1
|
Gao J, Wang Z, Lin S, Tian Y, Wu H, Li Z, Liu F. CCR7/DUSP1 signaling Axis mediates iCAF to regulates head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth. Cell Signal 2024; 122:111305. [PMID: 39067836 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111305] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE C-C motif chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) significantly influences tumors onset and progression, yet its impact on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and specific mechanisms remain elusive. Inflammatory Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (iCAF), a vital subtype of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAF), play a critical role in regulating the TME and tumor growth, though the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aims to determine whether CCR7 participates in tumor regulation by iCAF and to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved. METHODS Differential gene analysis of CAF subtypes in CCR7 knockout and wild-type groups was conducted using single-cell data. Animal models facilitated the extraction of primary iCAF cells via flow cytometry sorting. Changes in DUSP1 expression and the efficiency of lentivirus-mediated knockdown and overexpression were examined through qPCR and Western Blot. MOC1 and MOC2 cells were co-cultured with iCAF, with subsequent validation of changes in tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion using CCK8, EdU, and wound healing assays. ELISA was employed to detect changes in TGF-β1 concentration in the iCAF supernatant. RESULTS CAF was categorized into three subtypes-myCAF, iCAF, and apCAF-based on single-cell data. Analysis revealed a significant increase in DUSP1 expression in iCAF from the CCR7 knockout group, confirmed by in vitro experiments. Co-culturing MOC1 and MOC2 cells with iCAF exhibiting lentivirus-mediated DUSP1 knockdown resulted in inhibited tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. In contrast, co-culture with iCAF overexpressing DUSP1 enhanced these capabilities. Additionally, the TGF-β1 concentration in the supernatant increased in the DUSP1 knockdown iCAF group, whereas it decreased in the DUSP1 overexpression group. CONCLUSION The CCR7/DUSP1 signaling axis regulates tumor growth by modulating TGF-β1 secretion in iCAF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Gao
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China; Shigezhuang Community Health Service Center in Changping District, Beijing.
| | - Zengxu Wang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shanfeng Lin
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haoxuan Wu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenning Li
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fayu Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang S, Ao L, Lin H, Wei H, Wu Z, Lu S, Liang F, Shen R, Zhang H, Miao T, Shen X, Lin J, Zhong G. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the senescent microenvironment in bone metastasis. Cell Prolif 2024:e13743. [PMID: 39231761 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone metastasis (BM) is a mortality-related event of late-stage cancer, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being a common origin for BM. However, the detailed molecular profiling of the metastatic bone ecosystem is not fully understood, hindering the development of effective therapies for advanced patients. In this study, we examined the cellular heterogeneity between primary tumours and BM from tissues and peripheral blood by single-cell transcriptomic analysis, which was verified using multiplex immunofluorescence staining and public datasets. Our results demonstrate a senescent microenvironment in BM tissues of NSCLC. BM has a significantly higher infiltration of malignant cells with senescent characteristics relative to primary tumours, accompanied by aggravated metastatic properties. The endothelial-mesenchymal transition involved with SOX18 activation is related to the cellular senescence of vascular endothelial cells from BM. CD4Tstr cells, with pronounced stress and senescence states, are preferentially infiltrated in BM, indicating stress-related dysfunction contributing to the immunocompromised environment during tumour metastasis to bone. Moreover, we identify the SPP1 pathway-induced cellular crosstalk among T cells, vascular ECs and malignant cells in BM, which activates SOX18 and deteriorates patient survival. Our findings highlight the roles of cellular senescence in modulating the microenvironment of BM and implicate anti-senescence therapy for advanced NSCLC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenglin Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Ao
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huangfeng Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Institute of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hongxiang Wei
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Institute of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyang Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Institute of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuting Lu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fude Liang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Institute of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Rongkai Shen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Institute of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huarong Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tongjie Miao
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaopei Shen
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Institute of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guangxian Zhong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Fujian Institute of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liao Y, Huang Q, Shen G, Muhanmode Y, Luo X, Li F, Wen M, Liu J, Huang H. Molecular subtypes and nomogram for predicting the prognosis of cervical cancer based on a matrix-immune signature. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:405. [PMID: 39230769 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01265-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a kind of tumor related to chronic HPV infection. Currently, the treatment of cervical cancer is guided mainly by clinicopathological factors. The role of tumor microenvironment in the prognosis and treatment of cervical cancer has been ignored. We aimed to use bioinformatics to identify the molecular subtypes in cervical cancer and construct a predictive nomogram combining a matrix-immune signature (MIS) and clinicopathological factors to support treatment decisions. Two cervical cancer subtypes with different prognoses were identified based on matrix- and immune-genes in TCGA-CESC. The MIS was developed using Cox regression and Lasso algorithm and verified in the Cancer Genome Characterization Initiative (CGCI) using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Multivariable analysis identified lymph node metastases, lymphovascular space invasion, and the MIS as independent prognostic factors, which were used to construct the predictive nomogram. The areas under the ROC curve of the model were 0.872, 0.879, and 0.803 for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods, respectively. The C-index was 0.845. Calibration curves confirmed the excellent prognosis prediction of the nomogram. The nomogram indicted a 3-year survival rate of > 90% in patients with a total score > 110.1. The constructed predictive nomogram has significant implications for prognostic assessment and treatment selection in cervical cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Qidan Huang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Guqun Shen
- The Second Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Yalikun Muhanmode
- The Second Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Xiaolin Luo
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Fen Li
- The Second Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Mengke Wen
- The Second Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - He Huang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xie Y, Ma J, Tang W, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Chen Y. Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of 177Lu-FAP-2286 in the Treatment of Advanced Lung Cancer. Clin Nucl Med 2024; 49:830-837. [PMID: 39102810 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000005297] [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: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of peptide-targeted radionuclide therapy (PTRT) with 177Lu-FAP-2286 in advanced lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS This single-center prospective study included 9 patients diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. These patients met the inclusion criteria and received PTRT with 177Lu-FAP-2286. Short-term efficacy was assessed using RECIST 1.1 and PERCIST 1.0 criteria. Long-term efficacy was evaluated through overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate, EORTC QLQ-C30 v3.0, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, and Karnofsky Performance Status. Toxicity response was assessed using CTCAE v5.0. RESULTS The results based on RECIST 1.1 and PERCIST 1.0 criteria were comparable, with 44% of patients showing a partial metabolic response, 33.3% with stable metabolic disease, and 22.22% with progressive metabolic disease. The highest metabolic response after treatment reached 66.89%, and the overall response rate could reach 77.78%. In the long-term efficacy assessment, the median overall survival and PFS were 10 months and 6 months, respectively. The 2 patients with the lowest PFS (3 months) started PTRT relatively late. EORTC QLQ-C30 v3.0, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, and Karnofsky Performance Status scores showed that the overall health status, symptom response, and quality of life of patients improved after 177Lu-FAP-2286 treatment. The most noticeable improvements in clinical symptoms were dyspnea and cancer-related pain. No grade III/IV toxicity events were observed during follow-up period, and fibrinogen decreased significantly after treatment. CONCLUSIONS 177Lu-FAP-2286 has the potential to be a viable PTRT option for patients with advanced lung cancer.
Collapse
|
5
|
Mao W, Zhou T, Zhang F, Qian M, Xie J, Li Z, Shu Y, Li Y, Xu H. Pan-cancer single-cell landscape of drug-metabolizing enzyme genes. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2024; 34:217-225. [PMID: 38814173 DOI: 10.1097/fpc.0000000000000538] [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: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Varied expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DME) genes dictates the intensity and duration of drug response in cancer treatment. This study aimed to investigate the transcriptional profile of DMEs in tumor microenvironment (TME) at single-cell level and their impact on individual responses to anticancer therapy. METHODS Over 1.3 million cells from 481 normal/tumor samples across 9 solid cancer types were integrated to profile changes in the expression of DME genes. A ridge regression model based on the PRISM database was constructed to predict the influence of DME gene expression on drug sensitivity. RESULTS Distinct expression patterns of DME genes were revealed at single-cell resolution across different cancer types. Several DME genes were highly enriched in epithelial cells (e.g. GPX2, TST and CYP3A5 ) or different TME components (e.g. CYP4F3 in monocytes). Particularly, GPX2 and TST were differentially expressed in epithelial cells from tumor samples compared to those from normal samples. Utilizing the PRISM database, we found that elevated expression of GPX2, CYP3A5 and reduced expression of TST was linked to enhanced sensitivity of particular chemo-drugs (e.g. gemcitabine, daunorubicin, dasatinib, vincristine, paclitaxel and oxaliplatin). CONCLUSION Our findings underscore the varied expression pattern of DME genes in cancer cells and TME components, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for selecting appropriate chemotherapy agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan
| | - Feng Zhang
- Center for Precision Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang
| | - Maoxiang Qian
- Institute of Pediatrics and Department of Hematology and Oncology, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai
| | - Jianqiang Xie
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Sichan Second Veterans Hospital
| | - Zhengyan Li
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University
| | - Yang Shu
- Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University
| | - Yuan Li
- Institute of Digestive Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Heng Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cai X, Yang J, Guo Y, Yu Y, Zheng C, Dai X. Re-analysis of single cell and spatial transcriptomics data reveals B cell landscape in gastric cancer microenvironment and its potential crosstalk with tumor cells for clinical prognosis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:807. [PMID: 39215354 PMCID: PMC11365245 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05606-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, immunotherapy has become a powerful treatment for advanced gastric cancer (AGC), but not all patients can benefit from it. According to the latest research, the impact of B cell subpopulations on the immune microenvironment of gastric cancer (GC) is unknown. Exploring whether the interaction between B cells and tumor cells in GC affects the effectiveness of immunotherapy has attracted our interest. METHODS This study involved the re-analysis of single-cell RNA (scRNA) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) data from publicly available datasets. The focus was on investigating the subpopulations and differentiation trajectories of B cells in the gastric cancer (GC) tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Spatial transcriptomics (ST) and multiple immunofluorescence (mIF) revealed a clear co-localization pattern between B cells and tumor cells. Multiple immunotherapy datasets were collected to identify unique immunotherapy biomarkers. The unique immunotherapeutic potential of targeting CCL28 was validated through a mouse gastric cancer model. In addition, flow cytometry revealed changes in the tumor immune microenvironment targeting CCL28. RESULTS The re-analysis of ST data from multiple cancer types revealed a co-localization pattern between B cells and tumor cells. A significant number of IgA plasma cells were identified in the GC TIME. Five different tumor-infiltrating B cell subpopulations and two unique B cell differentiation trajectories were characterized, along with seven GC-related states. By analyzing the communication between GC cells and B cells, it was further discovered that tumor cells can influence and recruit plasma cells through CCL28-CCR10 signaling. Additionally, there was a crosstalk between GC cells and B cells. Finally, we identified the LAMA/CD44 signaling axis as a potential prognostic marker for immunotherapy through a large amount of immunotherapy data. We also validated through various animal tumor models that targeting CCL28 can significantly promote CD8+T cell infiltration and function in the TME by regulating B cell and plasma cell functions, and has the ability to synergize immunotherapy. CONCLUSION The co-localization and crosstalk between GC cells and B cells significantly affect the efficacy of immunotherapy, and inhibiting the CCL28-CCR10 signal axis is a potential immunotherapy target for GC. Meanwhile, LAMA/CD44 pair may be a potential adverse indicator for immunotherapy and tumor prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Cai
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinru Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yusheng Guo
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanchao Yu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaofang Dai
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li X, Tang B, Yujie O, Xu C, Yuan S. Single-cell RNA Sequencing Analysis Reveals Cancer-associated Fibroblast Signature for Prediction of Clinical Outcomes and Immunotherapy in Gastric Cancer. J Immunother 2024:00002371-990000000-00121. [PMID: 39206772 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a significant worldwide health concern and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Immunotherapy has arisen as a promising strategy to stimulate the patient's immune system in combating cancer cells. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of immunotherapy in individuals with gastric cancer (GC) is not yet optimal. Thus, it is crucial to discover biomarkers capable appof predicting the advantages of immunotherapy for tailored treatment. The tumor microenvironment (TME) and its constituents, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), exert a substantial influence on immune responses and treatment outcomes. In this investigation, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to profile CAFs in GC and established a scoring method, referred to as the CAF score (CAFS), for the prediction of patient prognosis and response to immunotherapy. Through our analysis, we successfully identified distinct subgroups within CAFs based on CAF score (CAFS), namely CAFS-high and CAFS-low subgroups. Notably, we noted that individuals within the CAFS-high subgroup experienced a lessF favorable prognosis and displayed diminished responsiveness to immunotherapy in contrast to the CAFS low subgroup. Furthermore, we analyzed the mutation and immune characteristics of these subgroups, identifying differentially mutated genes and immune cell compositions. We established that CAFS could forecast treatment advantages in patients with gastric cancer, both for chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Its efficacy was additionally confirmed in contrast to other biomarkers, including Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and Immunophenotypic Score (IPS). These findings emphasize the clinical relevance and potential utility of CAFS in guiding personalized treatment strategies for gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Li
