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Lefler DS, Manobianco SA, Bashir B. Immunotherapy resistance in solid tumors: mechanisms and potential solutions. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2315655. [PMID: 38389121 PMCID: PMC10896138 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2315655] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
While the emergence of immunotherapies has fundamentally altered the management of solid tumors, cancers exploit many complex biological mechanisms that result in resistance to these agents. These encompass a broad range of cellular activities - from modification of traditional paradigms of immunity via antigen presentation and immunoregulation to metabolic modifications and manipulation of the tumor microenvironment. Intervening on these intricate processes may provide clinical benefit in patients with solid tumors by overcoming resistance to immunotherapies, which is why it has become an area of tremendous research interest with practice-changing implications. This review details the major ways cancers avoid both natural immunity and immunotherapies through primary (innate) and secondary (acquired) mechanisms of resistance, and it considers available and emerging therapeutic approaches to overcoming immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Lefler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven A. Manobianco
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Babar Bashir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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2
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Piccinin E, Arconzo M, Pasculli E, Tricase AF, Cultrera S, Bertrand-Michel J, Loiseau N, Villani G, Guillou H, Moschetta A. Pivotal role of intestinal cholesterol and nuclear receptor LXR in metabolic liver steatohepatitis and hepatocarcinoma. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:69. [PMID: 38824560 PMCID: PMC11144344 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01248-y] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is continuously increasing worldwide, due to the rise of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) cases. Cholesterol is an essential driver of the metabolic dysregulations that promote HCC progression. Liver X Receptor (LXR) is a nuclear receptor best known for the regulation of lipid and cholesterol homeostasis, with a prominent function in the liver and in the intestine. Here, we aimed to explore whether modifications in intestinal lipid metabolism may contribute to the onset of HCC, particularly taking into account cholesterol metabolism and LXRs. To study the progression of MASH to HCC, we induced metabolic HCC in wild-type male mice and mice carrying an intestinal chronic activation of LXRα. Also, we analysed human hepatic transcriptome datasets. The increased consumption of fat and carbohydrates drives the intestinal activation of LXRα and accelerates the onset of the hepatic tumours. Chronic intestinal-specific activation of LXRα enhances HCC progression only in the presence of a high cholesterol intake. In HCC, despite the increased hepatic cholesterol content, LXR is not active, thus driving liver cancer development. Intriguingly, in line with these results in the mouse model, LXR transcriptome is also downregulated in human hepatocarcinoma and its expression level in liver tumours directly correlates with a decreased survival rate in patients. Overall, our findings establish the relevance of the intestine in influencing the susceptibility to MASH-HCC and point to intestinal LXRα activation as a driver of metabolic liver cancer in the presence of dietary cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Piccinin
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, 70124, Italy
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Arconzo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pasculli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Angela Fulvia Tricase
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Silvia Cultrera
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | | | - Nicolas Loiseau
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-PURPAN, UMR 1331, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Gaetano Villani
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Hervé Guillou
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-PURPAN, UMR 1331, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Antonio Moschetta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, 70124, Italy.
- INBB, National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems, Rome, Italy.
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Xue C, Wei Z, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Zhang S, Li Q, Feng K, Yang X, Liu G, Chen Y, Li X, Yao Z, Han J, Duan Y. Activation of CTU2 expression by LXR promotes the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:23. [PMID: 38630355 PMCID: PMC11024035 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09862-9] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Cytosolic thiouridylase 2 (CTU2) is an enzyme modifying transfer RNAs post-transcriptionally, which has been implicated in breast cancer and melanoma development. And we found CTU2 participated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression here. HepG2 cells as well as xenograft nude mice model were employed to investigate the role of CTU2 in HCC development in vitro and in vivo respectively. Further, we defined CTU2 as a Liver X receptor (LXR) targeted gene, with a typical LXR element in the CTU2 promoter. CTU2 expression was activated by LXR agonist and depressed by LXR knockout. Interestingly, we also found CTU2 took part in lipogenesis by directly enhancing the synthesis of lipogenic proteins, which provided a novel mechanism for LXR regulating lipid synthesis. Meanwhile, lipogenesis was active during cell proliferation, particularly in tumor cells. Reduction of CTU2 expression was related to reduced tumor burden and synergized anti-tumor effect of LXR ligands by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. Taken together, our study identified CTU2 as an LXR target gene. Inhibition of CTU2 expression could enhance the anti-tumor effect of LXR ligand in HCC, identifying CTU2 as a promising target for HCC treatment and providing a novel strategy for the application of LXR agonists in anti-tumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuo Wei
- Tianjin Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, China.
