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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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McAndrews KM, Mahadevan KK, Kalluri R. Mouse Models to Evaluate the Functional Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression and Therapy Responses. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041411. [PMID: 38191175 PMCID: PMC11216184 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of both cellular and noncellular components that functions to impact the evolution of cancer. Various aspects of the TME have been targeted for the control of cancer; however, TME composition is dynamic, with the overall abundance of immune cells, endothelial cells (ECs), fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as subsets of TME components changing at different stages of progression and in response to therapy. To effectively treat cancer, an understanding of the functional role of the TME is needed. Genetically engineered mouse models have enabled comprehensive insight into the complex interactions within the TME ecosystem that regulate disease progression. Here, we review recent advances in mouse models that have been employed to understand how the TME regulates cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M McAndrews
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Krishnan K Mahadevan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77251, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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3
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Bamodu OA, Chung CC, Pisanic TR, Wu ATH. The intricate interplay between cancer stem cells and cell-of-origin of cancer: implications for therapeutic strategies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1404628. [PMID: 38800385 PMCID: PMC11116576 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1404628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as pivotal players in tumorigenesis, disease progression, and resistance to therapies. Objective This comprehensive review delves into the intricate relationship between CSCs and the cell-of-origin in diverse cancer types. Design Comprehensive review of thematically-relevant literature. Methods We explore the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive the conversion of normal cells into CSCs and the impact of the cell-of-origin on CSC properties, tumor initiation, and therapeutic responses. Moreover, we discuss potential therapeutic interventions targeting CSCs based on their distinct cell-of-origin characteristics. Results Accruing evidence suggest that the cell-of-origin, the cell type from which the tumor originates, plays a crucial role in determining the properties of CSCs and their contribution to tumor heterogeneity. Conclusion By providing critical insights into the complex interplay between CSCs and their cellular origins, this article aims to enhance our understanding of cancer biology and pave the way for more effective and personalized cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Adebayo Bamodu
- Directorate of Postgraduate Studies, School of Clinical Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Chen-Chih Chung
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Medical University - Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University - Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Thomas R. Pisanic
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology - Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alexander T. H. Wu
- The Program for Translational Medicine, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Guo Q, Zhou Y, Xie T, Yuan Y, Li H, Shi W, Zheng L, Li X, Zhang W. Tumor microenvironment of cancer stem cells: Perspectives on cancer stem cell targeting. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101043. [PMID: 38292177 PMCID: PMC10825311 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
There are few tumor cell subpopulations with stem cell characteristics in tumor tissue, defined as cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs), which can reconstruct neoplasms with malignant biological behaviors such as invasiveness via self-renewal and unlimited generation. The microenvironment that CSCs depend on consists of various cellular components and corresponding medium components. Among these factors existing at a variety of levels and forms, cytokine networks and numerous signal pathways play an important role in signaling transduction. These factors promote or maintain cancer cell stemness, and participate in cancer recurrence, metastasis, and resistance. This review aims to summarize the recent molecular data concerning the multilayered relationship between CSCs and CSC-favorable microenvironments. We also discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting this synergistic interplay, hoping to give an insight into targeting cancer cell stemness for tumor therapy and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Tianyuan Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Yin Yuan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Huilong Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Wanjin Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Lufeng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Xiaoman Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Wenzhou Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
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Zhang Y, Liu YJ, Mei J, Yang ZX, Qian XP, Huang W. An Analysis Regarding the Association Between DAZ Interacting Zinc Finger Protein 1 (DZIP1) and Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01065-1. [PMID: 38334905 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01065-1] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant disease worldwide, and its incidence is increasing, but the molecular mechanisms of this disease are highly heterogeneous and still far from being fully understood. Increasing evidence suggests that fibrosis mediated by abnormal activation of fibroblasts based in the microenvironment is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the function and pathogenic mechanisms of fibroblasts in CRC remain unclear. Here, combining scrna-seq and clinical specimen data, DAZ Interacting Protein 1 (DZIP1) was found to be expressed on fibroblasts and cancer cells and positively correlated with stromal deposition. Importantly, pseudotime-series analysis showed that DZIP1 levels were up-regulated in malignant transformation of fibroblasts and experimentally confirmed that DZIP1 modulates activation of fibroblasts and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells. Further studies showed that DZIP1 expressed by tumor cells also has a driving effect on EMT and contributes to the recruitment of more fibroblasts. A similar phenomenon was observed in xenografted nude mice. And it was confirmed in xenograft mice that downregulation of DZIP1 expression significantly delayed tumor formation and reduced tumor size in CRC cells. Taken together, our findings suggested that DZIP1 was a regulator of the CRC mesenchymal phenotype. The revelation of targeting DZIP1 provides a new avenue for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Tianyinshan Hospital, Nanjing, 211199, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia Mei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhao-Xu Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Qian
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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6
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Abudukelimu S, de Miranda NFCC, Hawinkels LJAC. Fibroblasts in Orchestrating Colorectal Tumorigenesis and Progression. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:821-826. [PMID: 38307492 PMCID: PMC10966773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an abundant component of the tumor microenvironment and have been shown to possess critical functions in tumor progression. Although their roles predominantly have been described as tumor-promoting, more recent findings have identified subsets of CAFs with tumor-restraining functions. Accumulating evidence underscores large heterogeneity in fibroblast subsets in which distinct subsets differentially impact the initiation, progression, and metastasis of colorectal cancer. In this review, we summarize and discuss the evolving role of CAFs in colorectal cancer, highlighting the ongoing controversies regarding their distinct origins and multifaceted functions. In addition, we explore how CAFs can confer resistance to current therapies and the challenges of developing effective CAF-directed therapies. Taken together, we believe that, in this rapidly evolving field, it is crucial first to understand CAF dynamics comprehensively, and to bridge existing knowledge gaps regarding CAF heterogeneity and plasticity before further exploring the clinical targeting of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subinuer Abudukelimu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Xiong J, Xiao R, Zhao J, Zhao Q, Luo M, Li F, Zhang W, Wu M. Matrix stiffness affects tumor-associated macrophage functional polarization and its potential in tumor therapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:85. [PMID: 38246995 PMCID: PMC10800063 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04810-3] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays critical roles in cytoskeletal support, biomechanical transduction and biochemical signal transformation. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) function is regulated by matrix stiffness in solid tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis. ECM stiffness-induced mechanical cues can activate cell membrane mechanoreceptors and corresponding mechanotransducers in the cytoplasm, modulating the phenotype of TAMs. Currently, tuning TAM polarization through matrix stiffness-induced mechanical stimulation has received increasing attention, whereas its effect on TAM fate has rarely been summarized. A better understanding of the relationship between matrix stiffness and macrophage function will contribute to the development of new strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, we first introduced the overall relationship between macrophage polarization and matrix stiffness, analyzed the changes in mechanoreceptors and mechanotransducers mediated by matrix stiffness on macrophage function and tumor progression, and finally summarized the effects of targeting ECM stiffness on tumor prognosis to provide insight into this new field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqiang Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Rourou Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jiahui Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qiuyan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Manwen Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430032, China.
