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Yao Y, Tian G, Zhang J, Zhang S, Liu X, Hou J. Integrating bulk and single-cell sequencing reveals metastasis-associated CAFs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Life Sci 2024; 351:122768. [PMID: 38851417 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122768] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been shown to promote the metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to identify gene in CAFs that are associated with metastasis and to preliminarily validate its impact on the metastasis of HNSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Scissor analysis was utilized to process single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing datasets, identifying genes associated with the metastasis of HNSCC through differential gene expression analysis. A risk model was constructed using LASSO regression analysis. Quantitative real time-PCR and Western blot were employed to measure mRNA and protein expressions, respectively. Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was used to assess protein expression in CAFs. siRNA was utilized to achieve gene knockdown. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were employed to evaluate the biological characteristics of HNSCC cells. KEY FINDINGS Compare to the nonmetastatic primary CAFs (nmCAFs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) was founded to be overexpressed in the cells and tissues of metastatic primary CAFs (mCAFs). Knocking down TIMP1 in CAFs can signifucantly inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HNSCC cells. SIGNIFICANCE CAFs facilitate HNSCC cell metastasis by upregulating TIMP1, highlighting TIMP1 as a potential therapeutic target in HNSCC metastasis management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihuan Yao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan west Street, Guangzhou 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Guoli Tian
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan west Street, Guangzhou 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiaqiang Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan west Street, Guangzhou 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shuaiyuan Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan west Street, Guangzhou 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiaoyong Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan west Street, Guangzhou 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jingsong Hou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Ling-yuan west Street, Guangzhou 510000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhong Shan Er Road 74, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Chen M, Chen F, Gao Z, Li X, Hu L, Yang S, Zhao S, Song Z. CAFs and T cells interplay: The emergence of a new arena in cancer combat. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117045. [PMID: 38955088 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the immune system and the tumor matrix has a huge impact on the progression and treatment of cancer. This paper summarizes and discusses the crosstalk between T cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs can also produce inhibitors that counteract the function of T cells and promote tumor immune escape, while T cells can also engage in complex two-way interactions with CAFs through direct cell contact, the exchange of soluble factors such as cytokines, and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Precise targeted intervention can effectively reverse tumor-promoting crosstalk between T cells and CAFs, improve anti-tumor immune response, and provide a new perspective for cancer treatment. Therefore, it is important to deeply understand the mechanism of crosstalk between T cells and CAFs. This review aims to outline the underlying mechanisms of these interactions and discuss potential therapeutic strategies that may become fundamental tools in the treatment of cancer, especially hard-to-cure cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaofeng Gao
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingyu Hu
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuying Yang
- Department of intensive medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Siqi Zhao
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhengwei Song
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
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3
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Xu AL, Han L, Yan J, Liu D, Wang W. Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Inhibition of Hepatic Fibrosis by Delivering miR-200a. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:609-624. [PMID: 38568409 PMCID: PMC11087440 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-024-00631-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a common pathological feature of chronic hepatic diseases. We aimed to illuminate the significance of amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (AMSCs-EVs) in HF. METHODS Human AMSCs-EVs were isolated and identified. HF mice were constructed and treated with EVs. The fibrosis was observed by staining experiments and Western blot (WB) assay. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and hepatic hydroxyproline (Hyp) were detected to confirm liver function. For the in vitro experiments, human hepatic stellate cells were induced with transforming growth factor-β and treated with EVs. To measure the degree of HF, the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen I was detected by WB assay, and cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit 8 assay. The levels of miR-200a, Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 3 (PIK3R3) were detected by WB and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The binding of ZEB1 to PIK3R3 and miR-200a to ZEB1 was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase assays to validate their relationships. RESULTS Human AMSCs and AMSCs-EVs were obtained. Serum ALT, AST, TBIL, and hepatic Hyp were increased, implying the fibrosis degree was aggravated in HF mice, which was decreased again after EV treatment. EVs inhibited HF degree by reducing α-SMA and Collagen I and promoting cell proliferation. AMSCs-EVs delivered miR-200a into hepatocytes, which up-regulated miR-200a expression, inhibited ZEB1 expression, and reduced its enrichment on the PIK3R3 promoter, therefore inhibiting PIK3R3 expression and alleviating HF. Overexpression of ZEB1 or PIK3R3 attenuated the anti-fibrotic effect of AMSCs-EVs. CONCLUSION Human AMSCs-derived EVs mediated miR-200a delivery and inhibition of intracellular ZEB1/PIK3R3 axis to exert anti-fibrosis effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Lei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Long Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China.
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Liao Y, Xu Y, Mo Z, Zhu T, Dong H, Zhou W, Xia Q. Interleukin-25 as a Potential Biomarker in Lung Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with HBV History in Chinese Patients: A Single Center, Case-control Study. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:1337-1343. [PMID: 38818476 PMCID: PMC11134585 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.90642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Interleukin-25 (IL-25) has been proved to play a role in the pathogenesis and metastasis of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the relationship between the level of IL-25 and the metastasis and prognosis of HCC is still not clear. This study aimed to investigate the expression of IL-25 and other potential biochemical indicators among healthy people, HBV-associated HCC patients without lung metastasis and HBV-associated HCC patients with lung metastasis. Methods: From September 2019 to November 2021, 33 HCC patients without lung metastasis, 37 HCC patients with lung metastasis and 29 healthy controls were included in the study. IL-25 and other commonly used biochemical markers were measured to establish predictors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after treatment. Results: The serum level of IL-25 was increased in HCC patients than healthy controls (p < 0.001) and HCC patients with lung metastasis had higher IL-25 level than HCC patients without metastasis (p = 0.035). Lung metastasis also indicated higher death rate (p < 0.001) by chi-square test, higher GGT level (p = 0.024) and higher AFP level (p = 0.049) by non-parametric test. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that IL-25 was negatively associated with PFS (p = 0.024). Multivariate Cox-regression analysis indicated IL-25 (p = 0.030) and GGT (p = 0.020) to be independent predictors of poorer PFS, while IL-25 showed no significant association with OS. Conclusion: The level of IL-25 was significantly associated with disease progression and lung metastasis of HBV-associated HCC. The high expression of IL-25 predicted high recurrence rate and death probability of HCC patients after treatment. Therefore, IL-25 may be an effective predictor of prognosis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yixin Xu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ziying Mo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Tianyi Zhu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Huimin Dong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Wenying Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Department of Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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Xiong Z, Yu SL, Xie ZX, Zhuang RL, Peng SR, Wang Q, Gao Z, Li BH, Xie JJ, Huang H, Li KW. Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote enzalutamide resistance and PD-L1 expression in prostate cancer through CCL5-CCR5 paracrine axis. iScience 2024; 27:109674. [PMID: 38646169 PMCID: PMC11031830 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109674] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been shown to play a key role in prostate cancer treatment resistance, but the role of CAFs in the initial course of enzalutamide therapy for prostate cancer remains unclear. Our research revealed that CAFs secrete CCL5, which promotes the upregulation of androgen receptor (AR) expression in prostate cancer cells, leading to resistance to enzalutamide therapy. Furthermore, CCL5 also enhances the expression of tumor programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), resulting in immune escape. Mechanistically, CCL5 binds to the receptor CCR5 on prostate cancer cells and activates the AKT signaling pathway, leading to the upregulation of AR and PD-L1. The CCR5 antagonist maraviroc to inhibit the CAFs mediated CCL5 signaling pathway can effectively reduce the expression of AR and PD-L1, and improve the efficacy of enzalutamide. This study highlights a promising therapeutic approach targeting the CCL5-CCR5 signaling pathway to improve the effectiveness of enzalutamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xiong
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Shun-Li Yu
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Xie
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Rui-Lin Zhuang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Shi-Rong Peng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Urology, Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ze Gao
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250063, China
| | - Bing-Heng Li