| | - Ye Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Qi Li
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ke Feng
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Guangqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoju Li
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi Yao
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease of the Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jihong Han
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Yajun Duan
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
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4
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Cao D, Liu H. Dysregulated cholesterol regulatory genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:580. [PMID: 38071335 PMCID: PMC10710719 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01547-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is an indispensable component in mammalian cells, and cholesterol metabolism performs important roles in various biological activities. In addition to the Warburg effect, dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is one of the metabolic hallmarks of several cancers. It has reported that reprogrammed cholesterol metabolism facilitates carcinogenesis, metastasis, and drug-resistant in various tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Some literatures have reported that increased cholesterol level leads to lipotoxicity, inflammation, and fibrosis, ultimately promoting the development and progression of HCC. Contrarily, other clinical investigations have demonstrated a link between higher cholesterol level and lower risk of HCC. These incongruent findings suggest that the connection between cholesterol and HCC is much complicated. In this report, we summarize the roles of key cholesterol regulatory genes including cholesterol biosynthesis, uptake, efflux, trafficking and esterification in HCC. In addition, we discuss promising related therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No. 1 the South of Maoyuan Road, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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5
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Hua X, Wei X. Liver X receptors: From pharmacology to nanoparticle-based drug delivery. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 956:175953. [PMID: 37541371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver X receptors (LXRs) are master regulators of various biological processes, including metabolism, inflammation, development, and reproduction. As well-known nuclear oxysterol receptors of the nuclear receptor (NR) family, LXRs have two homologous subtypes, LXRα (NR1H3) and LXRβ (NR1H2). Since the mid-1990s, numerous LXR-targeted drugs have been designed to treat diseases such as atherosclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and cancer. These modulators include agonists and antagonists, and the selectivity of them have been development from diverse aspects, including subtype-specific, cell-specific, tissue-specific types. Meanwhile, advanced delivery systems are also exploreed to facilitate the application of LXR drugs in clinical setting. One of the most promising delivery systems involves the use of nanoparticles and is expected to increase the clinical potential of LXR modulators. This review discusses our current understanding of LXR biology and pharmacology, focusing on the development of modulators for LXRα and/or LXRβ, and the nanoparticle-based delivery systems for promising LXR modulators with potential for use as drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Hua
- Department of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, James Clerk Maxwell Building, 57 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8WA, UK
| | - Xiduan Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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6
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Han N, Yuan M, Yan L, Tang H. Emerging Insights into Liver X Receptor α in the Tumorigenesis and Therapeutics of Human Cancers. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1184. [PMID: 37627249 PMCID: PMC10452869 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081184] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver X receptor α (LXRα), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is identified as a protein activated by ligands that interacts with the promoters of specific genes. It regulates cholesterol, bile acid, and lipid metabolism in normal physiological processes, and it participates in the development of some related diseases. However, many studies have demonstrated that LXRα is also involved in regulating numerous human malignancies. Aberrant LXRα expression is emerging as a fundamental and pivotal factor in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and metastasis. Herein, we outline the expression levels of LXRα between tumor tissues and normal tissues via the Oncomine and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) 2.0 databases; summarize emerging insights into the roles of LXRα in the development, progression, and treatment of different human cancers and their diversified mechanisms; and highlight that LXRα can be a biomarker and therapeutic target in diverse cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Han
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Man Yuan
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Libo Yan
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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7
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Yu P, Cao W, Wang Y. Dynamics simulation and in vitro studies of betulinic acid derivative with liver X receptor. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37498160 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2239924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulation of the dominant conformational conjugate was performed for 40 ns and 100 ns via Amber software based on molecular docking by Sybyl software. Because the RMSD and RMSF of 100 ns MD simulation were higher than that of 40 ns MD simulation, the 40 ns was reasonable and credible for MD simulation. The binding free energy and decomposition free energy of the two systems of betulinic acid, com3 with liver X receptor was calculated by the MM_GBSA and MM_PBSA methods, respectively. The results showed that the two systems reached equilibrium and convergence at 20 ns, both stable at about 2 Å, and exhibited low volatility in the range of amino acid 270 to 370 (RMSF <1 Å). The binding energy of com3 (ΔGbind = -68.02 kcal/mol by the MM_GBSA method or -55.50 kcal/mol by the MM_PBSA method) with the liver X receptor was lower than that of betulinic acid (ΔGbind = -55.70 kcal/mol or -42.73 kcal/mol) respectively, and van der Waals force was the most important main driving force, which was consistent with molecular docking and previous experiments. Hydrophobic groups and aromatic rings can be introduced appropriately in structure optimization to increase the van der Waals force and π-π accumulation effect of betulinic acid and liver X receptor, which is conducive to binding and thereby increasing antitumor activity. The clone formation assay and results of western blotting indicated that BA derivative com3 exposure inhibited cell proliferation may relate to the regulation of the AKT/mTOR pathway in 7721 cells. This study clarifies the dynamic interaction mode and potential mechanism of betulinic acid and its derivatives with the liver X receptor, which provides a new idea for the rapid screening of liver X receptor agonists from traditional Chinese medicines.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Yu
- College of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Weiya Cao
- College of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- College of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
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He XY, Zhu MM, Zheng J, Wang CY, Zhao XK, Zhang BT, Zhou DC, Zhang S, Yang XX, Duan YJ, Han JH, Chen YL. Liver X receptor agonists exert antitumor effects against hepatocellular carcinoma via inducing REPS2 expression. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:635-646. [PMID: 35995867 PMCID: PMC9958117 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00961-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies show that liver X receptor (LXR) agonists exert significant antitumor effects in a variety of tumor cell lines including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). But the molecular mechanisms underlying LXR antitumor activity are not fully understood. In this study we investigated the effect of LXR agonist T0901317 (T317) on HCC development and its relationship with RalA binding protein 1 (RALBP1)-associated EPS domain containing 2 (REPS2)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling axis. We showed that T317 (0.1-0.5 μM) dose-dependently increased REPS2 expression in normal hepatocytes (BNLCL.2 and LO2) and HCC cells (HepG2 and Huh-7). Using promoter activity assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) assay we demonstrated that T317 enhanced REPS2 expression at the transcriptional level via promoting the binding of LXR protein to the LXR-response element (LXRE) in the REPS2 promoter region. We showed that the inhibitory effect of T317 on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells was closely related to REPS2. Moreover, we revealed that T317 (400 nM) increased expression of REPS2 in HepG2 cells, thus inhibiting epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated endocytosis of EGFR as well as the downstream activation of AKT/NF-κB, p38MAPK, and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Clinical data analysis revealed that REPS2 expression levels were inversely correlated with the development of HCC and reduced REPS2 expression associated with poor prognosis, suggesting that REPS2 might be involved in the development of HCC. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of LXR agonist-inhibited HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu He
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Meng-Meng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Juan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Cheng-Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Xiao-Kang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Bao-Tong Zhang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, Southern University of Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Da-Chen Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Ya-Jun Duan
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Ji-Hong Han
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Yuan-Li Chen
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China.
