved in membrane dynamics and molecular signaling that affects various facets of tissue homeostasis and cancer development. We hope this review will provide an informative resource for future efforts to elucidate the details of CD133's molecular function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Pleskač
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Christine A Fargeas
- Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) and Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Tissue Engineering Laboratories, Medizinische Fakultät der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Renata Veselska
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Denis Corbeil
- Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) and Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
- Tissue Engineering Laboratories, Medizinische Fakultät der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Jan Skoda
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.
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6
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Papavassiliou AG, Delle Cave D. Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Colorectal Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2228. [PMID: 38396903 PMCID: PMC10889277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
According to GLOBOCAN 2020 data, colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most common malignancy and the second most deadly cancer worldwide [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Donatella Delle Cave
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics ‘Adriano Buzzati-Traverso’, CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
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7
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Delle Cave D. Emerging Therapeutic Options in Pancreatic Cancer Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1929. [PMID: 38339207 PMCID: PMC10855952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a 5-year survival rate of <8% [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Delle Cave
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
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8
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Salu P, Reindl KM. Advancements in Preclinical Models of Pancreatic Cancer. Pancreas 2024; 53:e205-e220. [PMID: 38206758 PMCID: PMC10842038 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002277] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest of all cancer types with a 5-year overall survival rate of just 12%. Preclinical models available for understanding the disease pathophysiology have evolved significantly in recent years. Traditionally, commercially available 2-dimensional cell lines were developed to investigate mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, these cells grow as monolayer cultures that lack heterogeneity and do not effectively represent tumor biology. Developing patient-derived xenografts and genetically engineered mouse models led to increased cellular heterogeneity, molecular diversity, and tissues that histologically represent the original patient tumors. However, these models are relatively expensive and very timing consuming. More recently, the advancement of fast and inexpensive in vitro models that better mimic disease conditions in vivo are on the rise. Three-dimensional cultures like organoids and spheroids have gained popularity and are considered to recapitulate complex disease characteristics. In addition, computational genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomic models are being developed to simulate pancreatic cancer progression and predict better treatment strategies. Herein, we review the challenges associated with pancreatic cancer research and available analytical models. We suggest that an integrated approach toward using these models may allow for developing new strategies for pancreatic cancer precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Salu
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
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Huang N, Tang J, Yi X, Zhang M, Li B, Cheng Y, Chen J. Glioma-derived S100A9 polarizes M2 microglia to inhibit CD8+T lymphocytes for immunosuppression via αvβ3 integrin/AKT1/TGFβ1. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119619. [PMID: 37907196 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Our previous studies showed that S100A9 was overexpressed in glioma and promoted tumor growth. However, S100A9 can also be secreted by tumor cells to regulate the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we aimed to explore the functions of glioma derived-S100A9 in microglial M2 polarization, resulting in inhibition of CD8+ T lymphocytes and promotion of immunosuppression. We first showed that glioma exhibited higher expression and secretion of S100A9 than astrocytes. After knocking down S100A9 in two glioma cell lines, the secretion of S100A9 was repressed. Then, the medium was collected and considered as conditioned medium (CM), which was incubated with microglia. We found that glioma-derived S100A9 drove microglial M2 polarization and increased TGFβ1 secretion. These molecular mechanisms were related to the interaction of S100A9 with αvβ3 integrin and the subsequent activation of AKT1 in microglia. Furthermore, we demonstrated that S100A9-induced M2 microglia negatively affected cell viability, IL-2 and IFN-γ secretion, together with increased early apoptosis in CD8+T lymphocytes via TGFβ1. Additionally, glioma cells were implanted into mouse brains, and we confirmed that S100A9 stimulated microglial M2 polarization, enhanced TGFβ1 levels and repressed CD8+ T lymphocytes in orthotopically transplanted tumors. In human glioma samples, S100A9 expression was positively associated with CD206 expression, but negatively correlated with CD8+T lymphocyte accumulation in the TME. Our data indicated that glioma-derived S100A9 has a promising ability to manipulate non-malignant cells and promote immune evasion in the TME, providing valuable insight into the mechanism by which S100A9 participates in the progression of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyao Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Maoxin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Li
- Healthy Ministry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Health Management Center, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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10
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Singh M, Anvekar P, Baraskar B, Pallipamu N, Gadam S, Cherukuri ASS, Damani DN, Kulkarni K, Arunachalam SP. Prospective of Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis Using Cardiac Sensing. J Imaging 2023; 9:149. [PMID: 37623681 PMCID: PMC10455647 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging9080149] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic carcinoma (Ca Pancreas) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. The malignancies of the pancreas can be diagnosed with the help of various imaging modalities. An endoscopic ultrasound with a tissue biopsy is so far considered to be the gold standard in terms of the detection of Ca Pancreas, especially for lesions <2 mm. However, other methods, like computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are also conventionally used. Moreover, newer techniques, like proteomics, radiomics, metabolomics, and artificial intelligence (AI), are slowly being introduced for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. Regardless, it is still a challenge to diagnose pancreatic carcinoma non-invasively at an early stage due to its delayed presentation. Similarly, this also makes it difficult to demonstrate an association between Ca Pancreas and other vital organs of the body, such as the heart. A number of studies have proven a correlation between the heart and pancreatic cancer. The tumor of the pancreas affects the heart at the physiological, as well as the molecular, level. An overexpression of the SMAD4 gene; a disruption in biomolecules, such as IGF, MAPK, and ApoE; and increased CA19-9 markers are a few of the many factors that are noted to affect cardiovascular systems with pancreatic malignancies. A comprehensive review of this correlation will aid researchers in conducting studies to help establish a definite relation between the two organs and discover ways to use it for the early detection of Ca Pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansunderbir Singh
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.S.); (B.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Priyanka Anvekar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Bhavana Baraskar
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.S.); (B.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Namratha Pallipamu
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.S.); (B.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Srikanth Gadam
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.S.); (B.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Akhila Sai Sree Cherukuri
- GIH Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Microwave Engineering and Imaging Laboratory (MEIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Devanshi N. Damani
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, El Paso, TX 79995, USA
| | - Kanchan Kulkarni
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, University of Bordeaux, INSERM, U1045, 33000 Bordeaux, France;
- IHU Liryc, Heart Rhythm Disease Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, 33600 Bordeaux, France
| | - Shivaram P. Arunachalam
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.S.); (B.B.); (N.P.)
- GIH Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Microwave Engineering and Imaging Laboratory (MEIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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11
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Wang Z, He R, Dong S, Zhou W. Pancreatic stellate cells in pancreatic cancer: as potential targets for future therapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1185093. [PMID: 37409257 PMCID: PMC10318188 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1185093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a strongly malignant gastrointestinal carcinoma characterized by late detection, high mortality rates, poor patient prognosis and lack of effective treatments. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic strategies for this disease. Pancreatic stellate cells, which constitute a significant component of the mesenchymal cellular layer within the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, play a pivotal role in modulating this environment through their interactions with pancreatic cancer cells. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which pancreatic stellate cells inhibit antitumor immune responses and promote cancer progression. We also discuss preclinical studies focusing on these cells, with the goal of providing some theoretical references for the development of new therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengfeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ru He
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University Medical College, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shi Dong
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University Medical College, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University Medical College, Lanzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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12
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Wu Z, Wu Y, Liu Z, Song Y, Ge L, Du T, Liu Y, Liu L, Liu C, Ma L. L1CAM deployed perivascular tumor niche promotes vessel wall invasion of tumor thrombus and metastasis of renal cell carcinoma. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:112. [PMID: 37015905 PMCID: PMC10073121 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01410-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The survival of tumor cells in the bloodstream, and vasculature adhesion at metastatic sites are crucial for tumor metastasis. Perivascular invasion aids tumor cell self-renewal, survival, and formation of metastases by facilitating readily available oxygen, nutrients, and endothelial-derived paracrine factors. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is among the most prevalent tumors of the urinary system, and the formation of venous tumor thrombus (VTT) is a characteristic feature of RCC. We observed high expression of L1CAM in the VTT with vessel wall invasion. L1CAM promotes the adhesion, migration, and invasion ability of RCC and enhances metastasis by interacting with ITGA5, which elicits activation of signaling downstream of integrin α5β1. L1CAM promotes ADAM17 transcription to facilitate transmembrane ectodomain cleavage and release of soluble L1CAM. In response to soluble L1CAM, vascular endothelial cells release several cytokines and chemokines. Endothelial-derived CXCL5 and its receptor CXCR2 promote the migration and intravasation of RCC toward endothelial cells suggesting that crosstalk between endothelial cells and tumor cells has a direct guiding role in driving the metastatic spread of RCC. LICAM plays a crucial role in the invasive ability of RCC, and regulation of L1CAM expression may contribute therapeutically to preventing RCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonglong Wu
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Yaqian Wu
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Yimeng Song
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Liyuan Ge
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Tan Du
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Yunchong Liu
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Li Liu
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, P.R. China.
