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Zhu H, Jin RU. The role of the fibroblast in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2024; 40:319-327. [PMID: 38626060 PMCID: PMC11155289 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000001032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the number one risk factor for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), a deadly cancer with limited treatment options that has been increasing in incidence in the US. In this report, we discuss current studies on the role of mesenchyme and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in BE and EAC, and we highlight translational prospects of targeting these cells. RECENT FINDINGS New insights through studies using single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNA seq) have revealed an important emerging role of the mesenchyme in developmental signaling and cancer initiation. BE and EAC share similar stromal gene expression, as functional classifications of nonepithelial cells in BE show a remarkable similarity to EAC CAFs. Several recent sc-RNA seq studies and novel organoid fibroblast co-culture systems have characterized the subgroups of fibroblasts in BE and EAC, and have shown that these cells can directly influence the epithelium to induce BE development and cancer progression. Targeting the CAFs in EAC with may be a promising novel therapeutic strategy. SUMMARY The fibroblasts in the surrounding mesenchyme may have a direct role in influencing altered epithelial plasticity during BE development and progression to EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Zhu
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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2
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Yang N, Huang Y, Wang X, Wang D, Yao D, Ren G. Fibronectin-Targeting Dual-Modal MR/NIRF Imaging Contrast Agents for Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer and Peritoneal Metastasis. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:843-854. [PMID: 38775802 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence and fatality rates of gastric cancer (GC) remain elevated, with advanced stages presenting a grim prognosis. Noninvasive diagnosis of GC cancer often proves challenging until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage or metastasized. Initially, the level of fibronectin (FN) in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of GC was at least 3.7 times higher than that in normal fibroblasts. Herein, two FN-targeting magnetic resonance/near-infrared fluorescence (MR/NIRF) imaging contrast agents were developed to detect GC and peritoneal metastasis noninvasively. The probes CREKA-Cy7-(Gd-DOTA) and CREKA-Cy7-(Gd-DOTA)3 demonstrated significant FN-targeting capability (with dissociation constants of 1.0 and 2.1 mM) and effective MR imaging performance (with proton relaxivity values of 9.66 and 27.44 mM-1 s-1 at 9.4 T, 37 °C). In vivo imaging revealed a high signal-to-noise ratio and successful visualization of GC metastasis using NIRF imaging as well as successful tumor detection in MR imaging. Therefore, this study highlights the potential of FN-targeting probes for GC diagnosis and aids in the advancement of new diagnostic strategies for the clinical detection of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningxin Yang
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuelin Huang
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Dengbin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Defan Yao
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Gang Ren
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
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3
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Li JP, Liu YJ, Li Y, Yin Y, Ye QW, Lu ZH, Dong YW, Zhou JY, Zou X, Chen YG. Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of LMOD1 expression summarizes two modes of cell communication in colorectal cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:549. [PMID: 38849852 PMCID: PMC11161970 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05369-3] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication (CC) influences tumor development by mediating intercellular junctions between cells. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of CC in malignant transformation remain unknown. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of CC molecular expression during malignant transformation. It was found that although both tight junctions (TJs) and gap junctions (GJs) were involved in maintaining the tumor microenvironment (TME), they exhibited opposite characteristics. Mechanistically, for epithelial cells (parenchymal component), the expression of TJ molecules consistently decreased during normal-cancer transformation and is a potential oncogenic factor. For fibroblasts (mesenchymal component), the expression of GJs consistently increased during normal-cancer transformation and is a potential oncogenic factor. In addition, the molecular profiles of TJs and GJs were used to stratify colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, where subtypes characterized by high GJ levels and low TJ levels exhibited enhanced mesenchymal signals. Importantly, we propose that leiomodin 1 (LMOD1) is biphasic, with features of both TJs and GJs. LMOD1 not only promotes the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) but also inhibits the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program in cancer cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the molecular heterogeneity of CC and provide new insights into further understanding of TME heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Pin Li
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Yin
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian-Wen Ye
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Wei Dong
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Yong Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Zou
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Chinese & Western Medicine and Oncology Clinical Research, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yu-Gen Chen
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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Owaki T, Iida T, Miyai Y, Kato K, Hase T, Ishii M, Ando R, Hinohara K, Akashi T, Mizutani Y, Ishikawa T, Mii S, Shiraki Y, Esaki N, Yamamoto M, Tsukamoto T, Nomura S, Murakami T, Takahashi M, Yuguchi Y, Maeda M, Sano T, Sassa N, Matsukawa Y, Kawashima H, Akamatsu S, Enomoto A. Synthetic retinoid-mediated preconditioning of cancer-associated fibroblasts and macrophages improves cancer response to immune checkpoint blockade. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02734-3. [PMID: 38849479 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02734-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proliferation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) hampers drug delivery and anti-tumor immunity, inducing tumor resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. However, it has remained a challenge to develop therapeutics that specifically target or modulate CAFs. METHODS We investigated the involvement of Meflin+ cancer-restraining CAFs (rCAFs) in ICB efficacy in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and urothelial carcinoma (UC). We examined the effects of Am80 (a synthetic retinoid) administration on CAF phenotype, the tumor immune microenvironment, and ICB efficacy in cancer mouse models. RESULTS High infiltration of Meflin+ CAFs correlated with ICB efficacy in patients with ccRCC and UC. Meflin+ CAF induction by Am80 administration improved ICB efficacy in the mouse models of cancer. Am80 exerted this effect when administered prior to, but not concomitant with, ICB therapy in wild-type but not Meflin-deficient mice. Am80-mediated induction of Meflin+ CAFs was associated with increases in antibody delivery and M1-like tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration. Finally, we showed the role of Chemerin produced from CAFs after Am80 administration in the induction of M1-like TAMs. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that Am80 administration prior to ICB therapy increases the number of Meflin+ rCAFs and ICB efficacy by inducing changes in TAM phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Owaki
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Urology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tadashi Iida
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Yuki Miyai
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Kato
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Hase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Makoto Ishii
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryota Ando
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Hinohara
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Akashi
- Division of Systems Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Mizutani
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takuya Ishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Mii
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Shiraki
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Nobutoshi Esaki
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masami Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Physiological Pathology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tsukamoto
- Division of Analytical Pathology, Oncology Innovation Center, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Sachiyo Nomura
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Microbiology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masahide Takahashi
- Department of Pathology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
- International Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yuri Yuguchi
- Department of Urology, Chukyo Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Tomoyasu Sano
- Department of Urology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoto Sassa
- Department of Urology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Matsukawa
- Department of Urology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawashima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shusuke Akamatsu
- Department of Urology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research, Gifu University Institute for Advanced Study, Gifu, Japan.