- Shandong University Cancer Center
- Center for GI Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao
| | - Bo Tang
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
| | - Ouyang Yujie
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
| | - Shuanghu Yuan
- Shandong University Cancer Center
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yates J, Mathey-Andrews C, Park J, Garza A, Gagné A, Hoffman S, Bi K, Titchen B, Hennessey C, Remland J, Shannon E, Camp S, Balamurali S, Cavale SK, Li Z, Raghawan AK, Kraft A, Boland G, Aguirre AJ, Sethi NS, Boeva V, Van Allen E. Cell states and neighborhoods in distinct clinical stages of primary and metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.17.608386. [PMID: 39229240 PMCID: PMC11370330 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.17.608386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a highly lethal cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract with rising incidence in western populations. To decipher EAC disease progression and therapeutic response, we performed multiomic analyses of a cohort of primary and metastatic EAC tumors, incorporating single-nuclei transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility sequencing, along with spatial profiling. We identified tumor microenvironmental features previously described to associate with therapy response. We identified five malignant cell programs, including undifferentiated, intermediate, differentiated, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and cycling programs, which were associated with differential epigenetic plasticity and clinical outcomes, and for which we inferred candidate transcription factor regulons. Furthermore, we revealed diverse spatial localizations of malignant cells expressing their associated transcriptional programs and predicted their significant interactions with microenvironmental cell types. We validated our findings in three external single-cell RNA-seq and three bulk RNA-seq studies. Altogether, our findings advance the understanding of EAC heterogeneity, disease progression, and therapeutic response.
Collapse
|
9
|
Tang Y, Zhuo D, Yu Y, Pu W, Ma Y, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Zhang Q, Tang K, Meng C, Yang D, Bai L, He D, Jin L, Zou H, Xu H, Zhu Q, Wang J, Chen Y, Liu J. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the CRTAC1 + population actively contributes to the pathogenesis of spinal ligament degeneration by SPP1 + macrophage. Aging Cell 2024:e14320. [PMID: 39158018 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Degenerative spinal stenosis is a chronic disease that affects the spinal ligaments and associated bones, resulting in back pain and disorders of the limbs among the elderly population. There are few preventive strategies for such ligament degeneration. We here aimed to establish a comprehensive transcriptomic atlas of ligament tissues to identify high-priority targets for pharmaceutical treatment of ligament degeneration. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on six degenerative ligaments and three traumatic ligaments to understand tissue heterogeneity. After stringent quality control, high-quality data were obtained from 32,014 cells. Distinct cell clusters comprising stromal and immune cells were identified in ligament tissues. Among them, we noted that collagen degradation associated with CTHRC1+ fibroblast-like cells and calcification linked to CRTAC1+ chondrocyte-like cells were key features of ligament degeneration. SCENIC analysis and further experiments identified ATF3 as a key transcription factor regulating the pathogenesis of CRTAC1+ chondrocyte-like cells. Typically, immune cells infiltrate localized organs, causing tissue damage. In our study, myeloid cells were found to be inflammatory-activated, and SPP1+ macrophages were notably enriched in degenerative ligaments. Further exploration via CellChat analysis demonstrated a robust interaction between SPP1+ macrophages and CRTAC1+ chondrocyte-like cells. Activated by SPP1, ATF3 propels the CRTAC1/MGP/CLU axis, fostering ligament calcification. Our unique resource provides novel insights into possible mechanisms underlying ligament degeneration, the target cell types, and molecules that are expected to mitigate degenerative spinal ligament. We also highlight the role of immune regulation in ligament degeneration and calcification, enhancing our understanding of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions and Remodeling, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, and Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dachun Zhuo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions and Remodeling, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, and Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuexin Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions and Remodeling, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, and Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weilin Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanyun Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kunhai Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Meng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions and Remodeling, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, and Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions and Remodeling, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, and Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Bai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions and Remodeling, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, and Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongyi He
- Institute of Arthritis Research, Shanghai Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guanghua Integrative Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hejian Zou
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, and Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huji Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Institute of Arthritis Research, Shanghai Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guanghua Integrative Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, and Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Orthopedic Department, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated, Shanghai, China
- Orthopaedic Department, People's Hospital of Shigatse City, Shigatse, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions and Remodeling, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, and Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Affὸ S, Sererols-Viñas L, Garcia-Vicién G, Cadamuro M, Chakraborty S, Sirica AE. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Insights into Origins, Heterogeneity, Lymphangiogenesis, and Peritoneal Metastasis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00279-7. [PMID: 39117110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) denotes a rare, highly malignant, and heterogeneous class of primary liver adenocarcinomas exhibiting phenotypic characteristics of cholangiocyte differentiation. Among the distinctive pathological features of iCCA, one that differentiates the most common macroscopic subtype (eg, mass-forming type) of this hepatic tumor from conventional hepatocellular carcinoma, is a prominent desmoplastic reaction manifested as a dense fibro-collagenous-enriched tumor stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell type in the desmoplastic reaction. Although the protumor effects of CAFs in iCCA have been increasingly recognized, more recent cell lineage tracing studies, advanced single-cell RNA sequencing, and expanded biomarker analyses have provided new awareness into their ontogeny, as well as underscored their biological complexity as reflected by the presence of multiple subtypes. In addition, evidence has been described to support CAFs' potential to display cancer-restrictive roles, including immunosuppression. However, CAFs also play important roles in facilitating metastasis, as exemplified by lymph node metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis, which are common in iCCA. Herein, the authors provide a timely appraisal of the origins and phenotypic and functional complexity of CAFs in iCCA, together with providing mechanistic insights into lymphangiogenesis and peritoneal metastasis relevant to this lethal human cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Affὸ
- Tumor Microenvironment Plasticity and Heterogeneity Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Sererols-Viñas
- Tumor Microenvironment Plasticity and Heterogeneity Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Garcia-Vicién
- Tumor Microenvironment Plasticity and Heterogeneity Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas
| | - Alphonse E Sirica
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Guo DZ, Zhang X, Zhang SQ, Zhang SY, Zhang XY, Yan JY, Dong SY, Zhu K, Yang XR, Fan J, Zhou J, Huang A. Single-cell tumor heterogeneity landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma: unraveling the pro-metastatic subtype and its interaction loop with fibroblasts. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:157. [PMID: 39095854 PMCID: PMC11295380 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02062-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor heterogeneity presents a formidable challenge in understanding the mechanisms driving tumor progression and metastasis. The heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cellular level is not clear. METHODS Integration analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data and spatial transcriptomics data was performed. Multiple methods were applied to investigate the subtype of HCC tumor cells. The functional characteristics, translation factors, clinical implications and microenvironment associations of different subtypes of tumor cells were analyzed. The interaction of subtype and fibroblasts were analyzed. RESULTS We established a heterogeneity landscape of HCC malignant cells by integrated 52 single-cell RNA sequencing data and 5 spatial transcriptomics data. We identified three subtypes in tumor cells, including ARG1+ metabolism subtype (Metab-subtype), TOP2A+ proliferation phenotype (Prol-phenotype), and S100A6+ pro-metastatic subtype (EMT-subtype). Enrichment analysis found that the three subtypes harbored different features, that is metabolism, proliferating, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Trajectory analysis revealed that both Metab-subtype and EMT-subtype originated from the Prol-phenotype. Translation factor analysis found that EMT-subtype showed exclusive activation of SMAD3 and TGF-β signaling pathway. HCC dominated by EMT-subtype cells harbored an unfavorable prognosis and a deserted microenvironment. We uncovered a positive loop between tumor cells and fibroblasts mediated by SPP1-CD44 and CCN2/TGF-β-TGFBR1 interaction pairs. Inhibiting CCN2 disrupted the loop, mitigated the transformation to EMT-subtype, and suppressed metastasis. CONCLUSION By establishing a heterogeneity landscape of malignant cells, we identified a three-subtype classification in HCC. Among them, S100A6+ tumor cells play a crucial role in metastasis. Targeting the feedback loop between tumor cells and fibroblasts is a promising anti-metastatic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De-Zhen Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Sen-Quan Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shi-Yu Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia-Yan Yan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - San-Yuan Dong
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Kai Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ao Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang H, Liang Y, Liu Z, Zhang R, Chao J, Wang M, Liu M, Qiao L, Xuan Z, Zhao H, Lu L. POSTN + cancer-associated fibroblasts determine the efficacy of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008721. [PMID: 39067872 PMCID: PMC11284881 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008721] [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] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant clinical challenge because the long-term benefits of immune checkpoint blockade therapy are limited. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying immunotherapy resistance in HCC is imperative for improving patient prognosis. DESIGN In this study, to systematically investigate the characteristics of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subsets and the dynamic communication among the tumor microenvironment (TME) components regulated by CAF subsets, we generated an HCC atlas by compiling single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets on 220 samples from six datasets. We combined spatial transcriptomics with scRNA-seq and multiplexed immunofluorescence to identify the specific CAF subsets in the TME that determine the efficacy of immunotherapy in HCC patients. RESULTS Our findings highlight the pivotal role of POSTN+ CAFs as potent immune response barriers at specific tumor locations, as they hinder effective T-cell infiltration and decrease the efficacy of immunotherapy. Additionally, we elucidated the interplay between POSTN+ CAFs and SPP1+ macrophages, whereby the former recruits the latter and triggers increased SPP1 expression via the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, we demonstrated a spatial correlation between POSTN+ CAFs and SPP1+ macrophages, revealing an immunosuppressive microenvironment that limits the immunotherapy response. Notably, we found that patients with elevated expression levels of both POSTN+ CAFs and SPP1+ macrophages achieved less therapeutic benefit in an immunotherapy cohort. CONCLUSION Our research elucidates light on the role of a particular subset of CAFs in immunotherapy resistance, emphasizing the potential benefits of targeting specific CAF subpopulations to improve clinical responses to immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiashuo Chao
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingming Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mu Liu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Qiao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengfeng Xuan
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li K, Wang R, Liu GW, Peng ZY, Wang JC, Xiao GD, Tang SC, Du N, Zhang J, Zhang J, Ren H, Sun X, Yang YP, Liu DP. Refining the optimal CAF cluster marker for predicting TME-dependent survival expectancy and treatment benefits in NSCLC patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16766. [PMID: 39034310 PMCID: PMC11271481 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55375-0] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in the onset, progression, and treatment response of cancer. Among the various components of the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key regulators of both immune and non-immune cellular functions. Leveraging single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA) data, we have uncovered previously hidden and promising roles within this specific CAF subgroup, paving the way for its clinical application. However, several critical questions persist, primarily stemming from the heterogeneous nature of CAFs and the use of different fibroblast markers in various sample analyses, causing confusion and hindrance in their clinical implementation. In this groundbreaking study, we have systematically screened multiple databases to identify the most robust marker for distinguishing CAFs in lung cancer, with a particular focus on their potential use in early diagnosis, staging, and treatment response evaluation. Our investigation revealed that COL1A1, COL1A2, FAP, and PDGFRA are effective markers for characterizing CAF subgroups in most lung adenocarcinoma datasets. Through comprehensive analysis of treatment responses, we determined that COL1A1 stands out as the most effective indicator among all CAF markers. COL1A1 not only deciphers the TME signatures related to CAFs but also demonstrates a highly sensitive and specific correlation with treatment responses and multiple survival outcomes. For the first time, we have unveiled the distinct roles played by clusters of CAF markers in differentiating various TME groups. Our findings confirm the sensitive and unique contributions of CAFs to the responses of multiple lung cancer therapies. These insights significantly enhance our understanding of TME functions and drive the translational application of extensive scRNA sequence results. COL1A1 emerges as the most sensitive and specific marker for defining CAF subgroups in scRNA analysis. The CAF ratios represented by COL1A1 can potentially serve as a reliable predictor of treatment responses in clinical practice, thus providing valuable insights into the influential roles of TME components. This research marks a crucial step forward in revolutionizing our approach to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, Cancer Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guo-Wei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Gonghe Road No. 2, Chengdong District, Xining, 810007, Qinghai, China