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, P.R. China.
| | - Lulin Ma
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, P.R. China.
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13
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Ali S, Rehman MU, Yatoo AM, Arafah A, Khan A, Rashid S, Majid S, Ali A, Ali MN. TGF-β signaling pathway: Therapeutic targeting and potential for anti-cancer immunity. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 947:175678. [PMID: 36990262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic secretory cytokine exhibiting both cancer-inhibitory and promoting properties. It transmits its signals via Suppressor of Mother against Decapentaplegic (SMAD) and non-SMAD pathways and regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. In non-cancer and early-stage cancer cells, TGFβ signaling suppresses cancer progression via inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, or anti-proliferation, and promoting cell differentiation. On the other hand, TGFβ may also act as an oncogene in advanced stages of tumors, wherein it develops immune-suppressive tumor microenvironments and induces the proliferation of cancer cells, invasion, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Higher TGFβ expression leads to the instigation and development of cancer. Therefore, suppressing TGFβ signals may present a potential treatment option for inhibiting tumorigenesis and metastasis. Different inhibitory molecules, including ligand traps, anti-sense oligo-nucleotides, small molecule receptor-kinase inhibitors, small molecule inhibitors, and vaccines, have been developed and clinically trialed for blocking the TGFβ signaling pathway. These molecules are not pro-oncogenic response-specific but block all signaling effects induced by TGFβ. Nonetheless, targeting the activation of TGFβ signaling with maximized specificity and minimized toxicity can enhance the efficacy of therapeutic approaches against this signaling pathway. The molecules that are used to target TGFβ are non-cytotoxic to cancer cells but designed to curtail the over-activation of invasion and metastasis driving TGFβ signaling in stromal and cancer cells. Here, we discussed the critical role of TGFβ in tumorigenesis, and metastasis, as well as the outcome and the promising achievement of TGFβ inhibitory molecules in the treatment of cancer.
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14
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Kumar S, Singh SK, Srivastava P, Suresh S, Rana B, Rana A. Interplay between MAP kinases and tumor microenvironment: Opportunity for immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2023. [PMID: 37268394 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), commonly called pancreatic cancer, is aggressive cancer usually detected at a late stage, limiting treatment options with modest clinical responses. It is projected that by 2030, PDAC will be the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Drug resistance in PDAC is common and significantly affects patients' overall survival (OS). Oncogenic KRAS mutations are nearly uniform in PDAC, affecting over 90% of patients. However, effective drugs directed to target prevalent KRAS mutants in pancreatic cancer are not in clinical practice. Accordingly, efforts are continued on identifying alternative druggable target(s) or approaches to improve patient outcomes with PDAC. In most PDAC cases, the KRAS mutations turn-on the RAF-MEK-MAPK pathways, leading to pancreatic tumorigenesis. The MAPK signaling cascade (MAP4K→MAP3K→MAP2K→MAPK) plays a central role in the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) and chemotherapy resistance. The immunosuppressive pancreatic cancer TME is another unfavorable factor affecting the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs), including CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2, are critical players in T cell dysfunction and pancreatic tumor cell growth. Here, we review the activation of MAPKs, a molecular trait of KRAS mutations and their impact on pancreatic cancer TME, chemoresistance, and expression of ICPs that could influence the clinical outcomes in PDAC patients. Therefore, understanding the interplay between MAPK pathways and TME could help to design rational therapy combining immunotherapy and MAPK inhibitors for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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15
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Wang Z, Han Y, Peng Y, Shao S, Nie H, Xia K, Xiong H, Su T. Senescent epithelial cells remodel the microenvironment for the progression of oral submucous fibrosis through secreting TGF-β1. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15158. [PMID: 37096061 PMCID: PMC10122456 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15158] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cellular senescence is strongly associated with fibrosis and tumorigenesis. However, whether the epithelium of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) undergoes premature senescence remains unclear. This study investigates the roles of senescent epithelial cells in OSF. Methods The immunohistochemistry and Sudan black B staining were performed to identify epithelium senescence in OSF tissues. Arecoline was used to induce human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) senescence. The cell morphology, senescence-associated β galactosidase activity, cell counting Kit 8, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot assay were used to identification of senescent HOKs. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was exerted to evaluate the levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the supernatants of HOKs treated with or without arecoline. Results The senescence-associated markers, p16 and p21, were overexpressed in OSF epithelium. These expressions were correlated with alpha-smooth actin (α-SMA) positively and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) negatively. Moreover, Sudan black staining showed that there was more lipofuscin in OSF epithelium. In vitro, HOKs treated with arecoline showed senescence-associated characteristics including enlarged and flattened morphology, senescence-associated β galactosidase staining, cell growth arrest, γH2A.X foci, upregulation of p53, p21, and TGF-β1 protein levels. Moreover, senescent HOKs secreted more TGF-β1. Conclusions Senescent epithelial cells are involved in OSF progression and may become a promising target for OSF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijia Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuhui Shao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huanquan Nie
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haofeng Xiong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
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16
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Werchau N, Kotter B, Criado-Moronati E, Gosselink A, Cordes N, Lock D, Lennartz S, Kolbe C, Winter N, Teppert K, Engert F, Webster B, Mittelstaet J, Schaefer D, Mallmann P, Mallmann MR, Ratiu D, Assenmacher M, Schaser T, von Bergwelt-Baildon M, Abramowski P, Kaiser AD. Combined targeting of soluble latent TGF-ß and a solid tumor-associated antigen with adapter CAR T cells. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2140534. [PMID: 36387056 PMCID: PMC9662194 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2140534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors consist of malignant and nonmalignant cells that together create the local tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, the TME is characterized by the expression of numerous soluble factors such as TGF-β. TGF-β plays an important role in the TME by suppressing T cell effector function and promoting tumor invasiveness. Up to now CAR T cells exclusively target tumor-associated antigens (TAA) located on the cell membrane. Thus, strategies to exploit soluble antigens as CAR targets within the TME are needed. This study demonstrates a novel approach using Adapter CAR (AdCAR) T cells for the detection of soluble latent TGF-β within the TME of a pancreatic tumor model. We show that AdCARs in combination with the respective adapter can be used to sense soluble tumor-derived latent TGF-β, both in vitro and in vivo. Sensing of the soluble antigen induced cellular activation and effector cytokine production in AdCAR T cells. Moreover, we evaluated AdCAR T cells for the combined targeting of soluble latent TGF-β and tumor cell killing by targeting CD66c as TAA in vivo. In sum, our study broadens the spectrum of targetable moieties for AdCAR T cells by soluble latent TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Werchau
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine III and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Kotter
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicole Cordes
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Dominik Lock
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Simon Lennartz
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Carolin Kolbe
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Nora Winter
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Karin Teppert
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Fabian Engert
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Brian Webster
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | | | | | - Peter Mallmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Cologne and Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael R. Mallmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Cologne and Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dominik Ratiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Cologne and Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Schaser
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Michael von Bergwelt-Baildon
- Department of Internal Medicine III and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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17
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Wang T, Yang J, Mao J, Zhu L, Luo X, Cheng C, Zhang L. ITGA5 inhibition in pancreatic stellate cells re-educates the in vitro tumor-stromal crosstalk. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 40:39. [PMID: 36469173 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01902-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) promotes aggressive progression of pancreatic cancer, and disrupting the tumor-stromal crosstalk is a promising therapeutic strategy. Integrin α5 (ITGA5) is specifically overexpressed in pancreatic cancer stroma and activated PSCs. ITGA5 acts as a mediator in PCCs-PSCs interaction, but its role in regulating biological behaviors of PSCs and PCCs is still not quite clear. In this study, ITGA5 in PSCs was inhibited using its specific inhibitor AV3 peptide or siRNA knockdown technique. Pancreatic cancer SW1990 cells conditioned medium (SW1990-CM) and an indirect co-culture system were used to mimic the environment of the in vitro tumor-stromal crosstalk. Our results showed that ITGA5 inhibition impaired the proliferation and migration of PSCs, but enhanced autophagy. After co-culture with PSCs, SW1990 cells gained some cancer stem cells (CSCs)-like characteristics, such as increased drug resistance, migration and invasion ability, but PSCs with ITGA5 knockdown were incapable of producing these effects. The present results suggested that ITGA5 was involved in the development of the malignant biological behaviors of PSCs and PCCs, and ITGA5 inhibition in PSCs might benefit the treatment of pancreatic cancer by re-educating PCCs-PSCs interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Juanli Mao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Lizhi Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiu Luo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chao Cheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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18
