1
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Brambillasca S, Cera MR, Andronache A, Dey SK, Fagá G, Fancelli D, Frittoli E, Pasi M, Robusto M, Varasi M, Scita G, Mercurio C. Novel selective inhibitors of macropinocytosis-dependent growth in pancreatic ductal carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116991. [PMID: 38906021 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116991] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Macropinocytosis is a cellular process that enables cells to engulf extracellular material, such as nutrients, growth factors, and even whole cells. It is involved in several physiological functions as well as pathological conditions. In cancer cells, macropinocytosis plays a crucial role in promoting tumor growth and survival under nutrient-limited conditions. In particular KRAS mutations have been identified as main drivers of macropinocytosis in pancreatic, breast, and non-small cell lung cancers. We performed a high-content screening to identify inhibitors of macropinocytosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-derived cells, aiming to prevent nutrient scavenging of PDAC tumors. The screening campaign was conducted in a well-known pancreatic KRAS-mutated cell line (MIAPaCa-2) cultured under nutrient deprivation and using FITC-dextran to precisely quantify macropinocytosis. We assembled a collection of 3584 small molecules, including drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), drug-like molecules against molecular targets, kinase-targeted compounds, and molecules designed to hamper protein-protein interactions. We identified 28 molecules that inhibited macropinocytosis, with potency ranging from 0.4 to 29.9 μM (EC50). A few of them interfered with other endocytic pathways, while 11 compounds did not and were therefore considered specific "bona fide" macropinocytosis inhibitors and further characterized. Four compounds (Ivermectin, Tyrphostin A9, LY2090314, and Pyrvinium Pamoate) selectively hampered nutrient scavenging in KRAS-mutated cancer cells. Their ability to impair albumin-dependent proliferation was replicated both in different 2D cell culture systems and 3D organotypic models. These findings provide a new set of compounds specifically targeting macropinocytosis, which could have therapeutic applications in cancer and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Brambillasca
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maria Rosaria Cera
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Adrian Andronache
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Sumit Kumar Dey
- IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Fagá
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Fancelli
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Pasi
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Robusto
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Varasi
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Scita
- IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Ciro Mercurio
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy.
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2
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Elhashani S, Glenn M, Raymant M, Schmid MC, Mielgo A. Expression of versican isoforms V0/V1 by pancreatic cancer associated fibroblasts increases fibroblast proliferation. Pancreatology 2024; 24:719-731. [PMID: 38719756 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2024.04.008] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Versican is a large extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycan with four isoforms V0-3. Elevated V0/V1 levels in breast cancer and glioma regulate cell migration and proliferation, but the role of versican in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the expression levels of versican isoforms, as well as their cellular source and interacting partners, in vivo, in human and mouse primary and metastatic PDAC tumours and in vitro, in pancreatic tumour cells and fibroblasts using immunostaining, confocal microscopy and qPCR techniques. We also investigated the effect of versican expression on fibroblast proliferation and migration using genetic and pharmacological approaches. RESULTS We found that versican V0/V1 is highly expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in mouse and human primary and metastatic PDAC tumours. Our data also show that exposing fibroblasts to tumour-conditioned media upregulates V0 and V1 expressions, while Verbascoside (a CD44 inhibitor) downregulates V0/V1 expression. Importantly, V0/V1 knockdown significantly inhibits fibroblast proliferation. Mechanistically, we found that inhibiting hyaluronan synthesis does not affect versican co-localisation with CD44 in fibroblasts. CONCLUSION CAFs express high levels of versican V0/V1 in primary and liver metastatic PDAC tumours and versican V0/V1 supports fibroblast proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufyan Elhashani
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Mark Glenn
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Meirion Raymant
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Michael C Schmid
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Ainhoa Mielgo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
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3
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Zhou Y, Ma Y, Sheng J, Ma Y, Ding J, Zhou W. Breaking Down Barriers in Drug Delivery by Stromal Remodeling Approaches in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Pharm 2024. [PMID: 39049481 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains a formidable challenge in oncology due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. The dense stroma surrounding pancreatic tumors not only provides structural support but also presents a formidable barrier to effective therapy, hindering drug penetration and immune cell infiltration. This review delves into the intricate interplay between stromal components and cancer cells, highlighting their impact on treatment resistance and prognosis. Strategies for stromal remodeling, including modulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) activation states, and targeting extracellular matrix (ECM) components, are examined for their potential to enhance drug penetration and improve therapeutic efficacy. Integration of stromal remodeling with conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, is discussed along with the emerging field of intelligent nanosystems for targeted drug delivery. This comprehensive overview underscores the importance of stromal remodeling in pancreatic cancer treatment and offers insights into promising avenues for future research and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yunxiao Ma
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jianwei Sheng
- China Quality Mark Certification (Shandong) Co., LTD, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Yiran Ma
- Hunan Bainianyiren Chinese Traditional Medical Institute Co., LTD, Changsha, Hunan 410221, China
| | - Jinsong Ding
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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4
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Valera PS, Henriques-Pereira M, Wagner M, Gaspar VM, Mano JF, Liz-Marzán LM. Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Monitoring of Tryptophan Dynamics in 3D Pancreatic Tumor Models. ACS Sens 2024. [PMID: 39038809 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c01210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
In the intricate landscape of the tumor microenvironment, both cancer and stromal cells undergo rapid metabolic adaptations to support their growth. Given the relevant role of the metabolic secretome in fueling tumor progression, its unique metabolic characteristics have gained prominence as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. As a result, rapid and accurate tools have been developed to track metabolic changes in the tumor microenvironment with high sensitivity and resolution. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a highly sensitive analytical technique and has been proven efficient toward the detection of metabolites in biological media. However, profiling secreted metabolites in complex cellular environments such as those in tumor-stroma 3D in vitro models remains challenging. To address this limitation, we employed a SERS-based strategy to investigate the metabolic secretome of pancreatic tumor models within 3D cultures. We aimed to monitor the immunosuppressive potential of stratified pancreatic cancer-stroma spheroids as compared to 3D cultures of either pancreatic cancer cells or cancer-associated fibroblasts, focusing on the metabolic conversion of tryptophan into kynurenine by the IDO-1 enzyme. We additionally sought to elucidate the dynamics of tryptophan consumption in correlation with the size, temporal evolution, and composition of the spheroids, as well as assessing the effects of different drugs targeting the IDO-1 machinery. As a result, we confirm that SERS can be a valuable tool toward the optimization of cancer spheroids, in connection with their tryptophan metabolizing capacity, potentially allowing high-throughput spheroid analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo S Valera
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain
- Departamento de Química Aplicada, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Universitatea (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Margarida Henriques-Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marita Wagner
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Departamento de Química Aplicada, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Universitatea (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- CIC nanoGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Vítor M Gaspar
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luis M Liz-Marzán
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
- Cinbio, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
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5
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Li X, Hou W, Xiao C, Yang H, Zhao C, Cao D. Panoramic tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00970-6. [PMID: 39008192 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00970-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is notorious for its resistance to various treatment modalities. The genetic heterogeneity of PDAC, coupled with the presence of a desmoplastic stroma within the tumor microenvironment (TME), contributes to an unfavorable prognosis. The mechanisms and consequences of interactions among different cell types, along with spatial variations influencing cellular function, potentially play a role in the pathogenesis of PDAC. Understanding the diverse compositions of the TME and elucidating the functions of microscopic neighborhoods may contribute to understanding the immune microenvironment status in pancreatic cancer. As we delve into the spatial biology of the microscopic neighborhoods within the TME, aiding in deciphering the factors that orchestrate this intricate ecosystem. This overview delineates the fundamental constituents and the structural arrangement of the PDAC microenvironment, highlighting their impact on cancer cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Li
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanting Hou
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoxin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China HospitaL, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Heqi Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengjian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China HospitaL, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Cao
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Carlomagno S, Setti C, Ortolani F, Sivori S. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma microenvironment: soluble factors and cancer associated fibroblasts as modulators of NK cell functions. Immunol Lett 2024:106898. [PMID: 39019404 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106898] [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: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most frequent pancreatic cancer and represents one of the most aggressive human neoplasms. Typically identified at advance stage disease, most PDAC tumors are unresectable and resistant to standard therapies. The immunosuppressive microenvironment in PDAC impedes tumor control but a greater understanding of the complex stromal interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the development of strategies capable of restoring antitumor effector immune responses could be crucial to fight this aggressive tumor and its spread. Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in cancer immunosurveillance and represent an attractive target for immunotherapies, both as cell therapy and as a pharmaceutical target. This review describes some crucial components of the PDAC TME (collagens, soluble factors and fibroblasts) that can influence the presence, phenotype and function of NK cells in PDAC patients tumor tissue. This focused overview highlights the therapeutic relevance of dissecting the complex stromal composition to define new strategies for NK cell-based immunotherapies to improve the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Medicine (DMED), Piazzale Kolbe 4 33100, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | - Chiara Setti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Via Leon Battista Alberti 2 16132, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Fulvia Ortolani