| | - Zi-Yang Peng
- School of Future Technology, National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ji-Chang Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guo-Dong Xiao
- Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Shou-Ching Tang
- Section of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, LSUHSC Cancer Center, School of Medicine, 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Ning Du
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, Cancer Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, Cancer Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, Cancer Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, Cancer Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, Cancer Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shaanxi Provincial Tumor Hospital, 309 Yanta W Rd, Yanta District, Xi'an, 710063, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Da-Peng Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, Cancer Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li W, Pan L, Hong W, Ginhoux F, Zhang X, Xiao C, Li X. A single-cell pan-cancer analysis to show the variability of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells in immune checkpoint blockade. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6142. [PMID: 39034339 PMCID: PMC11271490 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50478-8] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells are vital components of the immune system and have pivotal functions in orchestrating immune responses. Understanding their functions within the tumor microenvironment and their interactions with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes presents formidable challenges across diverse cancer types, particularly with regards to cancer immunotherapies. Here, we explore tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs) by conducting a pan-cancer analysis using single-cell transcriptomics across eight distinct cancer types, encompassing a total of 192 tumor samples from 129 patients. By examining gene expression patterns and transcriptional activities of TIMs in different cancer types, we discern notable alterations in abundance of TIMs and kinetic behaviors prior to and following immunotherapy. We also identify specific cell-cell interaction targets in immunotherapy; unique and shared regulatory profiles critical for treatment response; and TIMs associated with survival outcomes. Overall, our study illuminates the heterogeneity of TIMs and improves our understanding of tissue-specific and cancer-specific myeloid subsets within the context of tumor immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiyuan Li
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650031, China
| | - Lu Pan
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
| | - Weifeng Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310005, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310005, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Hangzhou, 310005, China
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
- Institut Gustave Roussy, INSERM U1015, Bâtiment de Médecine Moléculaire 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94800, Villejuif, France
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
| | - Chunjie Xiao
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China.
| | - Xuexin Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
- Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, 171 65, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
van Baarle L, De Simone V, Schneider L, Santhosh S, Abdurahiman S, Biscu F, Schneider R, Zanoletti L, Siqueira de Mello R, Verbandt S, Hu Z, Stakenborg M, Ke BJ, Stakenborg N, Salvador Laureano R, García-Reyes B, Henn J, Toma M, Vanmechelen M, Boeckxstaens G, De Smet F, Garg AD, Ibiza S, Tejpar S, Wehner S, Matteoli G. IL-1R signaling drives enteric glia-macrophage interactions in colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6079. [PMID: 39030280 PMCID: PMC11271635 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50438-2] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Enteric glia have been recently recognized as key components of the colonic tumor microenvironment indicating their potential role in colorectal cancer pathogenesis. Although enteric glia modulate immune responses in other intestinal diseases, their interaction with the colorectal cancer immune cell compartment remains unclear. Through a combination of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing, both in murine models and patients, here we find that enteric glia acquire an immunomodulatory phenotype by bi-directional communication with tumor-infiltrating monocytes. The latter direct a reactive enteric glial cell phenotypic and functional switch via glial IL-1R signaling. In turn, tumor glia promote monocyte differentiation towards pro-tumorigenic SPP1+ tumor-associated macrophages by IL-6 release. Enteric glia cell abundancy correlates with worse disease outcomes in preclinical models and colorectal cancer patients. Thereby, our study reveals a neuroimmune interaction between enteric glia and tumor-associated macrophages in the colorectal tumor microenvironment, providing insights into colorectal cancer pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lies van Baarle
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veronica De Simone
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Linda Schneider
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sneha Santhosh
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Saeed Abdurahiman
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesca Biscu
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Reiner Schneider
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lisa Zanoletti
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Renata Siqueira de Mello
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Verbandt
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zedong Hu
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michelle Stakenborg
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bo-Jun Ke
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Stakenborg
- Laboratory for Intestinal Neuro-Immune Interaction, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raquel Salvador Laureano
- Cell Stress and Immunity (CSI) Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Balbina García-Reyes
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (MSSO ABCD), University Hospital Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jonas Henn
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marieta Toma
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maxime Vanmechelen
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics (LISCO), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Boeckxstaens
- Laboratory for Intestinal Neuro-Immune Interaction, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederik De Smet
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics (LISCO), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abhishek D Garg
- Cell Stress and Immunity (CSI) Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sales Ibiza
- Laboratory of Cell Biology & Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sabine Tejpar
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sven Wehner
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Gianluca Matteoli
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics (LISCO), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang Y, Ding W, Hao W, Gong L, Peng Y, Zhang J, Qian Z, Xu K, Cai W, Gao Y. CXCL3/TGF-β-mediated crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells augments RCC progression and sunitinib resistance. iScience 2024; 27:110224. [PMID: 39040058 PMCID: PMC11261419 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a significant role in tumor development and treatment failure, yet the precise mechanisms underlying their contribution to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains underexplored. This study explored the interaction between CAFs and tumor cells, and related mechanisms. CAFs isolated from tumor tissues promoted the tumor progression and drugs resistance both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL) 3 secreted from CAFs mediated its effects. CXCL3 activated its receptor CXCR2 to active the downstream ERK1/2 signaling pathway, subsequently promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell stemness. Blocking the crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells by CXCR2 inhibitor SB225002 attenuated the functions of CAFs. Furthermore, Renca cells facilitated the transformation of normal interstitial fibroblasts (NFs) into CAFs and the expression of CXCL3 through TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling pathway. In turn, transformed NFs promoted the tumor progression and drug resistance of RCC. These findings may constitute potential therapeutic strategies for RCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Weihong Ding
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Wenjing Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Luyao Gong
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yeheng Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhiyu Qian
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Weimin Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Anandhan S, Herbrich S, Goswami S, Guan B, Chen Y, Macaluso MD, Jindal S, Natarajan SM, Andrewes SW, Xiong L, Nagarajan A, Basu S, Tang DN, Liu J, Min J, Maitra A, Sharma P. TSG-6+ cancer-associated fibroblasts modulate myeloid cell responses and impair anti-tumor response to immune checkpoint therapy in pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5291. [PMID: 38987547 PMCID: PMC11237123 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49189-x] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Resistance to immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) presents a growing clinical challenge. The tumor microenvironment (TME) and its components, namely tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), play a pivotal role in ICT resistance; however, the underlying mechanisms remain under investigation. In this study, we identify expression of TNF-Stimulated Factor 6 (TSG-6) in ICT-resistant pancreatic tumors, compared to ICT-sensitive melanoma tumors, both in mouse and human. TSG-6 is expressed by CAFs within the TME, where suppressive macrophages expressing Arg1, Mafb, and Mrc1, along with TSG-6 ligand Cd44, predominate. Furthermore, TSG-6 expressing CAFs co-localize with the CD44 expressing macrophages in the TME. TSG-6 inhibition in combination with ICT improves therapy response and survival in pancreatic tumor-bearing mice by reducing macrophages expressing immunosuppressive phenotypes and increasing CD8 T cells. Overall, our findings propose TSG-6 as a therapeutic target to enhance ICT response in non-responsive tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Anandhan
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The James P. Allison Institute, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shelley Herbrich
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The James P. Allison Institute, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sangeeta Goswami
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The James P. Allison Institute, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Baoxiang Guan
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The James P. Allison Institute, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yulong Chen
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marc Daniel Macaluso
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sonali Jindal
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Seanu Meena Natarajan
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samuel W Andrewes
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The James P. Allison Institute, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Liangwen Xiong
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The James P. Allison Institute, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ashwat Nagarajan
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The James P. Allison Institute, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sreyashi Basu
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Derek Ng Tang
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The James P. Allison Institute, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jielin Liu
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The James P. Allison Institute, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jimin Min
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Padmanee Sharma
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- The James P. Allison Institute, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wei C, Wang W, Hu Z, Huang Z, Lu Y, Zhou W, Liu X, Jin X, Yin J, Li G. Predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in colorectal cancer by pericytes insights from single-cell RNA sequencing. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:1215-1228. [PMID: 38652261 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae064] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of tumors, but there are still a large number of patients who do not benefit from immunotherapy. Pericytes play an important role in remodeling the immune microenvironment. However, how pericytes affect the prognosis and treatment resistance of tumors is still unknown. This study jointly analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and bulk RNA sequencing data of multiple cancers to reveal pericyte function in the colorectal cancer microenvironment. Analyzing over 800 000 cells, it was found that colorectal cancer had more pericyte enrichment in tumor tissues than other cancers. We then combined the TCGA database with multiple public datasets and enrolled more than 1000 samples, finding that pericyte may be closely related to poor prognosis due to the higher epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic characteristics. At the same time, patients with more pericytes have higher immune checkpoint molecule expressions and lower immune cell infiltration. Finally, the contributions of pericyte in poor treatment response have been demonstrated in multiple immunotherapy datasets (n = 453). All of these observations suggest that pericyte can be used as a potential biomarker to predict patient disease progression and immunotherapy response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wei
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Weikai Wang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Zhihao Hu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Zhuoli Huang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Ye Lu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenwen Zhou
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Xin Jin
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Jianhua Yin
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Guibo Li
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Coulton A, Murai J, Qian D, Thakkar K, Lewis CE, Litchfield K. Using a pan-cancer atlas to investigate tumour associated macrophages as regulators of immunotherapy response. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5665. [PMID: 38969631 PMCID: PMC11226649 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49885-8] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The paradigm for macrophage characterization has evolved from the simple M1/M2 dichotomy to a more complex model that encompasses the broad spectrum of macrophage phenotypic diversity, due to differences in ontogeny and/or local stimuli. We currently lack an in-depth pan-cancer single cell RNA-seq (scRNAseq) atlas of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) that fully captures this complexity. In addition, an increased understanding of macrophage diversity could help to explain the variable responses of cancer patients to immunotherapy. Our atlas includes well established macrophage subsets as well as a number of additional ones. We associate macrophage composition with tumour phenotype and show macrophage subsets can vary between primary and metastatic tumours growing in sites like the liver. We also examine macrophage-T cell functional cross talk and identify two subsets of TAMs associated with T cell activation. Analysis of TAM signatures in a large cohort of immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated patients (CPI1000 + ) identify multiple TAM subsets associated with response, including the presence of a subset of TAMs that upregulate collagen-related genes. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of our data as a resource and reference atlas for mapping of novel macrophage datasets using projection. Overall, these advances represent an important step in both macrophage classification and overcoming resistance to immunotherapies in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Coulton
- The Tumour Immunogenomics and Immunosurveillance (TIGI) Lab, UCL Cancer Institute, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Jun Murai
- The Tumour Immunogenomics and Immunosurveillance (TIGI) Lab, UCL Cancer Institute, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Danwen Qian
- The Tumour Immunogenomics and Immunosurveillance (TIGI) Lab, UCL Cancer Institute, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Krupa Thakkar
- The Tumour Immunogenomics and Immunosurveillance (TIGI) Lab, UCL Cancer Institute, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Claire E Lewis
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, Yorkshire, S10 2RX, UK.