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Hughes R, Snook AE, Mueller AC. The poorly immunogenic tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer: the impact of radiation therapy, and strategies targeting resistance. Immunotherapy 2022; 14:1393-1405. [PMID: 36468417 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, due to its uniquely aggressive behavior and resistance to therapy. The tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer is immunosuppressive, and attempts at utilizing immunotherapies have been unsuccessful. Radiation therapy (RT) results in immune activation and antigen presentation in other cancers, but in pancreatic cancer has had limited success in stimulating immune responses. RT activates common pathways of fibrosis and chronic inflammation seen in pancreatic cancer, resulting in immune suppression. Here we describe the pancreatic tumor microenvironment with regard to fibrosis, myeloid and lymphoid cells, and the impact of RT. We also describe strategies of targeting these pathways that have promise to improve outcomes by harnessing the cytotoxic and immune-activating aspects of RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hughes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Adam E Snook
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Adam C Mueller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
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19
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Li CY, Rajapakshe KI, Maitra A. Integrative transcriptomic analysis identifies a novel gene signature to predict prognosis of pancreatic cancer in different subtypes. Pancreatology 2022; 22:965-972. [PMID: 36008214 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances on pancreatic cancer molecular classifications have identified several subtypes with distinct characteristics, treatment response, and prognosis. We aim to identify the consensus gene signature that could predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. METHODS Transcriptomic data was acquired from TCGA database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by comparing the Basal-like, Quasi-mesenchymal and Squamous subtype to other subtypes. A new model was constructed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator to stratify patients into high and low-risk groups. The prognosis, transcriptomic profiles, and immune infiltration were examined between these groups. RESULTS We constructed a signature consisting of nine genes, and the GSEA analysis showed that the genomic profile of high-risk tumors is associated with the basal-like and squamous gene set enrichment. Patients with high-risk tumors had worse overall survival (P < 0.001) and progression free survival (P = 0.033), and are associated with a higher expression of KRAS downstream targets such as SDC1, ITGB4 and SLC2A1, which are involved in KRAS mediated macropinocytosis and tumor invasion. Meanwhile, several recurrence-associated genes increased in the high-risk tumors, including ITGA3 and TP63, which have been shown to mediate enhancer-dependent genomic reprogramming towards the squamous phenotype. The tumor immune infiltration profile analysis showed that high-risk tumors are characterized with an immune suppressive microenvironment. CONCLUSION The integrative transcriptomic analysis identifies a consensus gene signature that can discriminate pancreatic cancer subtypes and determine patient prognosis by evaluating the genomic reprogramming and the level of immune infiltration profile in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Y Li
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kimal I Rajapakshe
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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20
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Cave DD, Buonaiuto S, Sainz B, Fantuz M, Mangini M, Carrer A, Di Domenico A, Iavazzo TT, Andolfi G, Cortina C, Sevillano M, Heeschen C, Colonna V, Corona M, Cucciardi A, Di Guida M, Batlle E, De Luca A, Lonardo E. LAMC2 marks a tumor-initiating cell population with an aggressive signature in pancreatic cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:315. [PMID: 36289544 PMCID: PMC9609288 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02516-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-initiating cells (TIC), also known as cancer stem cells, are considered a specific subpopulation of cells necessary for cancer initiation and metastasis; however, the mechanisms by which they acquire metastatic traits are not well understood. METHODS LAMC2 transcriptional levels were evaluated using publicly available transcriptome data sets, and LAMC2 immunohistochemistry was performed using a tissue microarray composed of PDAC and normal pancreas tissues. Silencing and tracing of LAMC2 was performed using lentiviral shRNA constructs and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination, respectively. The contribution of LAMC2 to PDAC tumorigenicity was explored in vitro by tumor cell invasion, migration, sphere-forming and organoids assays, and in vivo by tumor growth and metastatic assays. mRNA sequencing was performed to identify key cellular pathways upregulated in LAMC2 expressing cells. Metastatic spreading induced by LAMC2- expressing cells was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling. RESULTS We report a LAMC2-expressing cell population, which is endowed with enhanced self-renewal capacity, and is sufficient for tumor initiation and differentiation, and drives metastasis. mRNA profiling of these cells indicates a prominent squamous signature, and differentially activated pathways critical for tumor growth and metastasis, including deregulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Treatment with Vactosertib, a new small molecule inhibitor of the TGF-β type I receptor (activin receptor-like kinase-5, ALK5), completely abrogated lung metastasis, primarily originating from LAMC2-expressing cells. CONCLUSIONS We have identified a highly metastatic subpopulation of TICs marked by LAMC2. Strategies aimed at targeting the LAMC2 population may be effective in reducing tumor aggressiveness in PDAC patients. Our results prompt further study of this TIC population in pancreatic cancer and exploration as a potential therapeutic target and/or biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Delle Cave
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Buonaiuto
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Sainz
- grid.466793.90000 0004 1803 1972Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain ,grid.420232.50000 0004 7643 3507Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon Y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain ,grid.510933.d0000 0004 8339 0058Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área Cáncer, CIBERONC, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marco Fantuz
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35129 Padova, Italy ,grid.428736.cVeneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Mangini
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), Second Unit, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), 801310 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Carrer
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35129 Padova, Italy ,grid.428736.cVeneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Di Domenico
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Tea Teresa Iavazzo
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Andolfi
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carme Cortina
- grid.7722.00000 0001 1811 6966Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.510933.d0000 0004 8339 0058Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Sevillano
- grid.7722.00000 0001 1811 6966Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.510933.d0000 0004 8339 0058Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christopher Heeschen
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Vincenza Colonna
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Corona
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Cucciardi
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Di Guida
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Eduard Batlle
- grid.7722.00000 0001 1811 6966Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.510933.d0000 0004 8339 0058Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annachiara De Luca
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), Second Unit, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), 801310 Naples, Italy
| | - Enza Lonardo
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), 80131 Naples, Italy
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21
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It Takes Two to Tango: Potential Prognostic Impact of Circulating TGF-Beta and PD-L1 in Pancreatic Cancer. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12070960. [PMID: 35888050 PMCID: PMC9323895 DOI: 10.3390/life12070960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly devastating disease with rising incidence and poor prognosis. The lack of reliable prognostic biomarkers hampers the individual evaluation of the survival and recurrence potential. Methods: Here, we investigate the value of plasma levels of two potential key players in molecular mechanisms underlying PDAC aggressiveness and immune evasion, soluble TGF-beta (sTGF-beta) and sPD-L1, in both metastatic and radically-resected PDAC. To this aim we prospectively enrolled 38 PDAC patients and performed appropriate statistical analyses in order to evaluate their correlation, and role in the prediction of disease relapse/progression, and patients’ outcome. Results: Metastatic patients showed lower levels of circulating sTGF-beta and higher levels of sPD-L1 compared to radically-resected patients. Moreover, a decrease in sTGF-beta levels (but not sPD-L1) was significantly associated with disease relapse in radically-resected patients. We also observed lower sTGF-beta at disease progression after first-line chemotherapy in metastatic patients, though this change was not statistically significant. We found a significant correlation between the levels of sTGF-beta and sPD-L1 before first-line chemotherapy. Conclusions: These findings support the possible interaction of TGF-beta and PD-L1 pathways and suggest that sTGF-beta and sPD-L1 might synergize and be new potential blood-based biomarkers.