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Yang Q, Li X, Zhu W. Identification of a unique stress response state of T cells-related gene signature in patients with gastric cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:9709-9726. [PMID: 38848147 PMCID: PMC11210248 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC), the third most lethal cancer worldwide, is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, leaving limited therapeutic options. Given the diverse outcomes among GC patients with similar AJCC/UICC-TNM characteristics, there is a pressing need for more reliable prognostic tools. Recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have underscored this necessity. In this context, our study focused on a novel stress response state of T cells, termed TSTR, identified across multiple cancers, which is associated with resistance to immunotherapy. We aimed to develop a predictive gene signature for the TSTR phenotype within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of GC patients. By categorizing GC patients into high and low TSTR groups based on the infiltration states of TME TSTR cells, we observed significant differences in clinical prognosis and characteristics between the groups. Through a multi-step bioinformatics approach, we established an eight-gene signature based on genes differentially expressed between these groups. We conducted functional validations for the signature gene PDGFRL in GC cells. This gene signature effectively stratifies GC patients into high and low-risk categories, demonstrating robustness in predicting clinical outcomes. Furthermore, these risk groups exhibited distinct immune profiles, somatic mutations, and drug susceptibilities, highlighting the potential of our gene signature to enhance personalized treatment strategies in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yang
- Puai Medical College, Shaoyang University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Weiyuan Zhu
- Puai Medical College, Shaoyang University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, Hunan, China
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6
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Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Hungry for fat: Metabolic crosstalk with lipid-rich CAFs fuels pancreatic cancer. Cell Metab 2024; 36:1172-1174. [PMID: 38838639 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Some cancers prefer to metabolize lipids for their growth and metastasis. In a recent Cancer Cell study, Niu et al. revealed that SET domain containing 2, histone lysine methyltransferase (SETD2)-deficient pancreatic cancer cells induce the differentiation of lipid-laden cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which, in turn, transport lipids to promote tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, "Sotiria" Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
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7
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Dhungel N, Dragoi AM. Exploring the multifaceted role of direct interaction between cancer cells and fibroblasts in cancer progression. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1379971. [PMID: 38863965 PMCID: PMC11165130 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1379971] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer cells is a complex and mutually beneficial system that leads to rapid cancer cells proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. It is now recognized that cancer cells are not isolated, and tumor progression is governed among others, by many components of the TME. The reciprocal cross-talk between cancer cells and their microenvironment can be indirect through the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and paracrine signaling through exosomes, cytokines, and growth factors, or direct by cell-to-cell contact mediated by cell surface receptors and adhesion molecules. Among TME components, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are of unique interest. As one of the most abundant components of the TME, CAFs play key roles in the reorganization of the extracellular matrix, facilitating metastasis and chemotherapy evasion. Both direct and indirect roles have been described for CAFs in modulating tumor progression. In this review, we focus on recent advances in understanding the role of direct contact between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in driving tumor development and metastasis. We also summarize recent findings on the role of direct contact between cancer cells and CAFs in chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilu Dhungel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, United States
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8
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Kalla J, Pfneissl J, Mair T, Tran L, Egger G. A systematic review on the culture methods and applications of 3D tumoroids for cancer research and personalized medicine. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00960-8. [PMID: 38806997 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00960-8] [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] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, and thus treatment responses vary greatly between patients. To improve therapy efficacy and outcome for cancer patients, more representative and patient-specific preclinical models are needed. Organoids and tumoroids are 3D cell culture models that typically retain the genetic and epigenetic characteristics, as well as the morphology, of their tissue of origin. Thus, they can be used to understand the underlying mechanisms of cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis in a more physiological setting. Additionally, co-culture methods of tumoroids and cancer-associated cells can help to understand the interplay between a tumor and its tumor microenvironment. In recent years, tumoroids have already helped to refine treatments and to identify new targets for cancer therapy. Advanced culturing systems such as chip-based fluidic devices and bioprinting methods in combination with tumoroids have been used for high-throughput applications for personalized medicine. Even though organoid and tumoroid models are complex in vitro systems, validation of results in vivo is still the common practice. Here, we describe how both animal- and human-derived tumoroids have helped to identify novel vulnerabilities for cancer treatment in recent years, and how they are currently used for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kalla
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Janette Pfneissl
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresia Mair
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Loan Tran
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerda Egger
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Sánchez-Ramírez D, Mendoza-Rodríguez MG, Alemán OR, Candanedo-González FA, Rodríguez-Sosa M, Montesinos-Montesinos JJ, Salcedo M, Brito-Toledo I, Vaca-Paniagua F, Terrazas LI. Impact of STAT-signaling pathway on cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer and its role in immunosuppression. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1705-1724. [PMID: 38764833 PMCID: PMC11099434 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.1705] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadliest types of cancer worldwide. CRC displays a desmoplastic reaction (DR) that has been inversely associated with poor prognosis; less DR is associated with a better prognosis. This reaction generates excessive connective tissue, in which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are critical cells that form a part of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs are directly involved in tumorigenesis through different mechanisms. However, their role in immunosuppression in CRC is not well understood, and the precise role of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) in mediating CAF activity in CRC remains unclear. Among the myriad chemical and biological factors that affect CAFs, different cytokines mediate their function by activating STAT signaling pathways. Thus, the harmful effects of CAFs in favoring tumor growth and invasion may be modulated using STAT inhibitors. Here, we analyze the impact of different STATs on CAF activity and their immunoregulatory role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damián Sánchez-Ramírez
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Mónica G Mendoza-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Omar R Alemán
- Department of Biology, Facultad de Quimica, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Fernando A Candanedo-González
- Department of Pathology, National Medical Center Century XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Miriam Rodríguez-Sosa
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Juan José Montesinos-Montesinos
- Laboratorio de Células Troncales Mesenquimales, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas, Hospital de Oncología Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Mauricio Salcedo
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina y Oncologia Genomica, Instituto Mexciano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 07300, Mexico
| | - Ismael Brito-Toledo
- Servicio de Colon y Recto, Hospital de Oncología Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Felipe Vaca-Paniagua
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Luis I Terrazas
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
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10
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Hedayat S, Cascione L, Cunningham D, Schirripa M, Lampis A, Hahne JC, Tunariu N, Hong SP, Marchetti S, Khan K, Fontana E, Angerilli V, Delrieux M, Nava Rodrigues D, Procaccio L, Rao S, Watkins D, Starling N, Chau I, Braconi C, Fotiadis N, Begum R, Guppy N, Howell L, Valenti M, Cribbes S, Kolozsvari B, Kirkin V, Lonardi S, Ghidini M, Passalacqua R, Elghadi R, Magnani L, Pinato DJ, Di Maggio F, Ghelardi F, Sottotetti E, Vetere G, Ciracì P, Vlachogiannis G, Pietrantonio F, Cremolini C, Cortellini A, Loupakis F, Fassan M, Valeri N. Circulating microRNA Analysis in a Prospective Co-clinical Trial Identifies MIR652-3p as a Response Biomarker and Driver of Regorafenib Resistance Mechanisms in Colorectal Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2140-2159. [PMID: 38376926 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2748] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The multi-kinase inhibitor (mKi) regorafenib has demonstrated efficacy in chemorefractory patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, lack of predictive biomarkers and concerns over significant toxicities hamper the use of regorafenib in clinical practice. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Serial liquid biopsies were obtained at baseline and monthly until disease progression in chemorefractory patients with mCRC treated with regorafenib in a phase II clinical trial (PROSPECT-R n = 40; NCT03010722) and in a multicentric validation cohort (n = 241). Tissue biopsies collected at baseline, after 2 months and at progression in the PROSPECT-R trial were used to establish patient-derived organoids (PDO) and for molecular analyses. MicroRNA profiling was performed on baseline bloods using the NanoString nCounter platform and results were validated by digital-droplet PCR and/or ISH in paired liquid and tissue biopsies. PDOs co-cultures and PDO-xenotransplants were generated for functional analyses. RESULTS Large-scale microRNA expression analysis in longitudinal matched liquid and tissue biopsies from the PROSPECT-R trial identified MIR652-3p as a biomarker of clinical benefit to regorafenib. These findings were confirmed in an independent validation cohort and in a "control" group of 100 patients treated with lonsurf. Using ex vivo co-culture assays paired with single-cell RNA-sequencing of PDO established pre- and post-treatment, we modeled regorafenib response observed in vivo and in patients, and showed that MIR652-3p controls resistance to regorafenib by impairing regorafenib-induced lethal autophagy and by orchestrating the switch from neo-angiogenesis to vessel co-option. CONCLUSIONS Our results identify MIR652-3p as a potential biomarker and as a driver of cell and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms of resistance to regorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somaieh Hedayat
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luciano Cascione
- Bioinformatics Core Unit, Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - David Cunningham
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Schirripa
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Tunariu
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Sung Pil Hong
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Marchetti
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Khurum Khan
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Fontana
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Angerilli
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Surgical Pathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mia Delrieux
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Nava Rodrigues
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Letizia Procaccio
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Padua, Italy
| | - Sheela Rao
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - David Watkins
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Naureen Starling
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Braconi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nicos Fotiadis
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruwaida Begum
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Naomy Guppy
- Breast Cancer Now Nina Barough Pathology Core Facility, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Howell
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Melanie Valenti
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Vladimir Kirkin