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Hsu WH, LaBella KA, Lin Y, Xu P, Lee R, Hsieh CE, Yang L, Zhou A, Blecher JM, Wu CJ, Lin K, Shang X, Jiang S, Spring DJ, Xia Y, Chen P, Shen JP, Kopetz S, DePinho RA. Oncogenic KRAS Drives Lipofibrogenesis to Promote Angiogenesis and Colon Cancer Progression. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2652-2673. [PMID: 37768068 PMCID: PMC10807546 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-1467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS (KRAS*) contributes to many cancer hallmarks. In colorectal cancer, KRAS* suppresses antitumor immunity to promote tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we uncovered that KRAS* transforms the phenotype of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) into lipid-laden CAFs, promoting angiogenesis and tumor progression. Mechanistically, KRAS* activates the transcription factor CP2 (TFCP2) that upregulates the expression of the proadipogenic factors BMP4 and WNT5B, triggering the transformation of CAFs into lipid-rich CAFs. These lipid-rich CAFs, in turn, produce VEGFA to spur angiogenesis. In KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer mouse models, genetic or pharmacologic neutralization of TFCP2 reduced lipid-rich CAFs, lessened tumor angiogenesis, and improved overall survival. Correspondingly, in human colorectal cancer, lipid-rich CAF and TFCP2 signatures correlate with worse prognosis. This work unveils a new role for KRAS* in transforming CAFs, driving tumor angiogenesis and disease progression, providing an actionable therapeutic intervention for KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer. SIGNIFICANCE This study identified a molecular mechanism contributing to KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer progression via fibroblast transformation in the tumor microenvironment to produce VEGFA driving tumor angiogenesis. In preclinical models, targeting the KRAS*-TFCP2-VEGFA axis impaired tumor progression, revealing a potential novel therapeutic option for patients with KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2489.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Hsu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kyle A. LaBella
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yiyun Lin
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rumi Lee
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cheng-En Hsieh
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ashley Zhou
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Blecher
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chang-Jiun Wu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kangyu Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoying Shang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Denise J. Spring
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peiwen Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John Paul Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ronald A. DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Lau HSH, Tan VKM, Tan BKT, Sim Y, Quist J, Thike AA, Tan PH, Pervaiz S, Grigoriadis A, Sabapathy K. Adipose-enriched peri-tumoral stroma, in contrast to myofibroblast-enriched stroma, prognosticates poorer survival in breast cancers. NPJ Breast Cancer 2023; 9:84. [PMID: 37863888 PMCID: PMC10589339 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00590-7] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite our understanding of the genetic basis of intra-tumoral heterogeneity, the role of stromal heterogeneity arising from an altered tumor microenvironment in affecting tumorigenesis is poorly understood. In particular, extensive study on the peri-tumoral stroma in the morphologically normal tissues surrounding the tumor is lacking. Here, we examine the heterogeneity in tumors and peri-tumoral stroma from 8 ER+/PR+/HER2- invasive breast carcinomas, through multi-region transcriptomic profiling by microarray. We describe the regional heterogeneity observed at the intrinsic molecular subtype, pathway enrichment, and cell type composition levels within each tumor and its peri-tumoral region, up to 7 cm from the tumor margins. Moreover, we identify a pro-inflammatory adipose-enriched peri-tumoral subtype which was significantly associated with poorer overall survival in breast cancer patients, in contrast to an adaptive immune cell- and myofibroblast-enriched subtype. These data together suggest that peri-tumoral heterogeneity may be an important determinant of the evolution and treatment of breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Si Hui Lau
- Divisions of Cellular & Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Cancer Bioinformatics, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Veronique Kiak Mien Tan
- Surgery and Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
- Department of Breast Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 168753, Singapore
| | - Benita Kiat Tee Tan
- Surgery and Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
- Department of Breast Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 168753, Singapore
- Department of General Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore, 544886, Singapore
| | - Yirong Sim
- Surgery and Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
- Department of Breast Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 168753, Singapore
| | - Jelmar Quist
- Cancer Bioinformatics, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Aye Aye Thike
- Division of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Puay Hoon Tan
- Division of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Shazib Pervaiz
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Anita Grigoriadis
- Cancer Bioinformatics, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kanaga Sabapathy
- Divisions of Cellular & Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 168583, Singapore.