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22
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Zhou X, Yan Y, Xu M. Immune cell responses in pancreatic cancer and their clinical application. EUR J INFLAMM 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/20587392211044381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal diseases around the world, for hardly detection and poor prognosis. Recent years, functions of the tumor microenvironment and immune cells attract people’s view and there is emerging evidence implicating some immune cells hold the key points in the metabolism, invasion, and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. In this review, we highlight some main immune cells, such as Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) and macrophages (TAMs), Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and Regulatory T cells (Tregs). Furthermore, we review current clinical applications and discuss potential values in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xulin Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yongmin Yan
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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23
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Koltai T, Reshkin SJ, Carvalho TMA, Di Molfetta D, Greco MR, Alfarouk KO, Cardone RA. Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Physiopathologic and Pharmacologic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2486. [PMID: 35626089 PMCID: PMC9139729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and inadequate response to treatment. Many factors contribute to this therapeutic failure: lack of symptoms until the tumor reaches an advanced stage, leading to late diagnosis; early lymphatic and hematic spread; advanced age of patients; important development of a pro-tumoral and hyperfibrotic stroma; high genetic and metabolic heterogeneity; poor vascular supply; a highly acidic matrix; extreme hypoxia; and early development of resistance to the available therapeutic options. In most cases, the disease is silent for a long time, andwhen it does become symptomatic, it is too late for ablative surgery; this is one of the major reasons explaining the short survival associated with the disease. Even when surgery is possible, relapsesare frequent, andthe causes of this devastating picture are the low efficacy ofand early resistance to all known chemotherapeutic treatments. Thus, it is imperative to analyze the roots of this resistance in order to improve the benefits of therapy. PDAC chemoresistance is the final product of different, but to some extent, interconnected factors. Surgery, being the most adequate treatment for pancreatic cancer and the only one that in a few selected cases can achieve longer survival, is only possible in less than 20% of patients. Thus, the treatment burden relies on chemotherapy in mostcases. While the FOLFIRINOX scheme has a slightly longer overall survival, it also produces many more adverse eventsso that gemcitabine is still considered the first choice for treatment, especially in combination with other compounds/agents. This review discusses the multiple causes of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Joel Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago M. A. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Khalid Omer Alfarouk
- Zamzam Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan;
- Alfarouk Biomedical Research LLC, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
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24
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Zhang H, Yu H, Ren D, Sun Y, Guo F, Cai H, Zhou C, Zhou Y, Jin X, Wu H. CBX3 Regulated By YBX1 Promotes Smoking-induced Pancreatic Cancer Progression via Inhibiting SMURF2 Expression. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:3484-3497. [PMID: 35637952 PMCID: PMC9134897 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.68995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
As a key reversible and heritable mechanism of transcriptional regulation, the epigenetic modification plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis. Of note, tobacco smoking induces epigenetic modifications to promote pancreatic cancer development. Chromobox protein homolog 3 (CBX3) acts as an epigenetic regulator, modulating gene expression of downstream targets via chromatin modifications. To date, the relationship between CBX3 and smoking in pancreatic cancer remains unknown. This study aimed to uncover the specific role and underlying mechanism of CBX3 in smoking-related pancreatic cancer. The bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify CBX3 as a key player in tobacco-induced pancreatic cancer. The abnormal upregulation of CBX3 was associated with poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. Moreover, cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure promoted the overexpression of Y-box-binding protein 1 (YBX1), which consequently led to upregulated CBX3 in pancreatic cancer cells. We also revealed that CBX3 enhanced pancreatic cancer progression, likely by inhibiting the expression of SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (SMURF2) and promoting the activation of TGF-β signaling. In summary, the YBX1/CBX3/SMURF2 signaling axis may be a promising therapeutic target in patients with smoking-related pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Haixin Yu
- Cancer center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Dianyuan Ren
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Hongkun Cai
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yingke Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Uro-Oncology Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Heshui Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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25
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Peng D, Fu M, Wang M, Wei Y, Wei X. Targeting TGF-β signal transduction for fibrosis and cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:104. [PMID: 35461253 PMCID: PMC9033932 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 135.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has long been identified with its intensive involvement in early embryonic development and organogenesis, immune supervision, tissue repair, and adult homeostasis. The role of TGF-β in fibrosis and cancer is complex and sometimes even contradictory, exhibiting either inhibitory or promoting effects depending on the stage of the disease. Under pathological conditions, overexpressed TGF-β causes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) formation, which leads to fibrotic disease, and cancer. Given the critical role of TGF-β and its downstream molecules in the progression of fibrosis and cancers, therapeutics targeting TGF-β signaling appears to be a promising strategy. However, due to potential systemic cytotoxicity, the development of TGF-β therapeutics has lagged. In this review, we summarized the biological process of TGF-β, with its dual role in fibrosis and tumorigenesis, and the clinical application of TGF-β-targeting therapies.
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26
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Ferdek PE, Krzysztofik D, Stopa KB, Kusiak AA, Paw M, Wnuk D, Jakubowska MA. When healing turns into killing ‐ the pathophysiology of pancreatic and hepatic fibrosis. J Physiol 2022; 600:2579-2612. [DOI: 10.1113/jp281135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel E. Ferdek
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Daria Krzysztofik
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Kinga B. Stopa
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Agnieszka A. Kusiak
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Milena Paw
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
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Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in prostate cancer: A dual function mediator? Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 206:435-452. [PMID: 35202639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.02.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a member of a family of secreted cytokines with vital biological functions in cells. The abnormal expression of TGF-β signaling is a common finding in pathological conditions, particularly cancer. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of death among men. Several genetic and epigenetic alterations can result in PCa development, and govern its progression. The present review attempts to shed some light on the role of TGF-β signaling in PCa. TGF-β signaling can either stimulate or inhibit proliferation and viability of PCa cells, depending on the context. The metastasis of PCa cells is increased by TGF-β signaling via induction of EMT and MMPs. Furthermore, TGF-β signaling can induce drug resistance of PCa cells, and can lead to immune evasion via reducing the anti-tumor activity of cytotoxic T cells and stimulating regulatory T cells. Upstream mediators such as microRNAs and lncRNAs, can regulate TGF-β signaling in PCa. Furthermore, some pharmacological compounds such as thymoquinone and valproic acid can suppress TGF-β signaling for PCa therapy. TGF-β over-expression is associated with poor prognosis in PCa patients. Furthermore, TGF-β up-regulation before prostatectomy is associated with recurrence of PCa. Overall, current review discusses role of TGF-β signaling in proliferation, metastasis and therapy response of PCa cells and in order to improve knowledge towards its regulation, upstream mediators of TGF-β such as non-coding RNAs are described. Finally, TGF-β regulation and its clinical application are discussed.
