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Jiang H, Wang GT, Wang Z, Ma QY, Ma ZH. Resveratrol inhibits pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis by depleting senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:3980-3993. [PMID: 39350997 PMCID: PMC11438786 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i9.3980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer, a formidable gastrointestinal neoplasm, is characterized by its insidious onset, rapid progression, and resistance to treatment, which often lead to a grim prognosis. While the complex pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer is well recognized, recent attention has focused on the oncogenic roles of senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts. However, their precise role in pancreatic cancer remains unknown. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol known for its multifaceted biological actions, including antioxidative and neuroprotective properties, as well as its potential to inhibit tumor proliferation and migration. Our current investigation builds on prior research and reveals the remarkable ability of resveratrol to inhibit pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis. AIM To explore the potential of resveratrol in inhibiting pancreatic cancer by targeting senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts. METHODS Immunofluorescence staining of pancreatic cancer tissues revealed prominent coexpression of α-SMA and p16. HP-1 expression was determined using immunohistochemistry. Cells were treated with the senescence-inducing factors known as 3CKs. Long-term growth assays confirmed that 3CKs significantly decreased the CAF growth rate. Western blotting was conducted to assess the expression levels of p16 and p21. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess LaminB1 expression. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the levels of several senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors, including IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, MMP-2, MMP-9, CXCL1, and CXCL12. A scratch assay was used to assess the migratory capacity of the cells, whereas Transwell assays were used to evaluate their invasive potential. RESULTS Specifically, we identified the presence of senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts within pancreatic cancer tissues, linking their abundance to cancer progression. Intriguingly, Resveratrol effectively eradicated these fibroblasts and hindered their senescence, which consequently impeded pancreatic cancer progression. CONCLUSION This groundbreaking discovery reinforces Resveratrol's stature as a potential antitumor agent and positions senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts as pivotal contenders in future therapeutic strategies against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guo-Tai Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qing-Yong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
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Wang Y, Chen SJ, Ma T, Long Q, Chen L, Xu KX, Cao Y. Promotion of apoptosis in melanoma cells by taxifolin through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway: Screening of natural products using WGCNA and CMAP platforms. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112517. [PMID: 38924866 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112517] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is a skin cancer originating from melanocytes. The global incidence rate of melanoma is rapidly increasing, posing significant public health challenges. Identifying effective therapeutic agents is crucial in addressing this growing problem. Natural products have demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity. In this study, a plant flavonoid, taxifolin, was screened using Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) in combination with the Connectivity Map (CMAP) platform. Taxifolin was confirmed to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of melanoma A375 and MV-3 cells by promoting apoptosis. Additionally, it suppressed the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) process of melanoma cells. Cyber pharmacological analysis revealed that taxifolin exerts its inhibitory effect on melanoma through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, specifically by downregulating the protein expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT. Notably, the addition of SC-79, an activator of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, reversed the effects of taxifolin on cell migration and apoptosis. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that taxifolin treatment slowed tumor growth in mice without significant toxic effects. Based on these findings, taxifolin holds promise as a potential drug for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, No.9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Shao-Jie Chen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, No.9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No.28 Gui Medical Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Ting Ma
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, No.9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Qiu Long
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, No.9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Lan Chen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, No.9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Ke-Xin Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, No.9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Yu Cao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, No.9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China; Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No.28 Gui Medical Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China.
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Zhang F, Ma Y, Li D, Wei J, Chen K, Zhang E, Liu G, Chu X, Liu X, Liu W, Tian X, Yang Y. Cancer associated fibroblasts and metabolic reprogramming: unraveling the intricate crosstalk in tumor evolution. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:80. [PMID: 39223656 PMCID: PMC11367794 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01600-2] [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: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming provides tumors with an energy source and biofuel to support their survival in the malignant microenvironment. Extensive research into the intrinsic oncogenic mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has established that cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) and metabolic reprogramming regulates tumor progression through numerous biological activities, including tumor immunosuppression, chronic inflammation, and ecological niche remodeling. Specifically, immunosuppressive TME formation is promoted and mediators released via CAFs and multiple immune cells that collectively support chronic inflammation, thereby inducing pre-metastatic ecological niche formation, and ultimately driving a vicious cycle of tumor proliferation and metastasis. This review comprehensively explores the process of CAFs and metabolic regulation of the dynamic evolution of tumor-adapted TME, with particular focus on the mechanisms by which CAFs promote the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and support metastasis. Existing findings confirm that multiple components of the TME act cooperatively to accelerate the progression of tumor events. The potential applications and challenges of targeted therapies based on CAFs in the clinical setting are further discussed in the context of advancing research related to CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yongsu Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Dongqi Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Jianlei Wei
- Key laboratory of Microecology-immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, 154007, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Enkui Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Guangnian Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xiangyu Chu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Weikang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Yinmo Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
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Han F, Chen S, Zhang K, Zhang K, Wang M, Wang P. Targeting Nrf2/PHKG2 axis to enhance radiosensitivity in NSCLC. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:183. [PMID: 39169204 PMCID: PMC11339382 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00629-3] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
While ferroptosis shows promise in anti-cancer strategy, the molecular mechanisms behind this process remain poorly understood. Our research aims to highlight the regulation of radiotherapy-induced ferroptosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via the NRF2/PHKG2 axis-mediated mechanism. To identify ferroptosis-associated genes associated with radioresistance in NSCLC, this study employed high-throughput transcriptome sequencing and Lasso risk regression analysis. Clinical samples were analyzed to confirm PHKG2 expression changes before and after radiotherapy. The study further examined ferritinophagy-related factors, intracellular iron levels, mitochondrial function, and ferroptosis in NSCLC cells undergoing radiation exposure to explore the effect of PHKG2 on radiosensitivity or radioresistance. The research also demonstrated the transcriptional inhibition of PHKG2 by NRF2 and created in situ transplantation tumor models of NSCLC to examine the role of NRF2/PHKG2 axis in NSCLC radiosensitivity and resistance in vivo. The Lasso risk regression model that incorporated ferroptosis-associated genes effectively predicted the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Radiotherapy-sensitive tissues exhibited an increased expression of PHKG2. Overexpression of PHKG2 led to elevated intracellular iron levels by promoting ferritinophagy and increased mitochondrial stress-dependent ferroptosis induced by radiotherapy. PHKG2 transcription repression was achieved through NRF2. The FAGs-Lasso risk regression model can accurately predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients. Targeting Nrf2 upregulates the expression of PHKG2 and reverses radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC by promoting iron autophagy and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby increasing radiotherapy sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fushi Han
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Shuzhen Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, P. R. China
| | - Kangwei Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Kunming Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, P. R. China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, P. R. China
| | - Peijun Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China.
- Institute of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
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He J, Qiu Z, Fan J, Xie X, Sheng Q, Sui X. Drug tolerant persister cell plasticity in cancer: A revolutionary strategy for more effective anticancer therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:209. [PMID: 39138145 PMCID: PMC11322379 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01891-4] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-genetic mechanisms have recently emerged as important drivers of anticancer drug resistance. Among these, the drug tolerant persister (DTP) cell phenotype is attracting more and more attention and giving a predominant non-genetic role in cancer therapy resistance. The DTP phenotype is characterized by a quiescent or slow-cell-cycle reversible state of the cancer cell subpopulation and inert specialization to stimuli, which tolerates anticancer drug exposure to some extent through the interaction of multiple underlying mechanisms and recovering growth and proliferation after drug withdrawal, ultimately leading to treatment resistance and cancer recurrence. Therefore, targeting DTP cells is anticipated to provide new treatment opportunities for cancer patients, although our current knowledge of these DTP cells in treatment resistance remains limited. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the formation characteristics and underlying drug tolerant mechanisms of DTP cells, investigate the potential drugs for DTP (including preclinical drugs, novel use for old drugs, and natural products) based on different medicine models, and discuss the necessity and feasibility of anti-DTP therapy, related application forms, and future issues that will need to be addressed to advance this emerging field towards clinical applications. Nonetheless, understanding the novel functions of DTP cells may enable us to develop new more effective anticancer therapy and improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun He
- Department of Medical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China
| | - Zejing Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China
| | - Jingjing Fan
- Department of Medical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China
| | - Xiaohong Xie
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Qinsong Sheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xinbing Sui
- Department of Medical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China.
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China.
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Coursier D, Calvo F. CAFs vs. TECs: when blood feuds fuel cancer progression, dissemination and therapeutic resistance. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:1091-1112. [PMID: 38453816 PMCID: PMC11322395 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00931-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neoplastic progression involves complex interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding stromal milieu, fostering microenvironments that crucially drive tumor progression and dissemination. Of these stromal constituents, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as predominant inhabitants within the tumor microenvironment (TME), actively shaping multiple facets of tumorigenesis, including cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness, and immune evasion. Notably, CAFs also orchestrate the production of pro-angiogenic factors, fueling neovascularization to sustain the metabolic demands of proliferating cancer cells. Moreover, CAFs may also directly or indirectly affect endothelial cell behavior and vascular architecture, which may impact in tumor progression and responses to anti-cancer interventions. Conversely, tumor endothelial cells (TECs) exhibit a corrupted state that has been shown to affect cancer cell growth and inflammation. Both CAFs and TECs are emerging as pivotal regulators of the TME, engaging in multifaceted biological processes that significantly impact cancer progression, dissemination, and therapeutic responses. Yet, the intricate interplay between these stromal components and the orchestrated functions of each cell type remains incompletely elucidated. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the dynamic interrelationships between CAFs and TECs, discussing the challenges and prospects for leveraging their interactions towards therapeutic advancements in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Coursier
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain
| | - Fernando Calvo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain.