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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Zhang M, Fang Y, Fu X, Liu J, Liu Y, Zhu Z, Ni Y, Yao M, Pan Q, Cao W, Li Z, Dong C. Cancer-associated fibroblasts nurture LGR5 marked liver tumor-initiating cells and promote their tumor formation, growth, and metastasis. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18032-18049. [PMID: 37578396 PMCID: PMC10524013 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In liver cancer, leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) compartment represents an important tumor-initiating cell (TIC) population and served as a potential therapeutic target. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is a critical part of the tumor microenvironment, heavily influenced TIC function and fate. However, deeply investigations have been hindered by the lack of accurate preclinical models to investigate the interaction between CAFs and TIC. Organoids model have achieved major advancements as a precious research model for recapitulating the morphological aspects of organs, and thus also serving as a candidate model to investigate the mutual interaction between different cell types. Consequently, this study aimed to construct a three-dimensional (3D) co-culture organoid model of primary LGR5-expressing tumor stem cells from primary murine liver tumors with CAFs to investigate the impact of CAFs on LGR5 marked TICs in liver cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, both of the transgenic LGR5-diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR)-GFP knock-in mice and transgenic Rosa26-mT mice developed primary liver tumors by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) administration. Tumor organoids and CAFs were generated from those primary liver cancer separately. Second, LGR5-expressing TICs organoid with CAFs were established ex vivo based on cell-cell contact or trans-well co-culture system, and the mutual influence between those two types of cells was further investigated. Subsequently, immunodeficient mouse-based xenograft model was further adopted to evaluate the influence of CAFs to LGR5 tumor stem cell, tumor formation, and metastasis. RESULTS The co-culture organoid model composed of murine liver tumor LGR5+ tumor-initiating cells and CAFs in 3D co-culture was successfully established, with the intention to investigate their mutual interaction. The existence of CAFs upon engrafting tumor organoids resulted in dramatic higher number of LGR5+ cells in the neoplasia when compared with engrafting tumor organoids alone. Furthermore, ex vivo culture of isolated LGR5+ cells from tumors of co-engrafted mice formed significantly larger size of organoids than mono-engrafted. Our results also indicated significantly larger size and number of formed organoids, when LGR5+ cells co-cultured with CAF in both cell-cell contact and paracrine signaling in vitro, comparing to LGR5+ cells alone. Furthermore, we found that specific knockout of LGR5 expressing cells suppressed CAF-mediated promotion of tumor formation, growth, and metastasis in the experimental mice model. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, in a 3D co-culture type of murine liver LGR5+ cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, we have demonstrated robust effects of CAFs in the promotion of LGR5 marked liver TICs. We also further revealed the influence of tumor microenvironment on stem cell-related therapy, suggesting the possibility of combing CAF-targeted and tumor stem cell targeted therapy in treating liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingna Zhang
- Department of OncologyPostgraduate Training Base of Jinzhou Medical University, Shanghai East HospitalShanghaiChina
| | - Yiqiao Fang
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xia Fu
- Department of Outpatients, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Jiaye Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Zhounan Zhu
- Department of OncologyShanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yinyun Ni
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinic al Research Center for Geriatrics, Center of Precision Medicine, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, West China School of MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Menglin Yao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinic al Research Center for Geriatrics, Center of Precision Medicine, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, West China School of MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Wanlu Cao
- Department of OncologyShanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Department of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Chunyan Dong
- Department of OncologyPostgraduate Training Base of Jinzhou Medical University, Shanghai East HospitalShanghaiChina
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, School of Chemical Science and EngineeringEast Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
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11
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Chen S, Fan L, Lin Y, Qi Y, Xu C, Ge Q, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Jia D, Wang L, Si J, Wang L. Bifidobacterium adolescentis orchestrates CD143 + cancer-associated fibroblasts to suppress colorectal tumorigenesis by Wnt signaling-regulated GAS1. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:1027-1047. [PMID: 37533188 PMCID: PMC10508156 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interplay between gut microbiota and tumor microenvironment (TME) in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is not well explored. Here, we elucidated the functional role of Bifidobacterium adolescentis (B.a) on CRC and investigated its possible mechanism on the manipulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in CRC. METHODS Different CRC animal models and various cell line models were established to explore the function of B.a on CRC. The single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) or flow cytometry was used to detect the cell subsets in the TME of CRC. Western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), or immunofluorescence staining were performed to examine the activation of Wnt signaling and growth arrest specific 1 (GAS1) on CD143+ CAFs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative real-time PCR (CHIP-qPCR) was performed to investigate the regulation of transcription factor 4 (TCF4) on GAS1. Multi-immunofluorescence assay examined the expression level of CD143 and GAS1 on tissue microarray. RESULTS We found that B.a abundance was significantly reduced in CRC patients from two independent cohorts and the bacteria database of GMrepo. Supplementation with B.a suppressed ApcMin/+ spontaneous or AOM/DSS-induced tumorigenesis in mice. scRNA-seq revealed that B.a facilitated a subset of CD143+ CAFs by inhibiting the infiltration of Th2 cells, while promoting the TNF-alpha+ B cells in TME. CD143+ CAFs highly expressed GAS1 and exhibited tumor suppressive effect. Mechanistically, GAS1 was activated by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CD143+ CAFs. B.a abundance was correlated with the expression level of CD143 and GAS1. The level of CD143+ CAFs predicted the better survival outcome in CRC patients. CONCLUSIONS These results highlighted that B.a induced a new subset of CD143+ CAFs by Wnt signaling-regulated GAS1 to suppress tumorigenesis and provided a novel therapeutic target for probiotic-based modulation of TME in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Chen