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Padua, Italy
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Raghad Elghadi
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Magnani
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J Pinato
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Di Maggio
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Francesco Salvatore, Via Gaetano Salvatore, Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Ghelardi
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Sottotetti
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Vetere
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciracì
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Georgios Vlachogiannis
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Filippo Pietrantonio
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Cremolini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessio Cortellini
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Fotios Loupakis
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Padua, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgical Pathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Cui Y, Zhao K, Meng X, Mao Y, Han C, Shi Z, Yang X, Tong T, Wu L, Liu Z. A computed tomography-based multitask deep learning model for predicting tumour stroma ratio and treatment outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer: a multicentre cohort study. Int J Surg 2024; 110:2845-2854. [PMID: 38348900 PMCID: PMC11093466 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000001161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour-stroma interactions, as indicated by tumour-stroma ratio (TSR), offer valuable prognostic stratification information. Current histological assessment of TSR is limited by tissue accessibility and spatial heterogeneity. The authors aimed to develop a multitask deep learning (MDL) model to noninvasively predict TSR and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study including 2268 patients with resected CRC recruited from four centres, the authors developed an MDL model using preoperative computed tomography (CT) images for the simultaneous prediction of TSR and overall survival. Patients in the training cohort ( n =956) and internal validation cohort (IVC, n =240) were randomly selected from centre I. Patients in the external validation cohort 1 (EVC1, n =509), EVC2 ( n =203), and EVC3 ( n =360) were recruited from other three centres. Model performance was evaluated with respect to discrimination and calibration. Furthermore, the authors evaluated whether the model could predict the benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS The MDL model demonstrated strong TSR discrimination, yielding areas under the receiver operating curves (AUCs) of 0.855 (95% CI, 0.800-0.910), 0.838 (95% CI, 0.802-0.874), and 0.857 (95% CI, 0.804-0.909) in the three validation cohorts, respectively. The MDL model was also able to predict overall survival and disease-free survival across all cohorts. In multivariable Cox analysis, the MDL score (MDLS) remained an independent prognostic factor after adjusting for clinicopathological variables (all P <0.05). For stage II and stage III disease, patients with a high MDLS benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy [hazard ratio (HR) 0.391 (95% CI, 0.230-0.666), P =0.0003; HR=0.467 (95% CI, 0.331-0.659), P <0.0001, respectively], whereas those with a low MDLS did not. CONCLUSION The multitask DL model based on preoperative CT images effectively predicted TSR status and survival in CRC patients, offering valuable guidance for personalized treatment. Prospective studies are needed to confirm its potential to select patients who might benefit from chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfen Cui
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences
- Department of Radiology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/ Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University; Taiyuan
| | - Ke Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences
| | - Xiaochun Meng
- Department of Radiology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
| | - Yun Mao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing
| | - Chu Han
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences
| | - Zhenwei Shi
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences
| | - Xiaotang Yang
- Department of Radiology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/ Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University; Taiyuan
| | - Tong Tong
- Department of Radiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences
| | - Zaiyi Liu
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences
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12
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Watanabe R, Miura N, Kurata M, Kitazawa R, Kikugawa T, Saika T. Unveiling the Genomic Landscape of Intraductal Carcinoma of the Prostate Using Spatial Gene Expression Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4818. [PMID: 38732035 PMCID: PMC11083946 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094818] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDCP) has recently attracted increasing interest owing to its unfavorable prognoses. To effectively identify the IDCP-specific gene expression profile, we took a novel approach of characterizing a typical IDCP case using spatial gene expression analysis. A formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sample was subjected to Visium CytAssist Spatial Gene Expression analysis. IDCP within invasive prostate cancer sites was recognized as a distinct cluster separate from other invasive cancer clusters. Highly expressed genes defining the IDCP cluster, such as MUC6, MYO16, NPY, and KLK12, reflected the aggressive nature of high-grade prostate cancer. IDCP sites also showed increased hypoxia markers HIF1A, BNIP3L, PDK1, and POGLUT1; decreased fibroblast markers COL1A2, DCN, and LUM; and decreased immune cell markers CCR5 and FCGR3A. Overall, these findings indicate that the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and reduced recruitment of fibroblasts and immune cells, which reflect morphological features of IDCP, may influence the aggressiveness of high-grade prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuta Watanabe
- Department of Urology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan; (N.M.); (T.K.); (T.S.)
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Noriyoshi Miura
- Department of Urology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan; (N.M.); (T.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Mie Kurata
- Department of Analytical Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan;
- Division of Pathology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Riko Kitazawa
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Ehime University Hospital, Toon 791-0295, Japan;
| | - Tadahiko Kikugawa
- Department of Urology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan; (N.M.); (T.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Takashi Saika
- Department of Urology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan; (N.M.); (T.K.); (T.S.)
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13
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Chen C, Liu J, Lin X, Xiang A, Ye Q, Guo J, Rui T, Xu J, Hu S. Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and regulated cell death in tumors: insights into apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:189. [PMID: 38649701 PMCID: PMC11035635 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01958-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the main stromal component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), play multifaceted roles in cancer progression through paracrine signaling, exosome transfer, and cell interactions. Attractively, recent evidence indicates that CAFs can modulate various forms of regulated cell death (RCD) in adjacent tumor cells, thus involving cancer proliferation, therapy resistance, and immune exclusion. Here, we present a brief introduction to CAFs and basic knowledge of RCD, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. In addition, we further summarize the different types of RCD in tumors that are mediated by CAFs, as well as the effects of these modes of RCD on CAFs. This review will deepen our understanding of the interactions between CAFs and RCD and might offer novel therapeutic avenues for future cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xia Lin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aizhai Xiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianwei Ye
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jufeng Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Rui
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shufang Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
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14
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Li D, Huang P, Xia L, Leng W, Qin S. Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote gastric cancer cell proliferation by paracrine FGF2-driven ribosome biogenesis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111836. [PMID: 38479160 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111836] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived secretome plays critical roles in tumor progression by remodelling tumor microenvironment. Tumorigenesis is accompanied by the transformation of normal fibroblasts (NF) into CAF, leading to significant changes in their secretome. This work aims to identify the differential components of secretome between NFs and CAFs and reveal their functions in gastric cancer (GC). Firstly, our molecular typing studies and immune infiltration analysis showed that CAF infiltration level was increased and showed a significant association with clinical characteristics and poor prognosis of GC patients. Secondly, RNA-seq analysis revealed that a total of 1531 genes showed significant expression changes between NF and CAF. According to the annotation of the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, 147 genes encode secreted proteins, including FGF2. Particularly, the cell co-culture and RNA sequencing studies confirmed that exogenous recombinant FGF2 protein treatment promoted GC cell proliferation by enhancing ribosome biogenesis. The rescue assay showed that CAF-secreted FGF2 protein promotes GC cell growth and proliferation in a FGFR1-dependent manner. Our finding provides evidence that targeting blockade of CAF-derived FGF2 protein might be a promising treatment for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Li
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Shiyan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Nanoformulation Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Pan Huang
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Lingyun Xia
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Weidong Leng
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China.
| | - Shanshan Qin
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Shiyan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Nanoformulation Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China.
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15
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Zhang Y, Hu Q, Pei Y, Luo H, Wang Z, Xu X, Zhang Q, Dai J, Wang Q, Fan Z, Fang Y, Ye M, Li B, Chen M, Xue Q, Zheng Q, Zhang S, Huang M, Zhang T, Gu J, Xiong Z. A patient-specific lung cancer assembloid model with heterogeneous tumor microenvironments. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3382. [PMID: 38643164 PMCID: PMC11032376 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer models play critical roles in basic cancer research and precision medicine. However, current in vitro cancer models are limited by their inability to mimic the three-dimensional architecture and heterogeneous tumor microenvironments (TME) of in vivo tumors. Here, we develop an innovative patient-specific lung cancer assembloid (LCA) model by using droplet microfluidic technology based on a microinjection strategy. This method enables precise manipulation of clinical microsamples and rapid generation of LCAs with good intra-batch consistency in size and cell composition by evenly encapsulating patient tumor-derived TME cells and lung cancer organoids inside microgels. LCAs recapitulate the inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, TME cellular diversity, and genomic and transcriptomic landscape of their parental tumors. LCA model could reconstruct the functional heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts and reflect the influence of TME on drug responses compared to cancer organoids. Notably, LCAs accurately replicate the clinical outcomes of patients, suggesting the potential of the LCA model to predict personalized treatments. Collectively, our studies provide a valuable method for precisely fabricating cancer assembloids and a promising LCA model for cancer research and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Qifan Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuquan Pei
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xinxin Xu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Jianli Dai
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Institute of New Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Zilian Fan
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yongcong Fang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Min Ye
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Binhan Li
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Mailin Chen
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Qi Xue
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Qingfeng Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Shulin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jin Gu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Zhuo Xiong
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems Innovation International Talents Base (111 Base), Beijing, 100084, China.