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Huang Z, Tang Y, Zhang J, Huang J, Cheng R, Guo Y, Kleer CG, Wang Y, Xue L. Hypoxia makes EZH2 inhibitor not easy-advances of crosstalk between HIF and EZH2. LIFE METABOLISM 2024; 3:loae017. [PMID: 38911968 PMCID: PMC11192520 DOI: 10.1093/lifemeta/loae017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Histone methylation plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase that regulates chromatin structure and gene expression. EZH2 inhibitors (EZH2is) have been shown to be effective in treating hematologic malignancies, while their effectiveness in solid tumors remains limited. One of the major challenges in the treatment of solid tumors is their hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) is a key hypoxia responder that interacts with EZH2 to promote tumor progression. Here we discuss the implications of the relationship between EZH2 and hypoxia for expanding the application of EZH2is in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanya Huang
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanjun Tang
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jianlin Zhang
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yunyun Guo
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Celina G. Kleer
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lixiang Xue
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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Wang X, Zhao H, Luo X, Chen Y, Shi C, Wang Y, Bai J, Shao Z, Shang Z. NNMT switches the proangiogenic phenotype of cancer-associated fibroblasts via epigenetically regulating ETS2/VEGFA axis. Oncogene 2024; 43:2647-2660. [PMID: 39069579 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03112-2] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are known to promote angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the epigenetic mechanisms through which CAFs facilitate angiogenesis within the tumor microenvironment are still poorly characterized. Nicotinamide N'-methyltransferase (NNMT), a member of the N-methyltransferase family, was found to be a key molecule in the activation of CAFs. This study shows that NNMT in fibroblasts contributes to angiogenesis and tumor growth through an epigenetic reprogramming-ETS2-VEGFA signaling axis in OSCC. Single-cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis suggests that NNMT is mainly highly expressed in fibroblasts of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Moreover, analysis of the TCGA database and multiple immunohistochemical staining of clinical samples also identified a positive correlation between NNMT and tumor angiogenesis. This research further employed an assembled organoid model and a fibroblast-endothelial cell co-culture model to authenticate the proangiogenic ability of NNMT. At the molecular level, high expression of NNMT in CAFs was found to promote ETS2 expression by regulating H3K27 methylation level through mediating methylation deposition. Furthermore, ETS2 was verified to be an activating transcription factor of VEGFA in this study. Collectively, our findings delineate an epigenetic molecular regulatory network of angiogenesis and provide a theoretical basis for exploring new targets and clinical strategy in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, School of Stomatology-Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyue Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Congyu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Junqiang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhe Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, School of Stomatology-Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Day Surgery Center, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Zhengjun Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, School of Stomatology-Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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9
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Pangilinan C, Klionsky DJ, Liang C. Emerging dimensions of autophagy in melanoma. Autophagy 2024; 20:1700-1711. [PMID: 38497492 PMCID: PMC11262229 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2330261] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy/autophagy has previously been regarded as simply a way for cells to deal with nutrient emergency. But explosive work in the last 15 years has given increasingly new knowledge to our understanding of this process. Many of the functions of autophagy that are unveiled from recent studies, however, cannot be reconciled with this conventional view of cell survival but, instead, point to autophagy being integrally involved at a deeper level of cell biology, playing a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and promoting an integrated stress/immune response. The new appreciation of the role of autophagy in the evolutionary trajectory of cancer and cancer interaction with the immune system provides a mechanistic framework for understanding the clinical benefits of autophagy-based therapies. Here, we examine current knowledge of the mechanisms and functions of autophagy in highly plastic and aggressive melanoma as a model disease of human malignancy, while highlighting emerging dimensions indicating that autophagy is at play beyond its classical face.Abbreviation: AMBRA1: autophagy and beclin 1 regulator 1; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATF4: activating transcription factor 4; ATG: autophagy related; BRAF: B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase; CAFs: cancer-associated fibroblasts; CCL5: C-C motif chemokine ligand 5; CQ: chloroquine; CRISPR: clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats; CTLA4: cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4; CTL: cytotoxic T lymphocyte; DAMPs: danger/damage-associated molecular patterns; EGFR: epidermal growth factor receptor; EIF2A/eIF2α: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A; EIF2AK3/PERK: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; FITM2: fat storage inducing transmembrane protein 2; HCQ: hydroxychloroquine; ICB: immune checkpoint blockade; ICD: immunogenic cell death; LDH: lactate dehydrogenase; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MTORC1: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1; NDP52: nuclear dot protein 52; NFKB/NF-κ B: nuclear factor kappa B; NBR1: the neighbor of BRCA1; NK: natural killer; NRF1: nuclear respiratory factor 1; NSCLC: non-small-cell lung cancer; OPTN: optineurin; PDAC: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; PDCD1/PD-1: programmed cell death 1; PPT1: palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1; PTEN: phosphatase and tensin homolog; PTK2/FAK1: protein tyrosine kinase 2; RAS: rat sarcoma; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; STK11/LKB1: serine/threonine kinase 11; TAX1BP1: Tax1 binding protein 1; TFEB: transcription factor EB; TGFB/TGF-β: transforming growth factor beta; TMB: tumor mutational burden; TME: tumor microenvironment; TSC1: TSC complex subunit 1; TSC2: TSC complex subunit 2; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; UVRAG: UV radiation resistance associated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Pangilinan
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Chengyu Liang
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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10
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Amit U, Uslu U, Verginadis II, Kim MM, Motlagh SAO, Diffenderfer ES, Assenmacher CA, Bicher S, Atoche SJ, Ben-Josef E, Young RM, June CH, Koumenis C. Proton radiation boosts the efficacy of mesothelin-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in pancreatic cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2403002121. [PMID: 39047033 PMCID: PMC11294999 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403002121] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents a challenge in oncology, with limited treatment options for advanced-stage patients. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy targeting mesothelin (MSLN) shows promise, but challenges such as the hostile immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) hinder its efficacy. This study explores the synergistic potential of combining proton radiation therapy (RT) with MSLN-targeting CAR T therapy in a syngeneic PDAC model. Proton RT significantly increased MSLN expression in tumor cells and caused a significant increase in CAR T cell infiltration into tumors. The combination therapy reshaped the immunosuppressive TME, promoting antitumorigenic M1 polarized macrophages and reducing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). In a flank PDAC model, the combination therapy demonstrated superior attenuation of tumor growth and improved survival compared to individual treatments alone. In an orthotopic PDAC model treated with image-guided proton RT, tumor growth was significantly reduced in the combination group compared to the RT treatment alone. Further, the combination therapy induced an abscopal effect in a dual-flank tumor model, with increased serum interferon-γ levels and enhanced proliferation of extratumoral CAR T cells. In conclusion, combining proton RT with MSLN-targeting CAR T therapy proves effective in modulating the TME, enhancing CAR T cell trafficking, and exerting systemic antitumor effects. Thus, this combinatorial approach could present a promising strategy for improving outcomes in unresectable PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Amit
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv64239, Israel
| | - Ugur Uslu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Ioannis I. Verginadis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Michele M. Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Seyyedeh Azar Oliaei Motlagh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Eric S. Diffenderfer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Charles-Antoine Assenmacher
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Comparative Pathology Core, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Sandra Bicher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Sebastian J. Atoche
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Edgar Ben-Josef
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Regina M. Young
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Carl H. June
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Constantinos Koumenis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
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11
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Lyu P, Gu X, Wang F, Sun H, Zhou Q, Yang S, Yuan W. Advances in targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts through single-cell spatial transcriptomic sequencing. Biomark Res 2024; 12:73. [PMID: 39075612 PMCID: PMC11287900 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major components of the tumor microenvironment and are related to tumor proliferation, metastasis, relapse, and drug resistance. With the development of sequencing technologies, single-cell RNA sequencing has become a popular method for identifying CAFs in the tumor microenvironment. Whereas the drawbacks of CAFs, such as the lack of a spatial landscape, still exist, recent research has utilized spatial transcriptomics combined with single-cell RNA sequencing to address this issue. These multiomics analyses can resolve the single-cell resolution problem in spatial transcriptomics. In this review, we summarized the recent literature regarding the targeting of CAFs to address drug resistance, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming and metastasis in tumor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Lyu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoming Gu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Fuqi Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Haifeng Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Shuaixi Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
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12
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Dai H, Wu B, Ge Y, Hao Y, Zhou L, Hong R, Zhang J, Jiang W, Zhang Y, Li H, Zhang L. Deubiquitylase OTUD3 regulates integrated stress response to suppress progression and sorafenib resistance of liver cancer. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114487. [PMID: 38996071 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114487] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The integrated stress response (ISR) is activated in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, playing a role in tumor progression and drug resistance. The regulatory role and mechanism of ISR in liver cancer, however, remain largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that OTU domain-containing protein 3 (OTUD3) is a deubiquitylase of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), antagonizing ISR and suppressing liver cancer. OTUD3 decreases interactions between eIF2α and the kinase EIF2ΑK3 by removing K27-linked polyubiquitylation on eIF2α. OTUD3 deficiency in mice leads to enhanced ISR and accelerated progression of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, decreased OTUD3 expression associated with elevated eIF2α phosphorylation correlates with the progression of human liver cancer. Moreover, ISR activation due to decreased OTUD3 expression renders liver cancer cells resistant to sorafenib, while the combined use of the ISR inhibitor ISRIB significantly improves their sensitivity to sorafenib. Collectively, these findings illuminate the regulatory mechanism of ISR in liver cancer and provide a potential strategy to counteract sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmiao Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yingwei Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Lijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ruolin Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Jinhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Wenli Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China; School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071002, China
| | - Hongchang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Lingqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China.