- Department of GastroenterologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Research Center of Prevention and Treatment of Senescent DiseaseSchool of Medicine Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
| | - Lina Fan
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Department of GastroenterologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
| | - Yifeng Lin
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Department of GastroenterologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
| | - Yadong Qi
- Department of GastroenterologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
| | - Chaochao Xu
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Department of GastroenterologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
| | - Qiwei Ge
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Department of GastroenterologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Department of GastroenterologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
| | - Qiwen Wang
- Department of GastroenterologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
| | - Dingjiacheng Jia
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Department of GastroenterologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of GastroenterologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
| | - Jianmin Si
- Department of GastroenterologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Research Center of Prevention and Treatment of Senescent DiseaseSchool of Medicine Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
| | - Liangjing Wang
- Institute of GastroenterologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Research Center of Prevention and Treatment of Senescent DiseaseSchool of Medicine Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
- Department of GastroenterologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangP. R. China
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12
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Pérez-González A, Bévant K, Blanpain C. Cancer cell plasticity during tumor progression, metastasis and response to therapy. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:1063-1082. [PMID: 37537300 PMCID: PMC7615147 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00595-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Cell plasticity represents the ability of cells to be reprogrammed and to change their fate and identity, enabling homeostasis restoration and tissue regeneration following damage. Cell plasticity also contributes to pathological conditions, such as cancer, enabling cells to acquire new phenotypic and functional features by transiting across distinct cell states that contribute to tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and resistance to therapy. Here, we review the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms driving cell plasticity that promote tumor growth and proliferation as well as metastasis and drug tolerance. Finally, we discuss how cell plasticity could be exploited for anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pérez-González
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Bévant
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cédric Blanpain
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
- WELBIO, ULB, Bruxelles, Belgium.
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13
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Koncina E, Nurmik M, Pozdeev VI, Gilson C, Tsenkova M, Begaj R, Stang S, Gaigneaux A, Weindorfer C, Rodriguez F, Schmoetten M, Klein E, Karta J, Atanasova VS, Grzyb K, Ullmann P, Halder R, Hengstschläger M, Graas J, Augendre V, Karapetyan YE, Kerger L, Zuegel N, Skupin A, Haan S, Meiser J, Dolznig H, Letellier E. IL1R1 + cancer-associated fibroblasts drive tumor development and immunosuppression in colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4251. [PMID: 37460545 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39953-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts have a considerable functional and molecular heterogeneity and can play various roles in the tumor microenvironment. Here we identify a pro-tumorigenic IL1R1+, IL-1-high-signaling subtype of fibroblasts, using multiple colorectal cancer (CRC) patient single cell sequencing datasets. This subtype of fibroblasts is linked to T cell and macrophage suppression and leads to increased cancer cell growth in 3D co-culture assays. Furthermore, both a fibroblast-specific IL1R1 knockout and IL-1 receptor antagonist Anakinra administration reduce tumor growth in vivo. This is accompanied by reduced intratumoral Th17 cell infiltration. Accordingly, CRC patients who present with IL1R1-expressing cancer-associated-fibroblasts (CAFs), also display elevated levels of immune exhaustion markers, as well as an increased Th17 score and an overall worse survival. Altogether, this study underlines the therapeutic value of targeting IL1R1-expressing CAFs in the context of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Koncina
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - M Nurmik
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - V I Pozdeev
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - C Gilson
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - M Tsenkova
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - R Begaj
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - S Stang
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Gaigneaux
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - C Weindorfer
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - F Rodriguez
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - M Schmoetten
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - E Klein
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - J Karta
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - V S Atanasova
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - K Grzyb
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - P Ullmann
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - R Halder
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - M Hengstschläger
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Graas
- Clinical and Epidemiological Investigation Center, Department of Population Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - V Augendre
- National Center of Pathology, Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | | | - L Kerger
- Department of Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - N Zuegel
- Department of Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - A Skupin
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - S Haan
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - J Meiser
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - H Dolznig
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - E Letellier
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg.