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Emerging Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Progression and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043941. [PMID: 36835352 PMCID: PMC9964606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Tumor cells recruit and remodel various types of stromal and inflammatory cells to form a tumor microenvironment (TME), which encompasses cellular and molecular entities, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), immune cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), immune checkpoint molecules and cytokines that promote cancer cell growth, as well as their drug resistance. HCC usually arises in the context of cirrhosis, which is always associated with an enrichment of activated fibroblasts that are owed to chronic inflammation. CAFs are a major component of the TME, providing physical support in it and secreting various proteins, such as extracellular matrices (ECMs), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin-like growth factor 1/2 (ILGF1/2) and cytokines that can modulate tumor growth and survival. As such, CAF-derived signaling may increase the pool of resistant cells, thus reducing the duration of clinical responses and increasing the degree of heterogeneity within tumors. Although CAFs are often implicated to be associated with tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistance, several studies have reported that CAFs have significant phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, and some CAFs display antitumor and drug-sensitizing properties. Multiple studies have highlighted the relevance of crosstalk between HCC cells, CAFs and other stromal cells in influence of HCC progression. Although basic and clinical studies partially revealed the emerging roles of CAFs in immunotherapy resistance and immune evasion, a better understanding of the unique functions of CAFs in HCC progression will contribute to development of more effective molecular-targeted drugs. In this review article, molecular mechanisms involved in crosstalk between CAFs, HCC cells and other stromal cells, as well as the effects of CAFs on HCC-cell growth, metastasis, drug resistance and clinical outcomes, are comprehensively discussed.
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Ying F, Chan MSM, Lee TKW. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:985-999. [PMID: 36708970 PMCID: PMC10040968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) includes hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with poor prognosis. PLC is characterized by an abundant stromal reaction in which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major stromal components. Solid evidence has demonstrated the crucial role of CAFs in tumor progression, and CAF abundance is often correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Although CAFs are regarded as an attractive and promising target for PLC treatment, a poor understanding of CAF origins and heterogeneity and a lack of specific CAF markers are the major hurdles to efficient CAF-specific therapy. In this review, we examine recent advances in the understanding of CAF diversity in the context of biomarkers, subtypes, and functions in PLC. The regulatory roles of CAFs in extracellular matrix remodeling, metastasis, cancer stemness, and therapeutic resistance are summarized. With an increasing link between CAF abundance and reduced antitumor immune responses, we provide updated knowledge on the crosstalk between CAFs and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, which leads to immune resistance. In addition, we present current CAF-targeted therapies and describe some future perspectives. A better understanding of CAF biology will shed light on a novel therapeutic strategy against PLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Ying
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Mandy Sze Man Chan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
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11
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Calitz C, Rosenquist J, Degerstedt O, Khaled J, Kopsida M, Fryknäs M, Lennernäs H, Samanta A, Heindryckx F. Influence of extracellular matrix composition on tumour cell behaviour in a biomimetic in vitro model for hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:748. [PMID: 36639512 PMCID: PMC9839216 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27997-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor micro-environment (TME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) consists out of cirrhotic liver tissue and is characterized by an extensive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM). The evolution from a reversible fibrotic state to end-stage of liver disease, namely cirrhosis, is characterized by an increased deposition of ECM, as well as changes in the exact ECM composition, which both contribute to an increased liver stiffness and can alter tumor phenotype. The goal of this study was to assess how changes in matrix composition and stiffness influence tumor behavior. HCC-cell lines were grown in a biomimetic hydrogel model resembling the stiffness and composition of a fibrotic or cirrhotic liver. When HCC-cells were grown in a matrix resembling a cirrhotic liver, they increased proliferation and protein content, compared to those grown in a fibrotic environment. Tumour nodules spontaneously formed outside the gels, which appeared earlier in cirrhotic conditions and were significantly larger compared to those found outside fibrotic gels. These tumor nodules had an increased expression of markers related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), when comparing cirrhotic to fibrotic gels. HCC-cells grown in cirrhotic gels were also more resistant to doxorubicin compared with those grown in fibrotic gels or in 2D. Therefore, altering ECM composition affects tumor behavior, for instance by increasing pro-metastatic potential, inducing EMT and reducing response to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlemi Calitz
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jenny Rosenquist
- Polymer Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 538, 75121, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oliver Degerstedt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jaafar Khaled
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Kopsida
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mårten Fryknäs
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hans Lennernäs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ayan Samanta
- Polymer Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 538, 75121, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Femke Heindryckx
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden.
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12
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Zulaziz N, Chai SJ, Lim KP. The origins, roles and therapies of cancer associated fibroblast in liver cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1151373. [PMID: 37035187 PMCID: PMC10076538 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1151373] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer. It is often preceded by chronic inflammation such as liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Different cell types are believed to give rise to liver-specific cancer associated fibroblast (CAF), these include resident fibroblast, hepatic stellate cell, liver cancer cell, hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell and mesenchymal stromal cell. The abundance of fibroblasts has contributed to the cancer progression, immune modulation and treatment resistance in HCC. In this review, we discussed the origins, subtypes and roles of cancer associated fibroblasts in HCC. Their specific roles in shaping the tumor microenvironment, facilitating cancer growth, and modulating different immune cell types to confer a permissive environment for cancer growth. CAF is now an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment, however specific therapeutic development in HCC is still lacking. Hence, we have included preclinical and clinical development of CAF-specific interventions for other cancer types in this review. However, most CAF-specific therapies have resulted in disappointing clinical outcomes, likely due to the difficulties in differentiating CAF from normal fibroblast. A thorough understanding of the characteristics and functionalities of CAF is warranted to further improve the therapeutic efficacy of anti-CAF therapies.