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13
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Sun W, Cai B, Zhao Z, Li S, He Y, Xie S. Redirecting Tumor Evolution with Nanocompiler Precision for Enhanced Therapeutic Outcomes. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400366. [PMID: 39039965 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400366] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Precisely programming the highly plastic tumor expression profile to render it devoid of drug resistance and metastatic potential presents immense challenges. Here, a transformative nanocompiler designed to reprogram and stabilize the mutable state of tumor cells is introduced. This nanocompiler features a trio of components: 2-deoxy-d-glucose-modified lipid nanoparticles to inhibit glucose uptake, iron oxide nanoparticles to induce oxidative stress, and a deubiquitinase inhibitor to block adaptive protein profile changes in tumor cells. By specifically targeting the hypermetabolic nature of tumors, this approach disrupted their energy production, ultimately fostering a state of vulnerability and impeding their ability to adapt and resist. The results of this study indicate a substantial reduction in tumor growth and metastasis, thus demonstrating the potential of this strategy to manipulate tumor protein expression and fate. This proactive nanocompiler approach promises to steer cancer therapy toward more effective and lasting outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshe Sun
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, 250117, China
| | - Biao Cai
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zejun Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Shilun Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yutian He
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Shaowei Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
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14
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Zhang N, Zhang S, Dong X. Plant-derived bioactive compounds and their novel role in central nervous system disorder treatment via ATF4 targeting: A systematic literature review. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116811. [PMID: 38795641 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116811] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders exhibit exceedingly intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Pragmatic and effective solutions remain elusive, significantly compromising human life and health. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) participates in the regulation of multiple pathophysiological processes, including CNS disorders. Considering the widespread involvement of ATF4 in the pathological process of CNS disorders, the targeted regulation of ATF4 by plant-derived bioactive compounds (PDBCs) may become a viable strategy for the treatment of CNS disorders. However, the regulatory relationship between PDBCs and ATF4 remains incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to comprehensively review the studies on PDBCs targeting ATF4 to ameliorate CNS disorders, thereby offering novel directions and insights for the treatment of CNS disorders. A computerized search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to identify preclinical experiments related to PDBCs targeting ATF4 for the treatment of CNS disorders. The search timeframe was from the inception of the databases to December 2023. Two assessors conducted searches using the keywords "ATF4," "Central Nervous System," "Neurological," "Alzheimer's disease," "Parkinson's Disease," "Stroke," "Spinal Cord Injury," "Glioblastoma," "Traumatic Brain Injury," and "Spinal Cord Injury." Overall, 31 studies were included, encompassing assessments of 27 PDBCs. Combining results from in vivo and in vitro studies, we observed that these PDBCs, via ATF4 modulation, prevent the deposition of amyloid-like fibers such as Aβ, tau, and α-synuclein. They regulate ERS, reduce the release of inflammatory factors, restore mitochondrial membrane integrity to prevent oxidative stress, regulate synaptic plasticity, modulate autophagy, and engage anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Consequently, they exert neuroprotective effects in CNS disorders. Numerous PDBCs targeting ATF4 have shown potential in facilitating the restoration of CNS functionality, thereby presenting expansive prospects for the treatment of such disorders. However, future endeavors necessitate high-quality, large-scale, and comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies to further validate this therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the Seventh Clinical College of China Medical University, No. 24 Central Street, Xinfu District, Fushun, Liaoning 113000, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Dong
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China.
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15
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Liao Q, Shi H, Yang J, Ge S, Jia R, Song X, Chai P, Jia R. FTO elicits tumor neovascularization in cancer-associated fibroblasts through eliminating m 6A modifications of multiple pro-angiogenic factors. Cancer Lett 2024; 592:216911. [PMID: 38685450 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216911] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exhibit notable versatility, plasticity, and robustness, actively participating in cancer progression through intricate interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most prevalent modification in eukaryotic mRNA, playing essential roles in mRNA metabolism and various biological processes. Howbeit, the precise involvement of m6A in CAF activation remains enigmatic. In this study, we revealed that the m6A demethylase FTO supports CAF-mediated angiogenesis through activation of EGR1 and VEGFA in conjunctival melanoma (CoM). First, single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed that FTO was specifically upregulated in the CAF population, thereby contributing to the hypo-m6A status in the TME of CoM. Moreover, CAFs of CoM displayed extensive proangiogenic potential, which was largely compromised by FTO inhibition, both in vitro and in vivo. By employing multi-omics analysis, we showed that FTO effectively eliminates the m6A modifications of VEGFA and EGR1. This process subsequently disrupts the YTHDF2-dependent mRNA decay pathway, resulting in increased mRNA stability and upregulated expression of these molecules. Collectively, our findings initially indicate that the upregulation of FTO plays a pivotal role in tumor development by promoting CAF-mediated angiogenesis. Therapeutically, targeting FTO may show promise as a potential antiangiogenic strategy to optimize cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qili Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Hanhan Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Ruobing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
| | - Peiwei Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
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16
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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.
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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.
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17
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Shi H, Tian H, Zhu T, Liao Q, Liu C, Yuan P, Li Y, Yang J, Zong C, Jia S, Ruan J, Ge S, Jia R, Chai P, Xu S, Fan X. Single-cell sequencing depicts tumor architecture and empowers clinical decision in metastatic conjunctival melanoma. Cell Discov 2024; 10:63. [PMID: 38862482 PMCID: PMC11166926 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Conjunctival melanoma (CoM) is a potentially devastating tumor that can lead to distant metastasis. Despite various therapeutic strategies for distant metastatic CoM, the clinical outcomes remain unfavorable. Herein, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of 47,017 cells obtained from normal conjunctival samples (n = 3) and conjunctival melanomas (n = 7). Notably, we noticed a higher abundance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumor microenvironment (TME), correlated with enhanced angiogenic capacity and increased VEGFR expression in distal metastatic CoM. Additionally, we observed a significant decrease in the proportion of total CD8+ T cells and an increase in the proportion of naive CD8+ T cells, contributing to a relatively quiescent immunological environment in distal metastatic CoM. These findings were confirmed through the analyses of 70,303 single-cell transcriptomes of 7 individual CoM samples, as well as spatially resolved proteomes of an additional 10 samples of CoMs. Due to the increase of VEGFR-mediated angiogenesis and a less active T cell environment in distal metastatic CoMs, a clinical trial (ChiCTR2100045061) has been initiated to evaluate the efficacy of VEGFR blockade in combination with anti-PD1 therapy for patients with distant metastatic CoM, showing promising tumor-inhibitory effects. In conclusion, our study uncovered the landscape and heterogeneity of the TME during CoM tumorigenesis and progression, empowering clinical decisions in the management of distal metastatic CoM. To our knowledge, this is the initial exploration to translate scRNA-seq analysis to a clinical trial dealing with cancer, providing a novel concept by accommodating scRNA-seq data in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhan Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyu Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qili Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Zong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shichong Jia
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Peiwei Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shiqiong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
- Center for Basic Medical Research and Innovation in Visual System Diseases of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Xie D, Wang P, Chen W, Lin J, Wu M, Wang Y, Xia H, Cheng C, Ye F, Syed BM, Liu Q. Urea cycle promotion via ammonia-upregulated CPS1 is involved in arsenite-induced pulmonary fibrosis through enhancing collagen synthesis. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 396:111029. [PMID: 38703806 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111029] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic exposure is connected with lung toxicity and is related to lung fibrotic changes. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Various genetic mechanisms and environmental factors induce or exacerbate pulmonary fibrosis. Collagen synthesis induced by sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) is closely associated with IPF. Fibroblasts tend to fine-tune their metabolic networks to support their synthetic requirements in response to environmental stimuli. Alterations in metabolism have an influential role in the pathogenesis of IPF. However, it is unclear how arsenic affects the metabolism in IPF. The urea cycle (UC) is needed for collagen formation, which provides adequate levels of proline (Pro) for biosynthesis of collagen. Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) converts the ammonia to carbamoyl phosphate, which controls the first reaction of the UC. We show that, in arsenite-exposed mice, high amounts of ammonia in the lung microenvironment promotes the expression levels of CPS1 and the Pro metabolism. Reduction of ammonia and CPS1 ablation inhibit collagen synthesis and ameliorate IPF phenotypes induced by arsenite. This work takes advantage of multi-omics data to enhance understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, the key molecules and the complicated cellular responses to this pollutant, which provide a target for the prevention of pulmonary fibrosis caused by arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daxiao Xie
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiwen Wang
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiyong Chen
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaheng Lin
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Xia
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuping Ye
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Binafsha Manzoor Syed
- Medical Research Centre, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, 76090, Sindh, Pakistan.