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14
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Wieder R. Fibroblasts as Turned Agents in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2014. [PMID: 37046676 PMCID: PMC10093070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated epithelial cells reside in the homeostatic microenvironment of the native organ stroma. The stroma supports their normal function, their G0 differentiated state, and their expansion/contraction through the various stages of the life cycle and physiologic functions of the host. When malignant transformation begins, the microenvironment tries to suppress and eliminate the transformed cells, while cancer cells, in turn, try to resist these suppressive efforts. The tumor microenvironment encompasses a large variety of cell types recruited by the tumor to perform different functions, among which fibroblasts are the most abundant. The dynamics of the mutual relationship change as the sides undertake an epic battle for control of the other. In the process, the cancer "wounds" the microenvironment through a variety of mechanisms and attracts distant mesenchymal stem cells to change their function from one attempting to suppress the cancer, to one that supports its growth, survival, and metastasis. Analogous reciprocal interactions occur as well between disseminated cancer cells and the metastatic microenvironment, where the microenvironment attempts to eliminate cancer cells or suppress their proliferation. However, the altered microenvironmental cells acquire novel characteristics that support malignant progression. Investigations have attempted to use these traits as targets of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wieder
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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15
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Wright K, Ly T, Kriet M, Czirok A, Thomas SM. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Master Tumor Microenvironment Modifiers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061899. [PMID: 36980785 PMCID: PMC10047485 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells rely on the tumor microenvironment (TME), a composite of non-malignant cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM), for survival, growth, and metastasis. The ECM contributes to the biomechanical properties of the surrounding tissue, in addition to providing signals for tissue development. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are stromal cells in the TME that are integral to cancer progression. Subtypes of CAFs across a variety of cancers have been revealed, and each play a different role in cancer progression or suppression. CAFs secrete signaling molecules and remodel the surrounding ECM by depositing its constituents as well as degrading enzymes. In cancer, a remodeled ECM can lead to tumor-promoting effects. Not only does the remodeled ECM promote growth and allow for easier metastasis, but it can also modulate the immune system. A better understanding of how CAFs remodel the ECM will likely yield novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the key factors secreted by CAFs that facilitate tumor progression, ECM remodeling, and immune suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellen Wright
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Thuc Ly
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Matthew Kriet
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Andras Czirok
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Sufi Mary Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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16
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Zhou H, Tan L, Liu B, Guan XY. Cancer stem cells: Recent insights and therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 209:115441. [PMID: 36720355 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Tumors are intricate ecosystems containing malignant components that generate adaptive and evolutionarily driven abnormal tissues. Through self-renewal and differentiation, cancers are reconstructed by a dynamic subset of stem-like cells that enforce tumor heterogeneity and remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME). Through recent technology advances, we are now better equipped to investigate the fundamental role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in cancer biology. In this review, we discuss the latest insights into characteristics, markers and mechanism of CSCs and describe the crosstalk between CSCs and other cells in TME. Additionally, we explore the performance of single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptome analysis in CSCs studies and summarize the therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs, which could broaden the understanding of CSCs and exploit for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Licheng Tan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Beilei Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Advanced Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Technology Research Center, Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, Guangdong, China.
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17
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Wei T, Wang K, Liu S, Fang Y, Hong Z, Liu Y, Zhang H, Yang C, Ouyang G, Wu T. Periostin deficiency reduces PD-1 + tumor-associated macrophage infiltration and enhances anti-PD-1 efficacy in colorectal cancer. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112090. [PMID: 36773295 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Periostin, a multifunctional extracellular protein, plays an important role in inflammatory disorders and tumorigenesis. Our previous work has demonstrated that periostin deficiency inhibits colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Here, we aim to clarify the role of periostin in the immune microenvironment of CRC. We find that periostin deficiency significantly decreases the infiltration of programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1)+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in CRC tissues. Periostin promotes the expression of PD-1 on TAMs by integrin-ILK-nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling, and PD-1+ TAMs produce interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) to induce the expression of PD-L1 on colorectal tumor cells. Moreover, combined inhibition of periostin and PD-1 significantly suppresses CRC progression compared with the inhibition of periostin or PD-1 alone. In summary, our results suggest that periostin deficiency reduces the infiltration of PD-1+ TAMs and enhances the efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Kangxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shuting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yunxuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zixi Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yingfu Liu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Gaoliang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China.
| | - Tiantian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China.
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18
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Che J, Yu S. Ecological niches for colorectal cancer stem cell survival and thrival. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1135364. [PMID: 37124519 PMCID: PMC10134776 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1135364] [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: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, colorectal cancer is still ranking top three cancer types severely threatening lives. According to cancer stem cell hypothesis, malignant colorectal lumps are cultivated by a set of abnormal epithelial cells with stem cell-like characteristics. These vicious stem cells are derived from intestinal epithelial stem cells or transformed by terminally differentiated epithelial cells when they accumulate an array of transforming genomic alterations. Colorectal cancer stem cells, whatever cell-of-origin, give rise to all morphologically and functionally heterogenous tumor daughter cells, conferring them with overwhelming resilience to intrinsic and extrinsic stresses. On the other hand, colorectal cancer stem cells and their daughter cells continuously participate in constructing ecological niches for their survival and thrival by communicating with adjacent stromal cells and circulating immune guardians. In this review, we first provide an overview of the normal cell-of-origin populations contributing to colorectal cancer stem cell reservoirs and the niche architecture which cancer stem cells depend on at early stage. Then we survey recent advances on how these aberrant niches are fostered by cancer stem cells and their neighbors. We also discuss recent research on how niche microenvironment affects colorectal cancer stem cell behaviors such as plasticity, metabolism, escape of immune surveillance as well as resistance to clinical therapies, therefore endowing them with competitive advantages compared to their normal partners. In the end, we explore therapeutic strategies available to target malignant stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayun Che