| | - Kevin Litchfield
- The Tumour Immunogenomics and Immunosurveillance (TIGI) Lab, UCL Cancer Institute, London, WC1E 6DD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang Z, Yang N, Xu L, Lu H, Chen Y, Wang Z, Lu Q, Zhong K, Zhu Z, Wang G, Li H, Zheng M, Zhou L, Tong A. Systemic delivery of oncolytic herpes virus using CAR-T cells enhances targeting of antitumor immuno-virotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:173. [PMID: 38953982 PMCID: PMC11219689 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03757-8] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that combining oncolytic viruses with CAR-T cells in therapy has shown superior anti-tumor effects, representing a promising approach. Nonetheless, the localized delivery method of intratumoral injection poses challenges for treating metastatic tumors or distal tumors that are difficult to reach. To address this obstacle, we employed HSV-1-infected CAR-T cells, which systemically delivery HSV into solid tumors. The biological function of CAR-T cells remained intact after loading them with HSV for a period of three days. In both immunocompromised and immunocompetent GBM orthotopic mouse models, B7-H3 CAR-T cells effectively delivered HSV to tumor lesions, resulting in enhanced T-cell infiltration and significantly prolonged survival in mice. We also employed a bilateral subcutaneous tumor model and observed that the group receiving intratumoral virus injection exhibited a significant reduction in tumor volume on the injected side, while the group receiving intravenous infusion of CAR-T cells carrying HSV displayed suppressed tumor growth on both sides. Hence, CAR-THSV cells offer notable advantages in the systemic delivery of HSV to distant tumors. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the potential of CAR-T cells as carriers for HSV, presenting significant advantages for oncolytic virotherapy targeting distant tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Nian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Long Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Huaqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yongdong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qizhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Kunhong Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhixiong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, West China Medical School, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hexian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Meijun Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Liangxue Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fifth People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shizuishan, 753000, Ningxia, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Aiping Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhao Y, Hadavi D, Dijkgraaf I, Honing M. Coupling of surface plasmon resonance and mass spectrometry for molecular interaction studies in drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104027. [PMID: 38762085 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Various analytical technologies have been developed for the study of target-ligand interactions. The combination of these technologies gives pivotal information on the binding mechanism, kinetics, affinity, residence time, and changes in molecular structures. Mass spectrometry (MS) offers structural information, enabling the identification and quantification of target-ligand interactions. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) provides kinetic information on target-ligand interaction in real time. The coupling of MS and SPR complements each other in the studies of target-ligand interactions. Over the last two decades, the capabilities and added values of SPR-MS have been reported. This review summarizes and highlights the benefits, applications, and potential for further research of the SPR-MS approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuandi Zhao
- Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging (M4i) Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Darya Hadavi
- Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging (M4i) Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Ingrid Dijkgraaf
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, MUMC+, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Honing
- Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging (M4i) Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hao Q, Long Y, Yang Y, Deng Y, Ding Z, Yang L, Shu Y, Xu H. Development and Clinical Applications of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines with Individualized and Shared Neoantigens. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:717. [PMID: 39066355 PMCID: PMC11281709 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070717] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neoantigens, presented as peptides on the surfaces of cancer cells, have recently been proposed as optimal targets for immunotherapy in clinical practice. The promising outcomes of neoantigen-based cancer vaccines have inspired enthusiasm for their broader clinical applications. However, the individualized tumor-specific antigens (TSA) entail considerable costs and time due to the variable immunogenicity and response rates of these neoantigens-based vaccines, influenced by factors such as neoantigen response, vaccine types, and combination therapy. Given the crucial role of neoantigen efficacy, a number of bioinformatics algorithms and pipelines have been developed to improve the accuracy rate of prediction through considering a series of factors involving in HLA-peptide-TCR complex formation, including peptide presentation, HLA-peptide affinity, and TCR recognition. On the other hand, shared neoantigens, originating from driver mutations at hot mutation spots (e.g., KRASG12D), offer a promising and ideal target for the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines. A series of clinical practices have established the efficacy of these vaccines in patients with distinct HLA haplotypes. Moreover, increasing evidence demonstrated that a combination of tumor associated antigens (TAAs) and neoantigens can also improve the prognosis, thus expand the repertoire of shared neoantigens for cancer vaccines. In this review, we provide an overview of the complex process involved in identifying personalized neoantigens, their clinical applications, advances in vaccine technology, and explore the therapeutic potential of shared neoantigen strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.H.); (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (Y.D.); (Z.D.); (L.Y.)
| | - Yuhang Long
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.H.); (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (Y.D.); (Z.D.); (L.Y.)
| | - Yi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.H.); (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (Y.D.); (Z.D.); (L.Y.)
| | - Yiqi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.H.); (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (Y.D.); (Z.D.); (L.Y.)
- Colorectal Cancer Center, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhenyu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.H.); (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (Y.D.); (Z.D.); (L.Y.)
| | - Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.H.); (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (Y.D.); (Z.D.); (L.Y.)
| | - Yang Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.H.); (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (Y.D.); (Z.D.); (L.Y.)
- Gastric Cancer Center, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Institute of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Heng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Q.H.); (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (Y.D.); (Z.D.); (L.Y.)
- Institute of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Collins A, Scott R, Wilson C, Abbate G, Ecclestone GB, Albanese A, Biddles D, White S, French J, Moir J, Alrawashdeh W, Wilson C, Pandanaboyana S, Hammond J, Thakkar R, Oakley F, Mann J, Mann DA, Kenneth NS. UCHL1-dependent control of hypoxia-inducible factor transcriptional activity during liver fibrosis. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20232147. [PMID: 38808772 PMCID: PMC11182734 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20232147] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins that occurs in most types of chronic liver disease. At the cellular level, liver fibrosis is associated with the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) which transdifferentiate into a myofibroblast-like phenotype that is contractile, proliferative and profibrogenic. HSC transdifferentiation induces genome-wide changes in gene expression that enable the cell to adopt its profibrogenic functions. We have previously identified that the deubiquitinase ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCHL1) is highly induced following HSC activation; however, the cellular targets of its deubiquitinating activity are poorly defined. Here, we describe a role for UCHL1 in regulating the levels and activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1), an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor, during HSC activation and liver fibrosis. HIF1 is elevated during HSC activation and promotes the expression of profibrotic mediator HIF target genes. Increased HIF1α expression correlated with induction of UCHL1 mRNA and protein with HSC activation. Genetic deletion or chemical inhibition of UCHL1 impaired HIF activity through reduction of HIF1α levels. Furthermore, our mechanistic studies have shown that UCHL1 elevates HIF activity through specific cleavage of degradative ubiquitin chains, elevates levels of pro-fibrotic gene expression and increases proliferation rates. As we also show that UCHL1 inhibition blunts fibrogenesis in a pre-clinical 3D human liver slice model of fibrosis, these results demonstrate how small molecule inhibitors of DUBs can exert therapeutic effects through modulation of HIF transcription factors in liver disease. Furthermore, inhibition of HIF activity using UCHL1 inhibitors may represent a therapeutic opportunity with other HIF-related pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Collins
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Rebecca Scott
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Caroline L. Wilson
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Giuseppe Abbate
- FibroFind Ltd, FibroFind Laboratories, Medical School, Newcastle University, U.K
| | - Gabrielle B. Ecclestone
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, U.K
| | - Adam G. Albanese
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, U.K
| | - Demi Biddles
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Steven White
- Department of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Jeremy French
- Department of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K
| | - John Moir
- Department of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Wasfi Alrawashdeh
- Department of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Colin Wilson
- Department of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Sanjay Pandanaboyana
- Department of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K
| | - John S. Hammond
- Department of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Rohan Thakkar
- Department of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Fiona Oakley
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Jelena Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
- FibroFind Ltd, FibroFind Laboratories, Medical School, Newcastle University, U.K
| | - Derek A. Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Niall S. Kenneth
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Micalet A, Upadhyay A, Javanmardi Y, de Brito CG, Moeendarbary E, Cheema U. Patient-specific colorectal-cancer-associated fibroblasts modulate tumor microenvironment mechanics. iScience 2024; 27:110060. [PMID: 38883829 PMCID: PMC11179580 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110060] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a major role in reorganizing the physical tumor micro-environment and changing tissue stiffness. Herein, using an engineered three-dimensional (3D) model that mimics the tumor's native biomechanical environment, we characterized the changes in matrix stiffness caused by six patient-specific colorectal CAF populations. After 21 days of culture, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was performed to precisely measure the local changes in tissue stiffness. Each CAF population exhibited heterogeneity in remodeling capabilities, with some patient-derived cells stiffening the matrix and others softening it. Tissue stiffening was mainly attributed to active contraction of the matrix by the cells, whereas the softening was due to enzymatic activity of matrix-cleaving proteins. This measured heterogeneity was lost when the CAFs were cocultured with colorectal cancer cells, as all samples significantly soften the tissue. The interplay between cancer cells and CAFs was critical as it altered any heterogeneity exhibited by CAFs alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Auxtine Micalet
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Anuja Upadhyay
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
| | - Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd, Gloucester Road, London W2 6LD, UK
| | - Umber Cheema