- Department of Medicine (DMED), Piazzale Kolbe 4 33100, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Via Leon Battista Alberti 2 16132, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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7
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Li JP, Liu YJ, Wang SS, Lu ZH, Ye QW, Zhou JY, Zou X, Chen YG. EBF1-COX4I2 signaling axis promotes a myofibroblast-like phenotype in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and is associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112666. [PMID: 39002521 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112666] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has limited response rates in colorectal cancer (CRC) due to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Combining transcriptome sequencing, clinical specimens, and functional experiments, we identified a unique group of CAF subpopulations (COX4I2 + ) with inhibited mitochondrial respiration and enhanced glycolysis. Through bioinformatics predictions and luciferase reporter assays, we determined that EBF1 can upstreamly regulate COX4I2 transcription. COX4I2 + CAFs functionally and phenotypically resemble myofibroblasts, are important for the formation of the fibrotic TME, and are capable of activating the M2 phenotype of macrophages. In vitro experiments demonstrated that COX4I2 + CAFs promote immunosuppressive TME by blocking CD8 + T cell infiltration and inducing CD8 + T cell dysfunction. Using multiple independent cohorts, we also found a strong correlation between the immunotherapy response rate of CRC patients and COX4I2 expression in their tumors. Our results identify a CAF subpopulation characterized by activation of the EBF1-COX4I2 axis, and this group of CAFs can be targeted to improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Pin Li
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Wang
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Qian-Wen Ye
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jin-Yong Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Xi Zou
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yu-Gen Chen
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
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8
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Chen Y, Kleeff J, Sunami Y. Pancreatic cancer cell- and cancer-associated fibroblast-derived exosomes in disease progression, metastasis, and therapy. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:253. [PMID: 38954230 PMCID: PMC11220035 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01111-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes play a crucial role in the progression and spread of pancreatic cancer, serving not only as promoters of tumor growth and organ-specific metastasis but also as promising biomarkers and targets for treatment. These nano vesicles enhance intercellular communication by transferring bioactive molecules, such as proteins and RNAs, between cells. This process significantly affects cancer cell dynamics, including their proliferation, migration, and invasion, while also contributing to drug resistance. Our review focuses on the crucial interactions between cancer cells and fibroblasts mediated by exosomes within the pancreatic cancer microenvironment. We delve into how exosomes from both cancer-associated fibroblasts and the cancer cells themselves drive tumor progression through various mechanisms, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition and facilitating metastasis to specific organs like the lungs and liver. The potential of leveraging exosomes for therapeutic interventions is also explored, highlighting the importance of understanding their role in cell communication as a step forward in developing more effective pancreatic cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Chen
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, University Medical Center Halle, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jörg Kleeff
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, University Medical Center Halle, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Yoshiaki Sunami
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, University Medical Center Halle, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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9
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Krenz B, Lee J, Kannan T, Eilers M. Immune evasion: An imperative and consequence of MYC deregulation. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38957016 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13695] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide range of human tumors and has been described for many years as a transcription factor that regulates genes with pleiotropic functions to promote tumorigenic growth. However, despite extensive efforts to identify specific target genes of MYC that alone could be responsible for promoting tumorigenesis, the field is yet to reach a consensus whether this is the crucial function of MYC. Recent work shifts the view on MYC's function from being a gene-specific transcription factor to an essential stress resilience factor. In highly proliferating cells, MYC preserves cell integrity by promoting DNA repair at core promoters, protecting stalled replication forks, and/or preventing transcription-replication conflicts. Furthermore, an increasing body of evidence demonstrates that MYC not only promotes tumorigenesis by driving cell-autonomous growth, but also enables tumors to evade the host's immune system. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of how MYC impairs antitumor immunity and why this function is evolutionarily hard-wired to the biology of the MYC protein family. We show why the cell-autonomous and immune evasive functions of MYC are mutually dependent and discuss ways to target MYC proteins in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Krenz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jongkuen Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Toshitha Kannan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Eilers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany
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10
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Ishii G. New insights into cancer pathology learned from the dynamics of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Pathol Int 2024. [PMID: 38923250 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13461] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Paget's "Seed and Soil" theory, proposed in 1889, emphasizes the importance of the microenvironment where cancer cells grow in metastatic sites. Over a century later, this concept remains a cornerstone in comprehending cancer biology and devising treatment strategies. The "Seed and Soil" theory, which initially explained how cancer spreads to distant organs, now also applies to the tumor microenvironment (TME) within primary tumors. This theory emphasizes the critical interaction between cancer cells ("seeds") and their surrounding environment ("soil") and how this interaction affects both tumor progression within the primary site and at metastatic sites. An important point to note is that the characteristics of the TME are not static but dynamic, undergoing substantial changes during tumor progression and after treatment with therapeutic drugs. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), recognized as the principal noncancerous cellular component within the TME, play multifaceted roles in tumor progression including promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and regulating immune responses. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the findings regarding how the dynamics of CAFs contribute to cancer progression and drug sensitivity. Understanding the dynamics of CAFs could provide new insights into cancer pathology and lead to important advancements in cancer research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genichiro Ishii
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
- Division of Innovative Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
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11
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Henon C, Vibert J, Eychenne T, Gruel N, Colmet-Daage L, Ngo C, Garrido M, Dorvault N, Marques Da Costa ME, Marty V, Signolle N, Marchais A, Herbel N, Kawai-Kawachi A, Lenormand M, Astier C, Chabanon R, Verret B, Bahleda R, Le Cesne A, Mechta-Grigoriou F, Faron M, Honoré C, Delattre O, Waterfall JJ, Watson S, Postel-Vinay S. Single-cell multiomics profiling reveals heterogeneous transcriptional programs and microenvironment in DSRCTs. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101582. [PMID: 38781959 PMCID: PMC11228554 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101582] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, aggressive sarcoma driven by the EWSR1::WT1 chimeric transcription factor. Despite this unique oncogenic driver, DSRCT displays a polyphenotypic differentiation of unknown causality. Using single-cell multi-omics on 12 samples from five patients, we find that DSRCT tumor cells cluster into consistent subpopulations with partially overlapping lineage- and metabolism-related transcriptional programs. In vitro modeling shows that high EWSR1::WT1 DNA-binding activity associates with most lineage-related states, in contrast to glycolytic and profibrotic states. Single-cell chromatin accessibility analysis suggests that EWSR1::WT1 binding site variability may drive distinct lineage-related transcriptional programs, supporting some level of cell-intrinsic plasticity. Spatial transcriptomics reveals that glycolytic and profibrotic states specifically localize within hypoxic niches at the periphery of tumor cell islets, suggesting an additional role of tumor cell-extrinsic microenvironmental cues. We finally identify a single-cell transcriptomics-derived epithelial signature associated with improved patient survival, highlighting the clinical relevance of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Henon
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Drug Development Department, DITEP, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Julien Vibert
- INSERM U830, Équipe labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France; INSERM U830, Integrative Functional Genomics of Cancer Lab, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Translational Research, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Eychenne
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Nadège Gruel
- INSERM U830, Équipe labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Translational Research, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Léo Colmet-Daage
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Carine Ngo
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France; Department of Pathology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Marlène Garrido
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Nicolas Dorvault
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Maria Eugenia Marques Da Costa
- INSERM U1015, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Virginie Marty
- Experimental and Translational Pathology Platform (PETRA), AMMICa, INSERM US23/UAR3655, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Nicolas Signolle
- Experimental and Translational Pathology Platform (PETRA), AMMICa, INSERM US23/UAR3655, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Antonin Marchais
- INSERM U1015, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Noé Herbel
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Asuka Kawai-Kawachi
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Madison Lenormand
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Clémence Astier
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Roman Chabanon
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Benjamin Verret
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Breast Cancer Translational Research Group, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Rastislav Bahleda
- Drug Development Department, DITEP, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Axel Le Cesne
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; International Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- INSERM U830, Equipe labellisée LNCC, Stress et Cancer, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Olivier Delattre
- INSERM U830, Équipe labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Joshua J Waterfall
- INSERM U830, Integrative Functional Genomics of Cancer Lab, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Translational Research, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Watson
- INSERM U830, Équipe labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Translational Research, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Postel-Vinay
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France; Drug Development Department, DITEP, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; University College of London, Cancer Institute, London, UK.