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, 9 Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyan Yu
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, 9 Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, 9 Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shiyan Yu,
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19
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Niwa A, Taniguchi T, Tomita H, Okada H, Kinoshita T, Mizutani C, Matsuo M, Imaizumi Y, Kuroda T, Ichihashi K, Sugiyama T, Kanayama T, Yamaguchi Y, Sugie S, Matsuhashi N, Hara A. Conditional ablation of heparan sulfate expression in stromal fibroblasts promotes tumor growth in vivo. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281820. [PMID: 36809261 PMCID: PMC9942975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Heparan sulfate (HS) is a glycocalyx component present in the extracellular matrix and cell-surface HS proteoglycans (HSPGs). Although HSPGs are known to play functional roles in multiple aspects of tumor development and progression, the effect of HS expression in the tumor stroma on tumor growth in vivo remains unclear. We conditionally deleted Ext1, which encodes a glycosyltransferase essential for the biosynthesis of HS chains, using S100a4-Cre (S100a4-Cre; Ext1f/f) to investigate the role of HS in cancer-associated fibroblasts, which is the main component of the tumor microenvironment. Subcutaneous transplantation experiments with murine MC38 colon cancer and Pan02 pancreatic cancer cells demonstrated substantially larger subcutaneous tumors in S100a4-Cre; Ext1f/f mice. Additionally, the number of myofibroblasts observed in MC38 and Pan02 subcutaneous tumors of S100a4-Cre; Ext1f/f mice decreased. Furthermore, the number of intratumoral macrophages decreased in MC38 subcutaneous tumors in S100a4-Cre; Ext1f/f mice. Finally, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) markedly increased in Pan02 subcutaneous tumors in S100a4-Cre; Ext1f/f mice, suggesting that it may contribute to rapid growth. Therefore, our study demonstrates that the tumor microenvironment with HS-reduced fibroblasts provides a favorable environment for tumor growth by affecting the function and properties of cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Niwa
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Taniguchi
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tomita
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Hideshi Okada
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Takamasa Kinoshita
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Chika Mizutani
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery/Pediatric Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Mikiko Matsuo
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Yuko Imaizumi
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Takahito Kuroda
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Koki Ichihashi
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Takaaki Sugiyama
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kanayama
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Yu Yamaguchi
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Shigeyuki Sugie
- Department of Pathology, Asahi University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Nobuhisa Matsuhashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery/Pediatric Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Akira Hara
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
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20
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Li X, Wu Y, Tian T. TGF-β Signaling in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): From Underlying Mechanism to Potential Applications in Clinical Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14436. [PMID: 36430910 PMCID: PMC9698504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious public health issue, and it has the leading incidence and mortality among malignant tumors worldwide. CRC patients with metastasis in the liver, lung or other distant sites always have poor prognosis. Thus, there is an urgent need to discover the underlying mechanisms of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and to develop optimal therapy for mCRC. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a significant role in various physiologic and pathologic processes, and aberrant TGF-β signal transduction contributes to mCRC progression. In this review, we summarize the alterations of the TGF-β signaling pathway in mCRC patients, the functional mechanisms of TGF-β signaling, its promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, its facilitation of angiogenesis, its suppression of anti-tumor activity of immune cells in the microenvironment and its contribution to stemness of CRC cells. We also discuss the possible applications of TGF-β signaling in mCRC diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapies in clinical trials. Hopefully, these research advances in TGF-β signaling in mCRC will improve the development of new strategies that can be combined with molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and traditional therapies to achieve better efficacy and benefit mCRC patients in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tian Tian
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
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21
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Chhetri D, Vengadassalapathy S, Venkadassalapathy S, Balachandran V, Umapathy VR, Veeraraghavan VP, Jayaraman S, Patil S, Iyaswamy A, Palaniyandi K, Gnanasampanthapandian D. Pleiotropic effects of DCLK1 in cancer and cancer stem cells. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:965730. [PMID: 36250024 PMCID: PMC9560780 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.965730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), a protein molecule, has been identified as a tumor stem cell marker in the cancer cells of gastrointestinal, pancreas, and human colon. DCLK1 expression in cancers, such as breast carcinoma, lung carcinoma, hepatic cell carcinoma, tuft cells, and human cholangiocarcinoma, has shown a way to target the DCLK1 gene and downregulate its expression. Several studies have discussed the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation along with neoplastic cell arrest when the DCLK1 gene, which is expressed in both cancer and normal cells, was targeted successfully. In addition, previous studies have shown that DCLK1 plays a vital role in various cancer metastases. The correlation of DCLK1 with numerous stem cell receptors, signaling pathways, and genes suggests its direct or an indirect role in promoting tumorigenesis. Moreover, the impact of DCLK1 was found to be related to the functioning of an oncogene. The downregulation of DCLK1 expression by using targeted strategies, such as embracing the use of siRNA, miRNA, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, nanomolecules, specific monoclonal antibodies, and silencing the pathways regulated by DCLK1, has shown promising results in both in vitro and in vivo studies on gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. In this review, we will discuss about the present understanding of DCLK1 and its role in the progression of GI cancer and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyashree Chhetri
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
| | - Srinivasan Vengadassalapathy
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | | | - Varadharaju Balachandran
- Department of Physiology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Vidhya Rekha Umapathy
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Selvaraj Jayaraman
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT, United States
| | - Ashok Iyaswamy
- Centre for Parkinsons Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kanagaraj Palaniyandi
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
- *Correspondence: Kanagaraj Palaniyandi, ; Dhanavathy Gnanasampanthapandian,
| | - Dhanavathy Gnanasampanthapandian
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
- *Correspondence: Kanagaraj Palaniyandi, ; Dhanavathy Gnanasampanthapandian,
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22