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Cai H, Lin Y, Wu Y, Wang Y, Li S, Zhang Y, Zhuang J, Liu X, Guan G. The prognostic model and immune landscape based on cancer-associated fibroblast features for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28673. [PMID: 38590874 PMCID: PMC11000021 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28673] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to construct a nomogram based on CAF features to predict the cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients. Methods The EPIC algorithm was employed to calculate the proportion of CAFs. based on the differentially expressed genes between the high and low CAF proportion subgroups, prognostic genes were identified via LASSO and Cox regression analyses. They were then used to construct a prognostic risk signature. Moreover, the GSE39582 and GGSE38832 datasets were used for external validation. Lastly, the level of immune infiltration was evaluated using ssGSEA, ESTIMATE, CIBERSORTx, and TIMER. Results A higher level of CAF infiltration was associated with a worse prognosis. Additionally, the number of metastasized lymph nodes and distant metastases, as well as the level of immune infiltration were higher in the high CAF proportion subgroup. Five prognostic genes (SMOC2, TUBAL3, C2CD4A, MAP1B, BMP8A) were identified and subsequently incorporated into the prognostic risk signature to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS rates in the training and validation sets. Differences in survival rates were also determined in the external validation cohort. Furthermore, independent prognostic factors, including TNM stage and risk score, were combined to established a nomogram. Notably, our results revealed that the proportions of macrophages and neutrophils and the levels of cytokines secreted by M2 macrophages were higher in the high-risk subgroup. Finally, the prognostic genes were significantly associated with the level of immune cell infiltration. Conclusion Herein, a nomogram based on CAF features was developed to predict the CSS rate of LARC patients. The risk model was capable of reflecting differences in the level of immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Cai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yijuan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shoufeng Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yiyi Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinfu Zhuang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guoxian Guan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Zhang Q, Lu C, Lu F, Liao Y, Cai J, Gao J. Challenges and opportunities in obesity: the role of adipocytes during tissue fibrosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1365156. [PMID: 38686209 PMCID: PMC11056552 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1365156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic disease that affects the energy balance of the whole body. In addition to increasing fat mass, tissue fibrosis occurred in white adipose tissue in obese condition. Fibrosis is the over-activation of fibroblasts leading to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, which could be caused by various factors, including the status of adipocytes. The morphology of adipocytes responds rapidly and dynamically to nutrient fluctuations. Adaptive hypertrophy of normal adipocytes protects peripheral organs from damage from lipotoxicity. However, the biological behavior of hypertrophic adipocytes in chronic obesity is abnormally altered. Adipocytes lead to fibrotic remodeling of the extracellular matrix by inducing unresolved chronic inflammation, persistent hypoxia, and increasing myofibroblast numbers. Moreover, adipocyte-induced fibrosis not only restricts the flexible expansion and contraction of adipose tissue but also initiates the development of various diseases through cellular autonomic and paracrine effects. Regarding anti-fibrotic therapy, dysregulated intracellular signaling and epigenetic changes represent potential candidate targets. Thus, modulation of adipocytes may provide potential therapeutic avenues for reversing pathological fibrosis in adipose tissue and achieving the anti-obesity purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chongxuan Lu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunjun Liao
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junrong Cai
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianhua Gao
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Song J, Liao H, Li H, Chen H, Si H, Wang J, Bai X. Identification of a novel cancer-associated fibroblasts gene signature based on bioinformatics analysis to predict prognosis and therapeutic responses in breast cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29216. [PMID: 38601538 PMCID: PMC11004657 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29216] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) provide suitable conditions for growth of tumor cell and facilitate tumor progression. Hence, we aimed to identify a CAFs-related gene signature associated with the prognosis of patients with breast cancer (BRCA). We downloaded datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and confirmed the correlation between CAFs infiltration scores and prognosis. By performing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and Lasso Cox regression analysis, we constructed a four-gene (COL5A3, FN1, POSTN, and RARRES2) prognostic CAFs signature model. Based on the median risk score of CAFs, patients with BRCA were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Compared with low-risk group, patients in high-risk group exhibited a poor prognosis and limited response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, patients with high CAFs risk scores were found to have a detrimental prognosis due to the induction of immunosuppressive cell infiltration, resulting in an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Importantly, we found that CAFs overexpressing FN1 and POSTN significantly promoted the wound healing and invasion ability of tumor cells in vitro validation. Taking together, we identified a four-gene prognostic CAFs signature, which was proven to be a reliable indicator for prognosis and therapeutic efficacy in patients with BRCA. This study provided evidence for novel CAFs-based stromal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Song
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Huifeng Liao
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100700, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Huayan Li
- Department of Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Hongye Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Huiyan Si
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
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Wu Z, Zang Y, Li C, He Z, Liu J, Du Z, Ma X, Jing L, Duan H, Feng J, Yan X. CD146, a therapeutic target involved in cell plasticity. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2521-x. [PMID: 38613742 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2521-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Since its identification as a marker for advanced melanoma in the 1980s, CD146 has been found to have multiple functions in both physiological and pathological processes, including embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration, tumor progression, fibrosis disease, and inflammations. Subsequent research has revealed that CD146 is involved in various signaling pathways as a receptor or co-receptor in these processes. This correlation between CD146 and multiple diseases has sparked interest in its potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy. To better comprehend the versatile roles of CD146, we have summarized its research history and synthesized findings from numerous reports, proposing that cell plasticity serves as the underlying mechanism through which CD146 contributes to development, regeneration, and various diseases. Targeting CD146 would consequently halt cell state shifting during the onset and progression of these related diseases. Therefore, the development of therapy targeting CD146 holds significant practical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Wu
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yuzhe Zang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chuyi Li
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhiheng He
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jingyu Liu
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhaoqi Du
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinran Ma
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lin Jing
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hongxia Duan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, 451163, China.
| | - Jing Feng
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Xiyun Yan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, 451163, China.
- Joint Laboratory of Nanozymes in Zhengzhou University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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20
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Zeng X, Su H, Liu Z, Wang Y, Lu Z, Cheng S. Integrative analysis of the bladder cancer from a cell cycle NCAM1 perspective at both single cell and bulk resolution. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38581187 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a prevalent and deadly form of urinary cancer, and there is a need for effective therapies, particularly for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Cell cycle inhibitors show promise in restoring control of the cell cycle in BLCA cells, but their clinical prognosis evaluation is limited. METHODS Transcriptome and scRNA-seq data were collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA)-BLCA and GSE190888 cohort, respectively. R software and the Seurat package were used for data analysis, including cell quality control, dimensionality reduction, and identification of differentially expressed genes. Genes related to the cell cycle were obtained from the genecards website, and a protein-protein interaction network analysis was performed using cytoscape software. Functional enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, and molecular docking were conducted using various tools and packages. BLCA cell lines were cultured and transfected for in vitro experimental assays, including RT-qPCR analysis, and CCK-8 cell viability assays. RESULTS We identified 32 genes as independent risk or protective factors for BLCA prediction. Functional enrichment analysis revealed their involvement in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and various signaling pathways. Using these genes, we developed a nomogram for predicting BLCA survival, which displayed high prognosis stratification efficacy in BLCA patients. Four cell cycle associated key genes identified, including NCAM1, HBB, CKD6, and CTLA4. We also identified the main cell types in BLCA patients and investigated the functional differences between epithelial cells based on their expression levels of key genes. Furthermore, we observed a high positive correlative relationship between the infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the risk score value. Finally, we conducted in vitro experiments to demonstrate the suppressive role of NCAM1 in BLCA cell proliferation. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that cell cycle associated genes could serve as potential biomarkers for predicting BLCA prognosis and may represent therapeutic targets for the development of more effective therapies. Hopefully, these findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in BLCA from the perspective of cell cycle. Moreover, NCAM1 was a novel cell proliferation suppressor in the BLCA carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangju Zeng
- Department of Outpatient, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ziqi Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yinhuai Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhijie Lu
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shunhua Cheng
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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21