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12
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Farhangnia P, Khorramdelazad H, Nickho H, Delbandi AA. Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38835055 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Hungry for fat: Metabolic crosstalk with lipid-rich CAFs fuels pancreatic cancer. Cell Metab 2024; 36:1172-1174. [PMID: 38838639 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Some cancers prefer to metabolize lipids for their growth and metastasis. In a recent Cancer Cell study, Niu et al. revealed that SET domain containing 2, histone lysine methyltransferase (SETD2)-deficient pancreatic cancer cells induce the differentiation of lipid-laden cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which, in turn, transport lipids to promote tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, "Sotiria" Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
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14
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Zygmunt A, Gubernator J. Metabolism and structure of PDA as the target for new therapies: possibilities and limitations for nanotechnology. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:845-865. [PMID: 38899424 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2370492] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Certainly, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma poses one of the greatest challenges in current oncology. The dense extracellular matrix and low vessel density in PDA tumor impede the effective delivery of drugs, primarily due to the short pharmacokinetics of most drugs and potential electrostatic interactions with stroma components. AREA COVERED Owing to the distinctive metabolism of PDA and challenges in accessing nutrients, there is a growing interest in cell metabolism inhibitors as a potential means to inhibit cancer development. However, even if suitable combinations of inhibitors are identified, the question about their administration remains, as the same hindrances that impede effective treatment with conventional drugs will also hinder the delivery of inhibitors. Methods including nanotechnology to increase drugs in PDA penetrations are reviewed and discussed. EXPERT OPINION Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult tumors to treat due to the small number of blood vessels, high content of extracellular matrix, and specialized resistance mechanisms of tumor cells. One possible method of treating this tumor is the use of metabolic inhibitors in combinations that show synergy. Despite promising results in in vitro tests, their effect is uncertain due to the tumor's structure. In the case of pancreatic cancer, priming of the tumor tissue is required through the sequential administration of drugs that generate blood vessels, increase blood flow, and enhance vascular permeability and extracellular matrix. The use of drug carriers with a size of 10-30 nm may be crucial in the therapy of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Zygmunt
- Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Gubernator
- Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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15
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Zabransky DJ, Chhabra Y, Fane ME, Kartalia E, Leatherman JM, Hüser L, Zimmerman JW, Delitto D, Han S, Armstrong TD, Charmsaz S, Guinn S, Pramod S, Thompson ED, Hughes SJ, O'Connell J, Egan JM, Jaffee EM, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in the Aged Pancreas Drive Pancreatic Cancer Progression. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1221-1236. [PMID: 38330147 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-24-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is more prevalent in older individuals and often carries a poorer prognosis for them. The relationship between the microenvironment and pancreatic cancer is multifactorial, and age-related changes in nonmalignant cells in the tumor microenvironment may play a key role in promoting cancer aggressiveness. Because fibroblasts have profound impacts on pancreatic cancer progression, we investigated whether age-related changes in pancreatic fibroblasts influence cancer growth and metastasis. Proteomics analysis revealed that aged fibroblasts secrete different factors than young fibroblasts, including increased growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15). Treating young mice with GDF-15 enhanced tumor growth, whereas aged GDF-15 knockout mice showed reduced tumor growth. GDF-15 activated AKT, rendering tumors sensitive to AKT inhibition in an aged but not young microenvironment. These data provide evidence for how aging alters pancreatic fibroblasts and promotes tumor progression, providing potential therapeutic targets and avenues for studying pancreatic cancer while accounting for the effects of aging. SIGNIFICANCE Aged pancreatic fibroblasts secrete GDF-15 and activate AKT signaling to promote pancreatic cancer growth, highlighting the critical role of aging-mediated changes in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment in driving tumor progression. See related commentary by Isaacson et al., p. 1185.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Zabransky
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yash Chhabra
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mitchell E Fane
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Emma Kartalia
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - James M Leatherman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Laura Hüser
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jacquelyn W Zimmerman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel Delitto
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Song Han
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Todd D Armstrong
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Soren Charmsaz
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Samantha Guinn
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sneha Pramod
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth D Thompson
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Steven J Hughes
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jennifer O'Connell
- Diabetes Section/Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Josephine M Egan
- Diabetes Section/Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth M Jaffee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- The Johns Hopkins Cancer Convergence Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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16
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Ning L, Quan C, Wang Y, Wu Z, Yuan P, Xie N. scRNA-seq characterizing the heterogeneity of fibroblasts in breast cancer reveals a novel subtype SFRP4 + CAF that inhibits migration and predicts prognosis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1348299. [PMID: 38686196 PMCID: PMC11056562 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1348299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a diverse group of cells that significantly impact the tumor microenvironment and therapeutic responses in breast cancer (BC). Despite their importance, the comprehensive profile of CAFs in BC remains to be fully elucidated. Methods To address this gap, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to delineate the CAF landscape within 14 BC normal-tumor paired samples. We further corroborated our findings by analyzing several public datasets, thereby validating the newly identified CAF subtype. Additionally, we conducted coculture experiments with BC cells to assess the functional implications of this CAF subtype. Results Our scRNA-seq analysis unveiled eight distinct CAF subtypes across five tumor and six adjacent normal tissue samples. Notably, we discovered a novel subtype, designated as SFRP4+ CAFs, which was predominantly observed in normal tissues. The presence of SFRP4+ CAFs was substantiated by two independent scRNA-seq datasets and a spatial transcriptomics dataset. Functionally, SFRP4+ CAFs were found to impede BC cell migration and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by secreting SFRP4, thereby modulating the WNT signaling pathway. Furthermore, we established that elevated expression levels of SFRP4+ CAF markers correlate with improved survival outcomes in BC patients, yet paradoxically, they predict a diminished response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cases of triple-negative breast cancer. Conclusion This investigation sheds light on the heterogeneity of CAFs in BC and introduces a novel SFRP4+ CAF subtype that hinders BC cell migration. This discovery holds promise as a potential biomarker for refined prognostic assessment and therapeutic intervention in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lvwen Ning
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuntao Quan
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhijie Wu
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peixiu Yuan
- College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ni Xie
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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17
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Li Z, Mo F, Guo K, Ren S, Wang Y, Chen Y, Schwartz PB, Richmond N, Liu F, Ronnekleiv-Kelly SM, Hu Q. Nanodrug-bacteria conjugates-mediated oncogenic collagen depletion enhances immune checkpoint blockade therapy against pancreatic cancer. MED 2024; 5:348-367.e7. [PMID: 38521069 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.02.012] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cancer cells specifically produce abnormal oncogenic collagen to bind with integrin α3β1 receptor and activate the downstream focal adhesion kinase (FAK), protein kinase B (AKT), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Collectively, this promotes immunosuppression and tumor proliferation and restricts the response rate of clinical cancer immunotherapies. METHODS Here, by leveraging the hypoxia tropism and excellent motility of the probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (ECN), we developed nanodrug-bacteria conjugates to penetrate the extracellular matrix (ECM) and shuttle the surface-conjugated protein cages composed of collagenases and anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies to PDAC tumor parenchyma. FINDINGS We found the oncogenic collagen expression in human pancreatic cancer patients and demonstrated its interaction with integrin α3β1. We proved that reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the microenvironment of PDAC triggered collagenase release to degrade oncogenic collagen and block integrin α3β1-FAK signaling pathway, thus overcoming the immunosuppression and synergizing with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our study highlights the significance of oncogenic collagen in PDAC immunotherapy, and consequently, we developed a therapeutic strategy that can deplete oncogenic collagen to synergize with immune checkpoint blockade for enhanced PDAC treatment efficacy. FUNDING This work was supported by the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center Research Collaborative and Pancreas Cancer Research Task Force, UWCCC Transdisciplinary Cancer Immunology-Immunotherapy Pilot Project, and the start-up package from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (to Q.H.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoting Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Fanyi Mo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shuai Ren
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Patrick B Schwartz
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Nathaniel Richmond
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Fengyuan Liu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Sean M Ronnekleiv-Kelly
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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18
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Lu Q, Kou D, Lou S, Ashrafizadeh M, Aref AR, Canadas I, Tian Y, Niu X, Wang Y, Torabian P, Wang L, Sethi G, Tergaonkar V, Tay F, Yuan Z, Han P. Nanoparticles in tumor microenvironment remodeling and cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:16. [PMID: 38566199 PMCID: PMC10986145 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01535-8] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development have significantly improved the fight against cancers. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in the clinical delivery of immunomodulatory compounds. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising macrophages, fibroblasts, and immune cells, plays a crucial role in immune response modulation. Nanoparticles, engineered to reshape the TME, have shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy by facilitating targeted delivery and immune modulation. These nanoparticles can suppress fibroblast activation, promote M1 macrophage polarization, aid dendritic cell maturation, and encourage T cell infiltration. Biomimetic nanoparticles further enhance immunotherapy by increasing the internalization of immunomodulatory agents in immune cells such as dendritic cells. Moreover, exosomes, whether naturally secreted by cells in the body or bioengineered, have been explored to regulate the TME and immune-related cells to affect cancer immunotherapy. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, activated by pH, redox, and light conditions, exhibit the potential to accelerate immunotherapy. The co-application of nanoparticles with immune checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging strategy to boost anti-tumor immunity. With their ability to induce long-term immunity, nanoarchitectures are promising structures in vaccine development. This review underscores the critical role of nanoparticles in overcoming current challenges and driving the advancement of cancer immunotherapy and TME modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Dongquan Kou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Shenghan Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Israel Canadas
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yu Tian
- School of Public Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, USA
| | - Xiaojia Niu
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Pedram Torabian
- Cumming School of Medicine, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, 138673, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Franklin Tay
- The Graduate School, Augusta University, 30912, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Zhennan Yuan
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China.