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13
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Fang Z, Meng Q, Xu J, Wang W, Zhang B, Liu J, Liang C, Hua J, Zhao Y, Yu X, Shi S. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts: recent advances and future perspectives. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 43:3-41. [PMID: 36424360 PMCID: PMC9859735 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Well-known signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Hedgehog (Hh), Notch, Wnt, Hippo, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways, as well as transcription factors, including hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), P53, Snail, and Twist, constitute complex regulatory networks in the TME to modulate the formation, activation, heterogeneity, metabolic characteristics and malignant phenotype of CAFs. Activated CAFs remodel the TME and influence the malignant biological processes of cancer cells by altering the transcriptional and secretory characteristics, and this modulation partially depends on the regulation of signaling cascades. The results of preclinical and clinical trials indicated that therapies targeting signaling pathways in CAFs demonstrated promising efficacy but were also accompanied by some failures (e.g., NCT01130142 and NCT01064622). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the signaling cascades in CAFs might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the development of more efficient and safer stroma-targeted cancer therapies. Here, we review recent advances in studies of signaling pathways in CAFs and briefly discuss some future perspectives on CAF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Fang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
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14
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Shokouhian B, Aboulkheyr Es H, Negahdari B, Tamimi A, Shahdoust M, Shpichka A, Timashev P, Hassan M, Vosough M. Hepatogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis: Alignment of the main signaling pathways. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3984-4000. [PMID: 36037302 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Development is a symphony of cells differentiation in which different signaling pathways are orchestrated at specific times and periods to form mature and functional cells from undifferentiated cells. The similarity of the gene expression profile in malignant and undifferentiated cells is an interesting topic that has been proposed for many years and gave rise to the differentiation-therapy concept, which appears a rational insight and should be reconsidered. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as the sixth common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide, is one of the health-threatening complications in communities where hepatotropic viruses are endemic. Sedentary lifestyle and high intake of calories are other risk factors. HCC is a complex condition in which various dimensions must be addressed, including heterogeneity of cells in the tumor mass, high invasiveness, and underlying diseases that limit the treatment options. Under these restrictions, recognizing, and targeting common signaling pathways during liver development and HCC could expedite to a rational therapeutic approach, reprograming malignant cells to well-differentiated ones in a functional state. Accordingly, in this review, we highlighted the commonalities of signaling pathways in hepatogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis, and comprised an update on the current status of targeting these pathways in laboratory studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Shokouhian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Babak Negahdari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atena Tamimi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahdoust
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Anastasia Shpichka
- World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Timashev
- World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Research Center (KFC) and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Research Center (KFC) and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
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15
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Peng H, Zhu E, Zhang Y. Advances of cancer-associated fibroblasts in liver cancer. Biomark Res 2022; 10:59. [PMID: 35971182 PMCID: PMC9380339 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00406-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, it is ranked sixth in incidence and fourth in mortality. According to the distinct origin of malignant tumor cells, liver cancer is mainly divided into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Since most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, the prognosis of liver cancer is poor. Tumor growth depends on the dynamic interaction of various cellular components in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As the most abundant components of tumor stroma, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been involved in the progression of liver cancer. The interplay between CAFs and tumor cells, immune cells, or vascular endothelial cells in the TME through direct cell-to-cell contact or indirect paracrine interaction, affects the initiation and development of tumors. Additionally, CAFs are not a homogeneous cell population in liver cancer. Recently, single-cell sequencing technology has been used to help better understand the diversity of CAFs in liver cancer. In this review, we mainly update the knowledge of CAFs both in HCC and CCA, including their cell origins, chemoresistance, tumor stemness induction, tumor immune microenvironment formation, and the role of tumor cells on CAFs. Understanding the context-dependent role of different CAFs subsets provides new strategies for precise liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Peng
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Erwei Zhu
- The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang (The Oncology Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang, 222006, China
| | - Yewei Zhang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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16
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Huang Y, Wang T, Yang J, Wu X, Fan W, Chen J. Current Strategies for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment via Nano-Delivery Systems: A Review. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:2335-2352. [PMID: 35619893 PMCID: PMC9128750 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s363456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains a global health challenge with a projected incidence of over one million cases by 2025. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common primary liver cancer, accounting for about 90% of all liver cancer cases. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is the internal and external environment for tumor development, which plays an important role in tumorigenesis, immune escape and treatment resistance. Knowing that TME is a unique setting for HCC tumorigenesis, exploration of strategies to modulate TME has attracted increasing attention. Among them, the use of nano-delivery systems to deliver therapeutic agents to regulate TME components has shown great potential. TME-modulating nanoparticles have the advantages of protecting therapeutic agents from degradation, enhancing the ability of targeting HCC and reducing systemic toxicity. In this article, we summarize the TME components associated with HCC, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix (ECM), endothelial cells and immune cells, discuss their impact on the HCC progression, and highlight recent studies on nano-delivery systems that modulate these components. Finally, we also discuss opportunities and challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiansi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiefen Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Wei Er Lab, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Fan
- Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianming Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
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17