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28
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Zhou T, Liu J, Xie Y, Yuan S, Guo Y, Bai W, Zhao K, Jiang W, Wang H, Wang H, Zhao T, Huang C, Gao S, Wang X, Yang S, Hao J. ESE3/EHF, a promising target of rosiglitazone, suppresses pancreatic cancer stemness by downregulating CXCR4. Gut 2022; 71:357-371. [PMID: 33674341 PMCID: PMC9422994 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The crosstalk between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their niche is required for the maintenance of stem cell-like phenotypes of CSCs. Here, we identified E26 transformation-specific homologous factor (EHF) as a key molecule in decreasing the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells to CSCs' niche stimulus. We also explored a therapeutic strategy to restore the expression of EHF. DESIGN We used a LSL-KrasG12D/+mice, LSL-Trp53R172H/+ and Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mouse model and samples from patients with PC. Immunostaining, flow cytometry, sphere formation assays, anchorage-independent growth assay, in vivo tumourigenicity, reverse transcription PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase analyses were conducted in this study. RESULTS CXCL12 derived from pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) mediates the crosstalk between PC cells and PSCs to promote PC stemness. Tumorous EHF suppressed CSC stemness by decreasing the sensitivity of PC to CXCL12 stimulus and inhibiting the crosstalk between PC and CSC-supportive niches. Mechanically, EHF suppressed the transcription of the CXCL12 receptor CXCR4. EHF had a cell autonomous role in suppressing cancer stemness by inhibiting the transcription of Sox9, Sox2, Oct4 and Nanog. Rosiglitazone suppressed PC stemness and inhibited the crosstalk between PC and PSCs by upregulating EHF. Preclinical KPC mouse cohorts demonstrated that rosiglitazone sensitised PDAC to gemcitabine therapy. CONCLUSIONS EHF decreased the sensitivity of PC to the stimulus from PSC-derived CSC-supportive niche by negatively regulating tumorous CXCR4. Rosiglitazone could be used to target PC stem cells and the crosstalk between CSCs and their niche by upregulating EHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxing Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China.,Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Yongjie Xie
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Yu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Weiwei Bai
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Kaili Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Wenna Jiang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Haotian Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Tiansuo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Chongbiao Huang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xiuchao Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Shengyu Yang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Jihui Hao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
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29
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Hrabák P, Kalousová M, Krechler T, Zima T. Pancreatic stellate cells - rising stars in pancreatic pathologies. Physiol Res 2021. [DOI: 10.33549//physiolres.934783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) receive growing interest in past decades. Two types of PSCs are recognized –vitamin A accumulating quiescent PSCs and activated PSCs- the main producents of extracellular matrix in pancreatic tissue. PSCs plays important role in pathogenesis of pancreatic fibrosis in pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. PSCs are intensively studied as potential therapeutical target because of their important role in developing desmoplastic stroma in pancreatic cancer. There also exists evidence that PSC are involved in other pathologies like type-2 diabetes mellitus. This article brings brief characteristics of PSCs and recent advances in research of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Kalousová
- 2Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic.
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30
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Baraks G, Tseng R, Pan CH, Kasliwal S, Leiton CV, Shroyer KR, Escobar-Hoyos LF. Dissecting the Oncogenic Roles of Keratin 17 in the Hallmarks of Cancer. Cancer Res 2021; 82:1159-1166. [PMID: 34921015 PMCID: PMC9016724 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-2522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Baraks
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Robert Tseng
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Chun-Hao Pan
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Stony Brook University, New York
| | - Saumya Kasliwal
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Cindy V. Leiton
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Kenneth R. Shroyer
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
- Corresponding Authors: Kenneth R. Shroyer, Pathology, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794. Phone: 631-444-3000; E-mail: Kenneth.; and Luisa F. Escobar-Hoyos, 15 York Street PO Box 208040, New Haven, CT 06513. Phone: 203-737-2003; E-mail:
| | - Luisa F. Escobar-Hoyos
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Corresponding Authors: Kenneth R. Shroyer, Pathology, Stony Brook University, 101 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794. Phone: 631-444-3000; E-mail: Kenneth.; and Luisa F. Escobar-Hoyos, 15 York Street PO Box 208040, New Haven, CT 06513. Phone: 203-737-2003; E-mail:
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31
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Marques P, Barry S, Carlsen E, Collier D, Ronaldson A, Grieve J, Dorward N, Mendoza N, Nair R, Muquit S, Grossman AB, Korbonits M. The expression of neural cell adhesion molecule and the microenvironment of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13052. [PMID: 34708902 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) has previously been studied in pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs), but its role in tumour biology and aggressiveness remains controversial, and its relationship with the tumour microenvironment remains unknown. We aimed to characterise NCAM expression in PitNETs, to correlate this with clinico-pathological features, and to assess the role of various microenvironment components on NCAM expression. NCAM and immune cells were investigated by immunohistochemistry in 16 human non-functioning-PitNETs (NF-PitNETs) and eight somatotrophinomas, including macrophages (CD68, CD163, HLA-DR), cytotoxic (CD8) and T helper (CD4) lymphocytes, regulatory T cells (FOXP3), B cells (CD20), and neutrophils (neutrophil elastase). Five normal pituitaries were included for comparison. The cytokine secretome from these PitNETs and from PitNET-derived tumour-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) were assessed on culture supernatants using a multiplex immunoassay panel. There were no significant NCAM expression differences between PitNETs and normal pituitary, and no difference between types of pituitary tumours (NF-PitNETs vs. somatotrophinomas). There was no association between NCAM expression and different clinico-pathological features, including cavernous sinus invasion and Ki-67, nor with serum hormone levels. NCAM immunoreactivity correlated negatively with PitNET-derived CXCL10 (rho = -0.417; p = .042) and CX3CL1 (rho = -0.423; p = .040) levels. NCAM immunoreactivity was negatively correlated with TAF-derived fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 (rho = -0.632; p = .009), but not with other TAF-derived cytokines. Within the PitNET cohort, there were no correlations between NCAM immunoreactivity and immune infiltrates or ratios, although, within NF-PitNETs, NCAM expression was higher in tumours with more FOXP3+ cells. NCAM expression does not differ between PitNETs and normal pituitary, and does not appear to relate to tumour invasiveness or proliferation. However, our data suggest a possible role for cytokines in the modulation of NCAM expression in PitNETs, particularly CXCL10, CX3CL1 and FGF-2, but not for immune cell infiltrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marques
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sayka Barry
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - David Collier
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Amy Ronaldson
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Joan Grieve
- The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH, NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Neil Dorward
- The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH, NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nigel Mendoza
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Ramesh Nair
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Samiul Muquit
- Department of Neurosurgery, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Bansod S, Dodhiawala PB, Lim KH. Oncogenic KRAS-Induced Feedback Inflammatory Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer: An Overview and New Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215481. [PMID: 34771644 PMCID: PMC8582583 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains highly refractory to treatment. While the KRAS oncogene is present in almost all PDAC cases and accounts for many of the malignant feats of PDAC, targeting KRAS or its canonical, direct effector cascades remains unsuccessful in patients. The recalcitrant nature of PDAC is also heavily influenced by its highly fibro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME), which comprises an acellular extracellular matrix and various types of non-neoplastic cells including fibroblasts, immune cells, and adipocytes, underscoring the critical need to delineate the bidirectional signaling interplay between PDAC cells and the TME in order to develop novel therapeutic strategies. The impact of tumor-cell KRAS signaling on various cell types in the TME has been well covered by several reviews. In this article, we critically reviewed evidence, including work from our group, on how the feedback inflammatory signals from the TME impact and synergize with oncogenic KRAS signaling in PDAC cells, ultimately augmenting their malignant behavior. We discussed past and ongoing clinical trials that target key inflammatory pathways in PDAC and highlight lessons to be learned from outcomes. Lastly, we provided our perspective on the future of developing therapeutic strategies for PDAC through understanding the breadth and complexity of KRAS and the inflammatory signaling network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapana Bansod
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and The Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (S.B.); (P.B.D.)
| | - Paarth B. Dodhiawala
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and The Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (S.B.); (P.B.D.)