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19
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Song X, Nihashi Y, Imai Y, Mori N, Kagaya N, Suenaga H, Shin-ya K, Yamamoto M, Setoyama D, Kunisaki Y, Kida YS. Collagen Lattice Model, Populated with Heterogeneous Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts, Facilitates Advanced Reconstruction of Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3740. [PMID: 38612551 PMCID: PMC11011612 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid-tumor malignancy. To enhance the treatment landscape of PDAC, a 3D model optimized for rigorous drug screening is essential. Within the PDAC tumor microenvironment, a dense stroma comprising a large extracellular matrix and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is well-known for its vital role in modulating tumor growth, cellular heterogeneity, bidirectional paracrine signaling, and chemoresistance. In this study, we employed a fibroblast-populated collagen lattice (FPCL) modeling approach that has the ability to replicate fibroblast contractility in the collagenous matrix to build dense stroma. This FPCL model allows CAF differentiation by facilitating multifaceted cell-cell interactions between cancer cells and CAFs, with the differentiation further influenced by mechanical forces and hypoxia carried within the 3D structure. Our FPCL models displayed hallmark features, including ductal gland structures and differentiated CAFs with spindle shapes. Through morphological explorations alongside in-depth transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling, we identified substantial molecular shifts from the nascent to mature model stages and potential metabolic biomarkers, such as proline. The initial pharmacological assays highlighted the effectiveness of our FPCL model in screening for improved therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, our PDAC modeling platform mirrors complex tumor microenvironmental dynamics and offers an unparalleled perspective for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Song
- Tsukuba Life Science Innovation Program (T-LSI), School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan;
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Yuma Nihashi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Yukiko Imai
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan;
| | - Nobuhito Mori
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Noritaka Kagaya
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Hikaru Suenaga
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Kazuo Shin-ya
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Masamichi Yamamoto
- Department of Research Promotion and Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Ki-shibe-Shimmachi, Suita 564-8565, Japan;
| | - Daiki Setoyama
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Yuya Kunisaki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Yasuyuki S. Kida
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
- School of Integrative & Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
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20
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Mun S, Lee HJ, Kim P. Rebuilding the microenvironment of primary tumors in humans: a focus on stroma. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:527-548. [PMID: 38443595 PMCID: PMC10984944 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01191-5] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional tumor models have critical shortcomings in that they lack the complexity of the human stroma. The heterogeneous stroma is a central compartment of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that must be addressed in cancer research and precision medicine. To fully model the human tumor stroma, the deconstruction and reconstruction of tumor tissues have been suggested as new approaches for in vitro tumor modeling. In this review, we summarize the heterogeneity of tumor-associated stromal cells and general deconstruction approaches used to isolate patient-specific stromal cells from tumor tissue; we also address the effect of the deconstruction procedure on the characteristics of primary cells. Finally, perspectives on the future of reconstructed tumor models are discussed, with an emphasis on the essential prerequisites for developing authentic humanized tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwon Mun
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Pilnam Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
- Institute for Health Science and Technology, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
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21
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Zhang Y, Chen Z, Shen Z, Qian D, Wang G, Wang X, Xi S, Wang X. ITGB6 promotes pancreatic fibrosis and aggravates the malignant process of pancreatic cancer via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03003-z. [PMID: 38418753 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Integrin β6 (ITGB6) is upregulated in multiple tumor types and elevated ITGB6 levels have been detected in patients with chronic pancreatitis. However, the role of ITGB6 in pancreatic fibrosis and cancer remains to be elucidated. In the present study, ITGB6 expression was assessed using western blotting and qRT-PCR. Besides, cell proliferation, cycling, migration, and invasion were evaluated using CCK-8, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assays, respectively. The expression of fibrosis and JAK2/STAT3 signaling markers was detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. Moreover, nude mice were subcutaneously injected with co-cultured cell suspensions to establish an in vivo model. The results showed that ITGB6 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and TGF-β-induced pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Inhibition of ITGB6 expression in PSCs resulted in clear inhibition of activated PSC proliferation, migration, and fibrogenesis. Additionally, reduced ITGB6 expression inhibits the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Interestingly, activators of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway reversed the effects of ITGB6 disruption on PSCs. Activated PSCs notably promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration of pancreatic cancer cells in a co-culture assay. In contrast, activated PSCs with low ITGB6 expression failed to significantly affect the malignancy of pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, in vivo results showed that interference with ITGB6 inhibited the activation of PSCs and promoted the development of pancreatic cancer. Silencing ITGB6 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and fibrosis-like effects of activated PSCs and indirectly inhibited the metastasis and malignant process of pancreatic cancer by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Therefore, ITGB6 is a potential candidate target for pancreatic cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
- Department of Emergency Surgery, The Lu'an Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, The Lu'an People's Hospital, Lu'an, Anhui, 237005, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No.2 Zheshan West Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengchao Shen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No.2 Zheshan West Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, People's Republic of China
| | - Daohai Qian
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No.2 Zheshan West Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, People's Republic of China
| | - Guannan Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No.2 Zheshan West Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No.2 Zheshan West Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shihang Xi
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No.2 Zheshan West Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No.2 Zheshan West Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Adem B, Bastos N, Ruivo CF, Sousa-Alves S, Dias C, Vieira PF, Batista IA, Cavadas B, Saur D, Machado JC, Cai D, Melo SA. Exosomes define a local and systemic communication network in healthy pancreas and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1496. [PMID: 38383468 PMCID: PMC10881969 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45753-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a lethal disease, requires a grasp of its biology for effective therapies. Exosomes, implicated in cancer, are poorly understood in living systems. Here we use the genetically engineered mouse model (ExoBow) to map the spatiotemporal distribution of exosomes from healthy and PDAC pancreas in vivo to determine their biological significance. We show that, within the PDAC microenvironment, cancer cells establish preferential communication routes through exosomes with cancer associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells. The latter being a conserved event in the healthy pancreas. Inhibiting exosomes secretion in both scenarios enhances angiogenesis, underscoring their contribution to vascularization and to cancer. Inter-organ communication is significantly increased in PDAC with specific organs as most frequent targets of exosomes communication occurring in health with the thymus, bone-marrow, brain, and intestines, and in PDAC with the kidneys, lungs and thymus. In sum, we find that exosomes mediate an organized intra- and inter- pancreas communication network with modulatory effects in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Adem
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Bastos
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolina F Ruivo
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Sousa-Alves
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolina Dias
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia F Vieira
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês A Batista
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Cavadas
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dieter Saur
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - José C Machado
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- P.CCC Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dawen Cai
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Biophysics, LS&A, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sonia A Melo
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- P.CCC Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal.