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Xie Y, Sun R, Gao L, Guan J, Wang J, Bell A, Zhu J, Zhang M, Xu M, Lu P, Cai X, Ren S, Xu P, Monga SP, Ma X, Yang D, Liu Y, Lu B, Xie W. Chronic Activation of LXRα Sensitizes Mice to Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1123-1139. [PMID: 34981658 PMCID: PMC9035576 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxysterol receptor liver X receptor (LXR) is a nuclear receptor best known for its function in the regulation of lipid and cholesterol metabolism. LXRs, both the α and β isoforms, have been suggested as potential therapeutic targets for several cancer types. However, there was a lack of report on whether and how LXRα plays a role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the current study, we found that systemic activation of LXRα in the VP-LXRα knock-in (LXRαKI) mice or hepatocyte-specific activation of LXRα in the VP-LXRα transgenic mice sensitized mice to liver tumorigenesis induced by the combined treatment of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 3,3',5,5'-tetrachloro-1,4-bis (pyridyloxy) benzene (TCPOBOP). Mechanistically, the LXRα-responsive up-regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway and the complement system, and down-regulation of bile acid metabolism, may have contributed to increased tumorigenesis. Accumulations of secondary bile acids and oxysterols were found in both the serum and liver tissue of LXRα activated mice. We also observed an induction of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells accompanied by down-regulation of dendritic cells and cytotoxic T cells in DEN/TCPOBOP-induced liver tumors, indicating that chronic activation of LXRα may have led to the activation of innate immune suppression. The HCC sensitizing effect of LXRα activation was also observed in the c-MYC driven HCC model. Conclusion: Our results indicated that chronic activation of LXRα promotes HCC, at least in part, by promoting innate immune suppressor as a result of accumulation of oxysterols, as well as up-regulation of the IL-6/Janus kinase/STAT3 signaling and complement pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xie
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Runzi Sun
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Li Gao
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Department of GastroenterologyPeking University People’s HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jibin Guan
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Jingyuan Wang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Aaron Bell
- Division of Experimental PathologyDepartment of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Junjie Zhu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Min Zhang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Meishu Xu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Peipei Lu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Xinran Cai
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Songrong Ren
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental PathologyDepartment of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Xiaochao Ma
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Da Yang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Yulan Liu
- Department of GastroenterologyPeking University People’s HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Binfeng Lu
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Wen Xie
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
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18
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M A M, Kim JY, Pan CH, Kim E. The impact of the spatial heterogeneity of resistant cells and fibroblasts on treatment response. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009919. [PMID: 35263336 PMCID: PMC8906648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A long-standing practice in the treatment of cancer is that of hitting hard with the maximum tolerated dose to eradicate tumors. This continuous therapy, however, selects for resistant cells, leading to the failure of the treatment. A different type of treatment strategy, adaptive therapy, has recently been shown to have a degree of success in both preclinical xenograft experiments and clinical trials. Adaptive therapy is used to maintain a tumor’s volume by exploiting the competition between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cells with minimum effective drug doses or timed drug holidays. To further understand the role of competition in the outcomes of adaptive therapy, we developed a 2D on-lattice agent-based model. Our simulations show that the superiority of the adaptive strategy over continuous therapy depends on the local competition shaped by the spatial distribution of resistant cells. Intratumor competition can also be affected by fibroblasts, which produce microenvironmental factors that promote cancer cell growth. To this end, we simulated the impact of different fibroblast distributions on treatment outcomes. As a proof of principle, we focused on five types of distribution of fibroblasts characterized by different locations, shapes, and orientations of the fibroblast region with respect to the resistant cells. Our simulation shows that the spatial architecture of fibroblasts modulates tumor progression in both continuous and adaptive therapy. Finally, as a proof of concept, we simulated the outcomes of adaptive therapy of a virtual patient with four metastatic sites composed of different spatial distributions of fibroblasts and drug-resistant cell populations. Our simulation highlights the importance of undetected metastatic lesions on adaptive therapy outcomes. Tumors are composed of different cancer cells with varying degrees of treatment resistance, which compete for a shared resource. Adaptive therapy exploits this competition. The paradigm employs patient-specific on and off treatment schedules or lower doses to permit a significant number of drug-sensitive cells to survive. The surviving sensitive cells can suppress the growth of drug-resistant cells via intratumor competition. This competition can be modulated by the spatial structure of tumors. For example, resistant cell configuration, carrying capacity, or migration rate may change local spatial competition between drug-resistant cells or between drug-sensitive and drug resistant cells. In addition, the presence of growth factors produced by stromal cells such as fibroblasts promotes the proliferation of cells, enhancing the competition. To understand the impact of forenamed factors on the outcomes of adaptive therapy, we developed a computational model, 2D on-lattice agent-based model. Our findings show that the spatial factors regulate the local competition and may hold back the benefit of adaptive therapy. Further, the impact of fibroblast depends on the respective positioning of fibroblast to the resistant cells. Finally, we simulated the outcomes of adaptive therapy on multiple metastatic lesions of mixed spatial configuration on a virtual patient. In the simulation, we highlight the importance of undetected metastatic lesions on therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masud M A
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Kim
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Ho Pan
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjung Kim
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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19
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Xie Y, Zhang J, Li M, Zhang Y, Li Q, Zheng Y, Lai W. Identification of Lactate-Related Gene Signature for Prediction of Progression and Immunotherapeutic Response in Skin Cutaneous Melanoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:818868. [PMID: 35265521 PMCID: PMC8898832 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.818868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a skin cancer type characterized by a high degree of immune cell infiltration. The potential function of lactate, a main metabolic product in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of SKCM, remains unclear. In this study, we systemically analyzed the predictive value of lactate-related genes (LRGs) for prognosis and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in SKCM patients included from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cluster 3, by consensus clustering for 61 LRGs, manifested a worse clinical outcome, attributed to the overexpression of malignancy marks. In addition, we created a prognostic prediction model for high- and low-risk patients and verified its performance in a validation cohort, GSE65904. Between TME and the risk model, we found a negative relation of the immunocyte infiltration levels with patients’ risk scores. The low-risk cases had higher ICI expression and could benefit better from ICIs relative to the high-risk cases. Thus, the lactate-related prognosis risk signature may comprehensively provide a basis for future investigations on immunotherapeutic treatment for SKCM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yue Zheng
