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Li X, González-Maroto C, Tavassoli M. Crosstalk between CAFs and tumour cells in head and neck cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:303. [PMID: 38926351 PMCID: PMC11208506 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are amongst the most aggressive, complex, and heterogeneous malignancies. The standard of care treatments for HNC patients include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or their combination. However, around 50% do not benefit while suffering severe toxic side effects, costing the individuals and society. Decades have been spent to improve HNSCC treatment outcomes with only limited success. Much of the research in HNSCC treatment has focused on understanding the genetics of the HNSCC malignant cells, but it has become clear that tumour microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the progression as well as treatment response in HNSCC. Understanding the crosstalk between cancer cells and TME is crucial for inhibiting progression and treatment resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the predominant component of stroma in HNSCC, serve as the primary source of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) and various pro-tumoral composites in TME. The activation of CAFs in HNSCC is primarily driven by cancer cell-secreted molecules, which in turn induce phenotypic changes, elevated secretive status, and altered ECM production profile. Concurrently, CAFs play a pivotal role in modulating the cell cycle, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to targeted and chemoradiotherapy in HNSCC cells. This modulation occurs through interactions with secreted molecules or direct contact with the ECM or CAF. Co-culture and 3D models of tumour cells and other TME cell types allows to mimic the HNSCC tumour milieu and enable modulating tumour hypoxia and reprograming cancer stem cells (CSC). This review aims to provide an update on the development of HNSCC tumour models comprising CAFs to obtain better understanding of the interaction between CAFs and tumour cells, and for providing preclinical testing platforms of current and combination with emerging therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Celia González-Maroto
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mahvash Tavassoli
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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Peng L, Gao P, Xiong W, Li Z, Chen X. Identifying potential ligand-receptor interactions based on gradient boosted neural network and interpretable boosting machine for intercellular communication analysis. Comput Biol Med 2024; 171:108110. [PMID: 38367445 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is essential to many key biological processes. Intercellular communication is generally mediated by ligand-receptor interactions (LRIs). Thus, building a comprehensive and high-quality LRI resource can significantly improve intercellular communication analysis. Meantime, due to lack of a "gold standard" dataset, it remains a challenge to evaluate LRI-mediated intercellular communication results. Here, we introduce CellGiQ, a high-confident LRI prediction framework for intercellular communication analysis. Highly confident LRIs are first inferred by LRI feature extraction with BioTriangle, LRI selection using LightGBM, and LRI classification based on ensemble of gradient boosted neural network and interpretable boosting machine. Subsequently, known and identified high-confident LRIs are filtered by combining single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and further applied to intercellular communication inference through a quartile scoring strategy. To validation the predictions, CellGiQ exploited several evaluation strategies: using AUC and AUPR, it surpassed six competing LRI prediction models on four LRI datasets; through Venn diagrams and molecular docking, its predicted LRIs were validated by five other popular intercellular communication inference methods; based on the overlapping LRIs, it computed high Jaccard index with six other state-of-the-art intercellular communication prediction tools within human HNSCC tissues; by comparing with classical models and literature retrieve, its inferred HNSCC-related intercellular communication results was further validated. The novelty of this study is to identify high-confident LRIs based on machine learning as well as design several LRI validation ways, providing reference for computational LRI prediction. CellGiQ provides an open-source and useful tool to decompose LRI-mediated intercellular communication at single cell resolution. CellGiQ is freely available at https://github.com/plhhnu/CellGiQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Peng
- College of Life Science and Chemistry, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, Hunan, China
| | - Pengfei Gao
- College of Life Science and Chemistry, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- College of Life Science and Chemistry, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, Hunan, China
| | - Zejun Li
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang, 421002, Hunan, China.
| | - Xing Chen
- School of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China.