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23
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Wei X, Wu Y, Chen K, Wang L, Xu M. Embedded bioprinted multicellular spheroids modeling pancreatic cancer bioarchitecture towards advanced drug therapy. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1788-1797. [PMID: 38268422 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02913a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The desmoplastic bioarchitecture and microenvironment caused by fibroblasts have been confirmed to be closely related to the drug response behavior of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Despite the extensive progress in developing PDAC models as in vitro drug screening platforms, developing efficient and controllable approaches for the construction of physiologically relevant models remains challenging. In the current study, multicellular spheroid models that emulate pancreatic cancer bioarchitecture and the desmoplastic microenvironment are bioengineered. An extrusion-based embedded dot bioprinting strategy was established to fabricate PDAC spheroids in a one-step process. Cell-laden hydrogel beads were directly deposited into a methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) suspension bath to generate spherical multicellular aggregates (SMAs), which further progressed into dense spheroids through in situ self assembly. By modulating the printing parameters, SMAs, even from multiple cell components, could be manipulated with tunable size and flexible location, achieving tunable spheroid patterns within the hydrogel bath with reproducible morphological features. To demonstrate the feasibility of this printing strategy, we fabricated desmoplastic PDAC spheroids by printing SMAs consisting of tumor cells and fibroblasts within the GelMA matrix bath. The produced hybrid spheroids were further exposed to different concentrations of the drug gemcitabine to verify their potential for use in cell therapy. Beyond providing a robust and facile bioprinting system that enables desmoplastic PDAC bioarchitecture bioengineering, this work introduces an approach for the scalable, flexible and rapid fabrication of cell spheroids or multi-cell-type spheroid patterns as platforms for advanced drug therapy or disease mechanism exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Wei
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Information and 3D Bioprinting of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Yiwen Wu
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Keke Chen
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Information and 3D Bioprinting of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Information and 3D Bioprinting of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Mingen Xu
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Information and 3D Bioprinting of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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24
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Joseph AM, Al Aiyan A, Al-Ramadi B, Singh SK, Kishore U. Innate and adaptive immune-directed tumour microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1323198. [PMID: 38384463 PMCID: PMC10879611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1323198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most deadly and aggressive cancers in the world, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), typically manifests at an advanced stage. PDAC is becoming more common, and by the year 2030, it is expected to overtake lung cancer as the second greatest cause of cancer-related death. The poor prognosis can be attributed to a number of factors, including difficulties in early identification, a poor probability of curative radical resection, limited response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and its immunotherapy resistance. Furthermore, an extensive desmoplastic stroma that surrounds PDAC forms a mechanical barrier that prevents vascularization and promotes poor immune cell penetration. Phenotypic heterogeneity, drug resistance, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment are the main causes of PDAC aggressiveness. There is a complex and dynamic interaction between tumor cells in PDAC with stromal cells within the tumour immune microenvironment. The immune suppressive microenvironment that promotes PDAC aggressiveness is contributed by a range of cellular and humoral factors, which itself are modulated by the cancer. In this review, we describe the role of innate and adaptive immune cells, complex tumor microenvironment in PDAC, humoral factors, innate immune-mediated therapeutic advances, and recent clinical trials in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Mary Joseph
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Al Aiyan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Basel Al-Ramadi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shiv K. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Uday Kishore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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25
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Delle Cave D. Emerging Therapeutic Options in Pancreatic Cancer Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1929. [PMID: 38339207 PMCID: PMC10855952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a 5-year survival rate of <8% [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Delle Cave
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
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26
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Pramanik N, Gupta A, Ghanwatkar Y, Mahato RI. Recent advances in drug delivery and targeting for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. J Control Release 2024; 366:231-260. [PMID: 38171473 PMCID: PMC10922996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.053] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite significant treatment efforts, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the deadliest solid tumor, is still incurable in the preclinical stages due to multifacet stroma, dense desmoplasia, and immune regression. Additionally, tumor heterogeneity and metabolic changes are linked to low grade clinical translational outcomes, which has prompted the investigation of the mechanisms underlying chemoresistance and the creation of effective treatment approaches by selectively targeting genetic pathways. Since targeting upstream molecules in first-line oncogenic signaling pathways typically has little clinical impact, downstream signaling pathways have instead been targeted in both preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we discuss how the complexity of various tumor microenvironment (TME) components and the oncogenic signaling pathways that they are connected to actively contribute to the development and spread of PDAC, as well as the ways that recent therapeutic approaches have been targeted to restore it. We also illustrate how many endogenous stimuli-responsive linker-based nanocarriers have recently been developed for the specific targeting of distinct oncogenes and their downstream signaling cascades as well as their ongoing clinical trials. We also discuss the present challenges, prospects, and difficulties in the development of first-line oncogene-targeting medicines for the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilkamal Pramanik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Aditya Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Yashwardhan Ghanwatkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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27
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Kim S, Leem G, Choi J, Koh Y, Lee S, Nam SH, Kim JS, Park CH, Hwang HK, Min KI, Jo JH, Lee HS, Chung MJ, Park JY, Park SW, Song SY, Shin EC, Kang CM, Bang S, Park JE. Integrative analysis of spatial and single-cell transcriptome data from human pancreatic cancer reveals an intermediate cancer cell population associated with poor prognosis. Genome Med 2024; 16:20. [PMID: 38297291 PMCID: PMC10832111 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01287-7] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies using single-cell transcriptomic analysis have reported several distinct clusters of neoplastic epithelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment. However, their molecular characteristics and biological significance have not been clearly elucidated due to intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. METHODS We performed single-cell RNA sequencing using enriched non-immune cell populations from 17 pancreatic tumor tissues (16 pancreatic cancer and one high-grade dysplasia) and generated paired spatial transcriptomic data from seven patient samples. RESULTS We identified five distinct functional subclusters of pancreatic cancer cells and six distinct cancer-associated fibroblast subclusters. We deeply profiled their characteristics, and we found that these subclusters successfully deconvoluted most of the features suggested in bulk transcriptome analysis of pancreatic cancer. Among those subclusters, we identified a novel cancer cell subcluster, Ep_VGLL1, showing intermediate characteristics between the extremities of basal-like and classical dichotomy, despite its prognostic value. Molecular features of Ep_VGLL1 suggest its transitional properties between basal-like and classical subtypes, which is supported by spatial transcriptomic data. CONCLUSIONS This integrative analysis not only provides a comprehensive landscape of pancreatic cancer and fibroblast population, but also suggests a novel insight to the dynamic states of pancreatic cancer cells and unveils potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongryong Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Galam Leem
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Junjeong Choi
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongjun Koh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Suho Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hee Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hee Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Kyoung Hwang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Il Min
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Jo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Seung Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Jae Chung
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Youp Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Woo Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Young Song
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Moo Kang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seungmin Bang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Eun Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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Lyu SI, Johannsen J, Simon AG, Knipper K, Wuerdemann N, Sharma SJ, Thelen M, Hansen KK, Fretter C, Klasen C, Esser J, Suchan MC, Abing H, Zimmermann PH, Schultheis AM, Schloesser HA, Klussmann JP, Quaas A, Eckel HNC. Co-expression patterns of cancer associated fibroblast markers reveal distinct subgroups related to patient survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1337361. [PMID: 38328551 PMCID: PMC10847231 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1337361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is rapidly increasing in high income countries due to its association with persistent high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Recent scientific advances have highlighted the importance of the tumor microenvironment in OPSCC. In this study, including 216 OPSCC patients, we analyze the composition of four established markers of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the context of intratumoral CD8 T-cell infiltration. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for fibroblast activation protein (FAP), platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRb), periostin, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and CD8 were analyzed digitally and their association with survival, tumor- and patient characteristics was assessed. Results: Co-expression of CAF markers was frequent but not associated with HPV status. FAPhigh and PDGFRbhigh expression were associated with increased CD8 T-cell infiltration. Low expression of PDGFRb improved patient survival in female patients but not in male patients. We identified PDGFRblow periostinlow α-SMAlow status as an independent predictor of improved survival (hazard ratio 0.377, p = 0.006). Conclusion: These findings elucidate the co-expression of four established CAF markers in OPSCC and underscore their association with T-cell infiltration and patient survival. Future analyses of CAF subgroups in OPSCC may enable the development of individualized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Ir Lyu
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jannik Johannsen
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Adrian Georg Simon
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Karl Knipper
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nora Wuerdemann
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Shachi Jenny Sharma
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Thelen
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kevin Karl Hansen
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Caroline Fretter
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Charlotte Klasen
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Esser
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Malte Christian Suchan
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Helen Abing
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Philipp Heinrich Zimmermann
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anne Maria Schultheis
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans Anton Schloesser
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Peter Klussmann
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans Nikolaus Caspar Eckel
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Erreni M, Fumagalli MR, Zanini D, Candiello E, Tiberi G, Parente R, D’Anna R, Magrini E, Marchesi F, Cappello P, Doni A. Multiplexed Imaging Mass Cytometry Analysis in Preclinical Models of Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1389. [PMID: 38338669 PMCID: PMC10855072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031389] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers. PDAC is characterized by a complex tumor microenvironment (TME), that plays a pivotal role in disease progression and resistance to therapy. Investigating the spatial distribution and interaction of TME cells with the tumor is the basis for understanding the mechanisms underlying disease progression and represents a current challenge in PDAC research. Imaging mass cytometry (IMC) is the major multiplex imaging technology for the spatial analysis of tumor heterogeneity. However, there is a dearth of reports of multiplexed IMC panels for different preclinical mouse models, including pancreatic cancer. We addressed this gap by utilizing two preclinical models of PDAC: the genetically engineered, bearing KRAS-TP53 mutations in pancreatic cells, and the orthotopic, and developed a 28-marker panel for single-cell IMC analysis to assess the abundance, distribution and phenotypes of cells involved in PDAC progression and their reciprocal functional interactions. Herein, we provide an unprecedented definition of the distribution of TME cells in PDAC and compare the diversity between transplanted and genetic disease models. The results obtained represent an important and customizable tool for unraveling the complexities of PDAC and deciphering the mechanisms behind therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Erreni
- Unit of Multiscale and Nanostructural Imaging, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital -, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Fumagalli
- Unit of Multiscale and Nanostructural Imaging, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital -, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Damiano Zanini
- Unit of Multiscale and Nanostructural Imaging, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital -, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ermes Candiello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44b, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgia Tiberi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44b, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Raffaella Parente
- Unit of Multiscale and Nanostructural Imaging, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital -, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella D’Anna
- Unit of Multiscale and Nanostructural Imaging, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital -, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Magrini
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital -, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Marchesi
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital -, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Cappello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44b, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Doni
- Unit of Multiscale and Nanostructural Imaging, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital -, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Raufi AG, Pellicciotta I, Palermo CF, Sastra SA, Chen A, Alouani E, Maurer HC, May M, Iuga A, Rabadan R, Olive KP, Manji GA. Cytotoxic chemotherapy potentiates the immune response and efficacy of combination CXCR4/PD-1 inhibition in models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.24.573257. [PMID: 38234792 PMCID: PMC10793393 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.24.573257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Purpose The CXCL12-CXCR4 chemokine axis plays a significant role in modulating T-cell infiltration into the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Despite promising preclinical findings, clinical trials combining inhibitors of CXCR4 (AMD3100/BL-8040) and anti-programmed death 1/ligand1 (anti-PD1/PD-L1) have failed to improve outcomes. Experimental Design We utilized a novel ex vivo autologous patient-derived immune/organoid (PDIO) co-culture system using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and patient derived tumor organoids, and in vivo the autochthonous LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-Trp53R172H/+; Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) pancreatic cancer mouse model to interrogate the effects of either monotherapy or all combinations of gemcitabine, AMD3100, and anit-PD1 on CD8+ T cell activation and survival. Results We demonstrate that disruption of the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis using AMD3100 leads to increased migration and activation of CD8+ T-cells. In addition, when combined with the cytotoxic chemotherapy gemcitabine, CXCR4 inhibition further potentiated CD8+ T-cell activation. We next tested the combination of gemcitabine, CXCR4 inhibition, and anti-PD1 in the KPC pancreatic cancer mouse model and demonstrate that this combination markedly impacted the tumor immune microenvironment by increasing infiltration of natural killer cells, the ratio of CD8+ to regulatory T-cells, and tumor cell death while decreasing tumor cell proliferation. Moreover, this combination extended survival in KPC mice. Conclusions These findings suggest that combining gemcitabine with CXCR4 inhibiting agents and anti-PD1 therapy controls tumor growth by reducing immunosuppression and potentiating immune cell activation and therefore may represent a novel approach to treating pancreatic cancer.