- *Correspondence: Wei Lai, ; Yue Zheng,
| | - Wei Lai
- *Correspondence: Wei Lai, ; Yue Zheng,
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20
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Hao X, Sun G, Zhang Y, Kong X, Rong D, Song J, Tang W, Wang X. Targeting Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of HCC: New Opportunities and Challenges. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:775462. [PMID: 34869376 PMCID: PMC8633569 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.775462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune associated cells in the microenvironment have a significant impact on the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have received more and more attention. Different types of immune-associated cells play different roles, including promoting/inhibiting HCC and several different types that are controversial. It is well known that immune escape of HCC has become a difficult problem in tumor therapy. Therefore, in recent years, a large number of studies have focused on the immune microenvironment of HCC, explored many mechanisms worth identifying tumor immunosuppression, and developed a variety of immunotherapy methods as targets, laying the foundation for the final victory in the fight against HCC. This paper reviews recent studies on the immune microenvironment of HCC that are more reliable and important, and provides a more comprehensive view of the investigation of the immune microenvironment of HCC and the development of more immunotherapeutic approaches based on the relevant summaries of different immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopei Hao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangshun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dawei Rong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhua Song
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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21
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Briones-Orta MA, Delgado-Coello B, Gutiérrez-Vidal R, Sosa-Garrocho M, Macías-Silva M, Mas-Oliva J. Quantitative Expression of Key Cancer Markers in the AS-30D Hepatocarcinoma Model. Front Oncol 2021; 11:670292. [PMID: 34737944 PMCID: PMC8561839 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.670292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the cancers with the highest mortality rate worldwide. HCC is often diagnosed when the disease is already in an advanced stage, making the discovery and implementation of biomarkers for the disease a critical aim in cancer research. In this study, we aim to quantify the transcript levels of key signaling molecules relevant to different pathways known to participate in tumorigenesis, with special emphasis on those related to cancer hallmarks and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, using as a model the murine transplantable hepatocarcinoma AS-30D. Using qPCR to quantify the mRNA levels of genes involved in tumorigenesis, we found elevated levels for Tgfb1 and Spp1, two master regulators of EMT. A mesenchymal signature profile for AS-30D cells is also supported by the overexpression of genes encoding for molecules known to be associated to aggressiveness and metastatic phenotypes such as Foxm1, C-met, and Inppl1. This study supports the use of the AS-30D cells as an efficient and cost-effective model to study gene expression changes in HCC, especially those associated with the EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A Briones-Orta
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Blanca Delgado-Coello
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Roxana Gutiérrez-Vidal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marcela Sosa-Garrocho
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marina Macías-Silva
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jaime Mas-Oliva
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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22
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts: overview, progress, challenges, and directions. Cancer Gene Ther 2021; 28:984-999. [PMID: 33712707 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Tumors are one of the main causes of death in humans. The development of safe and effective methods for early diagnosis and treatment of tumors is a difficult problem that needs to be solved urgently. It is well established that the occurrence of tumors involves complex biological mechanisms, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in regulating the biological behavior of tumors. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a group of activated fibroblasts with significant heterogeneity and plasticity in the tumor microenvironment. They secrete a variety of active factors to regulate tumor occurrence, development, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Although most studies suggest that CAFs have significant tumor-promoting functions, some evidence indicates that they may have certain tumor-suppressive functions in the early stage of tumors. Current research on CAFs continues to face many challenges, and the heterogeneity of their origin, phenotype, and function is a major difficulty and hot spot. To provide new perspectives for the research on CAFs and tumor diagnosis and treatment, this review summarizes the definition, origin, biomarkers, generation mechanism, functions, heterogeneity, plasticity, subpopulations, pre-metastasis niches (PMN), immune microenvironment, and targeted therapy of CAFs, describes the research progress and challenges, and proposes possible future research directions based on existing reports.
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Chen PY, Wei WF, Wu HZ, Fan LS, Wang W. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity: A Factor That Cannot Be Ignored in Immune Microenvironment Remodeling. Front Immunol 2021; 12:671595. [PMID: 34305902 PMCID: PMC8297463 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.671595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important, highly heterogeneous components of the tumor extracellular matrix that have different origins and express a diverse set of biomarkers. Different subtypes of CAFs participate in the immune regulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition to their role in supporting stromal cells, CAFs have multiple immunosuppressive functions, via membrane and secretory patterns, against anti-tumor immunity. The inhibition of CAFs function and anti-TME therapy targeting CAFs provides new adjuvant means for immunotherapy. In this review, we outline the emerging understanding of CAFs with a particular emphasis on their origin and heterogeneity, different mechanisms of their regulation, as well as their direct or indirect effect on immune cells that leads to immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Fei Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Zhen Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang-Sheng Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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24
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The TGF-β Pathway: A Pharmacological Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133248. [PMID: 34209646 PMCID: PMC8268320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily members are essential for tissue homeostasis and consequently, dysregulation of their signaling pathways contributes to the development of human diseases. In the liver, TGF-β signaling participates in all the stages of disease progression from initial liver injury to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During liver carcinogenesis, TGF-β plays a dual role on the malignant cell, behaving as a suppressor factor at early stages, but contributing to later tumor progression once cells escape from its cytostatic effects. Moreover, TGF-β can modulate the response of the cells forming the tumor microenvironment that may also contribute to HCC progression, and drive immune evasion of cancer cells. Thus, targeting the TGF-β pathway may constitute an effective therapeutic option for HCC treatment. However, it is crucial to identify biomarkers that allow to predict the response of the tumors and appropriately select the patients that could benefit from TGF-β inhibitory therapies. Here we review the functions of TGF-β on HCC malignant and tumor microenvironment cells, and the current strategies targeting TGF-β signaling for cancer therapy. We also summarize the clinical impact of TGF-β inhibitors in HCC patients and provide a perspective on its future use alone or in combinatorial strategies for HCC treatment.