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Yamashita K, Kumamoto Y. CAFs-Associated Genes (CAFGs) in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and Novel Therapeutic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6003. [PMID: 38892190 PMCID: PMC11172745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116003] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive cancer with striking fibrosis, and its mortality rate is ranked second across human cancers. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a critical role in PDAC progression, and we reviewed the molecular understanding of PDAC CAFs and novel therapeutic potential at present. CAFs-associated genes (CAFGs) were tentatively classified into three categories by stroma specificity representing stroma/epithelia expression ratios (SE ratios). The recent classification using single cell transcriptome technology clarified that CAFs were composed of myofibroblasts (myCAFs), inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs), and other minor ones (e.g., POSTN-CAFs and antigen presenting CAFs, apCAFs). LRRC15 is a myCAFs marker, and myCAFs depletion by diphtheria toxin induces the rapid accumulation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and therefore augment PDL1 antibody treatments. This finding proposes that myCAFs may be a critical regulator of tumor immunity in terms of PDAC progression. myCAFs are located in CAFs adjacent to tumor cells, while iCAFs marked by PDPN and/or COL14A1 are distant from tumor cells, where hypoxic and acidic environments being located in iCAFs putatively due to poor blood supply is consistent with HIF1A and GPR68 expressions. iCAFs may be shared with SASP (secretion-associated phenotypes) in senescent CAFs. myCAFs are classically characterized by CAFGs induced by TGFB1, while chemoresistant CAFs with SASP may dependent on IL6 expression and accompanied by STAT3 activation. Recently, it was found that the unique metabolism of CAFs can be targeted to prevent PDAC progression, where PDAC cells utilize glucose, whereas CAFs in turn utilize lactate, which may be epigenetically regulated, mediated by its target genes including CXCR4. In summary, CAFs have unique molecular characteristics, which have been rigorously clarified as novel therapeutic targets of PDAC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keishi Yamashita
- Division of Advanced Surgical Oncology, Research and Development Center for New Medical Frontiers, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kitasato 1-15-1, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0374, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kumamoto
- Department of General-Pediatric-Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara 252-0374, Japan;
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20
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Yang K, Lu R, Mei J, Cao K, Zeng T, Hua Y, Huang X, Li W, Yin Y. The war between the immune system and the tumor - using immune biomarkers as tracers. Biomark Res 2024; 12:51. [PMID: 38816871 PMCID: PMC11137916 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00599-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, immunotherapy is one of the most promising anti-tumor therapeutic strategy. Specifically, immune-related targets can be used to predict the efficacy and side effects of immunotherapy and monitor the tumor immune response. In the past few decades, increasing numbers of novel immune biomarkers have been found to participate in certain links of the tumor immunity to contribute to the formation of immunosuppression and have entered clinical trials. Here, we systematically reviewed the oncogenesis and progression of cancer in the view of anti-tumor immunity, particularly in terms of tumor antigen expression (related to tumor immunogenicity) and tumor innate immunity to complement the cancer-immune cycle. From the perspective of integrated management of chronic cancer, we also appraised emerging factors affecting tumor immunity (including metabolic, microbial, and exercise-related markers). We finally summarized the clinical studies and applications based on immune biomarkers. Overall, immune biomarkers participate in promoting the development of more precise and individualized immunotherapy by predicting, monitoring, and regulating tumor immune response. Therefore, targeting immune biomarkers may lead to the development of innovative clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - Rongrong Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - Kai Cao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - Tianyu Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - Yijia Hua
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Huang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China.
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China.
| | - Yongmei Yin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China.
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21
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Lior C, Barki D, Halperin C, Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Kelsen D, Shouval RS. Mapping the tumor stress network reveals dynamic shifts in the stromal oxidative stress response. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114236. [PMID: 38758650 PMCID: PMC11156623 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) presents cells with challenges such as variable pH, hypoxia, and free radicals, triggering stress responses that affect cancer progression. In this study, we examine the stress response landscape in four carcinomas-breast, pancreas, ovary, and prostate-across five pathways: heat shock, oxidative stress, hypoxia, DNA damage, and unfolded protein stress. Using a combination of experimental and computational methods, we create an atlas of stress responses across various types of carcinomas. We find that stress responses vary within the TME and are especially active near cancer cells. Focusing on the non-immune stroma we find, across tumor types, that NRF2 and the oxidative stress response are distinctly activated in immune-regulatory cancer-associated fibroblasts and in a unique subset of cancer-associated pericytes. Our study thus provides an interactome of stress responses in cancer, offering ways to intersect survival pathways within the tumor, and advance cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lior
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Debra Barki
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Coral Halperin
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Christine A Iacobuzio-Donahue
- Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Kelsen
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruth Scherz- Shouval
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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22
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Malnassy G, Ziolkowski L, Macleod KF, Oakes SA. The Integrated Stress Response in Pancreatic Development, Tissue Homeostasis, and Cancer. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)04931-X. [PMID: 38768690 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Present in all eukaryotic cells, the integrated stress response (ISR) is a highly coordinated signaling network that controls cellular behavior, metabolism, and survival in response to diverse stresses. The ISR is initiated when any 1 of 4 stress-sensing kinases (protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase [PERK], general control non-derepressible 2 [GCN2], double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase [PKR], heme-regulated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α kinase [HRI]) becomes activated to phosphorylate the protein translation initiation factor eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), shifting gene expression toward a comprehensive rewiring of cellular machinery to promote adaptation. Although the ISR has been shown to play an important role in the homeostasis of multiple tissues, evidence suggests that it is particularly crucial for the development and ongoing health of the pancreas. Among the most synthetically dynamic tissues in the body, the exocrine and endocrine pancreas relies heavily on the ISR to rapidly adjust cell function to meet the metabolic demands of the organism. The hardwiring of the ISR into normal pancreatic functions and adaptation to stress may explain why it is a commonly used pro-oncogenic and therapy-resistance mechanism in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Here, we review what is known about the key roles that the ISR plays in the development, homeostasis, and neoplasia of the pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Malnassy
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Leah Ziolkowski
- The Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinoi; Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kay F Macleod
- The Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinoi; Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Scott A Oakes
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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23
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Li Q, Yang L, Zhang C, Yuan J, Zhang J, Tao W, Zhou J. METTL16 deficiency attenuates apoptosis through translational control of extrinsic death receptor during nutrient deprivation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 708:149802. [PMID: 38520913 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149802] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
METTL16 is a well-characterized m6A methyltransferase that has been reported to contribute to tumorigenesis in various types of cancer. However, the effect of METTL16 on tumor progression under restricted nutrient conditions, which commonly occur in tumor microenvironment, has yet to be elucidated. Herein, our study initially reported the inhibitory effect of METTL16 depletion on apoptosis under amino acid starvation conditions. Mechanistically, we determined that the METTL16 knockdown represses the expression of extrinsic death receptors at both transcription and translation levels. Depletion of METTL16 prevented protein synthesis of GCN2, resulting in diminished ATF4 expression in a GCN2-eIF2α-dependent manner. Reduction of ATF4 further declined the expression of apoptotic receptor protein DR5. Meanwhile, METTL16 deficiency directly hampered protein synthesis of FADD and DR5, thereby impairing apoptosis and promoting cancer cell survival. Taken together, our study provides novel evidence for the involvement of METTL16 in regulating cancer progression, suggesting that METTL16 as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiujie Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Lu Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Chenxin Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Jingying Yuan
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Wenjun Tao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 21009, China.
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24
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Huang Q, Ge Y, He Y, Wu J, Tong Y, Shang H, Liu X, Ba X, Xia D, Peng E, Chen Z, Tang K. The Application of Nanoparticles Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3333-3365. [PMID: 38617796 PMCID: PMC11012801 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s447350] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), especially in solid tumors. It has been confirmed that it can not only interact with tumor cells to promote cancer progression and metastasis, but also affect the infiltration and function of immune cells to induce chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance. So, targeting CAF has been considered an important method in cancer treatment. The rapid development of nanotechnology provides a good perspective to improve the efficiency of targeting CAF. At present, more and more researches have focused on the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in targeting CAF. These studies explored the effects of different types of NPs on CAF and the multifunctional nanomedicines that can eliminate CAF are able to enhance the EPR effect which facilitate the anti-tumor effect of themselves. There also exist amounts of studies focusing on using NPs to inhibit the activation and function of CAF to improve the therapeutic efficacy. The application of NPs targeting CAF needs to be based on an understanding of CAF biology. Therefore, in this review, we first summarized the latest progress of CAF biology, then discussed the types of CAF-targeting NPs and the main strategies in the current. The aim is to elucidate the application of NPs in targeting CAF and provide new insights for engineering nanomedicine to enhance immune response in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Ge
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Tong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haojie Shang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhuo Ba
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ding Xia
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ejun Peng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
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25
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Ryoo HD. The integrated stress response in metabolic adaptation. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107151. [PMID: 38462161 PMCID: PMC10998230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107151] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The integrated stress response (ISR) refers to signaling pathways initiated by stress-activated eIF2α kinases. Distinct eIF2α kinases respond to different stress signals, including amino acid deprivation and mitochondrial stress. Such stress-induced eIF2α phosphorylation attenuates general mRNA translation and, at the same time, stimulates the preferential translation of specific downstream factors to orchestrate an adaptive gene expression program. In recent years, there have been significant new advances in our understanding of ISR during metabolic stress adaptation. Here, I discuss those advances, reviewing among others the ISR activation mechanisms in response to amino acid deprivation and mitochondrial stress. In addition, I review how ISR regulates the amino acid metabolic pathways and how changes in the ISR impact the physiology and pathology of various disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Don Ryoo
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
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26
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Yuan S, Almagro J, Fuchs E. Beyond genetics: driving cancer with the tumour microenvironment behind the wheel. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:274-286. [PMID: 38347101 PMCID: PMC11077468 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00660-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Cancer has long been viewed as a genetic disease of cumulative mutations. This notion is fuelled by studies showing that ageing tissues are often riddled with clones of complex oncogenic backgrounds coexisting in seeming harmony with their normal tissue counterparts. Equally puzzling, however, is how cancer cells harbouring high mutational burden contribute to normal, tumour-free mice when allowed to develop within the confines of healthy embryos. Conversely, recent evidence suggests that adult tissue cells expressing only one or a few oncogenes can, in some contexts, generate tumours exhibiting many of the features of a malignant, invasive cancer. These disparate observations are difficult to reconcile without invoking environmental cues triggering epigenetic changes that can either dampen or drive malignant transformation. In this Review, we focus on how certain oncogenes can launch a two-way dialogue of miscommunication between a stem cell and its environment that can rewire downstream events non-genetically and skew the morphogenetic course of the tissue. We review the cells and molecules of and the physical forces acting in the resulting tumour microenvironments that can profoundly affect the behaviours of transformed cells. Finally, we discuss possible explanations for the remarkable diversity in the relative importance of mutational burden versus tumour microenvironment and its clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaopeng Yuan
- Robin Chemers Neustein Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jorge Almagro
- Robin Chemers Neustein Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elaine Fuchs
- Robin Chemers Neustein Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, USA.