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jun-Jia Xie
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Hai Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People’s Hospital, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai-Wen Li
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
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Wang W, Li Y, Ko S, Feng N, Zhang M, Liu JJ, Zheng S, Ren B, Yu YP, Luo JH, Tseng GC, Liu S. IFDlong: an isoform and fusion detector for accurate annotation and quantification of long-read RNA-seq data. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.11.593690. [PMID: 38798496 PMCID: PMC11118288 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.11.593690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in long-read transcriptome sequencing (long-RNA-seq) technology have revolutionized the study of isoform diversity. These full-length transcripts enhance the detection of various transcriptome structural variations, including novel isoforms, alternative splicing events, and fusion transcripts. By shifting the open reading frame or altering gene expressions, studies have proved that these transcript alterations can serve as crucial biomarkers for disease diagnosis and therapeutic targets. In this project, we proposed IFDlong, a bioinformatics and biostatistics tool to detect isoform and fusion transcripts using bulk or single-cell long-RNA-seq data. Specifically, the software performed gene and isoform annotation for each long-read, defined novel isoforms, quantified isoform expression by a novel expectation-maximization algorithm, and profiled the fusion transcripts. For evaluation, IFDlong pipeline achieved overall the best performance when compared with several existing tools in large-scale simulation studies. In both isoform and fusion transcript quantification, IFDlong is able to reach more than 0.8 Spearman's correlation with the truth, and more than 0.9 cosine similarity when distinguishing multiple alternative splicing events. In novel isoform simulation, IFDlong can successfully balance the sensitivity (higher than 90%) and specificity (higher than 90%). Furthermore, IFDlong has proved its accuracy and robustness in diverse in-house and public datasets on healthy tissues, cell lines and multiple types of diseases. Besides bulk long-RNA-seq, IFDlong pipeline has proved its compatibility to single-cell long-RNA-seq data. This new software may hold promise for significant impact on long-read transcriptome analysis. The IFDlong software is available at https://github.com/wenjiaking/IFDlong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yuzhen Li
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sungjin Ko
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ning Feng
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Manling Zhang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jia-Jun Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Songyang Zheng
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Baoguo Ren
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yan P. Yu
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jian-Hua Luo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - George C. Tseng
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Silvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
- Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Guan M, Liu S, Yang YG, Song Y, Zhang Y, Sun T. Chemokine systems in oncology: From microenvironment modulation to nanocarrier innovations. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131679. [PMID: 38641274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, significant strides have been made in understanding the pivotal roles that chemokine networks play in tumor biology. These networks, comprising chemokines and their receptors, wield substantial influence over cancer immune regulation and therapeutic outcomes. As a result, targeting these chemokine systems has emerged as a promising avenue for cancer immunotherapy. However, therapies targeting chemokines face significant challenges in solid tumor treatment, due to the complex and fragile of the chemokine networks. A nuanced comprehension of the complicacy and functions of chemokine networks, and their impact on the tumor microenvironment, is essential for optimizing their therapeutic utility in oncology. This review elucidates the ways in which chemokine networks interact with cancer immunity and tumorigenesis. We particularly elaborate on recent innovations in manipulating these networks for cancer treatment. The review also highlights future challenges and explores potential biomaterial strategies for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Guan
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Shuhan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yanqiu Song
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
| | - Tianmeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
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8
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Guo T, Xu J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7. [PMID: 38602594 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of TME and exhibit heterogeneous properties in their communication with tumor cells. This heterogeneity of CAFs can be attributed to various origins, including quiescent fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and mesothelial cells. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing has identified diverse phenotypes of CAFs, with myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) being the most acknowledged, alongside newly discovered subtypes like antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Due to these heterogeneities, CAFs exert multiple functions in tumorigenesis, cancer stemness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metabolism, and metastasis. As a result, targeted therapies aimed at the TME, particularly focusing on CAFs, are rapidly developing, fueling the promising future of advanced tumor-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Guo
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junfen Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
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Liu Q, Yao F, Wu L, Xu T, Na J, Shen Z, Liu X, Shi W, Zhao Y, Liao Y. Heterogeneity and interplay: the multifaceted role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor and therapeutic strategies. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03492-7. [PMID: 38602644 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The journey of cancer development is a multifaceted and staged process. The array of treatments available for cancer varies significantly, dictated by the disease's type and stage. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), prevalent across various cancer types and stages, play a pivotal role in tumor genesis, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The strategy of concurrently targeting cancer cells and CAFs holds great promise in cancer therapy. In this review, we focus intently on CAFs, delving into their critical role in cancer's progression. We begin by exploring the origins, classification, and surface markers of CAFs. Following this, we emphasize the key cytokines and signaling pathways involved in the interplay between cancer cells and CAFs and their influence on the tumor immune microenvironment. Additionally, we examine current therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs. This article underscores the multifarious roles of CAFs within the tumor microenvironment and their potential applications in cancer treatment, highlighting their importance as key targets in overcoming drug resistance and enhancing the efficacy of tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoqiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Fei Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Liangliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Tianyuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jintong Na
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Zhen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Yuan Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
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10
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Liu T, Liu J. Integration analysis of single-cell transcriptome reveals specific monocyte subsets associated with melanoma brain and leptomeningeal metastasis. Skin Res Technol 2024; 30:e13710. [PMID: 38616506 PMCID: PMC11016815 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13710] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma central nervous system (CNS) metastasis remains a leading cause of patient mortality, and the underlying pathological mechanism has not been fully elucidated, leading to a lack of effective therapeutic strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we conducted an integrated analysis of single-cell transcriptomic data related to melanoma brain metastasis (MBM) and leptomeningeal metastasis (LMM). We focused on differences of subset composition and molecular expression of monocytes in blood, primary tumor, brain metastases, and leptomeningeal metastases. RESULTS Significant differences were observed among monocytes in blood, primary tumor, and different CNS metastatic tissues, particularly in terms of subset differentiation and gene expression patterns. Subsequent analysis revealed the upregulation of cell proportions of six monocyte subsets in brain metastasis and leptomeningeal metastasis. Based on differential gene analysis, four of these subsets exhibited increased expression of factors promoting tumor migration and survival, including AREG+ monocytes (AREG, EREG, THBS1), FABP5+ monocytes (SPP1, CCL2, CTSL), and CXCL3+ monocytes (CXCL3, IL8, IL1B). The proportions of TPSB2+ monocytes (IL32, CCL5) were notably elevated in melanoma leptomeningeal metastasis tissues. Pathway analysis indicated the activation of signaling pathways such as NOD-like receptors, NFκB, and Toll-like receptors in these metastasis-related subsets. CONCLUSION Our findings elucidate that AREG+, FABP5+ and CXCL3+ monocytes are associated with brain metastasis and TPSB2+ monocytes are associated with leptomeningeal metastasis in melanoma, which may be contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies focusing on monocytes or cytokines for melanoma CNS metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Department of General Surgerythe First People's Hospital of Shuangliu DistrictChengduChina
| | - Jian‐Ping Liu
- Department of General Surgerythe First People's Hospital of Shuangliu DistrictChengduChina
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11