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Jakab A, Patai ÁV, Darvas M, Tormássi-Bély K, Micsik T. Microenvironment, systemic inflammatory response and tumor markers considering consensus molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer. Pathol Oncol Res 2024; 30:1611574. [PMID: 38645565 PMCID: PMC11026638 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2024.1611574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Colorectal carcinomas (CRC) are one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide. Based on gene expression profile analysis, CRCs can be classified into four distinct subtypes also known as the consensus molecular subtypes (CMS), which predict biological behaviour. Besides CMS, several other aspects of tumor microenvironment (TME) and systemic inflammatory response (SIR) influence the outcome of CRC patients. TME and inflammation have important role in the immune (CMS1) and mesenchymal (CMS4) subtypes, however, the relationship between these and systemic inflammation has not been assessed yet. Our objective was to evaluate the connection between CMS, TME and SIR, and to analyze the correlation between these markers and routinely used tumor markers, such as CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) and CA19-9 (Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9). Methods: FFPE (Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded) samples of 185 CRC patients were collected. TME was described using tumor-stroma ratio (TSR), Klintrup-Makinen (KM) grade, and Glasgow Microenvironment Score (GMS). CMS classification was performed on tissue microarray using MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 and MSH6, and pan-cytokeratin, CDX2, FRMD6, HTR2B and ZEB1 immunohistochemical stains. Pre-operative tumor marker levels and inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein - CRP, albumin, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), absolute platelet count (APC)] and patient history were retrieved using MedSolution database. Results: Amongst TME-markers, TSR correlated most consistently with adverse clinicopathological features (p < 0.001) and overall survival (p < 0.001). Elevated CRP and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) were associated with worse outcome and aggressive phenotype, similarly to tumor markers CEA and CA19-9. Stroma-Tumor Marker score (STM score), a new combined score of CA19-9 and TSR delivered the second best prognostication after mGPS. Furthermore, CMS4 showed association with TSR and several laboratory markers (albumin and platelet derived factors), but not with other SIR descriptors. CMS did not show any association with CEA and CA19-9 tumor markers. Conclusion: More routinely available TME, SIR and tumor markers alone and in combination deliver reliable prognostic data for choosing the patients with higher risk for propagation. CMS4 is linked with high TSR and poor prognosis, but in overall, CMS-classification showed only limited effect on SIR- and tumor-markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jakab
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Gastroenterology Working Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Árpád V. Patai
- Interdisciplinary Gastroenterology Working Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mónika Darvas
- Interdisciplinary Gastroenterology Working Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Karolina Tormássi-Bély
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Gastroenterology Working Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Micsik
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Gastroenterology Working Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Saint George University Teaching Hospital of Fejér County, Székesfehérvár, Hungary
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Lu Q, Kou D, Lou S, Ashrafizadeh M, Aref AR, Canadas I, Tian Y, Niu X, Wang Y, Torabian P, Wang L, Sethi G, Tergaonkar V, Tay F, Yuan Z, Han P. Nanoparticles in tumor microenvironment remodeling and cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:16. [PMID: 38566199 PMCID: PMC10986145 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development have significantly improved the fight against cancers. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in the clinical delivery of immunomodulatory compounds. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising macrophages, fibroblasts, and immune cells, plays a crucial role in immune response modulation. Nanoparticles, engineered to reshape the TME, have shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy by facilitating targeted delivery and immune modulation. These nanoparticles can suppress fibroblast activation, promote M1 macrophage polarization, aid dendritic cell maturation, and encourage T cell infiltration. Biomimetic nanoparticles further enhance immunotherapy by increasing the internalization of immunomodulatory agents in immune cells such as dendritic cells. Moreover, exosomes, whether naturally secreted by cells in the body or bioengineered, have been explored to regulate the TME and immune-related cells to affect cancer immunotherapy. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, activated by pH, redox, and light conditions, exhibit the potential to accelerate immunotherapy. The co-application of nanoparticles with immune checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging strategy to boost anti-tumor immunity. With their ability to induce long-term immunity, nanoarchitectures are promising structures in vaccine development. This review underscores the critical role of nanoparticles in overcoming current challenges and driving the advancement of cancer immunotherapy and TME modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Dongquan Kou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Shenghan Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Israel Canadas
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yu Tian
- School of Public Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, USA
| | - Xiaojia Niu
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Pedram Torabian
- Cumming School of Medicine, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, 138673, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Franklin Tay
- The Graduate School, Augusta University, 30912, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Zhennan Yuan
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China.
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Zhong D, Wang Z, Ye Z, Wang Y, Cai X. Cancer-derived exosomes as novel biomarkers in metastatic gastrointestinal cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:67. [PMID: 38561768 PMCID: PMC10983767 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01948-6] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) is the most prevalent and highly metastatic malignant tumor and has a significant impact on mortality rates. Nevertheless, the swift advancement of contemporary technology has not seamlessly aligned with the evolution of detection methodologies, resulting in a deficit of innovative and efficient clinical assays for GIC. Given that exosomes are preferentially released by a myriad of cellular entities, predominantly originating from neoplastic cells, this confers exosomes with a composition enriched in cancer-specific constituents. Furthermore, exosomes exhibit ubiquitous presence across diverse biological fluids, endowing them with the inherent advantages of non-invasiveness, real-time monitoring, and tumor specificity. The unparalleled advantages inherent in exosomes render them as an ideal liquid biopsy biomarker for early diagnosis, prognosticating the potential development of GIC metastasis.In this review, we summarized the latest research progress and possible potential targets on cancer-derived exosomes (CDEs) in GIC with an emphasis on the mechanisms of exosome promoting cancer metastasis, highlighting the potential roles of CDEs as the biomarker and treatment in metastatic GIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Zhichao Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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Liu J, Yuan Q, Guo H, Guan H, Hong Z, Shang D. Deciphering drug resistance in gastric cancer: Potential mechanisms and future perspectives. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116310. [PMID: 38394851 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor that originates from the epithelium of the gastric mucosa. The latest global cancer statistics show that GC ranks fifth in incidence and fourth in mortality among all cancers, posing a serious threat to public health. While early-stage GC is primarily treated through surgery, chemotherapy is the frontline option for advanced cases. Currently, commonly used chemotherapy regimens include FOLFOX (oxaliplatin + leucovorin + 5-fluorouracil) and XELOX (oxaliplatin + capecitabine). However, with the widespread use of chemotherapy, an increasing number of cases of drug resistance have emerged. This article primarily explores the potential mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in GC patients from five perspectives: cell death, tumor microenvironment, non-coding RNA, epigenetics, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, it proposes feasibility strategies to overcome drug resistance from four angles: cancer stem cells, tumor microenvironment, natural products, and combined therapy. The hope is that this article will provide guidance for researchers in the field and bring hope to more GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qihang Yuan
- First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hui Guo
- First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hewen Guan
- First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Zhijun Hong
- First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Dong Shang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Zhang P, Wang Q, Lu W, Zhang F, Wu D, Sun J. NNT-AS1 in CAFs-derived exosomes promotes progression and glucose metabolism through miR-889-3p/HIF-1α in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6979. [PMID: 38521881 PMCID: PMC10960871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57769-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
It is metabolic and signaling crosstalk between stromal cells and tumors in the tumor microenvironment, which influences several aspects of tumor formation and drug resistance, including metabolic reprogramming. Despite considerable findings linking lncRNAs in HIF-1-related regulatory networks to cancer cell, little emphasis has been given to the role in communication between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells. Previously, we observed that NNT-AS1 was substantially expressed in CAFs cells and CAFs exosomes, and subsequently investigated the influence of CAFs exosomal NNT-AS1 on glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine exosomes secreted by PDAC patient-derived CAFs. qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1. The role of CAFs-derived exosomal NNT-AS1 in PDAC cell progression and metabolism have been identified. Dual luciferase reporter assays examined the binding between NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1. After PDAC cells co-culture exosomes secreted by CAFs, we found that they alter glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis. In PDAC cells, CAF-derived exosomal lncRNA NNT-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-889-3p. Furthermore, HIF-1 could be targeted by miR-889-3p and was controlled by NNT-AS1. This study explores the mechanism by which NNT-AS1 influences the interaction of CAFs on glycolytic remodeling, proliferation, and metastasis of tumor cells through regulating miR-889-3p/HIF-1α, which also helps discover new clinical treatment targets for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Hepatic & Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weijun Lu
- Department of Hepatic & Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Hepatic & Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongde Wu
- Department of Hepatic & Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junwei Sun