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kian-Huat Lim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and The Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (S.B.); (P.B.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-314-362-6157
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Chen D, Huang H, Zang L, Gao W, Zhu H, Yu X. Development and Verification of the Hypoxia- and Immune-Associated Prognostic Signature for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:728062. [PMID: 34691034 PMCID: PMC8526937 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.728062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We aim to construct a hypoxia- and immune-associated risk score model to predict the prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). By unsupervised consensus clustering algorithms, we generate two different hypoxia clusters. Then, we screened out 682 hypoxia-associated and 528 immune-associated PDAC differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of PDAC using Pearson correlation analysis based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression project (GTEx) dataset. Seven hypoxia and immune-associated signature genes (S100A16, PPP3CA, SEMA3C, PLAU, IL18, GDF11, and NR0B1) were identified to construct a risk score model using the Univariate Cox regression and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression, which stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups and were further validated in the GEO and ICGC cohort. Patients in the low-risk group showed superior overall survival (OS) to their high-risk counterparts (p < 0.05). Moreover, it was suggested by multivariate Cox regression that our constructed hypoxia-associated and immune-associated prognosis signature might be used as the independent factor for prognosis prediction (p < 0.001). By CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms, we discovered that patients in high-risk groups had lower immune score, stromal score, and immune checkpoint expression such as PD-L1, and different immunocyte infiltration states compared with those low-risk patients. The mutation spectrum also differs between high- and low-risk groups. To sum up, our hypoxia- and immune-associated prognostic signature can be used as an approach to stratify the risk of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjie Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Longjun Zang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenzhe Gao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongwei Zhu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Giordano M, Decio A, Battistini C, Baronio M, Bianchi F, Villa A, Bertalot G, Freddi S, Lupia M, Jodice MG, Ubezio P, Colombo N, Giavazzi R, Cavallaro U. L1CAM promotes ovarian cancer stemness and tumor initiation via FGFR1/SRC/STAT3 signaling. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:319. [PMID: 34645505 PMCID: PMC8513260 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02117-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been implicated in tumor progression. In ovarian carcinoma (OC), CSC drive tumor formation, dissemination and recurrence, as well as drug resistance, thus contributing to the high death-to-incidence ratio of this disease. However, the molecular basis of such a pathogenic role of ovarian CSC (OCSC) has been elucidated only to a limited extent. In this context, the functional contribution of the L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) to OC stemness remains elusive. METHODS The expression of L1CAM was investigated in patient-derived OCSC. The genetic manipulation of L1CAM in OC cells provided gain and loss-of-function models that were then employed in cell biological assays as well as in vivo tumorigenesis experiments to assess the role of L1CAM in OC cell stemness and in OCSC-driven tumor initiation. We applied antibody-mediated neutralization to investigate L1CAM druggability. Biochemical approaches were then combined with functional in vitro assays to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional role of L1CAM in OCSC. RESULTS We report that L1CAM is upregulated in patient-derived OCSC. Functional studies showed that L1CAM promotes several stemness-related properties in OC cells, including sphere formation, tumor initiation and chemoresistance. These activities were repressed by an L1CAM-neutralizing antibody, pointing to L1CAM as a druggable target. Mechanistically, L1CAM interacted with and activated fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1), which in turn induced the SRC-mediated activation of STAT3. The inhibition of STAT3 prevented L1CAM-dependent OC stemness and tumor initiation. CONCLUSIONS Our study implicate L1CAM in the tumorigenic function of OCSC and point to the L1CAM/FGFR1/SRC/STAT3 signaling pathway as a novel driver of OC stemness. We also provide evidence that targeting this pathway can contribute to OC eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Giordano
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Decio
- Laboratory of Tumor Metastasis Therapeutics, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Battistini
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Micol Baronio
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy.,Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Bertalot
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy.,Division of Anatomical Pathology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | - Stefano Freddi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Lupia
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Jodice
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ubezio
- Laboratory of Tumor Metastasis Therapeutics, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Colombo
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy.,University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Giavazzi
- Laboratory of Tumor Metastasis Therapeutics, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Cavallaro
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy.
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Principe DR, Timbers KE, Atia LG, Koch RM, Rana A. TGFβ Signaling in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5086. [PMID: 34680235 PMCID: PMC8533869 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with poor clinical outcomes, largely attributed to incomplete responses to standard therapeutic approaches. Recently, selective inhibitors of the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway have shown early promise in the treatment of PDAC, particularly as a means of augmenting responses to chemo- and immunotherapies. However, TGFβ is a potent and pleiotropic cytokine with several seemingly paradoxical roles within the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME). Although TGFβ signaling can have potent tumor-suppressive effects in epithelial cells, TGFβ signaling also accelerates pancreatic tumorigenesis by enhancing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibrosis, and the evasion of the cytotoxic immune surveillance program. Here, we discuss the known roles of TGFβ signaling in pancreatic carcinogenesis, the biologic consequences of the genetic inactivation of select components of the TGFβ pathway, as well as past and present attempts to advance TGFβ inhibitors in the treatment of PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Principe
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (K.E.T.); (L.G.A.); (R.M.K.)
| | - Kaytlin E. Timbers
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (K.E.T.); (L.G.A.); (R.M.K.)
| | - Luke G. Atia
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (K.E.T.); (L.G.A.); (R.M.K.)
| | - Regina M. Koch
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (K.E.T.); (L.G.A.); (R.M.K.)
| | - Ajay Rana
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Hospital, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Schlick K, Kiem D, Greil R. Recent Advances in Pancreatic Cancer: Novel Prognostic Biomarkers and Targeted Therapy-A Review of the Literature. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1469. [PMID: 34680101 PMCID: PMC8533343 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma carries a devastating prognosis. For locally advanced and metastatic disease, several chemotherapeutic regimens are currently being used. Over the past years, novel approaches have included targeting EGFR, NTRK, PARP, K-Ras as well as stroma and fibrosis, leading to approval of NTRK and PARP inhibitors. Moreover, immune check point inhibitors and different combinational approaches involving immunotherapeutic agents are being investigated in many clinical trials. MiRNAs represent a novel tool and are thought to greatly improve management by allowing for earlier diagnosis and for more precise guidance of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Schlick
- Oncologic Center, Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (K.S.); (D.K.)
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Dominik Kiem
- Oncologic Center, Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (K.S.); (D.K.)
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Greil
- Oncologic Center, Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (K.S.); (D.K.)