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Feng Y, Qiao S, Chen J, Wen X, Chen Y, Song X, Xu J, Qiao X, Yang J, Zhang S, Feng Y, Gao Y. M2-Type Macrophages and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Combine to Promote Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases. Onco Targets Ther 2024; 17:243-260. [PMID: 38558848 PMCID: PMC10981424 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s447502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This research explored the association between CD163-labeled M2-type macrophages and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of 38 colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases. In addition, we investigated the correlation differences between M2-type macrophages and CAFs in the tumor microenvironments of 38 primary colorectal cancer patients with confirmed liver metastases and 946 colorectal cancer patients, as well as possible mechanisms of action between the two cells. Methods The Immunohistochemistry (IHC) method was applied to detect the expression levels of M2-type macrophages and CAFs in the tissues of 984 cases of CRC and to analyze the correlation between M2-type macrophages and CAFs in colorectal cancer tissues. The IHC method was also applied to detect the expression levels of M2-type macrophages and CAFs in the liver metastases of 38 cases of CRC in the experimental group and to analyze the correlation between the two cells in liver metastases. Results 1. M2-type macrophages and CAFs expression were significantly higher in 38 primary colorectal cancer patients compared to 946 controls, and the expression of M2-type macrophages was significantly positively correlated with CAFs. 2. In 984 CRC cases, M2-type macrophages and CAFs expression levels were significantly higher in the cancer tissues than in the paired paracancerous tissues. 3. The expression levels of M2-type macrophages and CAFs in primary colorectal cancer were significantly higher in the experimental group than in colorectal cancer tissues without distant metastasis. Conclusion M2-type macrophages and CAFs are involved in the development of the colorectal cancer tumor microenvironment, and their interaction influences the initiation and progression of liver metastasis in colorectal cancer. It may provide new clinical ideas for early diagnosis of CRC liver metastases and searching for immune targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Feng
- The Second Ward of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 12100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Qiao
- The Second Ward of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 12100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- The Second Ward of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 12100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 12100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanlei Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Song
- The Second Ward of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 12100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaxin Xu
- The Second Ward of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 12100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiucheng Qiao
- The Second Ward of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 12100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 12100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shenshen Zhang
- The Second Ward of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 12100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Feng
- The Second Ward of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 12100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 12100, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Wei H, Wu X, Huang L, Long C, Lu Q, Huang Z, Huang Y, Li W, Pu J. LncRNA MEG3 Reduces the Ratio of M2/M1 Macrophages Through the HuR/CCL5 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:543-562. [PMID: 38496248 PMCID: PMC10943271 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s449090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Tumor-associated macrophages play a crucial role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between long coding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR), and messenger RNA C-C motif chemokine 5 (CCL5) in the modulation of M1 and M2 macrophage polarization in HCC. Methods To induce M1 or M2 polarization, LPS/IFNγ- or IL4/IL13 were used to treat bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs). The localization of MEG3 in M1 and M2 macrophages was assessed using fluorescence in situ hybridization assay. Expression levels of MEG3, HuR, CCL5, M1, and M2 markers were measured by RT-qPCR or immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the proportion of F4/80+CD206+ and F4/80+CD68+ cells. RNA pulldown assay was performed to detect the binding of lncRNA MEG3 and HuR. The impacts of HuR on CCL5 stability and activity of CCL5 promoter were evaluated using actinomycin D treatment and luciferase reporter assay. Cell migration, invasiveness, and angiogenesis were assessed using transwell migration and invasion assays and a tube formation assay. A mixture of Huh-7 cells and macrophages were injected into nude mice to explore the effect of MEG3 on tumorigenesis. Results MEG3 promoted M1-like polarization while dampening M2-like polarization of BMDMs. MEG3 bound to HuR in M1 and M2 macrophages. HuR downregulated CCL5 by inhibiting CCL5 transcription in macrophages. In addition, overexpression of MEG3 suppressed cell metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis by obstructing macrophage M2 polarization. MEG3 inhibited tumorigenesis in HCC via promotion of M1-like polarization and inhibition of M2-like polarization. Rescue experiments showed that depletion of CCL5 in M2 macrophages reversed MEG3-induced suppressive effect on cell migration, invasion, and tube formation. Conclusion MEG3 suppresses HCC progression by promoting M1-like while inhibiting M2-like macrophage polarization via binding to HuR and thus upregulating CCL5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huamei Wei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianjian Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lizheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Long
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Lu
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenchuan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Xie H, Sun Q, Chu X, Zhu S, Xie F. Review of pre-metastatic niches in lung metastasis: From cells to molecules, from mechanism to clinics. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189081. [PMID: 38280471 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Distant metastasis is responsible for high mortality in most cancer cases and the lung is one of the most common target organs, severely affecting the quality of daily life and overall survival of cancer patients. With relevant research breakthroughs accumulating, scientists have developed a deeper understanding of lung metastasis (LM) from the rudimentary "seed and soil" theory to a more vivid concept of the pre-metastatic niche (PMN). Thus, the mechanisms of PMN formation become considerably complicated, involving various types of cells, chemokines, cytokines, and proteins, providing potential biomarkers for improved LM diagnosis and treatment techniques. Here we summarized the latest findings (in 3 years) of lung PMN and systematically collated it from basic research to clinical application, which clearly exhibited the influences of the primary tumor, stromal, and bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) and associated molecules in the formation of lung PMN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongting Xie
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuelei Chu
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shijie Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Feiyu Xie
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Department, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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14
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Zhang X, Zhang M, Sun H, Wang X, Wang X, Sheng W, Xu M. The role of transcription factors in the crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor cells. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00046-8. [PMID: 38309692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.033] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factors (TFs) fulfill a critical role in the formation and maintenance of different cell types during the developmental process as well as disease. It is believed that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activation status of tissue-resident fibroblasts or derived from form other cell types via transdifferentiation or dedifferentiation. Despite a subgroup of CAFs exhibit anti-cancer effects, most of them are reported to exert effects on tumor progression, further indicating their heterogeneous origin. AIM OF REVIEW This review aimed to summarize and review the roles of TFs in the reciprocal crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells, discuss the emerging mechanisms, and their roles in cell-fate decision, cellular reprogramming and advancing our understanding of the gene regulatory networks over the period of cancer initiation and progression. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This manuscript delves into the key contributory factors of TFs that are involved in activating CAFs and maintaining their unique states. Additionally, it explores how TFs play a pivotal and multifaceted role in the reciprocal crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells. This includes their involvement in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, as well as metabolic reprogramming. TFs also have a role in constructing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, inducing resistance to radiation and chemotherapy, facilitating angiogenesis, and even 'educating' CAFs to support the malignancies of tumor cells. Furthermore, this manuscript delves into the current status of TF-targeted therapy and considers the future directions of TFs in conjunction with anti-CAFs therapies to address the challenges in clinical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weiqi Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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15
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Zhang M, Wei T, Guo D. The role of abnormal ubiquitination in hepatocellular carcinoma pathology. Cell Signal 2024; 114:110994. [PMID: 38036196 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110994] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is known for its high incidence and fatality rate. Over the years, therapeutic strategies for primary liver cancer have advanced significantly. Nonetheless, a substantial number of patients have not benefited from these methods, underscoring the pressing need for new and effective treatments for primary liver cancer. Ubiquitination is a critical post-translational modification that enables proteins to fulfill their normal biological functions and maintain their expression stability within cells. Importantly, increasing evidence suggests that the progression of liver cancer cells is often accompanied by disruptions in protein ubiquitination and deubiquitination processes. In this comprehensive review, we have compiled pertinent research about dysregulated ubiquitination in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to broaden our understanding in this field. We elucidate the connections between the ubiquitination proteasome system, deubiquitination, and HCC. Furthermore, we shed light on the role of ubiquitination in cells situated within the tumor microenvironment of HCC including its involvement in mediating the activation of oncogenic pathways, reprogramming metabolic processes, and perturbing normal cellular functions. In conclusion, targeting the dysregulation of ubiquitination in HCC holds promise as a prospective and complementary therapeutic approach to existing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Tingju Wei
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Danfeng Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.