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Schoumacher C, Derangère V, Gaudillière-Le Dain G, Huppe T, Rageot D, Ilie A, Vienot A, Borg C, Monnien F, Bibeau F, Truntzer C, Ghiringhelli F. CD3-CD8 immune score associated with a clinical score stratifies PDAC prognosis regardless of adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2023; 13:2294563. [PMID: 38169969 PMCID: PMC10761164 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2294563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Stratification of the prognosis of pancreatic cancer (PDAC) patients treated by surgery is based solely on clinical variables, such as tumor stage and node status. The development of biomarkers of relapse is needed, especially to drive administration of adjuvant therapy in this at-risk population. Our study evaluates the prognostic performance of a CD3- and CD8-based immune score. CD3, CD8 and Foxp3 expression were evaluated on whole slides in two retrospective PDAC cohorts totaling 334 patients. For this study, we developed an immune score to estimate CD3 and CD8 infiltration in both tumor core and invasive margin using computer-guided analysis with QuPath software. Variables were combined in a dichotomous immune score. The association between immune and clinical scores, and both PFS and OS was investigated. We observed that a dichotomous immune score predicts both PFS and OS of localized PDAC. By univariate and multivariate analysis, immune score, tumor grade, adjuvant therapy, lymph node status, and adjuvant chemotherapy administration were associated with PFS and OS. We subsequently associated the PDAC immune score and clinical variables in a combined score. This combined score predicted patient outcomes independently of adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment, and improved patient prognostic prediction compared to clinical variables or immune score alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Schoumacher
- Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France
| | - Valentin Derangère
- Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France
- INSERM LNC-UMR1231 Research Center, TIRECS Team, Dijon, France
| | | | - Titouan Huppe
- Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France
| | - David Rageot
- Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France
- INSERM LNC-UMR1231 Research Center, TIRECS Team, Dijon, France
| | - Alis Ilie
- Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France
| | | | - Christophe Borg
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France
| | | | | | - Caroline Truntzer
- Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France
- INSERM LNC-UMR1231 Research Center, TIRECS Team, Dijon, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France
- INSERM LNC-UMR1231 Research Center, TIRECS Team, Dijon, France
- Genetic and Immunology Medical Institute, GIMI, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France
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32
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Rogers S, Charles A, Thomas RM. The Prospect of Harnessing the Microbiome to Improve Immunotherapeutic Response in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5708. [PMID: 38136254 PMCID: PMC10741649 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (PDAC) is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States by 2030. Patients are often diagnosed with advanced disease, which explains the dismal 5-year median overall survival rate of ~12%. Immunotherapy has been successful in improving outcomes in the past decade for a variety of malignancies, including gastrointestinal cancers. However, PDAC is historically an immunologically "cold" tumor, one with an immunosuppressive environment and with restricted entry of immune cells that have limited the success of immunotherapy in these tumors. The microbiome, the intricate community of microorganisms present on and within humans, has been shown to contribute to many cancers, including PDAC. Recently, its role in tumor immunology and response to immunotherapy has generated much interest. Herein, the current state of the interaction of the microbiome and immunotherapy in PDAC is discussed with a focus on needed areas of study in order to harness the immune system to combat pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherise Rogers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Angel Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Ryan M. Thomas
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
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33
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Bantug GR, Hess C. The immunometabolic ecosystem in cancer. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:2008-2020. [PMID: 38012409 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01675-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Our increased understanding of how key metabolic pathways are activated and regulated in malignant cells has identified metabolic vulnerabilities of cancers. Translating this insight to the clinics, however, has proved challenging. Roadblocks limiting efficacy of drugs targeting cancer metabolism may lie in the nature of the metabolic ecosystem of tumors. The exchange of metabolites and growth factors between cancer cells and nonmalignant tumor-resident cells is essential for tumor growth and evolution, as well as the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In this Review, we will examine the metabolic interplay between tumor-resident cells and how targeted inhibition of specific metabolic enzymes in malignant cells could elicit pro-tumorigenic effects in non-transformed tumor-resident cells and inhibit the function of tumor-specific T cells. To improve the efficacy of metabolism-targeted anticancer strategies, a holistic approach that considers the effect of metabolic inhibitors on major tumor-resident cell populations is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn R Bantug
- Department of Biomedicine, Immunobiology, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Christoph Hess
- Department of Biomedicine, Immunobiology, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Medicine, CITIID, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Al-Bzour NN, Al-Bzour AN, Ababneh OE, Al-Jezawi MM, Saeed A, Saeed A. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Unveiling Their Dynamic Roles in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16505. [PMID: 38003695 PMCID: PMC10671196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216505] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers are highly aggressive malignancies with significant mortality rates. Recent research emphasizes the critical role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in these cancers, which includes cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a key component of the TME that have diverse origins, including fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and endothelial cells. Several markers, such as α-SMA and FAP, have been identified to label CAFs, and some specific markers may serve as potential therapeutic targets. In this review article, we summarize the literature on the multifaceted role of CAFs in tumor progression, including their effects on angiogenesis, immune suppression, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, we highlight the use of single-cell transcriptomics to understand CAF heterogeneity and their interactions within the TME. Moreover, we discuss the dynamic interplay between CAFs and the immune system, which contributes to immunosuppression in the TME, and the potential for CAF-targeted therapies and combination approaches with immunotherapy to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor N. Al-Bzour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (N.N.A.-B.); (A.N.A.-B.)
| | - Ayah N. Al-Bzour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (N.N.A.-B.); (A.N.A.-B.)
| | - Obada E. Ababneh
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (O.E.A.); (M.M.A.-J.)
| | - Moayad M. Al-Jezawi
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (O.E.A.); (M.M.A.-J.)
| | - Azhar Saeed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT 05401, USA;
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (N.N.A.-B.); (A.N.A.-B.)