- UCL Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang L, Izadmehr S, Sfakianos JP, Tran M, Beaumont KG, Brody R, Cordon-Cardo C, Horowitz A, Sebra R, Oh WK, Bhardwaj N, Galsky MD, Zhu J. Single-cell transcriptomic-informed deconvolution of bulk data identifies immune checkpoint blockade resistance in urothelial cancer. iScience 2024; 27:109928. [PMID: 38812546 PMCID: PMC11133924 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influence tumor progression and treatment responses. While single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial genomics facilitate TME exploration, many clinical cohorts are assessed at the bulk tissue level. Integrating scRNA-seq and bulk tissue RNA-seq data through computational deconvolution is essential for obtaining clinically relevant insights. Our method, ProM, enables the examination of major and minor cell types. Through evaluation against existing methods using paired single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing of human urothelial cancer (UC) samples, ProM demonstrates superiority. Application to UC cohorts treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors reveals pre-treatment cellular features associated with poor outcomes, such as elevated SPP1 expression in macrophage/monocytes (MM). Our deconvolution method and paired single-cell and bulk tissue RNA-seq dataset contribute novel insights into TME heterogeneity and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Precision Medicine, Aitia, Somerville, MA 02143, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sudeh Izadmehr
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - John P. Sfakianos
- Department of Urology; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michelle Tran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kristin G. Beaumont
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Rachel Brody
- Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Carlos Cordon-Cardo
- Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Amir Horowitz
- The Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Robert Sebra
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - William K. Oh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nina Bhardwaj
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Matthew D. Galsky
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10029, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang J, Gao W, Yu H, Xu Y, Bai C, Cong Q, Zhu Y. Research Progress on the Role of Epigenetic Methylation Modification in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:1143-1156. [PMID: 38911291 PMCID: PMC11192199 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s458734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as the prevailing form of primary liver cancer, characterized by a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. A pivotal factor in HCC tumorigenesis is epigenetics, specifically the regulation of gene expression through methylation. This process relies significantly on the action of proteins that modify methylation, including methyltransferases, their associated binding proteins, and demethylases. These proteins are crucial regulators, orchestrating the methylation process by regulating enzymes and their corresponding binding proteins. This orchestration facilitates the reading, binding, detection, and catalysis of gene methylation sites. Methylation ences the development, prolisignificantly influferation, invasion, and prognosis of HCC. Furthermore, methylation modification and its regulatory mechanisms activate distinct biological characteristics in HCC cancer stem cells, such as inducing cancer-like differentiation of stem cells. They also influence the tumor microenvironment (TME) in HCC, modulate immune responses, affect chemotherapy resistance in HCC patients, and contribute to HCC progression through signaling pathway feedback. Given the essential role of methylation in genetic information, it holds promise as a potential tool for the early detection of HCC and as a target to improve drug resistance and promote apoptosis in HCC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Infectious Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenyue Gao
- Infectious Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Yu
- Infectious Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuting Xu
- Infectious Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changchuan Bai
- Internal Department of Chinese Medicine, Dalian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning, 116013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingwei Cong
- Infectious Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Infectious Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zuo C, Xia J, Chen L. Dissecting tumor microenvironment from spatially resolved transcriptomics data by heterogeneous graph learning. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5057. [PMID: 38871687 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49171-7] [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: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) has enabled precise dissection of tumor-microenvironment (TME) by analyzing its intracellular molecular networks and intercellular cell-cell communication (CCC). However, lacking computational exploration of complicated relations between cells, genes, and histological regions, severely limits the ability to interpret the complex structure of TME. Here, we introduce stKeep, a heterogeneous graph (HG) learning method that integrates multimodality and gene-gene interactions, in unraveling TME from SRT data. stKeep leverages HG to learn both cell-modules and gene-modules by incorporating features of diverse nodes including genes, cells, and histological regions, allows for identifying finer cell-states within TME and cell-state-specific gene-gene relations, respectively. Furthermore, stKeep employs HG to infer CCC for each cell, while ensuring that learned CCC patterns are comparable across different cell-states through contrastive learning. In various cancer samples, stKeep outperforms other tools in dissecting TME such as detecting bi-potent basal populations, neoplastic myoepithelial cells, and metastatic cells distributed within the tumor or leading-edge regions. Notably, stKeep identifies key transcription factors, ligands, and receptors relevant to disease progression, which are further validated by the functional and survival analysis of independent clinical data, thereby highlighting its clinical prognostic and immunotherapy applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunman Zuo
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Big Data and Intelligent System, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
- Key Laboratory of Symbolic Computation and Knowledge Engineering of Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China.
| | - Junjie Xia
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Big Data and Intelligent System, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Luonan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Med-X center for informatics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Xiao Y, Wang Z, Gu M, Wei P, Wang X, Li W. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: heterogeneity and their role in the tumor immune response. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:126. [PMID: 38864912 PMCID: PMC11169017 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01375-3] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, many reports have been published on the composition and function of the tumor microenvironment (TME), among which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have received much attention. CAFs have different degrees of heterogeneity in terms of their origin, phenotype, and function and can be divided into different subpopulations. These subgroups may play different roles in the occurrence and development of tumors. In addition, CAFs are closely associated with tumor immunity and have been found to regulate immune cell activity and to suppress the tumor immune response. In this review, we systematize the heterogeneity and characteristics of CAFs, discuss how specific CAF subgroups contribute to cancer progression by inducing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and finally, we examine the future clinical applications of CAF subgroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Xiao
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Gu
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Panjian Wei
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojue Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Weiying Li
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yi Y, Qin G, Yang H, Jia H, Zeng Q, Zheng D, Ye S, Zhang Z, Liu TM, Luo KQ, Deng CX, Xu RH. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Increase the Natural Killer Resistance of Circulating Tumor Cells via Intercellular Signaling of cGAS-STING-IFNβ-HLA. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400888. [PMID: 38638003 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) shed from primary tumors must overcome the cytotoxicity of immune cells, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, to cause metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) protects tumor cells from the cytotoxicity of immune cells, which is partially executed by cancer-associated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). However, the mechanisms by which MSCs influence the NK resistance of CTCs remain poorly understood. This study demonstrates that MSCs enhance the NK resistance of cancer cells in a gap junction-dependent manner, thereby promoting the survival and metastatic seeding of CTCs in immunocompromised mice. Tumor cells crosstalk with MSCs through an intercellular cGAS-cGAMP-STING signaling loop, leading to increased production of interferon-β (IFNβ) by MSCs. IFNβ reversely enhances the type I IFN (IFN-I) signaling in tumor cells and hence the expression of human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) on the cell surface, protecting the tumor cells from NK cytotoxicity. Disruption of this loop reverses NK sensitivity in tumor cells and decreases tumor metastasis. Moreover, there are positive correlations between IFN-I signaling, HLA-I expression, and NK tolerance in human tumor samples. Thus, the NK-resistant signaling loop between tumor cells and MSCs may serve as a novel therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yi
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Guihui Qin
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Hao Jia
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Qibing Zeng
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Dejin Zheng
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Sen Ye
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Tzu-Ming Liu
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Ren-He Xu
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li Y, Yue L, Zhang S, Wang X, Zhu YN, Liu J, Ren H, Jiang W, Wang J, Zhang Z, Liu T. Proteomic, single-cell and bulk transcriptomic analysis of plasma and tumor tissues unveil core proteins in response to anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy in triple negative breast cancer. Comput Biol Med 2024; 176:108537. [PMID: 38744008 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108537] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment has achieved durable responses in TNBC patients, whereas a fraction of them showed non-sensitivity to the treatment and the mechanism is still unclear. METHODS Pre- and post-treatment plasma samples from triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients treated with immunotherapy were measured by tandem mass tag (TMT) mass spectrometry. Public proteome data of lung cancer and melanoma treated with immunotherapy were employed to validate the findings. Blood and tissue single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of TNBC patients treated with or without immunotherapy were analyzed to identify the derivations of plasma proteins. RNA-seq data from IMvigor210 and other cancer types were used to validate plasma proteins in predicting response to immunotherapy. RESULTS A random forest model constructed by FAP, LRG1, LBP and COMP could well predict the response to immunotherapy. The activation of complement cascade was observed in responders, whereas FAP and COMP showed a higher abundance in non-responders and negative correlated with the activation of complements. scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq analysis suggested that FAP, COMP and complements were derived from fibroblasts of tumor tissues. CONCLUSIONS We constructe an effective plasma proteomic model in predicting response to immunotherapy, and find that FAP+ and COMP+ fibroblasts are potential targets for reversing immunotherapy resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingpu Li
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150000, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China
| | - Liang Yue
- Center for Intelligent Proteomics, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310030, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310030, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China
| | - Sifan Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xinxuan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150000, China
| | - Yu-Nan Zhu
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150000, China
| | - Jianyu Liu
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150000, China
| | - He Ren
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150000, China
| | - Wenhao Jiang
- Center for Intelligent Proteomics, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310030, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310030, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China
| | - Jingxuan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150000, China.