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16
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Wang J, Liu C, Hu R, Wu L, Li C. Statin therapy: a potential adjuvant to immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1324140. [PMID: 38362156 PMCID: PMC10867224 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1324140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and accounts for more than 90% of primary liver cancer. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related therapies combined with angiogenesis inhibition has revolutionized the treatment of HCC in late-stage and unresectable HCC, as ICIs alone were disappointing in treating HCC. In addition to the altered immune microenvironment, abnormal lipid metabolism in the liver has been extensively characterized in various types of HCC. Stains are known for their cholesterol-lowering properties and their long history of treating hypercholesterolemia and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Apart from ICI and other conventional therapies, statins are frequently used by advanced HCC patients with dyslipidemia, which is often marked by the abnormal accumulation of cholesterol and fatty acids in the liver. Supported by a body of preclinical and clinical studies, statins may unexpectedly enhance the efficacy of ICI therapy in HCC patients through the regulation of inflammatory responses and the immune microenvironment. This review discusses the abnormal changes in lipid metabolism in HCC, summarizes the clinical evidence and benefits of stain use in HCC, and prospects the possible mechanistic actions of statins in transforming the immune microenvironment in HCC when combined with immunotherapies. Consequently, the use of statin therapy may emerge as a novel and valuable adjuvant for immunotherapies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengyu Liu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ronghua Hu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Licheng Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Chuanzhou Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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17
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Yao Y, Yang K, Wang Q, Zhu Z, Li S, Li B, Feng B, Tang C. Prediction of CAF-related genes in immunotherapy and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-database analysis. Genes Immun 2024; 25:55-65. [PMID: 38233508 PMCID: PMC10873201 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-024-00252-z] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to identify the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF)-related genes that can affect immunotherapy and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Expression data and survival data associated with HCC were obtained in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) analysis was performed to obtain CAF-related genes. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used for regression analysis and risk models. Subsequently, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) analysis, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis and drug sensitivity analysis were performed on the risk models. Survival analysis of CAF scores showed that the survival rate was lower in samples with high CAF scores than those with low scores. However, this difference was not significant, suggesting CAF may not directly influence the prognosis of HCC patients. Further screening of CAF-related genes yielded 33 CAF-related genes. Seven risk models constructed based on CDR2L, SPRED1, PFKP, ENG, KLF2, FSCN1 and VCAN, showed significant differences in immunotherapy and partial drug sensitivity in HCC. Seven CAF-related genes may have important roles in immunotherapy, drug sensitivity and prognostic survival in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yao
- Division 1, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - KaiQing Yang
- Division 1, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Division 1, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Zeming Zhu
- Division 2, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Division 1, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Li
- Division 1, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China.
| | - Caixi Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China.
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18
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Solanki S, Shah YM. Hypoxia-Induced Signaling in Gut and Liver Pathobiology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:291-317. [PMID: 37832943 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-051122-094743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen (O2) is essential for cellular metabolism and biochemical reactions. When the demand for O2 exceeds the supply, hypoxia occurs. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are essential to activate adaptive and survival responses following hypoxic stress. In the gut (intestines) and liver, the presence of oxygen gradients or physiologic hypoxia is necessary to maintain normal homeostasis. While physiologic hypoxia is beneficial and aids in normal functions, pathological hypoxia is harmful as it exacerbates inflammatory responses and tissue dysfunction and is a hallmark of many cancers. In this review, we discuss the role of gut and liver hypoxia-induced signaling, primarily focusing on HIFs, in the physiology and pathobiology of gut and liver diseases. Additionally, we examine the function of HIFs in various cell types during gut and liver diseases, beyond intestinal epithelial and hepatocyte HIFs. This review highlights the importance of understanding hypoxia-induced signaling in the pathogenesis of gut and liver diseases and emphasizes the potential of HIFs as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeet Solanki
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Yatrik M Shah
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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19
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Sheng J, Luo Y, Lv E, Liang H, Tao H, Yu C, Rao D, Sun M, Xia L, Huang W. LINC01980 induced by TGF-beta promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis via miR-376b-5p/E2F5 axis. Cell Signal 2023; 112:110923. [PMID: 37827344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110923] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive human malignancies worldwide. However, the molecular mechanism of HCC metastasis is largely unknown. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a key role in gene regulation, and dysregulation of lncRNA is critical to cancer metastasis. LINC01980 has been reported in ESCC recently, but the mechanism underlying its function in HCC is still unknown. In this study, we found that LINC01980 was upregulated and associated with notably poor overall survival in HCC patients. Functionally, LINC01980 played a carcinogenic role and promoted HCC metastasis. Mechanically, LINC01980 enhanced the E2F5 expression via competitively binding miR-376b-5p, thereby inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promoting HCC cells migration and invasion. In addition, LINC01980-mediated HCC cells metastasis was dependent on E2F5. What's more, TGF-β activated LINC01980 transcription through the canonical TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway in HCC. In conclusion, LINC01980, activated by the canonical TGF-β/SMAD pathway, promoted HCC metastasis via miR-376b-5p/E2F5 axis. Therefore, LINC01980 might be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Sheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Digestive System Disease, Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiming Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Enjun Lv
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Haisu Tao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Chengpeng Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Dean Rao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Mengyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
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20
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Zhang XF, Zhang XL, Wang YJ, Fang Y, Li ML, Liu XY, Luo HY, Tian Y. The regulatory network of the chemokine CCL5 in colorectal cancer. Ann Med 2023; 55:2205168. [PMID: 37141250 PMCID: PMC10161960 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2205168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemokine CCL5 plays a potential role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous studies have shown that CCL5 directly acts on tumor cells to change tumor metastatic rates. In addition, CCL5 recruits immune cells and immunosuppressive cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME) and reshapes the TME to adapt to tumor growth or increase antitumor immune efficacy, depending on the type of secretory cells releasing CCL5, the cellular function of CCL5 recruitment, and the underlying mechanisms. However, at present, research on the role played by CCL5 in the occurrence and development of CRC is still limited, and whether CCL5 promotes the occurrence and development of CRC and its role remain controversial. This paper discusses the cells recruited by CCL5 in patients with CRC and the specific mechanism of this recruitment, as well as recent clinical studies of CCL5 in patients with CRC.Key MessagesCCL5 plays dual roles in colorectal cancer progression.CCL5 remodels the tumor microenvironment to adapt to colorectal cancer tumor growth by recruiting immunosuppressive cells or by direct action.CCL5 inhibits colorectal cancer tumor growth by recruiting immune cells or by direct action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Feng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiao-Li Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ya-Jing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Organ Transplant Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Meng-Li Li
- Honghui Hospital affiliated to Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Xing-Yu Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hua-You Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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21