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27
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Mariner BL, Rodriguez AS, Heath OC, McCormick MA. Induction of proteasomal activity in mammalian cells by lifespan-extending tRNA synthetase inhibitors. GeroScience 2024; 46:1755-1773. [PMID: 37749371 PMCID: PMC10828360 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00938-8] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We have recently shown that multiple tRNA synthetase inhibitors can greatly increase lifespan in multiple models by acting through the conserved transcription factor ATF4. Here, we show that these compounds, and several others of the same class, can greatly upregulate mammalian ATF4 in cells in vitro, in a dose dependent manner. Further, RNASeq analysis of these cells pointed toward changes in protein turnover. In subsequent experiments here we show that multiple tRNA synthetase inhibitors can greatly upregulate activity of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in cells in an ATF4-dependent manner. The UPS plays an important role in the turnover of many damaged or dysfunctional proteins in an organism. Increasing UPS activity has been shown to enhance the survival of Huntington's disease cell models, but there are few known pharmacological enhancers of the UPS. Additionally, we see separate ATF4 dependent upregulation of macroautophagy upon treatment with tRNA synthetase inhibitors. Protein degradation is an essential cellular process linked to many important human diseases of aging such as Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. These drugs' ability to enhance proteostasis more broadly could have wide-ranging implications in the treatment of important age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaise L Mariner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Antonio S Rodriguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Olivia C Heath
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Mark A McCormick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
- Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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28
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Ji J, Cheng Z, Zhang J, Wu J, Xu X, Guo C, Feng J. Dihydroartemisinin induces ferroptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma via inhibiting ATF4-xCT pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18335. [PMID: 38652216 PMCID: PMC11037408 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18335] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains challenging due to population growth, frequent recurrence and drug resistance. Targeting of genes involved with the ferroptosis is a promising alternative treatment strategy for HCC. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) against HCC and explore the underlying mechanisms. The effects of DHA on induction of ferroptosis were investigated with the measurement of malondialdehyde concentrations, oxidised C11 BODIPY 581/591 staining, as well as subcutaneous xenograft experiments. Activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11 or xCT) were overexpressed with lentiviruses to verify the target of DHA. Here, we confirmed the anticancer effect of DHA in inducing ferroptosis is related to ATF4. High expression of ATF4 is related to worse clinicopathological prognosis of HCC. Mechanistically, DHA inhibited the expression of ATF4, thereby promoting lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis of HCC cells. Overexpression of ATF4 rescued DHA-induced ferroptosis. Moreover, ATF4 could directly bound to the SLC7A11 promoter and increase its transcription. In addition, DHA enhances the chemosensitivity of sorafenib on HCC in vivo and in vitro. These findings confirm that DHA induces ferroptosis of HCC via inhibiting ATF4-xCT pathway, thereby providing new drug options for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ji
- Department of GastroenterologyShanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Ziqi Cheng
- Department of GastroenterologyShanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of GastroenterologyShanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of GastroenterologyPutuo People's Hospital, Tongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xuanfu Xu
- Department of GastroenterologyShidong Hospital, University of Shanghai for Science and TechnologyShanghaiChina
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of GastroenterologyShanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jiao Feng
- Department of GastroenterologyShanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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29
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Yu Z, Zhang Q, Wei S, Zhang Y, Zhou T, Zhang Q, Shi R, Zinovkin D, Pranjol ZI, Zhang J, Wang H. CD146 +CAFs promote progression of endometrial cancer by inducing angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry via IL-10/JAK1/STAT3 pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:170. [PMID: 38459564 PMCID: PMC10921754 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01550-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneous cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer progression. However, the specific biological functions and regulatory mechanisms involved in endometrial cancer have yet to be elucidated. We aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of heterogeneous CAFs in promoting endometrial cancer progression. The presence of melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM; CD146) positive CAFs was confirmed by tissue multi-immunofluorescence (mIF), and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). The biological functions were determined by wound healing assays, tuber formation assays and cord formation assays. The effects of CD146+CAFs on endometrial cancer cells were studied in vitro and in vivo. The expression level of interleukin 10 (IL-10) was measured by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western boltting and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). In addition, the transcription factor STAT3 was identified by bioinformatics methods and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). A subtype of CAFs marked with CD146 was found in endometrial cancer and correlated with poor prognosis. CD146+CAFs promoted angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in vitro. A xenograft tumour model also showed that CD146+CAFs can facilitate tumour progression. The expression of IL-10 was elevated in CD146+CAFs. IL-10 promoted epithelial-endothelial transformation (EET) and further VM formation in endometrial cancer cells via the janus kinase 1/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK1/STAT3) signalling pathway. This process could be blocked by the JAK1/STAT3 inhibitor niclosamide. Mechanically, STAT3 can bind to the promoter of cadherin5 (CDH5) to promote its transcription which may be stimulated by IL-10. We concluded that CD146+CAFs could promote angiogenesis and VM formation via the IL-10/JAK1/STAT3 signalling pathway. These findings may lead to the identification of potential targets for antiangiogenic therapeutic strategies for endometrial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Sitian Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Dmitry Zinovkin
- Department of Pathology, Gomel State Medical University, Gomel, Republic of Belarus
| | - Zahidul Islam Pranjol
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
- Clinical Research Center of Cancer Immunotherapy, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Piwocka O, Piotrowski I, Suchorska WM, Kulcenty K. Dynamic interactions in the tumor niche: how the cross-talk between CAFs and the tumor microenvironment impacts resistance to therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1343523. [PMID: 38455762 PMCID: PMC10918473 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1343523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of cells, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix components that profoundly influence cancer progression. Among the key players in the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increasing attention for their diverse and influential roles. CAFs are activated fibroblasts found abundantly within the TME of various cancer types. CAFs contribute significantly to tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and modulating immune cell infiltration. In order to influence the microenvironment, CAFs engage in cross-talk with immune cells, cancer cells, and other stromal components through paracrine signaling and direct cell-cell interactions. This cross-talk can result in immunosuppression, tumor cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, contributing to disease progression. Emerging evidence suggests that CAFs play a crucial role in therapy resistance, including resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CAFs can modulate the tumor response to treatment by secreting factors that promote drug efflux, enhance DNA repair mechanisms, and suppress apoptosis pathways. This paper aims to understand the multifaceted functions of CAFs within the TME, discusses cross-talk between CAFs with other TME cells, and sheds light on the contibution of CAFs to therapy resistance. Targeting CAFs or disrupting their cross-talk with other cells holds promise for overcoming drug resistance and improving the treatment efficacy of various cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliwia Piwocka
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Igor Piotrowski
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria M. Suchorska
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kulcenty
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
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31
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Alemany M. The Metabolic Syndrome, a Human Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2251. [PMID: 38396928 PMCID: PMC10888680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the question of metabolic syndrome (MS) being a complex, but essentially monophyletic, galaxy of associated diseases/disorders, or just a syndrome of related but rather independent pathologies. The human nature of MS (its exceptionality in Nature and its close interdependence with human action and evolution) is presented and discussed. The text also describes the close interdependence of its components, with special emphasis on the description of their interrelations (including their syndromic development and recruitment), as well as their consequences upon energy handling and partition. The main theories on MS's origin and development are presented in relation to hepatic steatosis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, but encompass most of the MS components described so far. The differential effects of sex and its biological consequences are considered under the light of human social needs and evolution, which are also directly related to MS epidemiology, severity, and relations with senescence. The triggering and maintenance factors of MS are discussed, with especial emphasis on inflammation, a complex process affecting different levels of organization and which is a critical element for MS development. Inflammation is also related to the operation of connective tissue (including the adipose organ) and the widely studied and acknowledged influence of diet. The role of diet composition, including the transcendence of the anaplerotic maintenance of the Krebs cycle from dietary amino acid supply (and its timing), is developed in the context of testosterone and β-estradiol control of the insulin-glycaemia hepatic core system of carbohydrate-triacylglycerol energy handling. The high probability of MS acting as a unique complex biological control system (essentially monophyletic) is presented, together with additional perspectives/considerations on the treatment of this 'very' human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marià Alemany
- Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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32
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Cao L, Meng X, Zhang Z, Liu Z, He Y. Macrophage heterogeneity and its interactions with stromal cells in tumour microenvironment. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:16. [PMID: 38303024 PMCID: PMC10832170 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01201-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages and tumour stroma cells account for the main cellular components in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Current advancements in single-cell analysis have revolutionized our understanding of macrophage diversity and macrophage-stroma interactions. Accordingly, this review describes new insight into tumour-associated macrophage (TAM) heterogeneity in terms of tumour type, phenotype, metabolism, and spatial distribution and presents the association between these factors and TAM functional states. Meanwhile, we focus on the immunomodulatory feature of TAMs and highlight the tumour-promoting effect of macrophage-tumour stroma interactions in the immunosuppressive TME. Finally, we summarize recent studies investigating macrophage-targeted therapy and discuss their therapeutic potential in improving immunotherapy by alleviating immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liren Cao
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoyan Meng
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Zhonglong Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yue He
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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33
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Luo W, Wen T, Qu X. Tumor immune microenvironment-based therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: time to update the concept. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:8. [PMID: 38167055 PMCID: PMC10759657 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02935-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal solid tumors. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) formed by interactions among cancer cells, immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and extracellular matrix (ECM) components drives PDAC in a more immunosuppressive direction: this is a major cause of therapy resistance and poor prognosis. In recent years, research has advanced our understanding of the signaling mechanism by which TIME components interact with the tumor and the evolution of immunophenotyping. Through revolutionary technologies such as single-cell sequencing, we have gone from simply classifying PDACs as "cold" and "hot" to a more comprehensive approach of immunophenotyping that considers all the cells and matrix components. This is key to improving the clinical efficacy of PDAC treatments. In this review, we elaborate on various TIME components in PDAC, the signaling mechanisms underlying their interactions, and the latest research into PDAC immunophenotyping. A deep understanding of these network interactions will contribute to the effective combination of TIME-based therapeutic approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), adoptive cell therapy, therapies targeting myeloid cells, CAF reprogramming, and stromal normalization. By selecting the appropriate integrated therapies based on precise immunophenotyping, significant advances in the future treatment of PDAC are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Ti Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
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34
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Zhou Y, Cao T, Li Z, Qiao H, Dang E, Shao S, Wang G. Fibroblasts in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: The soil of inflammation. Clin Immunol 2024; 258:109849. [PMID: 38008146 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
As one of the most abundant stromal cells, fibroblasts are primarily responsible for the production and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Traditionally, fibroblasts have been viewed as quiescent cells. However, recent advances in multi-omics technologies have demonstrated that fibroblasts exhibit remarkable functional diversity at the single-cell level. Additionally, fibroblasts are heterogeneous in their origins, tissue locations, and transitions with stromal cells. The dynamic nature of fibroblasts is further underscored by the fact that disease stages can impact their heterogeneity and behavior, particularly in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Fibroblasts can actively contribute to the disease initiation, progression, and relapse by responding to local microenvironmental signals, secreting downstream inflammatory factors, and interacting with immune cells during the pathological process. Here we focus on the development, plasticity, and heterogeneity of fibroblasts in inflammation, emphasizing the need for a developmental and dynamic perspective on fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shannxi 710032, China
| | - Tianyu Cao
- Department of Dermatology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Zhiguo Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shannxi 710032, China
| | - Hongjiang Qiao
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shannxi 710032, China
| | - Erle Dang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shannxi 710032, China
| | - Shuai Shao
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shannxi 710032, China.