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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35
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Choi Y, Jung K. Normalization of the tumor microenvironment by harnessing vascular and immune modulation to achieve enhanced cancer therapy. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2308-2319. [PMID: 37907742 PMCID: PMC10689787 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01114-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors are complex entities that actively shape their microenvironment to create a supportive environment for their own growth. Angiogenesis and immune suppression are two key characteristics of this tumor microenvironment. Despite attempts to deplete tumor blood vessels using antiangiogenic drugs, extensive vessel pruning has shown limited efficacy. Instead, a targeted approach involving the judicious use of drugs at specific time points can normalize the function and structure of tumor vessels, leading to improved outcomes when combined with other anticancer therapies. Additionally, normalizing the immune microenvironment by suppressing immunosuppressive cells and activating immunostimulatory cells has shown promise in suppressing tumor growth and improving overall survival. Based on these findings, many studies have been conducted to normalize each component of the tumor microenvironment, leading to the development of a variety of strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the concepts of vascular and immune normalization and discuss some of the strategies employed to achieve these goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yechan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Keehoon Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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Liu J, Wu W, Zhu Q, Zhu H. Hydrogel-Based Therapeutics for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2421. [PMID: 37896181 PMCID: PMC10610350 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide, is characteristic of the tumor microenvironments (TME) comprising numerous fibroblasts and immunosuppressive cells. Conventional therapies for PDAC are often restricted by limited drug delivery efficiency, immunosuppressive TME, and adverse effects. Thus, effective and safe therapeutics are urgently required for PDAC treatment. In recent years, hydrogels, with their excellent biocompatibility, high drug load capacity, and sustainable release profiles, have been developed as effective drug-delivery systems, offering potential therapeutic options for PDAC. This review summarizes the distinctive features of the immunosuppressive TME of PDAC and discusses the application of hydrogel-based therapies in PDAC, with a focus on how these hydrogels remodel the TME and deliver different types of cargoes in a controlled manner. Furthermore, we also discuss potential drug candidates and the challenges and prospects for hydrogel-based therapeutics for PDAC. By providing a comprehensive overview of hydrogel-based therapeutics for PDAC treatment, this review seeks to serve as a reference for researchers and clinicians involved in developing therapeutic strategies targeting the PDAC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlu Liu
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (J.L.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Wenbi Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Qing Zhu
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (J.L.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Hong Zhu
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (J.L.); (Q.Z.)
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37
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Mun K, Han J, Roh P, Park J, Kim G, Hur W, Jang J, Choi J, Yoon S, You Y, Choi H, Sung P. Isolation and characterization of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2023; 23:341-349. [PMID: 37488925 PMCID: PMC10565539 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2023.04.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an immunosuppressive role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of human cancers; however, their characteristics and role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain to be elucidated. METHODS Nine tumor and surrounding liver tissue samples from patients with HCC who underwent surgery were used to isolate patient-derived CAFs. Cell morphology was observed using an optical microscope after culture, and cell phenotypes were evaluated using flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Cytokines secreted by CAFs into culture medium were quantified using a multiplex cytokine assay. RESULTS CAFs were abundant in the TME of HCC and were adjacent to immune cells. After culture, the CAFs and non-tumor fibroblasts exhibited spindle shapes. We observed a robust expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and fibroblast activation protein in CAFs, whereas alpha-fetoprotein, epithelial cell adhesion molecule, platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-cadherin were not expressed in CAFs. Furthermore, CAFs showed high secretion of various cytokines, namely C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2. CONCLUSIONS CAFs are abundant in the TME of HCC and play a crucial role in tumor progression. These fibroblasts secrete cytokines that promote tumor growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoungdo Mun
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiwon Han
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pureun Roh
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jonggeun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gahee Kim
- Division of Chronic Viral Disease Research, Center for Emerging Virus Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Division of Chronic Viral Disease Research, Center for Emerging Virus Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jeongwon Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongyoung Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seungkew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youngkyoung You
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hojoong Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pilsoo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Giansante V, Stati G, Sancilio S, Guerra E, Alberti S, Di Pietro R. The Dual Role of Necroptosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12633. [PMID: 37628814 PMCID: PMC10454309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612633] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related death. PC incidence has continued to increase by about 1% each year in both men and women. Although the 5-year relative survival rate of PC has increased from 3% to 12%, it is still the lowest among cancers. Hence, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Challenges in PC-targeted therapeutic strategies stem from the high PC heterogeneity and from the poorly understood interplay between cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment. Signaling pathways that drive PC cell growth have been the subject of intense scrutiny and interest has been attracted by necroptosis, a distinct type of programmed cell death. In this review, we provide a historical background on necroptosis and a detailed analysis of the ongoing debate on the role of necroptosis in PC malignant progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Giansante
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Section of Biomorphology, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Stati
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Section of Biomorphology, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Silvia Sancilio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Section of Biomorphology, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Emanuela Guerra
- Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, Center for Advanced Studies and Technologies (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Saverio Alberti
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Di Pietro
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Section of Biomorphology, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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Henderson EA, Lukomski S, Boone BA. Emerging applications of cancer bacteriotherapy towards treatment of pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1217095. [PMID: 37588093 PMCID: PMC10425600 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1217095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive form of cancer with a five-year survival rate of only ten percent. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for ninety percent of those cases. PDAC is associated with a dense stroma that confers resistance to current treatment modalities. Increasing resistance to cancer treatments poses a challenge and a need for alternative therapies. Bacterial mediated cancer therapies were proposed in the late 1800s by Dr. William Coley when he injected osteosarcoma patients with live streptococci or a fabrication of heat-killed Streptococcus pyogenes and Serratia marcescens known as Coley's toxin. Since then, several bacteria have gained recognition for possible roles in potentiating treatment response, enhancing anti-tumor immunity, and alleviating adverse effects to standard treatment options. This review highlights key bacterial mechanisms and structures that promote anti-tumor immunity, challenges and risks associated with bacterial mediated cancer therapies, and applications and opportunities for use in PDAC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Henderson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Slawomir Lukomski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Brian A. Boone
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
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40
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Nihashi Y, Song X, Yamamoto M, Setoyama D, Kida YS. Decoding Metabolic Symbiosis between Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Using Cultured Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11015. [PMID: 37446193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis, largely due to its unique tumor microenvironment (TME) and dense fibrotic stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis, contributing to the metabolic adaptation of PDAC cells. However, the metabolic interactions between PDAC cells and CAFs are not well-understood. In this study, an in vitro co-culture model was used to investigate these metabolic interactions. Metabolomic analysis was performed under monoculture conditions of Capan-1 PDAC cells and CAF precursor cells, as well as co-culture conditions of PDAC cells and differentiated inflammatory CAF (iCAF). Co-cultured Capan-1 cells displayed significant metabolic changes, such as increased 2-oxoglutaric acid and lauric acid and decreased amino acids. The metabolic profiles of co-cultured Capan-1 and CAFs revealed differences in intracellular metabolites. Analysis of extracellular metabolites in the culture supernatant showed distinct differences between Capan-1 and CAF precursors, with the co-culture supernatant exhibiting the most significant changes. A comparison of the culture supernatants of Capan-1 and CAF precursors revealed different metabolic processes while co-culturing the two cell types demonstrated potential metabolic interactions. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of metabolic interactions between cancer cells and CAFs in tumor progression and highlights the role of TME in metabolic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Nihashi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Xiaoyu Song
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
- Tsukuba Life Science Innovation Program (T-LSI), School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
| | - Masamichi Yamamoto
- Department of Research Promotion and Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Kishibe-Shimmachi, Suita 564-8565, Japan
| | - Daiki Setoyama
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki S Kida
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
- School of Integrative & Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
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Tsunedomi R, Shindo Y, Nakajima M, Yoshimura K, Nagano H. The tumor immune microenvironment in pancreatic cancer and its potential in the identification of immunotherapy biomarkers. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:1121-1134. [PMID: 37947389 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2281482] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer (PC) has an extremely poor prognosis, even with surgical resection and triplet chemotherapy treatment. Cancer immunotherapy has been recently approved for tumor-agnostic treatment with genome analysis, including in PC. However, it has limited efficacy. AREAS COVERED In addition to the low tumor mutation burden, one of the difficulties of immunotherapy in PC is the presence of abundant stromal cells in its microenvironment. Among stromal cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a major role in immunotherapy resistance, and CAF-targeted therapies are currently under development, including those in combination with immunotherapies. Meanwhile, microbiomes and tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) have been shown to alter the behavior of distant receptor cells in PC. This review discusses the role of CAFs, microbiomes, and TDEs in PC tumor immunity. EXPERT OPINION Elucidating the mechanisms by which CAFs, microbiomes, and TDEs are involved in the tumorigenesis of PC will be helpful for developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies and identifying companion biomarkers for immunotherapy. Spatial single-cell analysis of the tumor microenvironment will be useful for identifying biomarkers of PC immunity. Furthermore, given the complexity of immune mechanisms, artificial intelligence models will be beneficial for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryouichi Tsunedomi