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25
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Cancer: a mirrored room between tumor bulk and tumor microenvironment. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:217. [PMID: 34183054 PMCID: PMC8240272 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02022-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It has been well documented that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in the promotion of drug resistance, the support of tumor progression, invasiveness, metastasis, and even the maintenance of a cancer stem-like phenotype. Here, we reviewed TME formation presenting it as a reflection of a tumor’s own organization during the different stages of tumor development. Interestingly, functionally different groups of stromal cells seem to have specific spatial distributions within the TME that change as the tumor evolves into advanced stage progression which correlates with the fact that cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are located in the edges of solid tumor masses in advanced tumors. We also focus on the continuos feedback that is established between a tumor and its surroundings. The “talk” between tumor mass cells and TME stromal cells, marks the evolution of both interlocuting cell types. For instance, the metabolic and functional transformations that stromal cells undergo due to tumor corrupting activity. Moreover, the molecular basis of metastatic spread is also approached, making special emphasis on the site-specific pre-metastatic niche formation as another reflection of the primary tumor molecular signature. Finally, several therapeutic approaches targeting primary TME and pre-metastatic niche are suggested. For instance, a systematic analysis of the TME just adjacent to the tumor mass to establish the proportion of myofibroblasts-like cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) which may in turn correspond to stemness and metastases-promotion. Or the implementation of “re-education” therapies consisting of switching tumor-supportive stromal cells into tumor-suppressive ones. In summary, to improve our clinical management of cancer, it is crucial to understand and learn how to manage the close interaction between TME and metastasis.
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26
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Yao W, Yang P, Qi Y, Jin L, Zhao A, Ding M, Wang D, Li Y, Hao C. Transcriptome analysis reveals a protective role of liver X receptor alpha against silica particle-induced experimental silicosis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 747:141531. [PMID: 32791419 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis, a severe and irreversible form of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) caused by long-term exposure to dust particles in production environments, is the biggest occupational health concern in China and most low-income countries. The transdifferentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts is the terminal event in silicosis, and specific transcription factors (TFs) play a crucial role in this condition. However, the relationship between TF-mediated regulation and silicosis remains unknown. We performed a transcriptomic analysis to elucidate this relationship, and our results revealed that two TFs, EGR2 and BHLHE40, were upregulated and five, i.e., TBX2, NR1H3 (LXRα), NR2F1, PPARG (PPARγ), and EPAS1, were downregulated in activated fibroblasts. Notably, PPARγ and LXRα expression was also decreased in an experimental mouse model of silicosis. The mechanism underlying these changes may involve TGF-β1 secretion from silica-exposed alveolar macrophages, causing PPARγ and LXRα downregulation, which in turn would result in aberrant α-SMA transcription. Our results suggest that LXRα is a potential target for the prevention of silicosis and PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Yao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Peiyan Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Yuanmeng Qi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Luheng Jin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Ahui Zhao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Mingcui Ding
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - YiPing Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Changfu Hao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China.
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27
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Cokan KB, Urlep Ž, Lorbek G, Matz-Soja M, Skubic C, Perše M, Jeruc J, Juvan P, Režen T, Rozman D. Chronic Disruption of the Late Cholesterol Synthesis Leads to Female-Prevalent Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113302. [PMID: 33182326 PMCID: PMC7695248 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma is a disease with a variety of molecular triggers and is usually reported to prevail in males. However, after the menopause, the disease is also increasing in the female population. Herein, we discovered that chronic depletion of cholesterol synthesis due to the knock-out of the gene Cyp51 from this pathway leads to female prevalent hepatocarcinogenesis in aging mice. There is a high similarity between our mouse model and the situation in humans. Multiple deregulated pathways of hepatocarcinogenesis are shared. A female-dependent metabolic reprogramming leading to this type of liver cancer is exposed for the first time and reflects on deregulated cholesterol synthesis as the metabolic trigger. These data are of crucial importance. Despite the higher overall prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma in males, we need tools and biomarkers to further stratify patients and offer better diagnosis and treatment options to both sexes. Abstract While the role of cholesterol in liver carcinogenesis remains controversial, hepatocellular carcinoma generally prevails in males. Herein, we uncover pathways of female-prevalent progression to hepatocellular carcinoma due to chronic repression of cholesterogenic lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) in hepatocytes. Tumors develop in knock-out mice after year one, with 2:1 prevalence in females. Metabolic and transcription factor networks were deduced from the liver transcriptome data, combined by sterol metabolite and blood parameter analyses, and interpreted with relevance to humans. Female knock-outs show increased plasma cholesterol and HDL, dampened lipid-related transcription factors FXR, LXRα:RXRα, and importantly, crosstalk between reduced LXRα and activated TGF-β signalling, indicating a higher susceptibility to HCC in aging females. PI3K/Akt signalling and ECM-receptor interaction are common pathways that are disturbed by sex-specific altered genes. Additionally, transcription factors (SOX9)2 and PPARα were recognized as important for female hepatocarcinogenesis, while overexpressed Cd36, a target of nuclear receptor RORC, is a new male-related regulator of ECM-receptor signalling in hepatocarcinogenesis. In conclusion, we uncover the sex-dependent metabolic reprogramming of cholesterol-related pathways that predispose for hepatocarcinogenesis in aging females. This is important in light of increased incidence of liver cancers in post-menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Blagotinšek Cokan
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Žiga Urlep
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Gregor Lorbek
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Madlen Matz-Soja
- Rudol-Schönheimer-Institute of Biochemistry, Divison of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Cene Skubic
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Martina Perše
- Medical Experimental Centre, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Jera Jeruc
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Peter Juvan
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Tadeja Režen
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.B.C.); (Ž.U.); (G.L.); (C.S.); (P.J.); (T.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-543-7591