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shannxi 710032, China.
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35
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Encarnación-Rosado J, Sohn ASW, Biancur DE, Lin EY, Osorio-Vasquez V, Rodrick T, González-Baerga D, Zhao E, Yokoyama Y, Simeone DM, Jones DR, Parker SJ, Wild R, Kimmelman AC. Targeting pancreatic cancer metabolic dependencies through glutamine antagonism. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:85-99. [PMID: 37814010 PMCID: PMC10824664 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00647-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells use glutamine (Gln) to support proliferation and redox balance. Early attempts to inhibit Gln metabolism using glutaminase inhibitors resulted in rapid metabolic reprogramming and therapeutic resistance. Here, we demonstrated that treating PDAC cells with a Gln antagonist, 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON), led to a metabolic crisis in vitro. In addition, we observed a profound decrease in tumor growth in several in vivo models using sirpiglenastat (DRP-104), a pro-drug version of DON that was designed to circumvent DON-associated toxicity. We found that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling is increased as a compensatory mechanism. Combinatorial treatment with DRP-104 and trametinib led to a significant increase in survival in a syngeneic model of PDAC. These proof-of-concept studies suggested that broadly targeting Gln metabolism could provide a therapeutic avenue for PDAC. The combination with an ERK signaling pathway inhibitor could further improve the therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Encarnación-Rosado
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Albert S W Sohn
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Douglas E Biancur
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elaine Y Lin
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Victoria Osorio-Vasquez
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tori Rodrick
- Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana González-Baerga
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ende Zhao
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Diane M Simeone
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Drew R Jones
- Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seth J Parker
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert Wild
- Dracen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alec C Kimmelman
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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36
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Chalkidi N, Melissari MT, Henriques A, Stavropoulou A, Kollias G, Koliaraki V. Activation and Functions of Col6a1+ Fibroblasts in Colitis-Associated Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:148. [PMID: 38203319 PMCID: PMC10778587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010148] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) comprise a group of heterogeneous subpopulations with distinct identities indicative of their diverse origins, activation patterns, and pro-tumorigenic functions. CAFs originate mainly from resident fibroblasts, which are activated upon different stimuli, including growth factors and inflammatory mediators, but the extent to which they also maintain some of their homeostatic properties, at least at the earlier stages of carcinogenesis, is not clear. In response to cytokines, such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), as well as microbial products, CAFs acquire an immunoregulatory phenotype, but its specificity and pathophysiological significance in individual CAF subsets is yet to be determined. In this study, we analyzed the properties of Col6a1-positive fibroblasts in colitis-associated cancer. We found that Col6a1+ cells partly maintain their homeostatic features during adenoma development, while their activation is characterized by the acquisition of a distinct proangiogenic signature associated with their initial perivascular location. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that Col6a1+ cells respond to innate immune stimuli and exert pro-tumorigenic functions. However, Col6a1+-specific inhibition of TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) or IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) signaling does not significantly affect tumorigenesis, suggesting that activation of other subsets acts in a compensatory way or that multiple immune stimuli are necessary to drive the proinflammatory activation of this subset. In conclusion, our results show that adenoma-associated CAF subsets can partly maintain the properties of homeostatic fibroblasts while they become activated to support tumor growth through distinct and compensatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Chalkidi
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Maria-Theodora Melissari
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Ana Henriques
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Athanasia Stavropoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - George Kollias
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Koliaraki
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
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37
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Guo H, Liu Y, Li X, Wang H, Mao D, Wei L, Ye X, Qu D, Huo J, Chen Y. Magnetic Metal-Organic Framework-Based Nanoplatform with Platelet Membrane Coating as a Synergistic Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 Inhibitor against Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ACS NANO 2023; 17:23829-23849. [PMID: 37991391 PMCID: PMC10722610 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c07885] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors are the most common immune-checkpoint inhibitors and considered promising drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, in clinical settings, they have a low objective response rate (15%-20%) for patients with HCC; this is because of the insufficient level and activity of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs). The combined administration of oxymatrine (Om) and astragaloside IV (As) can increase the levels of TILs by inhibiting the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and improve the activity of TILs by enhancing their mitochondrial function. In the present study, we constructed a magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF)-based nanoplatform with platelet membrane (Pm) coating (PmMN@Om&As) to simultaneously deliver Om and As into the HCC microenvironment. We observed that PmMN@Om&As exhibited a high total drug-loading capacity (33.77 wt %) and good immune escape. Furthermore, it can target HCC tissues in a magnetic field and exert long-lasting effects. The HCC microenvironment accelerated the disintegration of PmMN@Om&As and the release of Om&As, thereby increasing the level and activity of TILs by regulating CAFs and the mitochondrial function of TILs. In addition, the carrier could synergize with Om&As by enhancing the oxygen consumption rate and proton efflux rate of TILs, thereby upregulating the mitochondrial function of TILs. Combination therapy with PmMN@Om&As and α-PD-1 resulted in a tumor suppression rate of 84.15% and prolonged the survival time of mice. Our study provides a promising approach to improving the antitumor effect of immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Guo
- Affiliated
Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Multi-component
of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Microecology Researh Center, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Yuping Liu
- Affiliated
Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Multi-component
of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Microecology Researh Center, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Jiangsu
Clinical Innovation Center of Digestive Cancer of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Xia Li
- Affiliated
Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Multi-component
of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Microecology Researh Center, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Affiliated
Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Multi-component
of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Microecology Researh Center, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Dengxuan Mao
- Affiliated
Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Multi-component
of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Microecology Researh Center, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Liangyin Wei
- Affiliated
Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Multi-component
of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Microecology Researh Center, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Xietao Ye
- Affiliated
Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Multi-component
of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Microecology Researh Center, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Ding Qu
- Affiliated
Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Multi-component
of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Microecology Researh Center, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Jiege Huo
- Affiliated
Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Jiangsu
Clinical Innovation Center of Digestive Cancer of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Affiliated
Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Jiangsu
Clinical Innovation Center of Digestive Cancer of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
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Wang X, Yuan L, Lu B, Lin D, Xu X. Glutathione promotes the synergistic effects of venetoclax and azacytidine against myelodysplastic syndrome‑refractory anemia by regulating the cell cycle. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:574. [PMID: 38023359 PMCID: PMC10652243 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12274] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Azacitidine is a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor that has been used as a singular agent for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome-refractory anemia with excess blast-1 and -2 (MDS-RAEB I/II). However, recurrence and overall response rates following this treatment remain unsatisfactory. The combination of azacitidine and venetoclax has been used for the clinical treatment of a variety of hematological diseases due to the synergistic killing effect of the two drugs. Venetoclax is a BCL-2 inhibitor that can inhibit mitochondrial metabolism. In addition, azacitidine has been shown to reduce the levels of myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1) in acute myeloid leukemia cells. MCL-1 is an anti-apoptotic protein and a potential source of resistance to venetoclax. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of combined venetoclax and azacitidine treatment remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the molecular mechanism underlying the impact of venetoclax on the efficacy of azacitidine was investigated by examining its effects on cell cycle progression. SKM-1 cell lines were treated in vitro with 0-2 µM venetoclax and 0-4 µM azacytidine. After 24, 48 and 72 h of treatment, the impact of the drugs on the cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry. Following drug treatment, changes in cellular glutamine metabolism pathways was analyzed using western blotting (ATF4, CHOP, ASCT2, IDH2 and RB), quantitative PCR (ASCT2 and IDH2), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (α-KG, succinate and glutathione) and ELISA (glutamine and glutaminase). Venetoclax was found to inhibit mitochondrial activity though the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) pathway, which decreased glutamine uptake. Furthermore, venetoclax partially antagonized the action of azacitidine through this ASCT2 pathway, which was reversed by glutathione (GSH) treatment. These results suggest that GSH treatment can potentiate the synergistic therapeutic effects of venetoclax and azacitidine combined treatment on a myelodysplastic syndrome-refractory anemia cell line at lower concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P.R. China
| | - Lihua Yuan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Bo Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P.R. China
| | - Dongjun Lin
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P.R. China