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Agrawal A, Lasli S, Javanmardi Y, Coursier D, Micalet A, Watson S, Shahreza S, Serwinski B, Djordjevic B, Szita N, Cheema U, Bertazzo S, Calvo F, Moeendarbary E. Stromal cells regulate mechanics of tumour spheroid. Mater Today Bio 2023; 23:100821. [PMID: 37868949 PMCID: PMC10585335 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100821] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The remarkable contractility and force generation ability exhibited by cancer cells empower them to overcome the resistance and steric hindrance presented by a three-dimensional, interconnected matrix. Cancer cells disseminate by actively remodelling and deforming their extracellular matrix (ECM). The process of tumour growth and its ECM remodelling have been extensively studied, but the effect of the cellular tumour microenvironment (TME) has been ignored in most studies that investigated tumour-cell-mediated ECM deformations and realignment. This study reports the integration of stromal cells in spheroid contractility assays that impacts the ECM remodelling and invasion abilities of cancer spheroids. To investigate this, we developed a novel multilayer in vitro assay that incorporates stromal cells and quantifies the contractile deformations that tumour spheroids exert on the ECM. We observed a negative correlation between the spheroid invasion potential and the levels of collagen deformation. The presence of stromal cells significantly increased cancer cell invasiveness and altered the cancer cells' ability to deform and realign collagen gel, due to upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, this was observed consistently in both metastatic and non-metastatic cancer cells. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the vital role played by the cellular TME in regulating the invasive outgrowth of cancer cells and underscore the potential of utilising matrix deformation measurements as a biophysical marker for evaluating invasiveness and informing targeted therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Agrawal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Soufian Lasli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Diane Coursier
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd, Gloucester Road, London, W2 6LD, UK
| | - Auxtine Micalet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
- Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Sara Watson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Somayeh Shahreza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Bianca Serwinski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd, Gloucester Road, London, W2 6LD, UK
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Northeastern University London, London, E1W 1LP, UK
| | - Boris Djordjevic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd, Gloucester Road, London, W2 6LD, UK
| | - Nicolas Szita
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Umber Cheema
- Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Fernando Calvo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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22
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Chen H, Yang W, Ma L, Li Y, Ji Z. Machine-learning based integrating bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the SLC38A5-CCL5 signaling as a promising target for clear cell renal cell carcinoma treatment. Transl Oncol 2023; 38:101790. [PMID: 37722291 PMCID: PMC10518726 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts paly critical roles in regulating cancer cell biological properties by intricate and dynamic communication networks. But the mechanism of CAFs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is not clear. In our study, we identified CAFs and malignant cells from the integrated scRNA-seq datasets and establish a CAF-derived communication signature based on the highly activated regulons ETS1 and MEF2C. We stratified the ccRCC TME into two molecular subtypes with distinct prognoses, immune cell infiltration landscapes, and immune-related characteristics. The model derived from signature demonstrated high accuracy and robustness in predicting prognosis and ICIs therapy responses. Subsequently, the SLC38A5 of the model was found upregulated in CAFs and was related to decreased survival probabilities, inflamed TME, and upregulated inhibitory checkpoints. SLC38A5 inhibition could attenuate the pro-tumoral abilities of CAFs in terms of proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanically, CCL5 could restore these properties induced by SLC38A5 inhibition. In conclusion, our communication signature and its derived model enabled a more precise selection of ccRCC patients who were potential beneficiaries of ICIs. Besides, the SLC38A5-CCL5 axis may serve as a promising target for ccRCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Chen
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Wenjie Yang
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Yingjie Li
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Zhigang Ji
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China.
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23
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Samart P, Heenatigala Palliyage G, Issaragrisil S, Luanpitpong S, Rojanasakul Y. Musashi-2 in cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes non-small cell lung cancer metastasis through paracrine IL-6-driven epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:205. [PMID: 37941042 PMCID: PMC10631049 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01158-5] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, is predominantly associated with advanced/metastatic disease. The interaction between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumor microenvironment is known to be essential for regulating tumor progression and metastasis, but the underlying mechanisms, particularly the role of RNA-binding protein Musashi-2 (MSI2) in CAFs in promoting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invasiveness and metastatic spread, remain obscure. METHODS Genomic and proteomic database analyses were performed to evaluate the potential clinical significance of MSI2 in NSCLC tumor and stromal clinical specimens. Molecular approaches were used to modify MSI2 in CAFs and determine its functional role in NSCLC cell motility in vitro using 2D and 3D models, and in metastasis in a xenograft mouse model using live-cell imaging. RESULTS MSI2, both gene and protein, is upregulated in NSCLC tissues and is associated with poor prognosis and high metastatic risk in patients. Interestingly, MSI2 is also upregulated in NSCLC stroma and activated fibroblasts, including CAFs. Depletion of MSI2 in CAFs by CRISPR-Cas9 strongly inhibits NSCLC cell migration and invasion in vitro, and attenuates local and distant metastatic spread of NSCLC cells in vivo. The crosstalk between CAFs and NSCLC cells occurs via paracrine signaling, which is regulated by MSI2 in CAFs via IL-6. The secreted IL-6 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in NSCLC cells, which drives metastasis. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal for the first time that MSI2 in CAFs is important in CAF-mediated NSCLC cell invasiveness and metastasis via IL-6 paracrine signaling. Therefore, targeting the MSI2/IL-6 axis in CAFs could be effective in combating NSCLC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parinya Samart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Siriraj Hospital, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | | | - Surapol Issaragrisil
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Siriraj Hospital, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sudjit Luanpitpong
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Siriraj Hospital, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| | - Yon Rojanasakul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
- WVU Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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24
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Manfredi GF, Celsa C, John C, Jones C, Acuti N, Scheiner B, Fulgenzi CAM, Korolewicz J, Pinter M, Gennari A, Mauri FA, Pirisi M, Minisini R, Vincenzi F, Burlone M, Rigamonti C, Donadon M, Cabibbo G, D’Alessio A, Pinato DJ. Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1955-1971. [PMID: 37941812 PMCID: PMC10629523 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s291553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been revolutionized over the last few years following the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Despite the promising survival extension seen with ICI combination regimens, responses are not universally seen and the optimal partner for programmed cell death 1 pathway inhibitors remains to be identified. Even fewer encouraging results have been demonstrated with ICI used for monotherapy. Several mechanisms of resistance have been described so far, involving characteristics of cancer cells (intrinsic mechanisms) and of the surrounding tumor microenvironment (extrinsic mechanisms). Factors related to therapy may also contribute to the development of resistance. Increasing research efforts are being dedicated to the discovery of novel approaches and targets to overcome resistance, some of which may be introduced into clinic in the future. Herein we describe a selection of resistance mechanisms that have been involved in impairing response to ICI and propose potential therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences (Di.chir.on.s.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chloe John
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Jones
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nicole Acuti
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Angela Maria Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - James Korolewicz
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Gennari
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco A Mauri
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela Burlone
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Health Science, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio D’Alessio
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - David James Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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25
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Guo Q, Huang Y, Zhan X. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Subtyping and Prognostic Model Construction Based on Chemokine-Related Genes. Med Princ Pract 2023; 32:332-342. [PMID: 37848003 PMCID: PMC10727522 DOI: 10.1159/000534537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemokines not only regulate immune cells but also play significant roles in development and treatment of tumors and patient prognoses. However, these effects have not been fully explained in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a clustering analysis of chemokine-related genes. We then examined the differences in survival rates and analyzed immune levels using single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) for each subtype. Based on chemokine-related genes of different subtypes, we built a prognostic model in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset using the survival package and glmnet package and validated it in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. We used univariate and multivariate regression analyses to select independent prognostic factors and used R package rms to draw a nomogram reflecting patient survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years. RESULTS We identified two chemokine subtypes and, after screening, found that Cluster1 had higher survival rates than Cluster2. In addition, in terms of immune evaluation, stromal evaluation, ESTIMATE evaluation, immune abundance, immune function, and expressions of various immune checkpoints, immune levels of Cluster1 were significantly better than those of Cluster2. The immunophenoscore (IPS) of HCC patients in Cluster1 was significantly higher than that in Cluster2. Furthermore, we established a prognostic model consisting of 9 genes, which correlated with chemokines. Through testing, Riskscore was revealed as an independent prognostic factor, and the model could effectively predict HCC patients' prognoses in both TCGA and GEO datasets. CONCLUSION This study resulted in the development of a novel prognostic model related to chemokine genes, providing new targets and theoretical support for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiusheng Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China,