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Zhang J, Gu C, Song Q, Zhu M, Xu Y, Xiao M, Zheng W. Identifying cancer-associated fibroblasts as emerging targets for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:127. [PMID: 33292459 PMCID: PMC7603733 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00488-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex multicellular functional compartment that includes fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM) elements. The microenvironment provides an optimum condition for the initiation, growth, and dissemination of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As one of the critical and abundant components in tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been implicated in the progression of HCC. Through secreting various growth factors and cytokines, CAFs contribute to the ECM remodeling, stem features, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM), which reinforce the initiation and development of HCC. In order to restrain the CAFs-initiated HCC progression, current strategies include targeting specific markers, engineering CAFs with tumor-suppressive phenotype, depleting CAFs’ precursors, and repressing the secretions or downstream signaling. In this review, we update the emerging understanding of CAFs in HCC, with particular emphasis on cellular origin, phenotypes, biological functions and targeted strategies. It provides insights into the targeting CAFs for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chaoyu Gu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, One Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Mengqi Zhu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqing Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingbing Xiao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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29
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He J, Yang T, He W, Jiang S, Zhong D, Xu Z, Wei Q, Zhang Y, Shi C. Liver X receptor inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via regulating HULC/miR-134-5p/FOXM1 axis. Cell Signal 2020; 74:109720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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30
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Lin S, Zhang R, Xu L, Ma R, Xu L, Zhu L, Hu J, An X. LncRNA Hoxaas3 promotes lung fibroblast activation and fibrosis by targeting miR-450b-5p to regulate Runx1. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:706. [PMID: 32848140 PMCID: PMC7450059 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02889-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in organ fibrosis and various pulmonary diseases, but its role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is not fully understood. In this study, we found lncRNA Hoxaas3 (Hoxaas3) was up-regulated in the mice model of BLM-induced PF and TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis in lung fibroblasts (LF). Overexpression of Hoxaas3 promoted fibrogenesis, whereas Hoxaas3 inhibition attenuated lung fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo, through regulation of miR-450b-5p. Furthermore, miR-450b-5p inhibition stimulated fibrogenesis by regulating runt-related transcription factor 1 (Runx1), whereas up-regulation of miR-450b-5p alleviated fibrogenesis in LF. Mechanistically, our study showed that Hoxaas3 regulated lung fibroblast activation and fibrogenesis by acting as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-450b-5p: Hoxaas3 decreased the expression of miR-450b-5p to stimulate level and activity of Runx1 and induced fibrotic LF, whereas Runx1 inhibition alleviated the pro-fibrotic effect of Hoxaas3. In addition, Hoxaas3 was regulated by TGF-β1/Smad4 pathway as its transcriptional target. In conclusion, our study showed the role and mechanism of the TGF-β1/Smad4- Hoxaas3–miR-450b-5p–Runx1 axis for a better understanding of PF, demonstrated Hoxaas3 maybe a new diagnostic biomarker or potential therapeutic target for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hangzhou Wuyunshan Sanatorium, the Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Henan Province People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Surgery, Zhejiang University Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liming Xu
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linghua Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaoxia An
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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31
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Origin and role of hepatic myofibroblasts in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2020; 11:1186-1201. [PMID: 32284794 PMCID: PMC7138168 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Fibrosis and cirrhosis are important risk factors for the development of HCC. Hepatic myofibroblasts are the cells responsible for extracellular matrix deposition, which is the hallmark of liver fibrosis. It is believed that myofibroblasts are predominantly derived from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), also known as Ito cells. Nevertheless, depending on the nature of insult to the liver, it is thought that myofibroblasts may also originate from a variety of other cell types such as the portal fibroblasts (PFs), fibrocytes, hepatocytes, hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), and mesothelial cells. Liver myofibroblasts are believed to transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) while HCC is developing. There is substantial evidence suggesting that activated HSCs (aHSCs)/cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) may play an important role in HCC initiation and progression. In this paper, we aim to review current literature on cellular origins of myofibroblasts with a focus on hepatitis B virus (HBV)- and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced hepatic fibrosis. We also address the role of aHSCs/CAFs in HCC progression through the regulation of immune cells as well as mechanisms of evolvement of drug resistance.
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32
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Fibrosis and cirrhosis are important risk factors for the development of HCC. Hepatic myofibroblasts are the cells responsible for extracellular matrix deposition, which is the hallmark of liver fibrosis. It is believed that myofibroblasts are predominantly derived from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), also known as Ito cells. Nevertheless, depending on the nature of insult to the liver, it is thought that myofibroblasts may also originate from a variety of other cell types such as the portal fibroblasts (PFs), fibrocytes, hepatocytes, hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), and mesothelial cells. Liver myofibroblasts are believed to transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) while HCC is developing. There is substantial evidence suggesting that activated HSCs (aHSCs)/cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) may play an important role in HCC initiation and progression. In this paper, we aim to review current literature on cellular origins of myofibroblasts with a focus on hepatitis B virus (HBV)- and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced hepatic fibrosis. We also address the role of aHSCs/CAFs in HCC progression through the regulation of immune cells as well as mechanisms of evolvement of drug resistance.
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33
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Yin Z, Dong C, Jiang K, Xu Z, Li R, Guo K, Shao S, Wang L. Heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts and roles in the progression, prognosis, and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:101. [PMID: 31547836 PMCID: PMC6757399 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0782-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease, and recurrence and metastasis are the major causes of death in HCC patients. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a major stromal cell type in the HCC microenvironment, promote HCC progression, and have gradually become a hot research topic in HCC-targeted therapy. This review comprehensively describes and discusses the heterogeneous tissue distribution, cellular origin, phenotype, and biological functions of HCC-associated fibroblasts. Furthermore, the possible use of CAFs for predicting HCC prognosis and in targeted therapeutic strategies is discussed, highlighting the critical roles of CAFs in HCC progression, diagnosis, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeli Yin
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Chengyong Dong
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Keqiu Jiang
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Rui Li
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Kun Guo
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China. .,Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.
| | - Shujuan Shao
- Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Lvshun South Road, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.
| | - Liming Wang
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China. .,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China. .,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.
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