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Salzburg Cancer Research Institute, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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Watt DM, Morton JP. Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Cancer Fibroblasts-TGFβ as a Master Regulator? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4984. [PMID: 34638468 PMCID: PMC8508541 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive disease for which there are very few available therapies. It is notable for its high degree of tumour complexity, with the tumour microenvironment often accounting for the majority of the tumour volume. Until recently, the biology of the stroma was poorly understood, particularly in terms of heterogeneity. Recent research, however, has shed light on the intricacy of signalling within the stroma and particularly the molecular and functional heterogeneity of the cancer associated fibroblasts. In this review, we summarise the recent improvements in our understanding of the different fibroblast populations within PDAC, with a focus on the role TGFβ plays to dictate their formation and function. These studies have highlighted some of the reasons for the failure of trials targeting the tumour stroma, however, there are still considerable gaps in our knowledge, and more work is needed to make effective fibroblast targeting a reality in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale M. Watt
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK;
| | - Jennifer P. Morton
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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Zhu H, Liu X. Advances of Tumorigenesis, Diagnosis at Early Stage, and Cellular Immunotherapy in Gastrointestinal Malignancies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:666340. [PMID: 34434889 PMCID: PMC8381364 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.666340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, in 2018, 4.8 million new patients have a diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, while 3.4 million people died of such disorders. GI malignancies are tightly relevant to 26% of the world-wide cancer incidence and occupies 35% of all cancer-associated deaths. In this article, we principally investigated molecular and cellular mechanisms of tumorigenesis in five major GI cancers occurring at esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and colorectal region that illustrate high morbidity in Eastern and Western countries. Moreover, through this investigation, we not only emphasize importance of the tumor microenvironment in development and treatment of malignant tumors but also identify significance of M2PK, miRNAs, ctDNAs, circRNAs, and CTCs in early detection of GI cancers, as well as systematically evaluate contribution of personalized precision medicine including cellular immunotherapy, new antigen and vaccine therapy, and oncolytic virotherapy in treatment of GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Zhu
- Precision and Personalized Cancer Treatment Center, Division of Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy, Ciming Boao International Hospital, Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Qionghai, China.,Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, Xinxiang Medical College, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Division of Cellular & Biomedical Science, Ciming Boao International Hospital, Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Qionghai, China
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Li J, Chen X, Zhu L, Lao Z, Zhou T, Zang L, Ge W, Jiang M, Xu J, Cao Y, Du S, Yu Y, Fan G, Wang H. SOX9 is a critical regulator of TSPAN8-mediated metastasis in pancreatic cancer. Oncogene 2021; 40:4884-4893. [PMID: 34163029 PMCID: PMC8321899 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01864-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the deadliest cancer mainly owing to its proclivity to early metastasis and the lack of effective targeted therapeutic drugs. Hence, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying early invasion and metastasis by PDAC is imperative for improving patient outcomes. The present study identified that upregulation of TSPAN8 expression in PDAC facilitates metastasis in vivo and in vitro. We found SOX9 as a key transcriptional regulator of TSPAN8 expression in response to EGF stimulation. SOX9 modulation was sufficient to positively regulate endogenous expression of TSPAN8, with concomitant in vitro phenotypic changes such as loss of cell-matrix adherence and increased invasion. Moreover, increased SOX9 and TSPAN8 levels were shown to correlate in human pancreatic cancer specimens and downregulated in vitro by EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. High expression of SOX9 and TSPAN8 has been associated with tumor stage, poor prognosis and poor patient survival in PDAC. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of the EGF-SOX9-TSPAN8 signaling cascade in the control of PDAC invasion and implies that TSPAN8 may be a promising novel therapeutic target for the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjian Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoliang Chen
- The Center for Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Guangming District Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liqun Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Liyang People's Hospital, Liyang, China
| | - Zhenghong Lao
- Department of Oncology, Deqing People's Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijuan Zang
- Pathology Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyu Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyi Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital East Campus, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoqian Du
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Shanghai Experimental School, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangjian Fan
- Translational Medicine Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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40
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Luu T. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Its Regulation Mechanisms in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:646399. [PMID: 33928036 PMCID: PMC8076603 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.646399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the malignancies with high mortality and high insensitivity to existing therapies, pancreatic cancer and mechanisms underlying its progression have received growing scholarly attention. The role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic cancer genesis and metastasis has been reported albeit controversy has remained. Recent insights into further EMT-regulating mechanisms underlying pancreatic cancer contribute to the nexus between EMT and this cancer type. This review will elucidate the role of EMT as a hallmark for pancreatic cancer as well as summarize EMT-regulating factors recently detected as a key advance in the research stream on EMT in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Luu
- Management & Marketing Department, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
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41
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Cave DD, Hernando-Momblona X, Sevillano M, Minchiotti G, Lonardo E. Nodal-induced L1CAM/CXCR4 subpopulation sustains tumor growth and metastasis in colorectal cancer derived organoids. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5686-5699. [PMID: 33897875 PMCID: PMC8058729 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the third leading cause for cancer-related mortality. Cancer stem cells have been implicated in colorectal tumor growth, but their specific role in tumor biology, including metastasis, is still uncertain. Methods: Increased expression of L1CAM, CXCR4 and NODAL was identified in tumor section of patients with CRC and in patients-derived-organoids (PDOs). The expression of L1CAM, CXCR4 and NODAL was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The effects of the L1CAM, CXCR4 and NODAL on tumor growth, proliferation, migration, invasion, colony-formation ability, metastasis and chemoresistance were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Results: We found that human colorectal cancer tissue contains cancer stem cells defined by L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high expression that is activated by Nodal in hypoxic microenvironment. This L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high population is tumorigenic, highly resistant to standard chemotherapy, and determines the metastatic phenotype of the individual tumor. Depletion of the L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high population drastically reduces the tumorigenic potential and the metastatic phenotype of colorectal tumors. Conclusion: In conclusion, we demonstrated that a subpopulation of migrating L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high is essential for tumor progression. Together, these findings suggest that strategies aimed at modulating the Nodal signaling could have important clinical applications to inhibit colorectal cancer-derived metastasis.
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Zhang LL, He QK, Lv YN, Zhang ZJ, Xiang YK. Expression pattern and prognostic value of circadian clock genes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Chronobiol Int 2021; 38:681-693. [PMID: 33691542 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2021.1890760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating studies indicate that circadian clock genes are pivotal regulators of tumorigenesis and development of various cancers. Nevertheless, their implications in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) remain poorly characterized. We investigated the expression pattern of circadian clock genes and evaluated their prognostic values in PAAD. Firstly, we systematically analyzed data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database pertaining to patient clinical information and gene expression data. We found that 19 of 20 circadian clock genes showed significantly different expression levels in comparisons between PAAD and normal tissues. In addition, 10 circadian clock genes with regression coefficients were selected to construct a new risk signature, which was then identified as an independent prognostic factor for PAAD. Mechanistically, circadian clock genes in PAAD may impact the basic state of cells and the composition of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, thus affecting disease prognosis. Finally, we construct a novel prognostic nomogram on the basis of histological nodes and risk score to precisely predict prognosis of patients with PAAD. In conclusion, our study uncovered the important role of circadian clock genes in PAAD and developed a risk signature as a promising prognostic biomarker for patients with PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Le Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi-Kuan He
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan-Ning Lv
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhong-Jing Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Kai Xiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of General Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Delle Cave D, Rizzo R, Sainz B, Gigli G, del Mercato LL, Lonardo E. The Revolutionary Roads to Study Cell-Cell Interactions in 3D In Vitro Pancreatic Cancer Models. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:930. [PMID: 33672435 PMCID: PMC7926501 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [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: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, the fourth most common cancer worldwide, shows a highly unsuccessful therapeutic response. In the last 10 years, neither important advancements nor new therapeutic strategies have significantly impacted patient survival, highlighting the need to pursue new avenues for drug development discovery and design. Advanced cellular models, resembling as much as possible the original in vivo tumor environment, may be more successful in predicting the efficacy of future anti-cancer candidates in clinical trials. In this review, we discuss novel bioengineered platforms for anticancer drug discovery in pancreatic cancer, from traditional two-dimensional models to innovative three-dimensional ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Delle Cave
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Rizzo
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC), c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (R.R.); (G.G.); (L.L.d.M.)