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yoshitaro Shindo
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masao Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Yoshimura
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Research Institute for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Showa University, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagano
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Mercanti L, Sindaco M, Mazzone M, Di Marcantonio MC, Piscione M, Muraro R, Mincione G. PDAC, the Influencer Cancer: Cross-Talk with Tumor Microenvironment and Connected Potential Therapy Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112923. [PMID: 37296886 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the leading causes of death by cancer in the world. What makes this pathological condition particularly lethal is a combination of clinical and molecular heterogeneity, lack of early diagnostic indexes, and underwhelming results from current therapeutic protocols. A major cause of PDAC chemoresistance seems to lie in the ability of cancer cells to spread out and fill the pancreatic parenchyma, exchanging nutrients, substrates, and even genetic material with cells from the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Several components can be found in the TME ultrastructure, including collagen fibers, cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, and lymphocytes. Cross-talk between PDAC and TME cells results in the latter being converted into cancer-favoring phenotypes; this behavior could be compared to an influencer guiding followers into supporting his activity. Moreover, TME could be a potential target for some of the newest therapeutic strategies; these include the use of pegvorhyaluronidase-α and CAR-T lymphocytes against HER2, FAP, CEA, MLSN, PSCA, and CD133. Other experimental therapy options are being currently studied, aiming to interfere with the KRAS pathway, DNA-repairing proteins, and apoptosis resistance in PDAC cells. Hopefully these new approaches will grant better clinical outcomes in future patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mercanti
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Sindaco
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mariangela Mazzone
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Di Marcantonio
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Muraro
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gabriella Mincione
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Sun S, Zhang Y, Li Y, Wei L. Crosstalk between colorectal cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment mediated by exosomal noncoding RNAs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1161628. [PMID: 37234178 PMCID: PMC10206140 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1161628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system, and its morbidity rates are increasing worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as part of the tumor microenvironment (TME), are not only closely linked to normal fibroblasts, but also can secrete a variety of substances (including exosomes) to participate in the regulation of the TME. Exosomes can play a key role in intercellular communication by delivering intracellular signaling substances (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, non-coding RNAs), and an increasing number of studies have shown that non-coding RNAs of exosomal origin from CAFs are not only closely associated with the formation of the CRC microenvironment, but also increase the ability of CRC to grow in metastasis, mediate tumor immunosuppression, and are involved in the mechanism of drug resistance in CRC patients receiving. It is also involved in the mechanism of drug resistance after radiotherapy in CRC patients. In this paper, we review the current status and progress of research on CAFs-derived exosomal non-coding RNAs in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Linlin Wei
- Department of Radiotherapy, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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44
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Constantin AM, Mihu CM, Boşca AB, Melincovici CS, Mărginean MV, Jianu EM, Onofrei MM, Micu CM, Alexandru BC, Sufleţel RT, Moldovan IM, Coneac A, Crintea A, Ştefan RA, Ştefan PA, Djouini A, Şovrea AS. Short histological kaleidoscope - recent findings in histology. Part III. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MORPHOLOGIE ET EMBRYOLOGIE 2023; 64:115-133. [PMID: 37518868 PMCID: PMC10520383 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.64.2.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The paper provides an overview of the current understanding of different cells' biology (e.g., keratinocytes, Paneth cells, myoepithelial cells, myofibroblasts, chondroclasts, monocytes, atrial cardiomyocytes), including their origin, structure, function, and role in disease pathogenesis, and of the latest findings in the medical literature concerning the brown adipose tissue and the juxtaoral organ of Chievitz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie Constantin
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Knipper K, Damanakis AI, Zhao Y, Bruns CJ, Schmidt T, Popp FC, Quaas A, Lyu SI. Specific Subtypes of Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts Are Correlated with Worse Survival in Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072049. [PMID: 37046710 PMCID: PMC10093167 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancer entities. Effective therapy options are still lacking. The tumor microenvironment possibly bears further treatment possibilities. This study aimed to describe the expression patterns of four established carcinoma-associated fibroblast (CAFs) markers and their correlation in PDAC tissue samples. METHODS This project included 321 patients with PDAC who underwent surgery with a curative intent in one of the PANCALYZE study centers. Immunohistochemical stainings for FAP, PDGFR, periostin, and SMA were performed. The expression patterns of each marker were divided into low- and high-expressing CAFs and correlated with patients' survival. RESULTS Tumors showing SMAhigh-, PeriostinhighSMAhigh-, or PeriostinhighSMAlowPDGFRlowFAPhigh-positive CAFs demonstrated significantly worse survival. Additionally, a high expression of SMA in PDAC tissue samples was shown to be an independent risk factor for worse survival. CONCLUSION This project identified three subgroups of PDAC with different expression patterns of CAF markers which showed significantly worse survival. This could be the base for the further characterization of the fibroblast subgroups in PDAC and contribute to the development of new targeted therapy options against CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Knipper
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander I Damanakis
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Felix C Popp
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Su Ir Lyu
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
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Asawa S, Nüesch M, Gvozdenovic A, Aceto N. Circulating tumour cells in gastrointestinal cancers: food for thought? Br J Cancer 2023; 128:1981-1990. [PMID: 36932192 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02228-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for 35% of cancer-related deaths, predominantly due to their ability to spread and generate drug-tolerant metastases. Arising from different locations in the GI system, the majority of metastatic GI malignancies colonise the liver and the lungs. In this context, circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are playing a critical role in the formation of new metastases, and their presence in the blood of patients has been correlated with a poor outcome. In addition to their prognostic utility, prospective targeting of CTCs may represent a novel, yet ambitious strategy in the fight against metastasis. A better understanding of CTC biology, mechanistic underpinnings and weaknesses may facilitate the development of previously underappreciated anti-metastasis approaches. Here, along with related clinical studies, we outline a selection of the literature describing biological features of CTCs with an impact on their metastasis forming ability in different GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Asawa
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Nüesch
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Gvozdenovic
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland.
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Kung H, Yu J. Targeted therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Mechanisms and clinical study. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e216. [PMID: 36814688 PMCID: PMC9939368 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive and lethal malignancy with a high rate of recurrence and a dismal 5-year survival rate. Contributing to the poor prognosis of PDAC is the lack of early detection, a complex network of signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms, a dense and desmoplastic stroma, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. A recent shift toward a neoadjuvant approach to treating PDAC has been sparked by the numerous benefits neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has to offer compared with upfront surgery. However, certain aspects of NAT against PDAC, including the optimal regimen, the use of radiotherapy, and the selection of patients that would benefit from NAT, have yet to be fully elucidated. This review describes the major signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC initiation and progression in addition to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of PDAC. We then review current guidelines, ongoing research, and future research directions on the use of NAT based on randomized clinical trials and other studies. Finally, the current use of and research regarding targeted therapy for PDAC are examined. This review bridges the molecular understanding of PDAC with its clinical significance, development of novel therapies, and shifting directions in treatment paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng‐Chung Kung
- Krieger School of Arts and SciencesJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Jun Yu
- Departments of Medicine and OncologyJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Diversity Shapes Tumor Metabolism in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010061. [PMID: 36612058 PMCID: PMC9817728 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research, the 5-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer (PDAC) patients remains at only 9%. Patients often show poor treatment response, due partly to a highly complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) heterogeneity is characteristic of the pancreatic TME, where several CAF subpopulations have been identified, such as myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs), and antigen presenting CAFs (apCAFs). In PDAC, cancer cells continuously adapt their metabolism (metabolic switch) to environmental changes in pH, oxygenation, and nutrient availability. Recent advances show that these environmental alterations are all heavily driven by stromal CAFs. CAFs and cancer cells exchange cytokines and metabolites, engaging in a tight bidirectional crosstalk, which promotes tumor aggressiveness and allows constant adaptation to external stress, such as chemotherapy. In this review, we summarize CAF diversity and CAF-mediated metabolic rewiring, in a PDAC-specific context. First, we recapitulate the most recently identified CAF subtypes, focusing on the cell of origin, activation mechanism, species-dependent markers, and functions. Next, we describe in detail the metabolic crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells. Additionally, we elucidate how CAF-driven paracrine signaling, desmoplasia, and acidosis orchestrate cancer cell metabolism. Finally, we highlight how the CAF/cancer cell crosstalk could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.
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Complement and Fungal Dysbiosis as Prognostic Markers and Potential Targets in PDAC Treatment. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:9833-9854. [PMID: 36547187 PMCID: PMC9777542 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29120773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still hampered by a dismal prognosis. A better understanding of the tumor microenvironment within the pancreas and of the factors affecting its composition is of utmost importance for developing new diagnostic and treatment tools. In this context, the complement system plays a prominent role. Not only has it been shown to shape a T cell-mediated immune response, but it also directly affects proliferation and apoptosis of the tumor cells, influencing angiogenesis, metastatic spread and therapeutic resistance. This makes complement proteins appealing not only as early biomarkers of PDAC development, but also as therapeutic targets. Fungal dysbiosis is currently the new kid on the block in tumorigenesis with cancer-associated mycobiomes extracted from several cancer types. For PDAC, colonization with the yeast Malassezia seems to promote cancer progression, already in precursor lesions. One responsible mechanism appears to be complement activation via the lectin pathway. In the present article, we review the role of the complement system in tumorigenesis, presenting observations that propose it as the missing link between fungal dysbiosis and PDAC development. We also present the results of a small pilot study supporting the crucial interplay between the complement system and Malassezia colonization in PDAC pathogenesis.
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