| | - Yangyang Huang
- Pharmacy Department, Zhejiang Jinhua Guangfu Tumor Hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Xiaoan Zhan
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Zhejiang Jinhua Guangfu Tumor Hospital, Jinhua, China
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26
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Zhang H, Yue X, Chen Z, Liu C, Wu W, Zhang N, Liu Z, Yang L, Jiang Q, Cheng Q, Luo P, Liu G. Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:159. [PMID: 37784082 PMCID: PMC10544417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations exert an inhibitory role in tumor growth, which implies that CAF-targeting approaches must be more precise and individualized. This review comprehensively summarize the origin, phenotypical, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. More importantly, we underscore advances in strategies and clinical trials to target CAF in various cancers, and we also summarize progressions of CAF in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghai Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Zhuzhou, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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27
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Zheng K, Li M. Predicting Survival Signature of Bladder Cancer Related to Cancer-Associated Fibroblast (CAF) Constructed by Intersecting Genes in TCGA and GEO. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00892-y. [PMID: 37749482 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00892-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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancer was one of the most common carcinomas around the world. However, the mechanism of the disease still remained to be investigated. We expected to establish a prognostic survival model with 9 prognostic genes to predict overall survival (OS) in patients of bladder cancer. The gene expression data of bladder cancer were obtained from TCGA and GEO datasets. TCGA and GEO datasets were used for screening prognostic genes along with developing and validating a 9-gene prognostic survival model by method of weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and LASSO with Cox regression. The relative analysis of evaluate tumor burden mutation (TBM), GO, KEGG, chemotherapy drug and functional pathway were also performed based on CAF-related mRNAs. 151 Overlapping CAF-related genes were distinguished after intersecting differentially expressed genes from 945 genes in TCGA and 491 genes in GEO dataset. 9 Prognostic genes (MSRB2, AGMAT, KLF6, DDAH2, GADD45B, SERPINE2, STMN3, TEAD2, and COMP) were used for construction of prognostic model after LASSO with Cox regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed a good survival prediction by this model. Functional analysis indicated chemokine, cytokine, ECM interaction, oxidative stress and apoptosis were highly appeared. Potential drugs targeted different CAF-related genes like vemurafenib, irofulven, ghiotepa, and idarubicin were found as well. We constructed a novel 9 CAF-related mRNAs prognostic model and explored the gene expression and potential functional information of related genes, which might be worthy of clinical application. In addition, potential chemotherapy drugs could provide useful insights into the potential clinical treatment of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifeng Zheng
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Mengting Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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28
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Dong G, Fan F, He Y, Luo Y, Yu J, Liang P. T-Lymphocyte Gene-Regulated CCL5 and Its Association with Extrahepatic Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1267-1279. [PMID: 37551333 PMCID: PMC10404438 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s420836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extrahepatic metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) greatly limits the prognostic survival of HCC patients. Levels of preoperative peripheral lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in the serum for predicting extrahepatic spread of hepatocellular carcinoma are still not common in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to investigate the value and mechanisms of peripheral lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in predicting extrahepatic spread of HCC. METHODS We used a retrospective design to analyze data pertaining to a total of 380 patients with HCC who were examined for peripheral T-lymphocyte subsets before receiving microwave ablation. We performed Cox regression analysis to screen out independent risk factors and used pathology specimens from the patients and public databases of liver cancer to investigate the correlation between cytokines and intra-tumor immune cells. RESULTS The CD4low group had better metastasis-free 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates compared to the CD4high group (80% vs 69%, 67% vs 51%, and 57% vs 39%, respectively; HR 1.7 (1.2, 2.3), P = 0.0019). Similarly, the CD8high group had better metastasis-free 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates compared to the CD8low group (65% vs 78%, 46% vs 64%, and 34% vs 54%, respectively; HR 0.6 (0.4, 0.8), P < 0.001). Patients with the CD4high/CD8low phenotype had significantly worse metastasis-free survival times compared to other patients (HR 2.0 (1.5, 2.8), P < 0.001). Additionally, T lymphocyte-specific genes (CD4, CD8) were correlated with CCL5 expression, which was also positively correlated with the level of intra-tumoral infiltrating CD8 T cells and the prognosis of HCC patients. CONCLUSION Both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets were independent risk factors for extrahepatic metastasis in HCC. Serum CCL5 levels could indicate the infiltration level of intra-tumoral CD8+ T cells and the risk of extrahepatic metastasis in HCC patients, aiding in patient risk stratification for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoping Dong
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, 100853, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fangying Fan
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, 100853, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao He
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanchun Luo
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, 100853, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Liang
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, 100853, People’s Republic of China
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Sun B, Lei X, Cao M, Li Y, Yang LY. Hepatocellular carcinoma cells remodel the pro-metastatic tumour microenvironment through recruitment and activation of fibroblasts via paracrine Egfl7 signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:180. [PMID: 37480091 PMCID: PMC10362567 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01200-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumour microenvironment consists of a complex and dynamic milieu of cancer cells, including tumour-associated stromal cells (leukocytes, fibroblasts, vascular cells, etc.) and their extracellular products. During invasion and metastasis, cancer cells actively remodel the tumour microenvironment and alterations of microenvironment, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), can promote tumour progression. However, the underlying mechanisms of the CAF formation and their metastasis-promoting functions remain unclear. METHODS Primary liver fibroblasts and CAFs were isolated and characterized. CAFs in clinical samples were identified by immunohistochemical staining and the clinical significance of CAFs was also analysed in two independent cohorts. A transwell coculture system was used to confirm the role of HCC cells in CAF recruitment and activation. qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA were used to screen paracrine cytokines. The role and mechanism of Egfl7 in CAFs were explored via an in vitro coculture system and an in vivo mouse orthotopic transplantation model. RESULTS We showed that CAFs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are characterized by the expression of α-SMA and that HCC cells can recruit liver fibroblasts (LFs) and activate them to promote their transformation into CAFs. High α-SMA expression, indicating high CAF infiltration, was correlated with malignant characteristics. It was also an independent risk factor for HCC survival and could predict a poor prognosis in HCC patients. Then, we demonstrated that EGF-like domain multiple 7 (Egfl7) was preferentially secreted by HCC cells, and exhibited high potential to recruit and activate LFs into the CAF phenotype. The ability of Egfl7 to modulate LFs relies upon increased phosphorylation of FAK and AKT via the receptor ανβ3 integrin. Strikingly, CAFs activated by paracrine Egfl7 could further remodel the tumour microenvironment by depositing fibrils and collagen and in turn facilitate HCC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. CONCLUSION Our data highlighted a novel role of Egfl7 in remodelling the tumour microenvironment: it recruits LFs and activates them to promote their transformation into CAFs via the ανβ3 integrin signaling pathway, which further promotes HCC progression and contributes to poor clinical outcomes in HCC patients. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Xiong Lei
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Momo Cao
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yiming Li
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Lian-Yue Yang
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Radić J, Kožik B, Nikolić I, Kolarov-Bjelobrk I, Vasiljević T, Vranjković B, Despotović S. Multiple Roles of LOXL2 in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Potential for Therapeutic Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11745. [PMID: 37511503 PMCID: PMC10380739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