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da Costa Sousa MG, Vignolo SM, Franca CM, Mereness J, Alves Fraga MA, Silva-Sousa AC, Benoit DSW, Bertassoni LE. Engineering models of head and neck and oral cancers on-a-chip. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:021502. [PMID: 38464668 PMCID: PMC10919958 DOI: 10.1063/5.0186722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) rank as the sixth most common cancer globally and result in over 450 000 deaths annually. Despite considerable advancements in diagnostics and treatment, the 5-year survival rate for most types of HNCs remains below 50%. Poor prognoses are often attributed to tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and immunosuppression. These characteristics are difficult to replicate using in vitro or in vivo models, culminating in few effective approaches for early detection and therapeutic drug development. Organs-on-a-chip offer a promising avenue for studying HNCs, serving as microphysiological models that closely recapitulate the complexities of biological tissues within highly controllable microfluidic platforms. Such systems have gained interest as advanced experimental tools to investigate human pathophysiology and assess therapeutic efficacy, providing a deeper understanding of cancer pathophysiology. This review outlines current challenges and opportunities in replicating HNCs within microphysiological systems, focusing on mimicking the soft, glandular, and hard tissues of the head and neck. We further delve into the major applications of organ-on-a-chip models for HNCs, including fundamental research, drug discovery, translational approaches, and personalized medicine. This review emphasizes the integration of organs-on-a-chip into the repertoire of biological model systems available to researchers. This integration enables the exploration of unique aspects of HNCs, thereby accelerating discoveries with the potential to improve outcomes for HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jared Mereness
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Dermatology and Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
| | | | - Alice Corrêa Silva-Sousa
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Av. do Café - Subsetor Oeste—11 (N-11), Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil
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Kurzyk A, Szumera-Ciećkiewicz A, Miłoszewska J, Chechlińska M. 3D modeling of normal skin and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. A comparative study in 2D cultures, spheroids, and 3D bioprinted systems. Biofabrication 2024; 16:025021. [PMID: 38377605 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad2b06] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The current cancer research and drug testing are primarily based on 2D cell cultures and animal models. However, these methods have limitations and yield distinct drug response patterns. This study addressed this gap by developing an innovativein vitrohuman three-dimensional (3D) normal skin model and a multicellular model of human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) using 3D bioprinting technology. Comparative analyzes were performed between bioprinted 3D-cSCC model, consisting of HaCaT keratinocytes, primary normal human dermal fibroblasts and A431 cancer cells (tricellular), bioprinted 3D-A431 model composed of A431 cancer cells only (monocellular), A431 cancer cell spheroids, and conventional 2D models. The models were structurally characterized by light microscopy, immunofluorescence (LIVE/DEAD assay, confocal microscopy) and immunohistochemistry (hematoxylin/eosin, p63, vimentin, Ki67, epidermal growth factor receptor stainings). The spatial arrangement of the 3D models was analyzed using the ARIVIS scientific image analysis platform. All models were also functionally assessed by cetuximab (CTX) response testing with the MTS assay. 3D-cSCC models were maintained for up to 16 weeks. Morphological and histological examinations confirmed the presence of skin-like layers in the bioprinted 3D models of normal skin, and the intricate and diverse features of the bioprinted skin cancer model, replicating the criticalin vivocharacteristics. In both mono- and tricellular bioprinted tumor constructs, there was a gradual formation and continuous growth of spheroid-like clusters of cancer cells, significantly influencing the morphology of the models. Cancer cells in the 3D bioprinted constructs showed reduced sensitivity to CTX compared to spheroids and 2D cultures. This study underscores the potential of 3D multicellular models in elucidating drug responses and gaining a better understanding the intricate interplay of cellular components within the tumor microenvironment. Developing the multicellular 3D tumor model paves the way for new research critical to advancing fundamental cancer research and future clinical applications, particularly drug response testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kurzyk
- Department of Cancer Biology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz
- Department of Pathology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Miłoszewska
- Department of Cancer Biology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Chechlińska
- Department of Cancer Biology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
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Arebro J, Lee CM, Bennewith KL, Garnis C. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Malignancy with Focus on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1300. [PMID: 38279300 PMCID: PMC10816981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021300] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains an understudied and significant global cancer killer and dismal survival rates have not changed in decades. A better understanding of the molecular basis of OSCC progression and metastasis is needed to develop new approaches for treating this disease. The supportive network surrounding cancer tumor cells known as the tumor microenvironment (TME) has gained increasing interest lately since it performs essential protumorigenic functions. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the main cell types in the TME and are known to play a key role in influencing the biological behavior of tumors. CAFs present a heterogeneity both in phenotype as well as functions, leading to the suggestion of different CAF subtypes in several cancer forms. The task to subtype CAFs in OSCC has, however, just begun, and there is today no united way of subtyping CAFs in this disease. This review aims to define the features of CAFs and to summarize CAF subtype research in malignancy with focus on OSCC including aspects as disease prognosis and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Arebro
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (C.G.)
- Division of ENT Diseases, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of ENT Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Che-Min Lee
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (C.G.)
- Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Kevin L. Bennewith
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (C.G.)
- Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada
| | - Cathie Garnis
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (C.-M.L.); (K.L.B.); (C.G.)
- Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
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Mitha M, Aden D, Zaheer S, Alvi Y, Chintamani. Role of tumor budding and fibrotic cancer stroma in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155052. [PMID: 38176309 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155052] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive cancer with an increased frequency of lymph node metastasis at the time of presentation. Tumour budding, characterised by the presence of a single cell or a small grouping of tumour cells (a cluster containing fewer than five malignant cells) at the invasive front and composition of the fibrotic cancer stroma has been demonstrated to have a growing impact on the behaviour of the solid tumour. However exact role played by them is yet to be defined and a standardized scoring system needs to be incorporated. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 45 histopathologically confirmed cases of HNSCC were included in the study. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (H&E staining), and immunohistochemistry for CK and alpha-SMA were applied to study the tumour budding and fibrotic cancer stroma in all HNSCC cases. The tumour budding was graded as, Grade 1: 0-4 tumour buds, Grade 2: 5-9 buds and Grade 3: ≥ 10 buds and the nature of fibrotic cancer stroma was categorized as mature, intermediate or immature. RESULTS Among 45 cases analyzed, well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC; Grade 1) accounted for 42.22% (19 cases), whereas moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (MDSCC; Grade 2) and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (PDSCC; Grade 3) comprised 48.89% (22 cases) and 8.89% (4 cases) respectively. Tumour budding showed instances of 0-4 buds in 33.3% (Grade 1), 5-9 buds in 48.9% (Grade 2), and ≥ 10 buds in 17.8% of cases. Evaluating tumour stroma, Intermediate stroma led at 51.1%, Mature at 37.8%, and 11.1% displayed Immature stroma. Histologically, < 5 buds were seen in 47.4% of Grade 1 cases, while ≥ 10 buds were in 75.0% of Grade 3 cases, proven statistically significant (p = 0.021). However, an association between T&N Stage and tumour budding lacked significance. WDSCC notably had more mature stroma than MDSCC and PDSCC, whereas MDSCC showed higher rates of intermediate and immature stroma (p < 0.001). Comparatively, no significant correlation existed between fibrotic stroma and tumour budding (p = 0.076). Also, fibrotic stroma was compared with tumour budding, however, no significant correlation was found (p = 0.076) CONCLUSION: This study reveals a significant link between tumour budding, cancer stroma, and WHO tumour grade. Thus, evaluating these factors in HNSCC cases can serve as valuable histological prognostic indicators, aiding in treatment planning and prognosis assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Mitha
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Durre Aden
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sufian Zaheer
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
| | - Yasir Alvi
- Department of Community Medicine, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research New Delhi, India
| | - Chintamani
- Department of Surgery, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Jumaniyazova E, Lokhonina A, Dzhalilova D, Kosyreva A, Fatkhudinov T. Role of Microenvironmental Components in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1616. [PMID: 38003931 PMCID: PMC10672525 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111616] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is one of the ten most common malignant neoplasms, characterized by an aggressive course, high recurrence rate, poor response to treatment, and low survival rate. This creates the need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of this cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCC consists of stromal and immune cells, blood and lymphatic vessels, and extracellular matrix. It is known that HNSCC is characterized by complex relationships between cancer cells and TME components. TME components and their dynamic interactions with cancer cells enhance tumor adaptation to the environment, which provides the highly aggressive potential of HNSCC and resistance to antitumor therapy. Basic research aimed at studying the role of TME components in HNSCC carcinogenesis may serve as a key to the discovery of both new biomarkers-predictors of prognosis and targets for new antitumor drugs. This review article focuses on the role and interaction with cancer of TME components such as newly formed vessels, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enar Jumaniyazova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
| | - Anastasiya Lokhonina
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dzhuliia Dzhalilova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kosyreva
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
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Lv Y, Hu J, Zheng W, Shan L, Bai B, Zhu H, Dai S. A WGCNA-based cancer-associated fibroblast risk signature in colorectal cancer for prognosis and immunotherapy response. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:2256-2275. [PMID: 37859738 PMCID: PMC10583018 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are notably involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment failure. In this article, we report the in silico development of a CAF-related prognostic signature for CRC. Methods We separately downloaded CRC transcription data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Deconvolution algorithms, including Estimating the Proportions of Immune and Cancer Cells and the Microenvironment Cell Population-counter, were used to calculate CAF abundance, while the Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using Expression algorithm was used to calculate the stromal score. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm were used to identify CAF-related genes and prognostic signatures. Results We identified a three-gene, prognostic, CAF-related signature and defined risk groups based on the Riskscores. Multidimensional validations were applied to evaluate the robustness of the signature and its correlation with clinical parameters. We utilized Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and oncoPredict algorithms to predict therapy responses and found that patients in low-risk groups are more sensitive to immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Finally, we used the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and Human Protein Atlas databases to evaluate the mRNA and protein levels encoded by the signature genes. Conclusions This novel CAF-related three-gene signature is expected to become a potential prognostic biomarker in CRC and predict chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses. It may be of considerable value for studying the tumor microenvironment in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Lv