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Yang M, Li D, Jiang Z, Li C, Ji S, Sun J, Chang Y, Ruan S, Wang Z, Liang R, Dai X, Li B, Zhao H. TGF-β-induced FLRT3 attenuation is essential for cancer-associated fibroblast-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:1247-1259. [PMID: 35560224 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute a major component of the tumor microenvironment. The effects of CAFs on the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remain controversial. In this study, we found the ectopic overexpression of Fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane protein 3 (FLRT3) inhibited the process of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as the proliferation, migration, invasion, and promote apoptosis of CRC cells, whereas silencing FLRT3 expression resulted in the opposite phenomenon. FLRT3 downregulation was associated with a poor prognosis in CRC. Also, FLRT3 expression was significantly related to some clinicopathological factors, including T stage (p=0.037), N stage (p=0.042), and E-cadherin (p=0.002) level. Via univariate and multivariate analyses, M stage (p<0.0001), FLRT3 (p=0.044), and E-cadherin (p=0.003) were associated with overall survival and were independent prognostic factors for it. Mechanistically, CAFs secreted TGF-β, which downregulated FLRT3 expression by activating SMAD4 to promote aggressive phenotypes in CRC cells. Moreover, FLRT3 repressed tumorigenesis and lung metastasis, which could be reversed by LY2109761, a dual inhibitor of TGF-β receptor type I and II. Treatment with LY2109761 increased IFN-γ expression in CD8+ T cells and reduced the number of regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, we revealed the metastasis-suppressive function of FLRT3, which was attenuated during the CAFs-mediated activation of the TGF-β/SMAD4 signaling pathway to promote EMT in CRC. LY2109761 that significantly inhibited metastasis could be a new treatment option for advanced CRC. Implications: CAFs enhance CRC aggressiveness by reducing FLRT3 expression through activating TGF-β/SMAD4 signaling pathway. CAFs-targeted therapy and/or LY2109761 were promising treatments for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Yang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, shanghai, China
| | - Dan Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyuan Jiang
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changcan Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Suyuan Ji
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen Univeristy, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Chang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, shanghai, China
| | - Shunyi Ruan
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, shanghai, China
| | - Rui Liang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyu Dai
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, shanghai, China
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23
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Mun JY, Leem SH, Lee JH, Kim HS. Dual Relationship Between Stromal Cells and Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864739. [PMID: 35464435 PMCID: PMC9019709 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and is comprised of different components, including tumor cells, stromal cells, and immune cells. Among them, the relationship between each mediator involved in the construction of the TME can be understood by focusing on the secreting or expressing factors from each cells. Therefore, understanding the various interactions between each cellular component of the TME is necessary for precise therapeutic approaches. In carcinoma, stromal cells are well known to influence extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and tumor progression through multiple mediators. Immune cells respond to tumor cells by causing cytotoxicity or inflammatory responses. However, they are involved in tumor escape through immunoregulatory mechanisms. In general, anti-cancer therapy has mainly been focused on cancer cells themselves or the interactions between cancer cells and specific cell components. However, cancer cells directly or indirectly influence other TME partners, and members such as stromal cells and immune cells also participate in TME organization through their mutual communication. In this review, we summarized the relationship between stromal cells and immune cells in the TME and discussed the positive and negative relationships from the point of view of tumor development for use in research applications and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Yeon Mun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Natural Science, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Sun-Hee Leem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Natural Science, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea.,Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Jun Ho Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Hyuk Soon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Natural Science, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea.,Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
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24
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McAndrews KM, Miyake T, Ehsanipour EA, Kelly PJ, Becker LM, McGrail DJ, Sugimoto H, LeBleu VS, Ge Y, Kalluri R. Dermal αSMA + myofibroblasts orchestrate skin wound repair via β1 integrin and independent of type I collagen production. EMBO J 2022; 41:e109470. [PMID: 35212000 PMCID: PMC8982612 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021109470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin wound repair is essential for organismal survival and failure of which leads to non-healing wounds, a leading health issue worldwide. However, mechanistic understanding of chronic wounds remains a major challenge due to lack of appropriate genetic mouse models. αSMA+ myofibroblasts, a unique class of dermal fibroblasts, are associated with cutaneous wound healing but their precise function remains unknown. We demonstrate that genetic depletion of αSMA+ myofibroblasts leads to pleiotropic wound healing defects, including lack of reepithelialization and granulation, dampened angiogenesis, and heightened hypoxia, hallmarks of chronic non-healing wounds. Other wound-associated FAP+ and FSP1+ fibroblasts do not exhibit such dominant functions. While type I collagen (COL1) expressing cells play a role in the repair process, COL1 produced by αSMA+ myofibroblasts is surprisingly dispensable for wound repair. In contrast, we show that β1 integrin from αSMA+ myofibroblasts, but not TGFβRII, is essential for wound healing, facilitating contractility, reepithelization, and vascularization. Collectively, our study provides evidence for the functions of myofibroblasts in β1 integrin-mediated wound repair with potential implications for treating chronic non-healing wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M McAndrews
- Department of Cancer BiologyMetastasis Research CenterUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Toru Miyake
- Department of Cancer BiologyMetastasis Research CenterUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Ehsan A Ehsanipour
- Department of Cancer BiologyMetastasis Research CenterUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Patience J Kelly
- Department of Cancer BiologyMetastasis Research CenterUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Lisa M Becker
- Department of Cancer BiologyMetastasis Research CenterUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Daniel J McGrail
- Department of Systems BiologyUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Hikaru Sugimoto
- Department of Cancer BiologyMetastasis Research CenterUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Valerie S LeBleu
- Department of Cancer BiologyMetastasis Research CenterUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA,Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoILUSA,Kellogg School of ManagementNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonILUSA
| | - Yejing Ge
- Department of Cancer BiologyMetastasis Research CenterUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer BiologyMetastasis Research CenterUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA,Department of BioengineeringRice UniversityHoustonTXUSA,Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
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25
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Stemness, Inflammation and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Carcinoma: The Intricate Network. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312891. [PMID: 34884696 PMCID: PMC8658015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In global cancer statistics, colorectal carcinoma (CRC) ranks third by incidence and second by mortality, causing 10.0% of new cancer cases and 9.4% of oncological deaths worldwide. Despite the development of screening programs and preventive measures, there are still high numbers of advanced cases. Multiple problems compromise the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, one of these being cancer stem cells—a minor fraction of pluripotent, self-renewing malignant cells capable of maintaining steady, low proliferation and exhibiting an intriguing arsenal of treatment resistance mechanisms. Currently, there is an increasing body of evidence for intricate associations between inflammation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells. In this review, we focus on inflammation and its role in CRC stemness development through epithelial–mesenchymal transition.