LOXL2, a copper-dependent amine oxidase, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increased LOXL2 expression in HCC has been linked with an aggressive phenotype and represents a poor prognostic factor. Here, we focus on the mechanisms through which LOXL2 orchestrates multiple oncogenic functions in HCC development. We performed a review of the current knowledge on the roles LOXL2 performs in the modulation of the HCC tumor microenvironment, formation of premetastatic niches, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We also highlighted the complex interplay between LOXL2 and hypoxia, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry in HCC. At the end of the review, we summarize the current LOXL2 inhibitors and discuss their potential in HCC precision treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Radić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Bojana Kožik
- Laboratory for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11100 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Nikolić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Ivana Kolarov-Bjelobrk
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Tijana Vasiljević
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Pathology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Bojana Vranjković
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Sanja Despotović
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Ping Q, Wang C, Cheng X, Zhong Y, Yan R, Yang M, Shi Y, Li X, Li X, Huang W, Wang L, Bi X, Hu L, Yang Y, Wang Y, Gong R, Tan J, Li R, Li H, Li J, Wang W, Li R. TGF-β1 dominates stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT via the FAP/VCAN axis in bladder cancer cells. J Transl Med 2023; 21:475. [PMID: 37461061 PMCID: PMC10351189 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04303-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the urinary system and is associated with a poor prognosis once invasion and distant metastases occur. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives metastasis and invasion in bladder cancer. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and stromal fibroblasts, especially cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), are positive regulators of EMT in bladder cancer. However, it remains unclear how TGF-β1 mediates crosstalk between bladder cancer cells and CAFs and how it induces stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT in bladder cancer. We aimed to investigate the mechanism of TGF-β1 regulation of stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT in bladder cancer cells. METHODS Primary CAFs with high expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) were isolated from bladder cancer tissue samples. Subsequently, different conditioned media were used to stimulate the bladder cancer cell line T24 in a co-culture system. Gene set enrichment analysis, a human cytokine antibody array, and cytological assays were performed to investigate the mechanism of TGF-β1 regulation of stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT in bladder cancer cells. RESULTS Among the TGF-β family, TGF-β1 was the most highly expressed factor in bladder cancer tissue and primary stromal fibroblast supernatant. In the tumor microenvironment, TGF-β1 was mainly derived from stromal fibroblasts, especially CAFs. In stimulated bladder cells, stromal fibroblast-derived TGF-β1 promoted bladder cancer cell migration, invasion, and EMT. Furthermore, TGF-β1 promoted the activation of stromal fibroblasts, inducing CAF-like features, by upregulating FAP in primary normal fibroblasts and a normal fibroblast cell line. Stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT was induced in bladder cancer cells by TGF-β1/FAP. Versican (VCAN), a downstream molecule of FAP, plays an essential role in TGF-β1/FAP axis-induced EMT in bladder cancer cells. VCAN may also function through the PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β1 is a critical mediator of crosstalk between stromal fibroblasts and bladder cancer cells. We revealed a new mechanism whereby TGF-β1 dominated stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT of bladder cancer cells via the FAP/VCAN axis and identified potential biomarkers (FAP, VCAN, N-cadherin, and Vimentin) of bladder cancer. These results enhance our understanding of bladder cancer invasion and metastasis and provide potential strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinrong Ping
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Chunhui Wang
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Xin Cheng
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Yiming Zhong
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Ruping Yan
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650101, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Yunqiang Shi
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Xiangmeng Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650101, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Wenwen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China
- Department of Pathology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Liqiong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Xiaofang Bi
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Libing Hu
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Yingbao Wang
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Rui Gong
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Wenju Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China.
| | - Ruhong Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China.
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Kotsari M, Dimopoulou V, Koskinas J, Armakolas A. Immune System and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): New Insights into HCC Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11471. [PMID: 37511228 PMCID: PMC10380581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the WHO's recently released worldwide cancer data for 2020, liver cancer ranks sixth in morbidity and third in mortality among all malignancies. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common kind of liver cancer, accounts approximately for 80% of all primary liver malignancies and is one of the leading causes of death globally. The intractable tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the development and progression of HCC and is one of three major unresolved issues in clinical practice (cancer recurrence, fatal metastasis, and the refractory tumor microenvironment). Despite significant advances, improved molecular and cellular characterization of the tumor microenvironment is still required since it plays an important role in the genesis and progression of HCC. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the HCC immune microenvironment, distinct cellular constituents, current therapies, and potential immunotherapy methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kotsari
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Dimopoulou
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - John Koskinas
- B' Department of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Armakolas
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Wang X, Tian Y, Lin H, Cao X, Zhang Z. Curcumin induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by decreasing the expression of STAT3/VEGF/HIF-1α signaling. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220618. [PMID: 37333486 PMCID: PMC10276545 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Curcumin is the most abundant derivative of turmeric rhizome. Although studies have proved that curcumin could inhibit the growth of tumors, its specific molecular mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aims to systematically elaborate the mechanisms of curcumin against hepatocellular carcinoma. The anti-tumor effect of curcumin was determined by the cell viability test. Flow cytometry was applied to examine the cell cycle and the apoptosis of cancer cells, and the cancer cell migration was detected by wound healing experiments. The expressions of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in cancer cells were examined by immunostaining and analyzed by the Image J analysis system. After treatment with curcumin, the apoptosis ratio of HepG2 cells increased significantly (P < 0.05). The proliferation of cancer cells was arrested at the S-phase cell cycle, and the migration of cancer cells was inhibited by the increasing concentration of curcumin, together with the decreasing expressions of STAT3, VEGF, and HIF-1α signaling pathways. The results indicate that curcumin could effectively inhibit the growth and migration of hepatocarcinoma cells by inducing cancer cell apoptosis, blocking the cancer cell cycle in the S phase, and reducing the expression of STAT3, VEGF, and HIF-1α signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Wang
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Hypoxia Environment and Life Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, No. 6 Wenhui East Road, Weicheng District, Xianyang, 712082 Shaanxi, China
- Joint Laboratory for Research on Active Components and Pharmacological Mechanism of Tibetan, Materia Medica of Tibetan Medical Research Center of Tibet, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, 712082 Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Hypoxia Environment and Life Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, No. 6 Wenhui East Road, Weicheng District, Xianyang, 712082 Shaanxi, China
- Joint Laboratory for Research on Active Components and Pharmacological Mechanism of Tibetan, Materia Medica of Tibetan Medical Research Center of Tibet, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, 712082 Shaanxi, China
| | - Huanping Lin
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Hypoxia Environment and Life Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, No. 6 Wenhui East Road, Weicheng District, Xianyang, 712082 Shaanxi, China
- Joint Laboratory for Research on Active Components and Pharmacological Mechanism of Tibetan, Materia Medica of Tibetan Medical Research Center of Tibet, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, 712082 Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaolan Cao
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Hypoxia Environment and Life Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, No. 6 Wenhui East Road, Weicheng District, Xianyang, 712082 Shaanxi, China
- Joint Laboratory for Research on Active Components and Pharmacological Mechanism of Tibetan, Materia Medica of Tibetan Medical Research Center of Tibet, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, 712082 Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhendong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Hypoxia Environment and Life Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, No. 6 Wenhui East Road, Weicheng District, Xianyang, 712082 Shaanxi, China
- Joint Laboratory for Research on Active Components and Pharmacological Mechanism of Tibetan, Materia Medica of Tibetan Medical Research Center of Tibet, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, 712082 Shaanxi, China