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Spain and Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC), c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (R.R.); (G.G.); (L.L.d.M.)
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Loretta L. del Mercato
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council (CNR-NANOTEC), c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (R.R.); (G.G.); (L.L.d.M.)
| | - Enza Lonardo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR-IGB), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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Kabel AM, Arab HH, Abd Elmaaboud MA. Effect of dapagliflozin and/or L-arginine on solid tumor model in mice: The interaction between nitric oxide, transforming growth factor-beta 1, autophagy, and apoptosis. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2021; 35:968-978. [PMID: 33609317 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide was reported to play an essential role in various physiological and pathological processes in the body. Recent reports suggested that nitric oxide may affect the pathogenesis of cancer. Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor which is commonly used for type-2 diabetes mellitus management. PURPOSE The current work aimed to detect the potential impact of dapagliflozin and/or L-arginine on solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) in mice. METHODS Six equal groups of male BALB/c mice were divided as follows: Control; SEC; SEC + Dapagliflozin; SEC + L-arginine; SEC + carboxymethyl cellulose; and SEC + Dapagliflozin + L-arginine group. Tumor volume, survival rate, tissue total nitrate/nitrite, paraoxonase-1, interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) were determined. Also, caspase 3, beclin-1, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activities were estimated in the tumor tissues. Sections of the tumor tissues were examined by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Dapagliflozin and/or L-arginine induced a significant increment of the survival rate, tissue total nitrate/nitrite, paraoxonase-1, caspase 3, beclin-1, and JNK activities, significant lowering of the tumor volume, tissue TGF-β1, and IL-1α expression alongside an improvement of the histopathologic findings, versus the SEC group. Notably, the combination of dapagliflozin/L-arginine exerted more pronounced effects versus each agent alone. CONCLUSION Dapagliflozin/L-arginine combination may confer a novel therapeutic line for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Kabel
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Hany H Arab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
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Thakur G, Kumar R, Kim SB, Lee SY, Lee SL, Rho GJ. Therapeutic Status and Available Strategies in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020178. [PMID: 33670230 PMCID: PMC7916947 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most severe and devastating cancer is pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the major pancreatic exocrine cancer with a poor prognosis and growing prevalence. It is the most deadly disease, with an overall five-year survival rate of 6% to 10%. According to various reports, it has been demonstrated that pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) are the main factor responsible for the tumor development, proliferation, resistance to anti-cancer drugs, and recurrence of tumors after surgery. PCSCs have encouraged new therapeutic methods to be explored that can specifically target cancer cells. Furthermore, stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are known as influential anti-cancer agents as they function through anti-inflammatory, paracrine, cytokines, and chemokine's action. The properties of MSCs, such as migration to the site of infection and host immune cell activation by its secretome, seem to control the microenvironment of the pancreatic tumor. MSCs secretome exhibits similar therapeutic advantages as a conventional cell-based therapy. Moreover, the potential for drug delivery could be enhanced by engineered MSCs to increase drug bioactivity and absorption at the tumor site. In this review, we have discussed available therapeutic strategies, treatment hurdles, and the role of different factors such as PCSCs, cysteine, GPCR, PKM2, signaling pathways, immunotherapy, and NK-based therapy in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitika Thakur
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (G.T.); (S.-B.K.); (S.-Y.L.); (S.-L.L.)
| | - Raj Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan 173 234, Himachal Pradesh, India;
| | - Saet-Byul Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (G.T.); (S.-B.K.); (S.-Y.L.); (S.-L.L.)
| | - Sang-Yeob Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (G.T.); (S.-B.K.); (S.-Y.L.); (S.-L.L.)
| | - Sung-Lim Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (G.T.); (S.-B.K.); (S.-Y.L.); (S.-L.L.)
| | - Gyu-Jin Rho
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (G.T.); (S.-B.K.); (S.-Y.L.); (S.-L.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Xue VW, Chung JYF, Córdoba CAG, Cheung AHK, Kang W, Lam EWF, Leung KT, To KF, Lan HY, Tang PMK. Transforming Growth Factor-β: A Multifunctional Regulator of Cancer Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2020. [PMID: 33114183 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113099.pmid:33114183;pmcid:pmc7690808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was originally identified as an anti-tumour cytokine. However, there is increasing evidence that it has important roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME) in facilitating cancer progression. TGF-β actively shapes the TME via modulating the host immunity. These actions are highly cell-type specific and complicated, involving both canonical and non-canonical pathways. In this review, we systemically update how TGF-β signalling acts as a checkpoint regulator for cancer immunomodulation. A better appreciation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms at the molecular level can lead to the discovery of novel and more effective therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Weiwen Xue
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jeff Yat-Fai Chung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Cristina Alexandra García Córdoba
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Alvin Ho-Kwan Cheung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
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Transforming Growth Factor-β: A Multifunctional Regulator of Cancer Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113099. [PMID: 33114183 PMCID: PMC7690808 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that can restrict cancer onset but also promote cancer progression at late stages of cancer. The ability of TGF-β in producing diverse and sometimes opposing effects relies on its potential to control different cellular signalling and gene expression in distinct cell types, and environmental settings. The tumour promoting role of TGF-β is primarily mediated through its effects on the local tumour microenvironment (TME) of the cancer cells. In this review, we discuss the most recent research on the role and regulation of TGF-β, with a specific focus on its functions on promoting cancer progression through targeting different immune cells in the TME as well as its therapeutic perspectives. Abstract Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was originally identified as an anti-tumour cytokine. However, there is increasing evidence that it has important roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME) in facilitating cancer progression. TGF-β actively shapes the TME via modulating the host immunity. These actions are highly cell-type specific and complicated, involving both canonical and non-canonical pathways. In this review, we systemically update how TGF-β signalling acts as a checkpoint regulator for cancer immunomodulation. A better appreciation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms at the molecular level can lead to the discovery of novel and more effective therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Huber M, Brehm CU, Gress TM, Buchholz M, Alashkar Alhamwe B, Pogge von Strandmann E, Slater EP, Bartsch JW, Bauer C, Lauth M. The Immune Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7307. [PMID: 33022971 PMCID: PMC7583843 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The biology of solid tumors is strongly determined by the interactions of cancer cells with their surrounding microenvironment. In this regard, pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, PDAC) represents a paradigmatic example for the multitude of possible tumor-stroma interactions. PDAC has proven particularly refractory to novel immunotherapies, which is a fact that is mediated by a unique assemblage of various immune cells creating a strongly immunosuppressive environment in which this cancer type thrives. In this review, we outline currently available knowledge on the cross-talk between tumor cells and the cellular immune microenvironment, highlighting the physiological and pathological cellular interactions, as well as the resulting therapeutic approaches derived thereof. Hopefully a better understanding of the complex tumor-stroma interactions will one day lead to a significant advancement in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Huber
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Corinna U. Brehm
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Thomas M. Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, Center for Tumor- and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.G.); (M.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Malte Buchholz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, Center for Tumor- and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.G.); (M.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Bilal Alashkar Alhamwe
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Clinic for Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (E.P.v.S.); (B.A.A.)
| | - Elke Pogge von Strandmann
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Clinic for Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (E.P.v.S.); (B.A.A.)
| | - Emily P. Slater
- Department of Visceral-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Jörg W. Bartsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Philipps University Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Christian Bauer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, Center for Tumor- and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.G.); (M.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, Center for Tumor- and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.G.); (M.B.); (C.B.)
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