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Yuan D, Zheng BW, Zheng BY, Niu HQ, Zou MX, Liu SL, Liu FS. Global cluster analysis and network visualization in cancer-associated fibroblast: insights from Web of Science database from 1999 to 2021. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:549. [PMID: 38031121 PMCID: PMC10685623 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01527-3] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A scientific and comprehensive analysis of the current status and trends in the field of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) research is worth investigating. This study aims to investigate and visualize the development, research frontiers, and future trends in CAFs both quantitatively and qualitatively based on a bibliometric approach. METHODS A total of 5518 publications were downloaded from the Science Citation Index Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection from 1999 to 2021 and identified for bibliometric analysis. Visualized approaches, OriginPro (version 9.8.0.200) and R (version 4.2.0) software tools were used to perform bibliometric and knowledge-map analysis. RESULTS The number of publications on CAFs increased each year, and the same tendency was observed in the RRI. Apart from China, the countries with the largest number of publications and the most cited frequency were mainly Western developed countries, especially the USA. Cancers was the journal with the largest number of articles published in CAFs, and Oncology was the most popular research orientation. The most productive author was Lisanti MP, and the University of Texas System was ranked first in the institutions. In addition, the topics of CAFs could be divided into five categories, including tumor classification, prognostic study, oncologic therapies, tumor metabolism and tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS This is the first thoroughly scientific bibliometric analysis and visualized study of the global research field on CAFs over the past 20 years. The study may provide benefits for researchers to master CAFs' dynamic evolution and research trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo-Wen Zheng
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Bo-Yv Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, General Hospital of the Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430061, China
| | - Hua-Qing Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450014, Henan, China
| | - Ming-Xiang Zou
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Song-Lin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Fu-Sheng Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
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Wei J, Yu W, Wu L, Chen Z, Huang G, Hu M, Du H. Intercellular Molecular Crosstalk Networks within Invasive and Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment Subtypes Associated with Clinical Outcomes in Four Cancer Types. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3057. [PMID: 38002057 PMCID: PMC10669098 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity is a critical basis for understanding how the tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to tumor progression. However, an understanding of the specific characteristics and functions of TME subtypes (subTMEs) in the progression of cancer is required for further investigations into single-cell resolutions. Here, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data of 250 clinical samples with more than 200,000 cells analyzed in each cancer datum. Based on the construction of an intercellular infiltration model and unsupervised clustering analysis, four, three, three, and four subTMEs were revealed in breast, colorectal, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer, respectively. Among the subTMEs, the immune-suppressive subTME (subTME-IS) and matrix remodeling with malignant cells subTME (subTME-MRM) were highly enriched in tumors, whereas the immune cell infiltration subTME (subTME-ICI) and precancerous state of epithelial cells subTME (subTME-PSE) were less in tumors, compared with paracancerous tissues. We detected and compared genes encoding cytokines, chemokines, cytotoxic mediators, PD1, and PD-L1. The results showed that these genes were specifically overexpressed in different cell types, and, compared with normal tissues, they were upregulated in tumor-derived cells. In addition, compared with other subTMEs, the expression levels of PDCD1 and TGFB1 were higher in subTME-IS. The Cox proportional risk regression model was further constructed to identify possible prognostic markers in each subTME across four cancer types. Cell-cell interaction analysis revealed the distinguishing features in molecular pairs among different subTMEs. Notably, ligand-receptor gene pairs, including COL1A1-SDC1, COL6A2-SDC1, COL6A3-SDC1, and COL4A1-ITGA2 between stromal and tumor cells, associated with tumor invasion phenotypes, poor patient prognoses, and tumor advanced progression, were revealed in subTME-MRM. C5AR1-RPS19, LGALS9-HAVCR2, and SPP1-PTGER4 between macrophages and CD8+ T cells, associated with CD8+ T-cell dysfunction, immunosuppressive status, and tumor advanced progression, were revealed in subTME-IS. The spatial co-location information of cellular and molecular interactions was further verified by spatial transcriptome data from colorectal cancer clinical samples. Overall, our study revealed the heterogeneity within the TME, highlighting the potential pro-invasion and pro-immunosuppressive functions and cellular infiltration characteristics of specific subTMEs, and also identified the key cellular and molecular interactions that might be associated with the survival, invasion, immune escape, and classification of cancer patients across four cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hongli Du
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; (J.W.); (W.Y.); (L.W.); (Z.C.); (G.H.); (M.H.)
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41
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Patricelli C, Lehmann P, Oxford JT, Pu X. Doxorubicin-induced modulation of TGF-β signaling cascade in mouse fibroblasts: insights into cardiotoxicity mechanisms. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18944. [PMID: 37919370 PMCID: PMC10622533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46216-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity has been widely observed, yet the specific impact on cardiac fibroblasts is not fully understood. Additionally, the modulation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway by DOX remains to be fully elucidated. This study investigated DOX's ability to modulate the expression of genes and proteins involved in the TGF-β signaling cascade in mouse fibroblasts from two sources by assessing the impact of DOX treatment on TGF-β inducible expression of pivotal genes and proteins within fibroblasts. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH3T3) and mouse primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were treated with DOX in the presence of TGF-β1 to assess changes in protein levels by western blot and changes in mRNA levels by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) protein levels upon DOX treatment in both NIH3T3 and CFs, suggesting an antifibrotic activity by DOX in these fibroblasts. However, DOX only inhibited the TGF-β1 induced expression of COL1 in NIH3T3 cells but not in CFs. In addition, we observed that DOX treatment reduced the expression of BMP1 in NIH3T3 but not primary cardiac fibroblasts. No significant changes in SMAD2 protein expression and phosphorylation in either cells were observed after DOX treatment. Finally, DOX inhibited the expression of Atf4 gene and increased the expression of Cdkn1a, Id1, Id2, Runx1, Tgfb1, Inhba, Thbs1, Bmp1, and Stat1 genes in NIH3T3 cells but not CFs, indicating the potential for cell-specific responses to DOX and its modulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conner Patricelli
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Programs, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1512, USA
| | - Parker Lehmann
- Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, Meridian, ID, 83642-8046, USA
| | - Julia Thom Oxford
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Programs, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1512, USA
- Biomolecular Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1511, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1515, USA
| | - Xinzhu Pu
- Biomolecular Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1511, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, 83725-1515, USA.
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Nowosad A, Marine JC, Karras P. Perivascular niches: critical hubs in cancer evolution. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:897-910. [PMID: 37453870 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Tumors are heterogeneous ecosystems in which cancer cells coexist within a complex tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The malignant, stromal, and immune cell compartments establish a plethora of bidirectional cell-cell communication crosstalks that influence tumor growth and metastatic dissemination, which we are only beginning to understand. Cancer cells either co-opt or promote the formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels to cope with their need for nutrients and oxygen. Recent studies have highlighted additional key roles for the tumor vasculature and have identified the perivascular niche as a cellular hub, where intricate and dynamic cellular interactions promote cancer stemness, immune evasion, dormancy, and metastatic spreading. Here, we review these findings, and discuss how they may be exploited therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Nowosad
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Panagiotis Karras
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Örd T, Örd D, Adler P, Örd T. Genome-wide census of ATF4 binding sites and functional profiling of trait-associated genetic variants overlapping ATF4 binding motifs. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011014. [PMID: 37906604 PMCID: PMC10637723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011014] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) is an important regulator of gene expression in stress responses and developmental processes in many cell types. Here, we catalogued ATF4 binding sites in the human genome and identified overlaps with trait-associated genetic variants. We probed these genetic variants for allelic regulatory activity using a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA) in HepG2 hepatoma cells exposed to tunicamycin to induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and ATF4 upregulation. The results revealed that in the majority of cases, the MPRA allelic activity of these SNPs was in agreement with the nucleotide preference seen in the ATF4 binding motif from ChIP-Seq. Luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assays in additional cellular models further confirmed ATF4-dependent regulatory effects for the SNPs rs532446 (GADD45A intronic; linked to hematological parameters), rs7011846 (LPL upstream; myocardial infarction), rs2718215 (diastolic blood pressure), rs281758 (psychiatric disorders) and rs6491544 (educational attainment). CRISPR-Cas9 disruption and/or deletion of the regulatory elements harboring rs532446 and rs7011846 led to the downregulation of GADD45A and LPL, respectively. Thus, these SNPs could represent examples of GWAS genetic variants that affect gene expression by altering ATF4-mediated transcriptional activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiit Örd
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Daima Örd
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Priit Adler
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tõnis Örd
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Zhang Q, An ZY, Jiang W, Jin WL, He XY. Collagen code in tumor microenvironment: Functions, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115390. [PMID: 37660648 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115390] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial in cancer progression, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important TME component. Collagen is a major ECM component that contributes to tumor cell infiltration, expansion, and distant metastasis during cancer progression. Recent studies reported that collagen is deposited in the TME to form a collagen wall along which tumor cells can infiltrate and prevent drugs from working on the tumor cells. Collagen-tumor cell interaction is complex and requires the activation of multiple signaling pathways for biochemical and mechanical signaling interventions. In this review, we examine the effect of collagen deposition in the TME on tumor progression and discuss the interaction between collagen and tumor cells. This review aims to illustrate the functions and mechanisms of collagen in tumor progression in the TME and its role in tumor therapy. The findings indicated collagen in the TME appears to be a better target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, PR China
| | - Zi-Yi An
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, PR China; Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei 230001, PR China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China; Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.
| | - Xin-Yang He
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, PR China; Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Hefei 230001, PR China.