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Waryah C, Alves E, Mazzieri R, Dolcetti R, Thompson EW, Redfern A, Blancafort P. Unpacking the Complexity of Epithelial Plasticity: From Master Regulator Transcription Factors to Non-Coding RNAs. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3152. [PMID: 37370762 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity in cancer enables adaptation to selective pressures and stress imposed by the tumor microenvironment. This plasticity facilitates the remodeling of cancer cell phenotype and function (such as tumor stemness, metastasis, chemo/radio resistance), and the reprogramming of the surrounding tumor microenvironment to enable immune evasion. Epithelial plasticity is one form of cellular plasticity, which is intrinsically linked with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Traditionally, EMT has been regarded as a binary state. Yet, increasing evidence suggests that EMT involves a spectrum of quasi-epithelial and quasi-mesenchymal phenotypes governed by complex interactions between cellular metabolism, transcriptome regulation, and epigenetic mechanisms. Herein, we review the complex cross-talk between the different layers of epithelial plasticity in cancer, encompassing the core layer of transcription factors, their interacting epigenetic modifiers and non-coding RNAs, and the manipulation of cancer immunogenicity in transitioning between epithelial and mesenchymal states. In examining these factors, we provide insights into promising therapeutic avenues and potential anti-cancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Waryah
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Eric Alves
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Roberta Mazzieri
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Andrew Redfern
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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Cui Q, Wang X, Zhang Y, Shen Y, Qian Y. Macrophage-Derived MMP-9 and MMP-2 are Closely Related to the Rupture of the Fibrous Capsule of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Leading to Tumor Invasion. Biol Proced Online 2023; 25:8. [PMID: 36918768 PMCID: PMC10012540 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-023-00196-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor with a poor clinical prognosis. Rupture of the fibrous capsule (FC) is a very important clinical phenomenon in the invasion and metastasis of HCC. FC is mainly composed of type I collagen (COL1A1). However, it is not clear what caused the FC rupture. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the rupture of FC in HCC patients was related to macrophage-derived MMP-9 and MMP-2, and their clinical diagnostic value for FC rupture. RESULTS By performing immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining of ruptured FC and intact FC, the results showed that the ruptured area of FC aggregated a large number of macrophages with MMP-9 and MMP-2. Western blot analysis and Quantitative real-time PCR were used to assess the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in the ruptured and relatively intact area of FC in ruptured FC patients, and the results revealed a significantly different expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2. ELISA experiments show that we could discriminate effectively between ruptured FC and intact FC by MMP-9 and MMP-2. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, macrophage-derived MMP-9 and MMP-2 were closely related to the rupture of the FC of HCC and subsequently led to the migration and invasion of the tumor cells through the ruptured area of FC to the para cancer. It is suggested that when performing surgical resection, it is necessary to expand the range of tumor resection for patients with ruptured FC and hence reduce the possibility of recurrence and metastasis in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanwei Cui
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 JiXi Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
| | - Xuben Wang
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yongwei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Anqing First People's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anqing, Anhui, 246004, China
| | - Yiqing Shen
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yeben Qian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 JiXi Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China.
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Okuyama K, Suzuki K, Yanamoto S. Relationship between Tumor Budding and Partial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041111. [PMID: 36831453 PMCID: PMC9953904 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor budding (TB), a microscopic finding in the stroma ahead of the invasive fronts of tumors, has been well investigated and reported as a prognostic marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial step in tumor progression and metastasis, and its status cannot be distinguished from TB. The current understanding of partial EMT (p-EMT), the so-called halfway step of EMT, focuses on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although this evidence has been investigated, the clinicopathological and biological relationship between TB and p-EMT remains debatable. At the invasion front, previous research suggested that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important for tumor progression, metastasis, p-EMT, and TB formation in the TME. Although there is biological evidence of TB drivers, no report has focused on their organized functional relationships. Understanding the mechanism of TB onset and the relationship between p-EMTs may facilitate the development of novel diagnostic and prognostic methods, and targeted therapies for the prevention of metastasis in epithelial cancer. Thus far, major pieces of evidence have been established from colorectal cancer (CRC), due to a large number of patients with the disease. Herein, we review the current understanding of p-EMT and TME dynamics and discuss the relationship between TB development and p-EMT, focusing on CAFs, hypoxia, tumor-associated macrophages, laminin-integrin crosstalk, membrane stiffness, enzymes, and viral infections in cancers, and clarify the gap of evidence between HNSCC and CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Okuyama
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, 1011 North University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, 1600 Huron Pathway, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
- Correspondence: or
| | - Keiji Suzuki
- Department of Radiation Medical Sciences, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Souichi Yanamoto
- Department of Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
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37
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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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38
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Guizhen Z, Guanchang J, Liwen L, Huifen W, Zhigang R, Ranran S, Zujiang Y. The tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma and its targeting strategy by CAR-T cell immunotherapy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:918869. [PMID: 36093115 PMCID: PMC9452721 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.918869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major subtype of liver cancer, which ranks sixth in cancer incidence and third in mortality. Although great strides have been made in novel therapy for HCC, such as immunotherapy, the prognosis remains less than satisfactory. Increasing evidence demonstrates that the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) exerts a significant role in the evolution of HCC and has a non-negligible impact on the efficacy of HCC treatment. In the past two decades, the success in hematological malignancies made by chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) cell therapy leveraging it holds great promise for cancer treatment. However, in the face of a hostile TME in solid tumors like HCC, the efficacy of CAR-T cells will be greatly compromised. Here, we provide an overview of TME features in HCC, discuss recent advances and challenges of CAR-T immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Guizhen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Presion Medicine Cencter Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ji Guanchang
- Department of Urology People’s Hospital of Puyang, Puyang, China
| | - Liu Liwen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Presion Medicine Cencter Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wang Huifen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Presion Medicine Cencter Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ren Zhigang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sun Ranran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Zujiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Presion Medicine Cencter Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
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39
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Dai W, Li Y, Sun W, Ji M, Bao R, Chen J, Xu S, Dai Y, Chen Y, Liu W, Ge C, Sun W, Mo W, Guo C, Xu X. Silencing of OGDHL promotes liver cancer metastasis by enhancing hypoxia inducible factor 1 α protein stability. Cancer Sci 2022; 114:1309-1323. [PMID: 36000493 PMCID: PMC10067421 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15540] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant diseases associated with a high rate of mortality. Frequent intrahepatic spread, extrahepatic metastasis, and tumor invasiveness are the main factors responsible for the poor prognosis of patients with HCC. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) has been verified to play a critical role in the metastasis of HCC. HIFs are also known to be modulated by small molecular metabolites, thus highlighting the need to understand the complexity of their cellular regulation in tumor metastasis. In this study, lower expression levels of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase-like (OGDHL) were strongly correlated with aggressive clinicopathologic characteristics, such as metastasis and invasion in three independent cohorts featuring a total of 281 postoperative HCC patients. The aberrant expression of OGDHL reduced cell invasiveness and migration in vitro and HCC metastasis in vivo, whereas the silencing of OGDHL promoted these processes in HCC cells. The pro-metastatic role of OGDHL downregulation is most likely attributed to its upregulation of HIF-1α transactivation activity and the protein stabilization by promoting the accumulation of L-2-HG to prevent the activity of HIF-1α prolyl hydroxylases, which subsequently causes an epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in HCC cells. These results demonstrate that OGDHL is a dominant factor that modulates the metastasis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueyue Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meng Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Renjun Bao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianqing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuqi Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhui Mo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanfu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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