| | - Zhiren Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China; Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Metabolic Disorder and Cancer Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150000, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Xu Q, La T, Ye K, Wang L, Wang S, Hu Y, Teng L, Yan L, Li J, Zhang Z, Shao Z, Zhang YY, Zhao XH, Feng YC, Jin L, Baker M, Thorne RF, Zhang XD, Shao F, Cao H. KMT2A and chronic inflammation as potential drivers of sporadic parathyroid adenoma. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1734. [PMID: 38888967 PMCID: PMC11185127 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1734] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sporadic parathyroid adenoma (PA) is the most common cause of hyperparathyroidism, yet the mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. METHODS Surgically removed PA samples, along with normal parathyroid gland (PG) tissues that were incidentally dissected during total thyroidectomy, were analysed using single-cell RNA-sequencing with the 10× Genomics Chromium Droplet platform and Cell Ranger software. Gene set variation analysis was conducted to characterise hallmark pathway gene signatures, and single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering were utilised to analyse transcription factor regulons. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to validate cellular components of PA tissues. siRNA knockdown and gene overexpression, alongside quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and cell proliferation assays, were conducted for functional investigations. RESULTS There was a pervasive increase in gene transcription in PA cells (PACs) compared with PG cells. This is associated with high expression of histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A). High KMT2A levels potentially contribute to promoting PAC proliferation through upregulation of the proto-oncogene CCND2, which is mediated by the transcription factors signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3). PA tissues are heavily infiltrated with myeloid cells, while fibroblasts, endothelial cells and macrophages in PA tissues are commonly enriched with proinflammatory gene signatures relative to their counterparts in PG tissues. CONCLUSIONS We revealed the previously underappreciated involvement of the KMT2A‒STAT3/GATA3‒CCND2 axis and chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of PA. These findings underscore the therapeutic promise of KMT2A inhibition and anti-inflammatory strategies, highlighting the need for future investigations to translate these molecular insights into practical applications. HIGHLIGHTS Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals a transcriptome catalogue comparing sporadic parathyroid adenomas (PAs) with normal parathyroid glands. PA cells show a pervasive increase in gene expression linked to KMT2A upregulation. KMT2A-mediated STAT3 and GATA3 upregulation is key to promoting PA cell proliferation via cyclin D2. PAs exhibit a proinflammatory microenvironment, suggesting a potential role of chronic inflammation in PA pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Ting La
- National‐Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis & BiotherapyThe Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Kaihong Ye
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerZhengzhou University People's Hospital and Henan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Li Wang
- School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Shasha Wang
- Department of NephrologyXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Yifeng Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Liu Teng
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Lei Yan
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Jinming Li
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerZhengzhou University People's Hospital and Henan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- Department of Thyroid SurgeryHenan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Zehua Shao
- Children's Heart CenterHenan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Yuan Yuan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Xiao Hong Zhao
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yu Chen Feng
- School of Medicine and Public HealthThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lei Jin
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerZhengzhou University People's Hospital and Henan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- School of Medicine and Public HealthThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mark Baker
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Rick F. Thorne
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerZhengzhou University People's Hospital and Henan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Xu Dong Zhang
- Translational Research InstituteHenan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Cancer MetabolismHenan International Join Laboratory of Non‐Coding RNA and Metabolism in CancerZhengzhou University People's Hospital and Henan Provincial People's HospitalAcademy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Feng‐Min Shao
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Huixia Cao
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Immunology of Zhengzhou University People's HospitalZhengzhou University People's Hospital ,Henan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Liu C, Xie J, Lin B, Tian W, Wu Y, Xin S, Hong L, Li X, Liu L, Jin Y, Tang H, Deng X, Zou Y, Zheng S, Fang W, Cheng J, Dai X, Bao X, Zhao P. Pan-Cancer Single-Cell and Spatial-Resolved Profiling Reveals the Immunosuppressive Role of APOE+ Macrophages in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401061. [PMID: 38569519 PMCID: PMC11186051 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of macrophages influences the response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. However, few studies explore the impact of APOE+ macrophages on ICI therapy using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and machine learning methods. The scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data are Integrated to construct an M.Sig model for predicting ICI response based on the distinct molecular signatures of macrophage and machine learning algorithms. Comprehensive single-cell analysis as well as in vivo and in vitro experiments are applied to explore the potential mechanisms of the APOE+ macrophage in affecting ICI response. The M.Sig model shows clear advantages in predicting the efficacy and prognosis of ICI therapy in pan-cancer patients. The proportion of APOE+ macrophages is higher in ICI non-responders of triple-negative breast cancer compared with responders, and the interaction and longer distance between APOE+ macrophages and CD8+ exhausted T (Tex) cells affecting ICI response is confirmed by multiplex immunohistochemistry. In a 4T1 tumor-bearing mice model, the APOE inhibitor combined with ICI treatment shows the best efficacy. The M.Sig model using real-world immunotherapy data accurately predicts the ICI response of pan-cancer, which may be associated with the interaction between APOE+ macrophages and CD8+ Tex cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Liu
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Jindong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Bo Lin
- College of Computer Science and TechnologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310053China
- Innovation Centre for InformationBinjiang Institute of Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou310053China
| | - Weihong Tian
- Changzhou Third People's HospitalChangzhou Medical CenterNanjing Medical UniversityChangzhou213000China
| | - Yifan Wu
- School of softwareZhejiang UniversityNingbo315100China
| | - Shan Xin
- Department of GeneticsYale School of medicineNew HavenCT06510USA
| | - Libing Hong
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Xin Li
- Department Chronic Inflammation and CancerGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)69120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Lulu Liu
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Yuzhi Jin
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Xinpei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Yutian Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Shaoquan Zheng
- Breast Disease CenterThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510060China
| | - Weijia Fang
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Jinlin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesNational Medical Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Xiaomeng Dai
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Xuanwen Bao
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Li PH, Zhang X, Yan H, Xia X, Deng Y, Miao Q, Luo Y, Liu G, Luo H, Zhang Y, Xu H, Jiang L, Li ZH, Shu Y. Contribution of crosstalk of mesothelial and tumoral epithelial cells in pleural metastasis of lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2024; 13:965-985. [PMID: 38854934 PMCID: PMC11157377 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-24-118] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Tumor metastasis commonly affects pleura in advanced lung cancer and results in malignant pleural effusion (MPE). MPE is related to poor prognosis, but without systematic investigation on different cell types and their crosstalk at single cell resolution. Methods We conducted single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of lung cancer patients with pleural effusion. Next, our data were integrated with 5 datasets derived from individuals under normal, non-malignant disease and lung carcinomatous conditions. Mesothelial cells were re-clustered and their interactions with epithelial cells were comprehensively analyzed. Taking advantage of inferred ligand-receptor pairs, a prediction model of prognosis was constructed. The co-culture of mesothelial cells and malignant epithelial cells in vitro and RNA-seq was performed. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist cetuximab was utilized to prevent the lung cancer cells' invasiveness. Spatial distribution of cells in lung adenocarcinoma patients' samples were also analyzed to validate our findings. Results The most distinctive transcriptome profiles between tumor and control were revealed in mesothelial cells, which is the predominate cell type of pleura. Five subtypes were divided, including one predominately identified in MPE which was characterized by enriched cancer-related pathways (e.g., cell migration) along evolutionary trajectory from normal mesothelial cells. Cancer-associated mesothelial cells (CAMCs) exhibited varied interactions with different subtypes of malignant epithelial cells, and multiple ligands/receptors exhibited significant correlation with poor prognosis. Experimentally, mesothelial cells can increase the migration ability of lung cancer cells through co-culturing. EGFR was the only affected gene in cancer cells that exhibited interaction with mesothelial cells and was associated with poor prognosis. Using EGFR antagonist cetuximab prevented the lung cancer cells' increased invasiveness caused by mesothelial cells. Moreover, epithelial mitogen (EPGN)-EGFR interaction was supported through spatial distribution analysis, revealing the significant proximity between EPGN+ mesothelial cells and EGFR+ epithelial cells. Conclusions Our findings highlighted the important role of mesothelial cells and their interactions with cancer cells in pleural metastasis of lung cancer, providing potential targets for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Heng Li
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huayun Yan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuyang Xia
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiqi Deng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Miao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiqiao Luo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guihong Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Luo
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Lung Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Heng Xu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Li
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Shu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Gastric Cancer Center, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mori Y, Okimoto Y, Sakai H, Kanda Y, Ohata H, Shiokawa D, Suzuki M, Yoshida H, Ueda H, Sekizuka T, Tamura R, Yamawaki K, Ishiguro T, Mateos RN, Shiraishi Y, Yatabe Y, Hamada A, Yoshihara K, Enomoto T, Okamoto K. Targeting PDGF signaling of cancer-associated fibroblasts blocks feedback activation of HIF-1α and tumor progression of clear cell ovarian cancer. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101532. [PMID: 38670097 PMCID: PMC11149410 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101532] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a gynecological cancer with a dismal prognosis; however, the mechanism underlying OCCC chemoresistance is not well understood. To explore the intracellular networks associated with the chemoresistance, we analyze surgical specimens by performing integrative analyses that combine single-cell analyses and spatial transcriptomics. We find that a chemoresistant OCCC subpopulation with elevated HIF activity localizes mainly in areas populated by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with a myofibroblastic phenotype, which is corroborated by quantitative immunostaining. CAF-enhanced chemoresistance and HIF-1α induction are recapitulated in co-culture assays, which show that cancer-derived platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) contributes to the chemoresistance and HIF-1α induction via PDGF receptor signaling in CAFs. Ripretinib is identified as an effective receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor against CAF survival. In the co-culture system and xenograft tumors, ripretinib prevents CAF survival and suppresses OCCC proliferation in the presence of carboplatin, indicating that combination of conventional chemotherapy and CAF-targeted agents is effective against OCCC.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Female
- Humans
- Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/pathology
- Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/drug effects
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism
- Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Animals
- Mice
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Disease Progression
- Coculture Techniques
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Mice, Nude
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/metabolism
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/pathology
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/drug therapy
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/genetics
- Feedback, Physiological/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Mori
- Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Teikyo University, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Yoshie Okimoto
- Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Teikyo University, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sakai
- Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Teikyo University, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kanda
- Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Teikyo University, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Ohata
- Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Teikyo University, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan
| | - Daisuke Shiokawa
- Ehime University Hospital Translational Research Center, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Mikiko Suzuki
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yoshida
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Haruka Ueda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Sekizuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Ryo Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yamawaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ishiguro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Raul Nicolas Mateos
- Division of Genome Analysis Platform Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yuichi Shiraishi
- Division of Genome Analysis Platform Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yasushi Yatabe
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Akinobu Hamada
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kosuke Yoshihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Takayuki Enomoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Koji Okamoto
- Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Teikyo University, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
You M, Fu M, Shen Z, Feng Y, Zhang L, Zhu X, Zhuang Z, Mao Y, Hua W. HIF2A mediates lineage transition to aggressive phenotype of cancer-associated fibroblasts in lung cancer brain metastasis. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2356942. [PMID: 38778816 PMCID: PMC11110709 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2356942] [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: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis is the most devasting form of lung cancer. Recent studies highlight significant differences in the tumor microenvironment (TME) between lung cancer brain metastasis (LCBM) and primary lung cancer, which contribute significantly to tumor progression and drug resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of pro-tumor TME with high plasticity. However, the lineage composition and function of CAFs in LCBM remain elusive. By reanalyzing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data (GSE131907) from lung cancer patients with different stages of metastasis comprising primary lesions and brain metastasis, we found that CAFs undergo distinctive lineage transition during LCBM under a hypoxic situation, which is directly driven by hypoxia-induced HIF-2α activation. Transited CAFs enhance angiogenesis through VEGF pathways, trigger metabolic reprogramming, and promote the growth of tumor cells. Bulk RNA sequencing data was utilized as validation cohorts. Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) assay was performed on four paired samples of brain metastasis and their primary lung cancer counterparts to validate the findings. Our study revealed a novel mechanism of lung cancer brain metastasis featuring HIF-2α-induced lineage transition and functional alteration of CAFs, which offers potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muyuan You
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
- Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Minjie Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
- Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhewei Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
- Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
- Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Licheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
- Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianmin Zhu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengping Zhuang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
- Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Hua
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
- Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang C, Qin Y, Wu Y, Xu H, Shu Y. Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 in hematological malignancies and its clinical applications. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1151-1159. [PMID: 38557962 PMCID: PMC11101235 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003090] [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: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 ( MALAT1 ) is a well-established oncogenic long non-coding RNA, the higher expression of which is strongly correlated with cancer events such as tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, drug resistance, and treatment outcome in solid cancers. Recently, a series of studies has highlighted its potential role in hematological malignancies in terms of these events. Similar to solid cancers, MALAT1 can regulate various target genes via sponging and epigenetic mechanisms, but the miRNAs sponged by MALAT1 differ from those identified in solid cancers. In this review, we systematically describe the role and underlying mechanisms of MALAT1 in multiple types of hematological malignancies, including regulation of cell proliferation, metastasis, stress response, and glycolysis. Clinically, MALAT1 expression is related to poor treatment outcome and drug resistance, therefore exhibiting potential prognostic value in multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. Finally, we discuss the evaluation of MALAT1 as a novel therapeutic target against cancer in preclinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunlan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yun Qin
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Heng Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Institute of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yang Shu
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Vendramini-Costa DB, Francescone R, Franco-Barraza J, Luong T, Graves M, de Aquino AM, Steele N, Gardiner JC, Dos Santos SAA, Ogier C, Malloy E, Borghaei L, Martinez E, Zhigarev DI, Tan Y, Lee H, Zhou Y, Cai KQ, Klein-Szanto AJ, Wang H, Andrake M, Dunbrack RL, Campbell K, Cukierman E. Netrin G1 Ligand is a new stromal immunomodulator that promotes pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594354. [PMID: 38798370 PMCID: PMC11118300 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Understanding pancreatic cancer biology is fundamental for identifying new targets and for developing more effective therapies. In particular, the contribution of the stromal microenvironment to pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis requires further exploration. Here, we report the stromal roles of the synaptic protein Netrin G1 Ligand (NGL-1) in pancreatic cancer, uncovering its pro-tumor functions in cancer-associated fibroblasts and in immune cells. We observed that the stromal expression of NGL-1 inversely correlated with patients' overall survival. Moreover, germline knockout (KO) mice for NGL-1 presented decreased tumor burden, with a microenvironment that is less supportive of tumor growth. Of note, tumors from NGL-1 KO mice produced less immunosuppressive cytokines and displayed an increased percentage of CD8 + T cells than those from control mice, while preserving the physical structure of the tumor microenvironment. These effects were shown to be mediated by NGL-1 in both immune cells and in the local stroma, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. While myeloid cells lacking NGL-1 decreased the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, NGL-1 KO T cells showed increased proliferation rates and overall polyfunctionality compared to control T cells. CAFs lacking NGL-1 were less immunosuppressive than controls, with overall decreased production of pro-tumor cytokines and compromised ability to inhibit CD8 + T cells activation. Mechanistically, these CAFs downregulated components of the TGF-β pathway, AP-1 and NFAT transcription factor families, resulting in a less tumor-supportive phenotype. Finally, targeting NGL-1 genetically or using a functionally antagonistic small peptide phenocopied the effects of chemotherapy, while modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), rather than eliminating it. We propose NGL-1 as a new local stroma and immunomodulatory molecule, with pro-tumor roles in pancreatic cancer. Statement of Significance Here we uncovered the pro-tumor roles of the synaptic protein NGL-1 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, defining a new target that simultaneously modulates tumor cell, fibroblast, and immune cell functions. This study reports a new pathway where NGL-1 controls TGF-β, AP-1 transcription factor members and NFAT1, modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Our findings highlight NGL-1 as a new stromal immunomodulator in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
|
40
|
Peng XL, Kharitonova EV, Xu Y, Kearney JF, Luan C, Chan PS, Hariharan A, McCabe IC, Leary JR, Morrison AB, Trembath HE, LaBella ME, Herera Loeza SG, Cliff A, Kim HJ, Belt BA, Panni RZ, Linehan DC, Damrauer JS, Iuga AC, Kim WY, Rashid NU, Yeh JJ. Determination of permissive and restraining cancer-associated fibroblast (DeCAF) subtypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594197. [PMID: 38798565 PMCID: PMC11118336 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subpopulations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been identified using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) with divergent characteristics, but their clinical relevance remains unclear. We translate scRNAseq-derived CAF cell-subpopulation-specific marker genes to bulk RNAseq data, and develop a single- sample classifier, DeCAF, for the classification of clinically rest raining and perm issive CAF subtypes. We validate DeCAF in 19 independent bulk transcriptomic datasets across four tumor types (PDAC, mesothelioma, bladder and renal cell carcinoma). DeCAF subtypes have distinct histology features, immune landscapes, and are prognostic and predict response to therapy across cancer types. We demonstrate that DeCAF is clinically replicable and robust for the classification of CAF subtypes in patients for multiple tumor types, providing a better framework for the future development and translation of therapies against permissive CAF subtypes and preservation of restraining CAF subtypes. Significance We introduce a replicable and robust classifier, DeCAF, that delineates the significance of the role of permissive and restraining CAF subtypes in cancer patients. DeCAF is clinically tractable, prognostic and predictive of treatment response in multiple cancer types and lays the translational groundwork for the preclinical and clinical development of CAF subtype specific therapies.
Collapse
|
41
|
Kazakova AN, Lukina MM, Anufrieva KS, Bekbaeva IV, Ivanova OM, Shnaider PV, Slonov A, Arapidi GP, Shender VO. Exploring the diversity of cancer-associated fibroblasts: insights into mechanisms of drug resistance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1403122. [PMID: 38818409 PMCID: PMC11137237 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1403122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Among the various stromal cell types within the tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as the predominant constituent, exhibiting a diverse array of oncogenic functions not intrinsic to normal fibroblasts. Their involvement spans across all stages of tumorigenesis, encompassing initiation, progression, and metastasis. Current understanding posits the coexistence of distinct subpopulations of CAFs within the tumor microenvironment across a spectrum of solid tumors, showcasing both pro- and antitumor activities. Recent advancements in single-cell transcriptomics have revolutionized our ability to meticulously dissect the heterogeneity inherent to CAF populations. Furthermore, accumulating evidence underscores the pivotal role of CAFs in conferring therapeutic resistance to tumors against various drug modalities. Consequently, efforts are underway to develop pharmacological agents specifically targeting CAFs. Methods: This review embarks on a comprehensive analysis, consolidating data from 36 independent single-cell RNA sequencing investigations spanning 17 distinct human malignant tumor types. Results: Our exploration centers on elucidating CAF population markers, discerning their prognostic relevance, delineating their functional contributions, and elucidating the underlying mechanisms orchestrating chemoresistance. Discussion: Finally, we deliberate on the therapeutic potential of harnessing CAFs as promising targets for intervention strategies in clinical oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia N. Kazakova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria M. Lukina
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Ksenia S. Anufrieva
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V. Bekbaeva
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Olga M. Ivanova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina V. Shnaider
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Slonov
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgij P. Arapidi
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria O. Shender
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kang J, Lee JH, Cha H, An J, Kwon J, Lee S, Kim S, Baykan MY, Kim SY, An D, Kwon AY, An HJ, Lee SH, Choi JK, Park JE. Systematic dissection of tumor-normal single-cell ecosystems across a thousand tumors of 30 cancer types. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4067. [PMID: 38744958 PMCID: PMC11094150 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48310-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the tumor microenvironment poses significant challenges in cancer therapy. Here, to comprehensively investigate the tumor-normal ecosystems, we perform an integrative analysis of 4.9 million single-cell transcriptomes from 1070 tumor and 493 normal samples in combination with pan-cancer 137 spatial transcriptomics, 8887 TCGA, and 1261 checkpoint inhibitor-treated bulk tumors. We define a myriad of cell states constituting the tumor-normal ecosystems and also identify hallmark gene signatures across different cell types and organs. Our atlas characterizes distinctions between inflammatory fibroblasts marked by AKR1C1 or WNT5A in terms of cellular interactions and spatial co-localization patterns. Co-occurrence analysis reveals interferon-enriched community states including tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) components, which exhibit differential rewiring between tumor, adjacent normal, and healthy normal tissues. The favorable response of interferon-enriched community states to immunotherapy is validated using immunotherapy-treated cancers (n = 1261) including our lung cancer cohort (n = 497). Deconvolution of spatial transcriptomes discriminates TLS-enriched from non-enriched cell types among immunotherapy-favorable components. Our systematic dissection of tumor-normal ecosystems provides a deeper understanding of inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junho Kang
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hyeong Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongui Cha
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhyeon An
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonha Kwon
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cancer Data Science, National Cancer Center, Bioinformatics Branch, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongwoo Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongryong Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mert Yakup Baykan
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyeon An
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Young Kwon
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung An
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Hoon Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung Kyoon Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Penta Medix Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Eun Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hendawi NY, Crane HL, Mehanna H, Bolt R, Lambert DW, Hunter KD. Fibroblasts from HPV-negative oropharynx squamous cell carcinomas stimulate the release of osteopontin from cancer cells via the release of IL-6. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2024; 5:1390081. [PMID: 38803348 PMCID: PMC11128591 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2024.1390081] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) shows distinct biological and clinical behaviour when compared to HPV-negative OPSCC. The overall role of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in head and neck cancer progression and metastasis has been studied intensively, but differences in HPV-negative and HPV-positive OPSCCs are less understood. Objective To investigate the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the functional interactions of normal tonsil fibroblasts (NTFs) and OP CAFs with HPV+ and HPV- OPSCC cells and explore novel candidates in tumour-fibroblast crosstalk. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort of 143 primary OPSCCs was characterised using HPV16/18 RNAScope assay, p16 IHC and ɑ-SMA. Four OPSCC, three NTF and 2 new OPSCC CAF cultures were used to assess the cytokine-based interactions using cytokine arrays on conditioned media (CM), followed by co-culture approaches to identify the role of individual cell types and the role of OPN (SPP1) and IL-6 in SCC/fibroblast communication. Results HPV status was associated with better overall survival. Although ɑ-SMA expression was observed in both OPSCC subtypes, it provided survival stratification only in the HPV-positive group (Log-Rank p = 0.02). Three normal tonsillar fibroblast cultures (NTFs) were characterised by induction of myofibroblastic and senescent phenotypes with similar reactivity to our published NOF phenotype. The OPSCC-derived CAF cultures were characterised and their baseline myofibroblastic and senescence phenotypes varied. Cytokine array analysis of CM to identify novel candidates in the crosstalk between OPSCC tumour cells and NTFs/CAFs identified differences in the cytokine profiles on comparison of HPV+ and HPV- OPSCC cells. Osteopontin (OPN/SPP1) was identified, particularly in HPV-negative OPSCC cell analyses. We have demonstrated that OPN was produced by the OPSCC cells and revealed an associated upregulation of IL-6 in fibroblasts. Treatment of NTFs with rOPN showed alteration in phenotype, including increased contraction and IL-6 production. Antibody-mediated inhibition of CD44v6 attenuated the production of IL-6 by OPN in NTFs. Conclusion This investigation with OPSCC fibroblasts provides novel insights into the role of CAFs in OPSCC mediated by IL-6 stimulated release of OPN from HPV negative OPSCC cells. The details of HPV-positive SCC cell/fibroblast cytokine crosstalk remain elusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naeima Yahia Hendawi
- Academic Unit of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Hannah L. Crane
- Academic Unit of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Hisham Mehanna
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Bolt
- Academic Unit of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel W. Lambert
- Academic Unit of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Keith D. Hunter
- Academic Unit of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sui P, Liu X, Zhong C, Sha Z. Integrated single-cell and bulk RNA-Seq analysis enhances prognostic accuracy of PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy response in lung adenocarcinoma through necroptotic anoikis gene signatures. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10873. [PMID: 38740918 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61629-8] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In addition to presenting significant diagnostic and treatment challenges, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common form of lung cancer. Using scRNA-Seq and bulk RNA-Seq data, we identify three genes referred to as HMR, FAM83A, and KRT6A these genes are related to necroptotic anoikis-related gene expression. Initial validation, conducted on the GSE50081 dataset, demonstrated the model's ability to categorize LUAD patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with significant survival differences. This model was further applied to predict responses to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapies, utilizing the IMvigor210 and GSE78220 cohorts, and showed strong correlation with patient outcomes, highlighting its potential in personalized immunotherapy. Further, LUAD cell lines were analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot analysis to confirm their expression levels, further corroborating the model's relevance in LUAD pathophysiology. The mutation landscape of these genes was also explored, revealing their broad implication in various cancer types through a pan-cancer analysis. The study also delved into molecular subclustering, revealing distinct expression profiles and associations with different survival outcomes, emphasizing the model's utility in precision oncology. Moreover, the diversity of immune cell infiltration, analyzed in relation to the necroptotic anoikis signature, suggested significant implications for immune evasion mechanisms in LUAD. While the findings present a promising stride towards personalized LUAD treatment, especially in immunotherapy, limitations such as the retrospective nature of the datasets and the need for larger sample sizes are acknowledged. Prospective clinical trials and further experimental research are essential to validate these findings and enhance the clinical applicability of our prognostic model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Sui
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xueping Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Cheng Zhong
- Jiangmen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Jinan University, Jiangmen, 52900, China.