- Department of Hepatic & Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Zeng J, Li K, Cao F, Zheng Y. The development of a prediction model based on deep learning for prognosis prediction of gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a SEER-based study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6609. [PMID: 38504089 PMCID: PMC10951333 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Accurately predicting the prognosis of Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients is an important task. The goal of this study was to create and assess models for GIST patients' survival patients using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database based on the three different deep learning models. Four thousand five hundred thirty-eight patients were enrolled in this study and divided into training and test cohorts with a 7:3 ratio; the training cohort was used to develop three different models, including Cox regression, RSF, and DeepSurv model. Test cohort was used to evaluate model performance using c-index, Brier scores, calibration, and the area under the curve (AUC). The net benefits at risk score stratification of GIST patients based on the optimal model was compared with the traditional AJCC staging system using decision curve analysis (DCA). The clinical usefulness of risk score stratification compared to AJCC tumor staging was further assessed using the Net Reclassification Index (NRI) and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI). The DeepSurv model predicted cancer-specific survival (CSS) in GIST patients showed a higher c-index (0.825), lower Brier scores (0.142), and greater AUC of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (1-year ROC:0.898; 3-year:0.853, and 5-year ROC: 0.856). The calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between the DeepSurv model's forecast and actual results. The NRI values ( training cohort: 0.425 for 1-year, 0.329 for 3-year and 0.264 for 5-year CSS prediction; test cohort:0.552 for 1-year,0.309 for 3-year and 0.255 for 5-year CSS prediction) and IDI (training cohort: 0.130 for 1-year,0.141 for 5-year and 0.155 for 10-year CSS prediction; test cohort: 0.154 for 1-year,0.159 for 3-year and 0.159 for 5-year CSS prediction) indicated that the risk score stratification performed significantly better than the AJCC staging alone (P < 0.001). DCA demonstrated the risk score stratification as more clinically beneficial and discriminatory than AJCC staging. Finally, an interactive native web-based prediction tool was constructed for the survival prediction of GIST patients. This study established a high-performance prediction model for projecting GIST patients based on deep learning, which has advantages in predicting each person's prognosis and risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Fengyu Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Yongbin Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
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Zhang Z, Liu S, Wang Z, Wang S, Jiang L, Wang X, Li J, Shen L. Influential upregulation of KCNE4: Propelling cancer associated fibroblasts-driven colorectal cancer progression. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:103. [PMID: 38462626 PMCID: PMC10926681 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03274-9] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy of remarkable heterogeneity and heightened morbidity. Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundant in CRC tissues and are essential for CRC growth. Here, we aimed to develop a CAF-related classifier for predicting the prognosis of CRC and identify critical pro-tumorigenic genes in CAFs. METHOD The mRNA expression and clinical information of CRC samples were sourced from two comprehensive databases, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Using a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) approach, CAF-related genes were identified and a CAF risk signature was developed through the application of univariate analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model. EdU cell proliferation assay, and transwell assay were performed to detect the oncogenic role of KCNE4 in CAFs. RESULTS We constructed a prognostic CAF model consisting of two genes (SFRP2 and KCNE4). CRC patients were classified into low- and high-CAF-risk groups using the median CAF risk score, and patients in the high-CAF-risk group had worse prognosis. Meanwhile, a higher risk score for CAFs was associated with greater stromal and CAF infiltrations, as well as higher expression of CAF markers. Furthermore, TIDE analysis indicated that patients with a high CAF risk score are less responsive to immunotherapy. Our further experiments had confirmed the strong correlation between KCNE4 and the malignant phenotypes of CAFs. Moreover, we had shown that KCNE4 could actively promote tumor-promoting phenotypes in CAFs, indicating its critical role in cancer progression. CONCLUSION The two-gene prognostic CAF signature was constructed and could be reliable for predicting prognosis for CRC patients. Moreover, KCNE4 may be a promising strategy for the development of novel anti-cancer therapeutics specifically directed against CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Shengde Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Zhenghang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Xicheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Lin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
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Min Y, Deng W, Yuan H, Zhu D, Zhao R, Zhang P, Xue J, Yuan Z, Zhang T, Jiang Y, Xu K, Wu D, Cai Y, Suo C, Chen X. Single extracellular vesicle surface protein-based blood assay identifies potential biomarkers for detection and screening of five cancers. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:743-761. [PMID: 38194998 PMCID: PMC10920081 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13586] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and EV proteins are promising biomarkers for cancer liquid biopsy. Herein, we designed a case-control study involving 100 controls and 100 patients with esophageal, stomach, colorectal, liver, or lung cancer to identify common and type-specific biomarkers of plasma-derived EV surface proteins for the five cancers. EV surface proteins were profiled using a sequencing-based proximity barcoding assay. In this study, five differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and eight differentially expressed protein combinations (DEPCs) showed promising performance (area under curve, AUC > 0.900) in pan-cancer identification [e.g., TENM2 (AUC = 0.982), CD36 (AUC = 0.974), and CD36-ITGA1 (AUC = 0.971)]. Our classification model could properly discriminate between cancer patients and controls using DEPs (AUC = 0.981) or DEPCs (AUC = 0.965). When distinguishing one cancer from the other four, the accuracy of the classification model using DEPCs (85-92%) was higher than that using DEPs (78-84%). We validated the performance in an additional 14 cancer patients and 14 controls, and achieved an AUC value of 0.786 for DEPs and 0.622 for DEPCs, highlighting the necessity to recruit a larger cohort for further validation. When clustering EVs into subpopulations, we detected cluster-specific proteins highly expressed in immune-related tissues. In the context of colorectal cancer, we identified heterogeneous EV clusters enriched in cancer patients, correlating with tumor initiation and progression. These findings provide epidemiological and molecular evidence for the clinical application of EV proteins in cancer prediction, while also illuminating their functional roles in cancer physiopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Min
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wenjiang Deng
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and BiostatisticsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Huangbo Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life ScienceHuman Phenome Institute, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Dongliang Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Renjia Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life ScienceHuman Phenome Institute, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Pengyan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiangli Xue
- Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health SciencesTaizhouChina
| | - Ziyu Yuan
- Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health SciencesTaizhouChina
| | - Tiejun Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health SciencesTaizhouChina
- Yiwu Research Institute of Fudan UniversityChina
| | - Yanfeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life ScienceHuman Phenome Institute, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health SciencesTaizhouChina
| | - Kelin Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public HealthFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Di Wu
- Vesicode ABStockholmSweden
| | - Yanling Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen Institute of Translational MedicineShenzhenChina
| | - Chen Suo
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health SciencesTaizhouChina
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and BiosecurityShanghaiChina
| | - Xingdong Chen
- Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health SciencesTaizhouChina
- Yiwu Research Institute of Fudan UniversityChina
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, and National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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29
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Guo Z, Ashrafizadeh M, Zhang W, Zou R, Sethi G, Zhang X. Molecular profile of metastasis, cell plasticity and EMT in pancreatic cancer: a pre-clinical connection to aggressiveness and drug resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:29-53. [PMID: 37453022 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10125-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The metastasis is a multistep process in which a small proportion of cancer cells are detached from the colony to enter into blood cells for obtaining a new place for metastasis and proliferation. The metastasis and cell plasticity are considered major causes of cancer-related deaths since they improve the malignancy of cancer cells and provide poor prognosis for patients. Furthermore, enhancement in the aggressiveness of cancer cells has been related to the development of drug resistance. Metastasis of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells has been considered one of the major causes of death in patients and their undesirable prognosis. PC is among the most malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and in addition to lifestyle, smoking, and other factors, genomic changes play a key role in its progression. The stimulation of EMT in PC cells occurs as a result of changes in molecular interaction, and in addition to increasing metastasis, EMT participates in the development of chemoresistance. The epithelial, mesenchymal, and acinar cell plasticity can occur and determines the progression of PC. The major molecular pathways including STAT3, PTEN, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt participate in regulating the metastasis of PC cells. The communication in tumor microenvironment can provide by exosomes in determining PC metastasis. The components of tumor microenvironment including macrophages, neutrophils, and cancer-associated fibroblasts can modulate PC progression and the response of cancer cells to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenli Guo
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, 128 Jinling Road, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, 341000, China
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongjun Zou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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30
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Wang B, Song B, Li Y, Zhao Q, Tan B. Mapping spatial heterogeneity in gastric cancer microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116317. [PMID: 38382329 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116317] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is difficult to characterize due to its heterogeneity, and the complicated heterogeneity leads to the difficulty of precisely targeted therapy. The spatially heterogeneous composition plays a crucial role in GC onset, progression, treatment efficacy, and drug resistance. In recent years, the technological advancements in spatial omics has shifted our understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) from cancer-centered model to a dynamic and variant whole. In this review, we concentrated on the spatial heterogeneity within the primary lesions and between the primary and metastatic lesions of GC through the TME heterogeneity including the tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), the uniquely spatial organization. Meanwhile, the immune phenotype based on spatial distribution was also outlined. Furthermore, we recapitulated the clinical treatment in mediating spatial heterogeneity in GC, hoping to provide a systematic view of how spatial information could be integrated into anti-cancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Wang
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Buyun Song
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Yong Li
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Bibo Tan
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang 050011, China.