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26
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The Release of Inflammatory Mediators from Acid-Stimulated Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Favours Tumour Invasiveness and Metastasis in Osteosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225855. [PMID: 34831016 PMCID: PMC8616358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We aimed to validate the correlation between tumour glycolysis/acidosis and inflammation in osteosarcoma-associated mesenchymal stromal cells and investigate the role of acidity-induced inflammation in the development of metastasis in this very aggressive cancer. We confirmed the presence of an acidic microenvironment in osteosarcoma xenografts, both subcutaneous and orthotopic, using state-of-the-art imaging technologies; corroborated the correlation between tumour glycolysis, acidosis, and inflammatory markers in human patients; and finally, explored the use of anti-IL6 antibody to target these pathogenic pathways, using advanced 3D microfluidic models. In the future, advanced imaging systems for the measurement of tumour glycolysis and/or pH may help identify osteosarcoma patients who would benefit from anti-IL6 therapies to complement conventional therapy. Abstract Osteosarcoma is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumour with an impressive tendency to metastasise. Highly proliferative tumour cells release a remarkable amount of protons into the extracellular space that activates the NF-kB inflammatory pathway in adjacent stromal cells. In this study, we further validated the correlation between tumour glycolysis/acidosis and its role in metastases. In patients, at diagnosis, we found high circulating levels of inflammatory mediators (IL6, IL8 and miR-136-5p-containing extracellular vesicles). IL6 serum levels significantly correlated with disease-free survival and 18F-FDG PET/CT uptake, an indirect measurement of tumour glycolysis and, hence, of acidosis. In vivo subcutaneous and orthotopic models, co-injected with mesenchymal stromal (MSC) and osteosarcoma cells, formed an acidic tumour microenvironment (mean pH 6.86, as assessed by in vivo MRI-CEST pH imaging). In these xenografts, we enlightened the expression of both IL6 and the NF-kB complex subunit in stromal cells infiltrating the tumour acidic area. The co-injection with MSC also significantly increased lung metastases. Finally, by using 3D microfluidic models, we directly showed the promotion of osteosarcoma invasiveness by acidosis via IL6 and MSC. In conclusion, osteosarcoma-associated MSC react to intratumoural acidosis by triggering an inflammatory response that, in turn, promotes tumour invasiveness at the primary site toward metastasis development.
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27
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Deng L, Jiang N, Zeng J, Wang Y, Cui H. The Versatile Roles of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Colorectal Cancer and Therapeutic Implications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:733270. [PMID: 34660589 PMCID: PMC8517274 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.733270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is populated by abundant cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that radically influence the disease progression across many cancers, including the colorectal cancer (CRC). In theory, targeting CAFs holds great potential in optimizing CRC treatment. However, attempts to translate the therapeutic benefit of CAFs into clinic practice face many obstacles, largely due to our limited understanding of the heterogeneity in their origins, functions, and mechanisms. In recent years, accumulating evidence has uncovered some cellular precursors and molecular markers of CAFs and also revealed their versatility in impacting various hallmarks of CRC, together helping us to better define the population of CAFs and also paving the way toward their future therapeutic targeting for CRC treatment. In this review, we outline the emerging concept of CAFs in CRC, with an emphasis on their origins, biomarkers, prognostic significance, as well as their functional roles and underlying mechanisms in CRC biology. At last, we discuss the prospect of harnessing CAFs as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Deng
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nianfen Jiang
- Health Management Center, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Department of General Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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28
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Hellevik T, Berzaghi R, Lode K, Islam A, Martinez-Zubiaurre I. Immunobiology of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the context of radiotherapy. J Transl Med 2021; 19:437. [PMID: 34663337 PMCID: PMC8524905 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03112-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) still represents a mainstay of treatment in clinical oncology. Traditionally, the effectiveness of radiotherapy has been attributed to the killing potential of ionizing radiation (IR) over malignant cells, however, it has become clear that therapeutic efficacy of RT also involves activation of innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. Therapeutic irradiation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) provokes profound cellular and biological reconfigurations which ultimately may influence immune recognition. As one of the major constituents of the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play central roles in cancer development at all stages and are recognized contributors of tumor immune evasion. While some studies argue that RT affects CAFs negatively through growth arrest and impaired motility, others claim that exposure of fibroblasts to RT promotes their conversion into a more activated phenotype. Nevertheless, despite the well-described immunoregulatory functions assigned to CAFs, little is known about the interplay between CAFs and immune cells in the context of RT. In this review, we go over current literature on the effects of radiation on CAFs and the influence that CAFs have on radiotherapy outcomes, and we summarize present knowledge on the transformed cellular crosstalk between CAFs and immune cells after radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turid Hellevik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rodrigo Berzaghi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kristin Lode
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ashraful Islam
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Inigo Martinez-Zubiaurre
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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