| | - Zhanming Sha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, 250031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wei R, Song J, Pan H, Liu X, Gao J. CPT1C-positive cancer-associated fibroblast facilitates immunosuppression through promoting IL-6-induced M2-like phenotype of macrophage. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2352179. [PMID: 38746869 PMCID: PMC11093039 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2352179] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exhibit remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity, with specific subsets implicated in immunosuppression in various malignancies. However, whether and how they attenuate anti-tumor immunity in gastric cancer (GC) remains elusive. CPT1C, a unique isoform of carnitine palmitoyltransferase pivotal in regulating fatty acid oxidation, is briefly indicated as a protumoral metabolic mediator in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of GC. In the present study, we initially identified specific subsets of fibroblasts exclusively overexpressing CPT1C, hereby termed them as CPT1C+CAFs. Subsequent findings indicated that CPT1C+CAFs fostered a stroma-enriched and immunosuppressive TME as they correlated with extracellular matrix-related molecular features and enrichment of both immunosuppressive subsets, especially M2-like macrophages, and multiple immune-related pathways. Next, we identified that CPT1C+CAFs promoted the M2-like phenotype of macrophage in vitro. Bioinformatic analyses unveiled the robust IL-6 signaling between CPT1C+CAFs and M2-like phenotype of macrophage and identified CPT1C+CAFs as the primary source of IL-6. Meanwhile, suppressing CPT1C expression in CAFs significantly decreased IL-6 secretion in vitro. Lastly, we demonstrated the association of CPT1C+CAFs with therapeutic resistance. Notably, GC patients with high CPT1C+CAFs infiltration responded poorly to immunotherapy in clinical cohort. Collectively, our data not only present the novel identification of CPT1C+CAFs as immunosuppressive subsets in TME of GC, but also reveal the underlying mechanism that CPT1C+CAFs impair tumor immunity by secreting IL-6 to induce the immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype of macrophage in GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongyuan Wei
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junquan Song
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongda Pan
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianpeng Gao
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kotliar D, Curtis M, Agnew R, Weinand K, Nathan A, Baglaenko Y, Zhao Y, Sabeti PC, Rao DA, Raychaudhuri S. Reproducible single cell annotation of programs underlying T-cell subsets, activation states, and functions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.03.592310. [PMID: 38746317 PMCID: PMC11092745 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.03.592310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
T-cells recognize antigens and induce specialized gene expression programs (GEPs) enabling functions including proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production. Traditionally, different classes of helper T-cells express mutually exclusive responses - for example, Th1, Th2, and Th17 programs. However, new single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) experiments have revealed a continuum of T-cell states without discrete clusters corresponding to these subsets, implying the need for new analytical frameworks. Here, we advance the characterization of T-cells with T-CellAnnoTator (TCAT), a pipeline that simultaneously quantifies pre-defined GEPs capturing activation states and cellular subsets. From 1,700,000 T-cells from 700 individuals across 38 tissues and five diverse disease contexts, we discover 46 reproducible GEPs reflecting the known core functions of T-cells including proliferation, cytotoxicity, exhaustion, and T helper effector states. We experimentally characterize several novel activation programs and apply TCAT to describe T-cell activation and exhaustion in Covid-19 and cancer, providing insight into T-cell function in these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Kotliar
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michelle Curtis
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ryan Agnew
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kathryn Weinand
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aparna Nathan
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yuriy Baglaenko
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Center for Autoimmune Genetics and Etiology and Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Yu Zhao
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Pardis C. Sabeti
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Deepak A. Rao
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Soumya Raychaudhuri
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhou Y, Liu S, Zheng Y, Wang Y, Zhou Y. The role of THBS1 and PDGFD in the immune microenvironment of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer. Arab J Gastroenterol 2024; 25:194-204. [PMID: 38705811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2024.02.001] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Immunotherapy has emerged as a hot topic in cancer treatment in recent years and has also shown potential in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer. However, there is still a need to identify potential immunotherapy targets. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used the GSE116312 dataset of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer to identify differentially expressed genes, which were then overlapped with immune genes from the ImmPort database. The identified immune genes were used to classify gastric cancer samples and evaluate the relationship between classification and tumor mutations, as well as immune infiltration. An immune gene-based prognostic model was constructed, and the expression levels of the genes involved in constructing the model were explored in the tumor immune microenvironment. RESULTS We successfully identified 60 immune genes and classified gastric cancer samples into two subtypes, which showed differences in prognosis, tumor mutations, immune checkpoint expression, and immune cell infiltration. Subsequently, we constructed an immune prognostic model consisting of THBS1 and PDGFD, which showed significant associations with macrophages and fibroblasts. CONCLUSION We identified abnormal expression of THBS1 and PDGFD in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumor immune microenvironment, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Geriatrics Gerontology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shixiong Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Geriatrics Gerontology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ya Zheng
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Yongning Zhou
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lu B, Lu T, Shi J, Sun P, Zhang X, Yang L, Wang Z, Huang J. Basic Transcription Factor 3 Like 4 Enhances Malignant Phenotypes through Modulating Tumor Cell Function and Immune Microenvironment in Glioma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:772-784. [PMID: 38320629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Recent investigations into the tumor microenvironment have provided insights into the limited response of glioma progression to immunotherapy. However, the specific involvement of basic transcription factor 3 like 4 (BTF3L4) in glioma progression and its correlation with immune cell infiltration remain areas of uncertainty that require further exploration. In the current study, BTF3L4 expression was delineated by using gene expression profiling/interactive analysis and multiplex-immunohistologic staining of tissue microarrays. The prognostic value of BTF3L4 was then assessed by using Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier methods, and in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate how BTF3L4 protein affects the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of glioma cells. Furthermore, the CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE methods were used to quantify immune cells that correlate to BTF3L4 expression, and multiplex-immunohistologic staining was applied to investigate its correlation with infiltrated immune cells in glioma tissues. These findings revealed higher BTF3L4 expression in glioma tissues compared with non-tumor brain tissues, which correlated with clinical characteristics and worse patient prognosis. Furthermore, the down-regulation of BTF3L4 protein in the glioma cell line had a detrimental effect on cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. In addition, the association between BTF3L4 and key immune molecules in glioma, particularly with the infiltration of CD66B+ neutrophils and programmed death ligand 1 expression, was identified. These results highlight the prognostic significance of BTF3L4 and propose BTF3L4 as a potential target for glioma immune therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Lu
- Department of Clinical Biobank and Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianyi Lu
- Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawen Shi
- Department of Clinical Biobank and Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pingping Sun
- Department of Clinical Biobank and Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Department of Clinical Biobank and Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Clinical Biobank and Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziheng Wang
- Department of Clinical Biobank and Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jianfei Huang
- Department of Clinical Biobank and Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ye Z, Li Q, Hu Y, Hu H, Xu J, Guo M, Zhang W, Lou X, Wang Y, Gao H, Jing D, Fan G, Qin Y, Zhang Y, Chen X, Chen J, Xu X, Yu X, Liu M, Ji S. The stromal microenvironment endows pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with spatially specific invasive and metastatic phenotypes. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216769. [PMID: 38438098 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216769] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in a variety of cancers. However, the role of tumor stroma in nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs) is often neglected. Profiling the heterogeneity of CAFs can reveal the causes of malignant phenotypes in NF-PanNETs. Here, we found that patients with high stromal proportion had poor prognosis, especially for that with infiltrating stroma (stroma and tumor cells that presented an infiltrative growth pattern and no regular boundary). In addition, myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), characterized by FAP+ and α-SMAhigh, were spatially closer to tumor cells and promoted the EMT and tumor growth. Intriguingly, only tumor cells which were spatially closer to myCAFs underwent EMT. We further elucidated that myCAFs stimulate TGF-β expression in nearby tumor cells. Then, TGF-β promoted the EMT in adjacent tumor cells and promoted the expression of myCAFs marker genes in tumor cells, resulting in distant metastasis. Our results indicate that myCAFs cause spatial heterogeneity of EMT, which accounts for liver metastasis of NF-PanNETs. The findings of this study might provide possible targets for the prevention of liver metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Ye
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr.15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuheng Hu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Haifeng Hu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Junfeng Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Muzi Guo
- Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Wuhu Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Heli Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Desheng Jing
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guixiong Fan
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Xuemin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaowu Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Mingyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Shunrong Ji
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Booijink R, Terstappen LWMM, Dathathri E, Isebia K, Kraan J, Martens J, Bansal R. Identification of functional and diverse circulating cancer-associated fibroblasts in metastatic castration-naïve prostate cancer patients. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38634185 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In prostate cancer (PCa), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote tumor progression, drug resistance, and metastasis. Although circulating tumor cells are studied as prognostic and diagnostic markers, little is known about other circulating cells and their association with PCa metastasis. Here, we explored the presence of circulating CAFs (cCAFs) in metastatic castration-naïve prostate cancer (mCNPC) patients. cCAFs were stained with fibroblast activation protein (FAP), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase C (CD45), then FAP+EpCAM- cCAFs were enumerated and sorted using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. FAP+EpCAM- cCAFs ranged from 60 to 776 (389 mean ± 229 SD) per 2 × 108 mononuclear cells, whereas, in healthy donors, FAP+ EpCAM- cCAFs ranged from 0 to 71 (28 mean ± 22 SD). The mCNPC-derived cCAFs showed positivity for vimentin and intracellular collagen-I. They were viable and functional after sorting, as confirmed by single-cell collagen-I secretion after 48 h of culturing. Two cCAF subpopulations, FAP+CD45- and FAP+CD45+, were identified, both expressing collagen-I and vimentin, but with distinctly different morphologies. Collectively, this study demonstrates the presence of functional and viable circulating CAFs in mCNPC patients, suggesting the role of these cells in prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richell Booijink
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Leon W M M Terstappen
- Department of Medical Cell BioPhysics, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Germany
| | - Eshwari Dathathri
- Department of Medical Cell BioPhysics, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Khrystany Isebia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco Kraan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|