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31
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Deng K, Zou F, Xu J, Xu D, Luo Z. Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote stemness maintenance and gemcitabine resistance via HIF-1α/miR-21 axis under hypoxic conditions in pancreatic cancer. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:524-537. [PMID: 38197482 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Gemcitabine (GEM) resistance affects chemotherapy efficacy of pancreatic cancer (PC). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) possess the ability of regulating chemoresistance. This study probed the mechanism of hypoxia-treated CAFs regulating cell stemness and GEM resistance in PC. Miapaca-2/SW1990 were co-cultured with PC-derived CAFs under normoxic/hypoxic conditions. Cell viability/self-renewal ability was determined by MTT/sphere formation assays, respectively. Protein levels of CD44, CD133, Oct4, and Sox2 were determined by western blot. GEM tumoricidal assay was performed. PC cell GEM resistance was evaluated by MTT assay. CAFs were cultured at normoxia/hypoxia. HIF-1α and miR-21 expression levels were assessed by RT-qPCR and western blot, with their binding sites and binding relationship predicted and verified. CAF-extracellular vesicles (EVs) were incubated with Miapaca-2 cells. The RAS/AKT/ERK pathway activation was detected by western blot. PC xenograft models were established and treated with hypoxic CAF-EVs and GEM. CAFs and PC cell co-culture increased cell stemness maintenance, GEM resistance, cell viability, stem cell sphere number, and protein levels of CD44, CD133, Oct4, and Sox2, and weakened GEM tumoricidal ability to PC cells, with the effects further enhanced by hypoxia. Hypoxia induced HIF-1α and miR-21 overexpression in CAFs. Hypoxia promoted CAFs to secrete high-level miR-21 EVs via the HIF-1α/miR-21 axis, and activated the miR-21/RAS/AKT/ERK pathway. CAF-EVs promoted GEM resistance in PC via the miR-21/RAS/ATK/ERK pathway in vivo. Hypoxia promoted CAFs to secrete high-level miR-21 EVs through the HIF-1α/miR-21 axis, and activated the miR-21/RAS/AKT/ERK pathway via EVs to trigger stemness maintenance and GEM resistance in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keping Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fang Zou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dayong Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhen Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Yang K, Yi T. Tumor cell stemness in gastrointestinal cancer: regulation and targeted therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1297611. [PMID: 38455361 PMCID: PMC10918437 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cells are a rare group of self-renewable cancer cells capable of the initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence of tumors, and also a key contributor to the therapeutic resistance. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of tumor stemness regulation, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, is of great importance for targeting CSC and designing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate current advancements in the understanding of CSC regulation, including CSC biomarkers, signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs. We will also provide a comprehensive view on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) display an overall tumor-promoting effect, including the recruitment and impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the establishment of an immunosuppressive milieu, and the induction of angiogenesis and hypoxia. Lastly, this review consolidates mainstream novel therapeutic interventions targeting CSC stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tuo Yi
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Cheng N, Wang B, Xu J, Xue L, Ying J. Tumor stroma ratio, tumor stroma maturity, tumor-infiltrating immune cells in relation to prognosis, and neoadjuvant therapy response in esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. Virchows Arch 2024:10.1007/s00428-024-03755-2. [PMID: 38383941 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-024-03755-2] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Accurate predictions on prognosis and neoadjuvant therapy response are crucial for esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EGJA) patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the predictive abilities of several indicators, including tumor stroma ratio (TSR), tumor stroma maturity (TSM), and the density and spatial distribution of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), such as T cells, B cells, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Resection and biopsy specimens of a total of 695 patients were included, obtained from the National Cancer Center (NCC) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohorts. TSR and TSM were evaluated based on histological assessment. TIICs were quantified by QuPath following immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in resection specimens, while the Klintrup-Mäkinen (KM) grade was employed for evaluating TIIC in biopsy specimens. Patients with high stromal levels or immature stroma had relatively worse prognoses. Furthermore, high CD8+T cell count in the tumor periphery, as well as low CD68+ TAM count either in the tumor center or in the tumor periphery, was an independent favorable prognostic factor. Significantly, the combination model incorporating TSM and CD163+TAMs emerged as an independent prognostic factor in both two independent cohorts (HR 3.644, 95% CI 1.341-9.900, p = 0.011 and HR 1.891, 95% CI 1.195-2.99, p = 0.006, respectively). Additionally, high stromal levels in preoperative biopsies correlated with poor neoadjuvant therapy response (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings suggest that TSR, TSM, CD8+T cell, CD68+TAMs, and CD163+TAMs predict the prognosis to some extent in patients with EGJA. Notably, the combined model incorporating TSM and CD163+TAM can contribute significantly to prognostic stratification. Additionally, high stromal levels evaluated in preoperative biopsy specimens correlated with poor neoadjuvant therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Cheng
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Bingzhi Wang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Liyan Xue
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jianming Ying
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Park JG, Roh PR, Kang MW, Cho SW, Hwangbo S, Jung HD, Kim HU, Kim JH, Yoo JS, Han JW, Jang JW, Choi JY, Yoon SK, You YK, Choi HJ, Ryu JY, Sung PS. Intrahepatic IgA complex induces polarization of cancer-associated fibroblasts to matrix phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment of HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00746. [PMID: 38466639 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play key roles in the tumor microenvironment. IgA contributes to inflammation and dismantling antitumor immunity in the human liver. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of the IgA complex on CAFs in Pil Soo Sung the tumor microenvironment of HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS CAF dynamics in HCC tumor microenvironment were analyzed through single-cell RNA sequencing of HCC samples. CAFs isolated from 50 HCC samples were treated with mock or serum-derived IgA dimers in vitro. Progression-free survival of patients with advanced HCC treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab was significantly longer in those with low serum IgA levels ( p <0.05). Single-cell analysis showed that subcluster proportions in the CAF-fibroblast activation protein-α matrix were significantly increased in patients with high serum IgA levels. Flow cytometry revealed a significant increase in the mean fluorescence intensity of fibroblast activation protein in the CD68 + cells from patients with high serum IgA levels ( p <0.001). We confirmed CD71 (IgA receptor) expression in CAFs, and IgA-treated CAFs exhibited higher programmed death-ligand 1 expression levels than those in mock-treated CAFs ( p <0.05). Coculture with CAFs attenuated the cytotoxic function of activated CD8 + T cells. Interestingly, activated CD8 + T cells cocultured with IgA-treated CAFs exhibited increased programmed death-1 expression levels than those cocultured with mock-treated CAFs ( p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Intrahepatic IgA induced polarization of HCC-CAFs into more malignant matrix phenotypes and attenuates cytotoxic T-cell function. Our study highlighted their potential roles in tumor progression and immune suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Geun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pu Reun Roh
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Woo Kang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Cho
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyun Hwangbo
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Deok Jung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Uk Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BK21 four), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Yoo
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Han
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kyoung You
- Department of Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Joong Choi
- Department of Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yong Ryu
- Department of Biotechnology, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Henrich LM, Greimelmaier K, Wessolly M, Klopp NA, Mairinger E, Krause Y, Berger S, Wohlschlaeger J, Schildhaus HU, Baba HA, Mairinger FD, Borchert S. The Impact of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts on the Biology and Progression of Colorectal Carcinomas. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:209. [PMID: 38397199 PMCID: PMC10888097 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020209] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are major components of CRC's tumour microenvironment (TME), but their biological background and interplay with the TME remain poorly understood. This study investigates CAF biology and its impact on CRC progression. (2) The cohort comprises 155 cases, including CRC, with diverse localizations, adenomas, inflammations, and controls. Digital gene expression analysis examines genes associated with signalling pathways (MAPK, PI3K/Akt, TGF-β, WNT, p53), while next-generation sequencing (NGS) determines CRC mutational profiles. Immunohistochemical FAP scoring assesses CAF density and activity. (3) FAP expression is found in 81 of 150 samples, prevalent in CRC (98.4%), adenomas (27.5%), and inflammatory disease (38.9%). Several key genes show significant associations with FAP-positive fibroblasts. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) highlights PI3K and MAPK pathway enrichment alongside the activation of immune response pathways like natural killer (NK)-cell-mediated cytotoxicity via CAFs. (4) The findings suggest an interplay between CAFs and cancer cells, influencing growth, invasiveness, angiogenesis, and immunogenicity. Notably, TGF-β, CDKs, and the Wnt pathway are affected. In conclusion, CAFs play a significant role in CRC and impact the TME throughout development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Maria Henrich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (L.M.H.); (M.W.); (N.A.K.); (E.M.); (H.A.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Kristina Greimelmaier
- Department of Pathology, Diakonissenkrankenhaus Flensburg, 24939 Flensburg, Germany (J.W.)
| | - Michael Wessolly
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (L.M.H.); (M.W.); (N.A.K.); (E.M.); (H.A.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Nick Alexander Klopp
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (L.M.H.); (M.W.); (N.A.K.); (E.M.); (H.A.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Elena Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (L.M.H.); (M.W.); (N.A.K.); (E.M.); (H.A.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Yvonne Krause
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (L.M.H.); (M.W.); (N.A.K.); (E.M.); (H.A.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Sophia Berger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (L.M.H.); (M.W.); (N.A.K.); (E.M.); (H.A.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Jeremias Wohlschlaeger
- Department of Pathology, Diakonissenkrankenhaus Flensburg, 24939 Flensburg, Germany (J.W.)
| | - Hans-Ulrich Schildhaus
- Targos-A Discovery Life Sciences Company, Germaniastraße 7, 34119 Kassel, Germany;
- Institute of Pathology Nordhessen, Germaniastraße 7, 34119 Kassel, Germany
| | - Hideo Andreas Baba
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (L.M.H.); (M.W.); (N.A.K.); (E.M.); (H.A.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Fabian Dominik Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (L.M.H.); (M.W.); (N.A.K.); (E.M.); (H.A.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Sabrina Borchert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (L.M.H.); (M.W.); (N.A.K.); (E.M.); (H.A.B.); (S.B.)