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Qin Y, Zu X, Li Y, Han Y, Tan J, Cai C, Shen E, Liu P, Deng G, Feng Z, Wu W, Peng Y, Liu Y, Ma J, Zeng S, Chen Y, Shen H. A cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes-based signature enables the evaluation of immunotherapy response and prognosis in bladder cancer. iScience 2023; 26:107722. [PMID: 37694141 PMCID: PMC10485638 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most prevalent and heterogeneous urinary malignant tumors. Previous researches have reported a significant association between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and poor prognosis of tumor patients. However, uncertainty surrounds the role of CAFs in the BLCA tumor microenvironment, necessitating further investigation into the CAFs-related gene signatures in BLCA. In this study, we identified three CAF subtypes in BLCA according to single-cell RNA-seq data and constructed CAFs-related risk score (CRRS) by screening 102,714 signatures. The survival analysis, ROC curves, and nomogram suggested that CRRS was a valuable predictor in 2,042 patients from 9 available public datasets and Xiangya real-world cohort. We further revealed the significant correlation between CRRS and clinicopathological characteristics, genome alterations, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A high CRRS indicated a non-inflamed phenotype and a lower remission rate of immunotherapy in BLCA. In conclusion, the CRRS had the potential to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of BLCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Qin
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiongbing Zu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yin Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Changjing Cai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Edward Shen
- Department of Life Science, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, ON, Canada
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ganlu Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, Guangxi, China
| | - Ziyang Feng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yinghui Peng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yongting Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jiayao Ma
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yihong Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
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Liang J, Liang R, Lei K, Huang J, Lin H, Wang M. Comparative analysis of single-cell transcriptome reveals heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma and brain metastases. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:174. [PMID: 37715019 PMCID: PMC10504228 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00784-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Solid tumors such as lung adenocarcinoma include not only the tumor cells but also the microenvironment in which the tumor cells continuously interact with each other. An in-depth understanding of the oncological features and tumor microenvironment (TME) of lung adenocarcinoma and brain metastases at the single-cell level could provide new therapeutic strategies for brain metastases from lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS To solve this problem, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis on 15 lung adenocarcinoma samples and 10 brain metastasis samples. RESULTS A total of 86,282 single cells were obtained and divided into 8 cell types, including epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, oligodendrocytes, T/NK cells, B cells, mast cells, and macrophages. In brain metastases, we found a significantly lower proportion of T/NK cells and mast cells, and more severe immune dysregulation. In addition, we found a subpopulation of macrophages with high expression of metastasis-promoting-related genes enriched in brain metastatic tissues. Moreover, in brain metastases, we found a significantly increased proportion of myofibroblastic cancer-associated fibroblasts (myCAFs) and a higher angiogenic capacity of endothelial cells. Epithelial cells in brain metastases were more malignant and underwent genomic reprogramming. Next, we found that DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) expression was upregulated in epithelial cells in brain metastases and was associated with poor prognosis. Finally, we experimentally validated that the downregulation of DDIT4 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS This study depicts a single-cell atlas of lung adenocarcinoma and brain metastases by scRNA-seq and paves the way for the development of future therapeutic targets for brain metastases from lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruihao Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Lei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huayue Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Minghui Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Xiao Z, Todd L, Huang L, Noguera-Ortega E, Lu Z, Huang L, Kopp M, Li Y, Pattada N, Zhong W, Guo W, Scholler J, Liousia M, Assenmacher CA, June CH, Albelda SM, Puré E. Desmoplastic stroma restricts T cell extravasation and mediates immune exclusion and immunosuppression in solid tumors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5110. [PMID: 37607999 PMCID: PMC10444764 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40850-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The desmoplastic stroma in solid tumors presents a formidable challenge to immunotherapies that rely on endogenous or adoptively transferred T cells, however, the mechanisms are poorly understood. To define mechanisms involved, here we treat established desmoplastic pancreatic tumors with CAR T cells directed to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), an enzyme highly overexpressed on a subset of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Depletion of FAP+ CAFs results in loss of the structural integrity of desmoplastic matrix. This renders these highly treatment-resistant cancers susceptible to subsequent treatment with a tumor antigen (mesothelin)-targeted CAR T cells and to anti-PD-1 antibody therapy. Mechanisms include overcoming stroma-dependent restriction of T cell extravasation and/or perivascular invasion, reversing immune exclusion, relieving T cell suppression, and altering the immune landscape by reducing myeloid cell accumulation and increasing endogenous CD8+ T cell and NK cell infiltration. These data provide strong rationale for combining tumor stroma- and malignant cell-targeted therapies to be tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebin Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Leslie Todd
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Estela Noguera-Ortega
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zhen Lu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lili Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Meghan Kopp
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Nimisha Pattada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Wenqun Zhong
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - John Scholler
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Maria Liousia
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Charles-Antoine Assenmacher
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carl H June
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Steven M Albelda
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ellen Puré
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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48
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Xiao Z, Todd L, Huang L, Noguera-Ortega E, Lu Z, Huang L, Kopp M, Li Y, Pattada N, Zhong W, Guo W, Scholler J, Liousia M, Assenmacher CA, June CH, Albelda SM, Puré E. Desmoplastic stroma restricts T cell extravasation and mediates immune exclusion and immunosuppression in solid tumors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.13.536777. [PMID: 37090547 PMCID: PMC10120701 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.13.536777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The desmoplastic stroma in solid tumors presents a formidable challenge to immunotherapies that rely on endogenous or adoptively transferred T cells, however, the mechanisms are poorly understood. To define mechanisms involved, we treat established desmoplastic pancreatic tumors with CAR T cells directed to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), an enzyme highly overexpressed on a subset of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Depletion of FAP+CAFs results in loss of the structural integrity of desmoplastic matrix. This renders these highly treatment-resistant cancers susceptible to subsequent treatment with a tumor antigen (mesothelin)-targeted CAR and to anti-PD1 antibody therapy. Mechanisms include overcoming stroma-dependent restriction of T cell extravasation and/or perivascular invasion, reversing immune exclusion, relieving T cell suppression, and altering the immune landscape by reducing myeloid cell accumulation and increasing endogenous CD8+ T cell and NK cell infiltration. These data provide strong rationale for combining tumor stroma- and malignant cell-targeted therapies to be tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebin Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Leslie Todd
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Estela Noguera-Ortega
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhen Lu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lili Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Meghan Kopp
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nimisha Pattada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wenqun Zhong
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John Scholler
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maria Liousia
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Charles-Antoine Assenmacher
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carl H. June
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Steven M. Albelda
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ellen Puré
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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49
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Lines CL, McGrath MJ, Dorwart T, Conn CS. The integrated stress response in cancer progression: a force for plasticity and resistance. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1206561. [PMID: 37601686 PMCID: PMC10435748 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1206561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
During their quest for growth, adaptation, and survival, cancer cells create a favorable environment through the manipulation of normal cellular mechanisms. They increase anabolic processes, including protein synthesis, to facilitate uncontrolled proliferation and deplete the tumor microenvironment of resources. As a dynamic adaptation to the self-imposed oncogenic stress, cancer cells promptly hijack translational control to alter gene expression. Rewiring the cellular proteome shifts the phenotypic balance between growth and adaptation to promote therapeutic resistance and cancer cell survival. The integrated stress response (ISR) is a key translational program activated by oncogenic stress that is utilized to fine-tune protein synthesis and adjust to environmental barriers. Here, we focus on the role of ISR signaling for driving cancer progression. We highlight mechanisms of regulation for distinct mRNA translation downstream of the ISR, expand on oncogenic signaling utilizing the ISR in response to environmental stresses, and pinpoint the impact this has for cancer cell plasticity during resistance to therapy. There is an ongoing need for innovative drug targets in cancer treatment, and modulating ISR activity may provide a unique avenue for clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Crystal S. Conn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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50
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Berdiaki A, Giatagana EM, Tzanakakis G, Nikitovic D. The Landscape of Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycan Impact on Cancer Pathogenesis with a Focus on Biglycan and Lumican. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3549. [PMID: 37509212 PMCID: PMC10377491 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143549] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer development is a multifactorial procedure that involves changes in the cell microenvironment and specific modulations in cell functions. A tumor microenvironment contains tumor cells, non-malignant cells, blood vessels, cells of the immune system, stromal cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are a family of nineteen proteoglycans, which are ubiquitously expressed among mammalian tissues and especially abundant in the ECM. SLRPs are divided into five canonical classes (classes I-III, containing fourteen members) and non-canonical classes (classes IV-V, including five members) based on their amino-acid structural sequence, chromosomal organization, and functional properties. Variations in both the protein core structure and glycosylation status lead to SLRP-specific interactions with cell membrane receptors, cytokines, growth factors, and structural ECM molecules. SLRPs have been implicated in the regulation of cancer growth, motility, and invasion, as well as in cancer-associated inflammation and autophagy, highlighting their crucial role in the processes of carcinogenesis. Except for the class I SLRP decorin, to which an anti-tumorigenic role has been attributed, other SLPRs' roles have not been fully clarified. This review will focus on the functions of the class I and II SLRP members biglycan and lumican, which are correlated to various aspects of cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Berdiaki
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eirini-Maria Giatagana
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Tzanakakis
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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