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinhui Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Zheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Shan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingjun Bai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Dai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Ramalingam S, Shantha S, Muralitharan S, Sudhakar U, Thamizhchelvan H, Parvathi VD. Role of tissue markers associated with tumor microenvironment in the progression and immune suppression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Med Oncol 2023; 40:303. [PMID: 37731058 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02169-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNC) continues to dominate major cancers contributing to mortality worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma is the major type of HNC. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma grouped under HNC is a malignant tumor occurring in the oral cavity. The primary risk factors of OSCC are tobacco, alcohol consumption, etc. This review focuses on modulations, mechanisms, growth and differentiation of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer cell surrounds itself with a group of elements forming a favorable environment known as tumor microenvironment (TME). It consists of numerous cells which includes immune cells, blood cells and acellular components that are responsible for the progression, immunosuppression, metastasis and angiogenesis of cancer. This review highlights the most important tissue biomarkers (mTOR, CAF, FOXp3, CD163, CD33, CD34) that are associated with TME cells. mTOR remains as the primary regulator responsible in cancer and its importance towards immune-suppression is highlighted. Tumor-associated macrophages associated with cancer development and its relationship with immunomodulatory mechanism and Tregs, which are potential blockers of immune response and its mechanism and aberrations are discussed. Cancer-associated fibroblasts that are a part of TME and their role in evading the immune response and myeloid derived suppressor cells that have slight control over the immune response and their mechanism in the tumor progression is further explained. These markers have been emphasised as therapeutic targets and are currently in different stages of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suganya Ramalingam
- Department of Oral Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, 600116, India
| | - Sivaramakrishnan Shantha
- Department of Oral Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, 600116, India
| | - Susruthan Muralitharan
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, 600116, India
- Susrutha Diagnostics, Chennai, India
| | - Uma Sudhakar
- Department of Periodontics, Department of Dental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Guindy, Chennai, 600032, India
| | - Harikrishnan Thamizhchelvan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, 600116, India.
| | - Venkatachalam Deepa Parvathi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, 600116, India.
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Khedkar HN, Chen LC, Kuo YC, Wu ATH, Huang HS. Multi-Omics Identification of Genetic Alterations in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Therapeutic Efficacy of HNC018 as a Novel Multi-Target Agent for c-MET/STAT3/AKT Signaling Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10247. [PMID: 37373393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210247] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amongst the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. The failure of standard treatment modalities, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, demands the need for in-depth understanding of the complex signaling networks involved in the development of treatment resistance. A tumor's invasive growth and high levels of intrinsic or acquired treatment resistance are the primary causes of treatment failure. This may be a result of the presence of HNSCC's cancer stem cells, which are known to have self-renewing capabilities that result in therapeutic resistance. Using bioinformatics methods, we discovered that elevated expressions of MET, STAT3, and AKT were associated with poor overall survival in HNSCC patients. We then evaluated the therapeutic potential of our newly synthesized small molecule HNC018 towards its potential as a novel anticancer drug. Our computer-aided structure characterization and target identification study predicted that HNC018 could target these oncogenic markers implicated in HNSCC. Subsequently, the HNC018 has demonstrated its anti-proliferative and anticancer activities towards the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, along with displaying the stronger binding affinities towards the MET, STAT3, and AKT than the standard drug cisplatin. Reduction in the clonogenic and tumor-sphere-forming ability displays HNC018's role in decreasing the tumorigenicity. Importantly, an vivo study has shown a significant delay in tumor growth in HNC018 alone or in combination with cisplatin-treated xenograft mice model. Collectively with our findings, HNC018 highlights the desirable properties of a drug-like candidate and could be considered as a novel small molecule for treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshita Nivrutti Khedkar
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute for Cancer Biology & Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Lung-Ching Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 11101, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 24205, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Kuo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Alexander T H Wu
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute (THI), Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Centre, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Shan Huang
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute for Cancer Biology & Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Centre, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Centre, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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