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Abudukelimu S, de Miranda NFCC, Hawinkels LJAC. Fibroblasts in Orchestrating Colorectal Tumorigenesis and Progression. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:821-826. [PMID: 38307492 PMCID: PMC10966773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an abundant component of the tumor microenvironment and have been shown to possess critical functions in tumor progression. Although their roles predominantly have been described as tumor-promoting, more recent findings have identified subsets of CAFs with tumor-restraining functions. Accumulating evidence underscores large heterogeneity in fibroblast subsets in which distinct subsets differentially impact the initiation, progression, and metastasis of colorectal cancer. In this review, we summarize and discuss the evolving role of CAFs in colorectal cancer, highlighting the ongoing controversies regarding their distinct origins and multifaceted functions. In addition, we explore how CAFs can confer resistance to current therapies and the challenges of developing effective CAF-directed therapies. Taken together, we believe that, in this rapidly evolving field, it is crucial first to understand CAF dynamics comprehensively, and to bridge existing knowledge gaps regarding CAF heterogeneity and plasticity before further exploring the clinical targeting of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subinuer Abudukelimu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Wang H, Huo R, He K, Cheng L, Zhang S, Yu M, Zhao W, Li H, Xue J. Perineural invasion in colorectal cancer: mechanisms of action and clinical relevance. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:1-17. [PMID: 37610689 PMCID: PMC10899381 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00857-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the significance of the nervous system in the tumor microenvironment has gained increasing attention. The bidirectional communication between nerves and cancer cells plays a critical role in tumor initiation and progression. Perineural invasion (PNI) occurs when tumor cells invade the nerve sheath and/or encircle more than 33% of the nerve circumference. PNI is a common feature in various malignancies and is associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, cancer-related pain, and unfavorable clinical outcomes. The colon and rectum are highly innervated organs, and accumulating studies support PNI as a histopathologic feature of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, it is essential to investigate the role of nerves in CRC and comprehend the mechanisms of PNI to impede tumor progression and improve patient survival. CONCLUSION This review elucidates the clinical significance of PNI, summarizes the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, introduces various experimental models suitable for studying PNI, and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting this phenomenon. By delving into the intricate interactions between nerves and tumor cells, we hope this review can provide valuable insights for the future development of CRC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Ruixue Huo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Kexin He
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Li Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Shan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China
| | - Minhao Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200217, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China.
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China.
| | - Junli Xue
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China.
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Huang Y, Xu X, Lu Y, Sun Q, Zhang L, Shao J, Chen D, Chang Y, Sun X, Zhuo W, Zhou T. The phase separation of extracellular matrix protein matrilin-3 from cancer-associated fibroblasts contributes to gastric cancer invasion. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23406. [PMID: 38193601 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301524r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) has emerged as a key contributor to the remodeling of tumor microenvironment through the expression and secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, thereby promoting carcinogenesis. However, the precise contribution of ECM proteins from CAFs to gastric carcinogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, we find that matrilin-3 (MATN3), an upregulated ECM protein associated with poorer prognosis in gastric cancer patients, originates from CAFs in gastric cancer tissues. Ectopic expression of MATN3 in CAFs significantly promotes the invasion of gastric cancer cells, which can be attenuated by neutralizing MATN3 with its antibody. Notably, a portion of MATN3 protein is found to form puncta in gastric cancer tissues ECM. MATN3 undergoes phase separation, which is mediated by its low complexity (LC) and coiled-coil (CC) domains. Moreover, overexpression of MATN3 deleted with either LC or CC in CAFs is unable to promote the invasion of gastric cancer cells, suggesting that LC or CC domain is required for the effect of CAF-secreted MATN3 in gastric cancer cell invasion. Additionally, orthotopic co-injection of gastric cancer cells and CAFs expressing MATN3, but not its ΔLC and ΔCC mutants, leads to enhanced gastric cancer cell invasion in mouse models. Collectively, our works suggest that MATN3 is secreted by CAFs and undergoes phase separation, which promotes gastric cancer invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunkun Lu
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Center for RNA Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine and the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Shao
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dingwei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongxia Chang
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhuo
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianhua Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation in Digestive System Tumors, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
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Wang Z, Chen C, Shu J, Ai J, Liu Y, Cao H, Jia Y, Qin Y. Single-cell N 6-methyladenosine-related genes function within the tumor microenvironment to affect the prognosis and treatment sensitivity in patients with gastric cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:44. [PMID: 38273348 PMCID: PMC10811812 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) ranks fifth for morbidity and third for mortality worldwide. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA methylation is crucial in cancer biology and progression. However, the relationship between m6A methylation and gastric tumor microenvironment (TME) remains to be elucidated. METHODS We combined single-cell and bulk transcriptome analyses to explore the roles of m6A-related genes (MRG) in gastric TME. RESULTS Nine TME cell subtypes were identified from 23 samples. Fibroblasts were further grouped into four subclusters according to different cell markers. M6A-mediated fibroblasts may guide extensive intracellular communications in the gastric TME. The m6A-related genes score (MRGs) was output based on six differentially expressed single-cell m6A-related genes (SCMRDEGs), including GHRL, COL4A1, CAV1, GJA1, TIMP1, and IGFBP3. The protein expression level was assessed by immunohistochemistry. We identified the prognostic value of MRGs and constructed a nomogram model to predict GC patients' overall survival. MRGs may affect treatment sensitivity in GC patients. CONCLUSION Our study visualized the cellular heterogeneity of TME at the single-cell level, revealed the association between m6A mRNA modification and intracellular communication, clarified MRGs as an independent risk factor of prognosis, and provided a reference for follow-up treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jiao Shu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jiaoyu Ai
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yihan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Haoyue Cao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yongxu Jia
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Hánělová K, Raudenská M, Masařík M, Balvan J. Protein cargo in extracellular vesicles as the key mediator in the progression of cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:25. [PMID: 38200509 PMCID: PMC10777590 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01408-6] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are small vesicles of endosomal origin that are released by almost all cell types, even those that are pathologically altered. Exosomes widely participate in cell-to-cell communication via transferring cargo, including nucleic acids, proteins, and other metabolites, into recipient cells. Tumour-derived exosomes (TDEs) participate in many important molecular pathways and affect various hallmarks of cancer, including fibroblasts activation, modification of the tumour microenvironment (TME), modulation of immune responses, angiogenesis promotion, setting the pre-metastatic niche, enhancing metastatic potential, and affecting therapy sensitivity and resistance. The unique exosome biogenesis, composition, nontoxicity, and ability to target specific tumour cells bring up their use as promising drug carriers and cancer biomarkers. In this review, we focus on the role of exosomes, with an emphasis on their protein cargo, in the key mechanisms promoting cancer progression. We also briefly summarise the mechanism of exosome biogenesis, its structure, protein composition, and potential as a signalling hub in both normal and pathological conditions. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Hánělová
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Raudenská
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masařík
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, CZ-252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Balvan
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic.
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Zheng J, Hao H. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts in targeted therapies and drug resistance in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1333839. [PMID: 38273859 PMCID: PMC10810416 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1333839] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting a strong association with the advancement of various types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. CAFs represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell population in breast cancer. Through diverse mechanisms, including the release of cytokines and exosomes, CAFs contribute to the progression of breast cancer by influencing tumor energy metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, impairing immune cell function, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, CAFs considerably impact the response to treatment in breast cancer. Consequently, the development of interventions targeting CAFs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of breast cancer. This article provides an analysis of the role of CAFs in breast cancer, specifically in relation to diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis. The paper succinctly outlines the diverse mechanisms through which CAFs contribute to the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential of CAFs as valuable tools for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, treatment resistance, and prognosis assessment in breast cancer, thereby offering novel approaches for targeted therapy and overcoming treatment resistance in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Hao
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Fatemi N, Karimpour M, Bahrami H, Zali MR, Chaleshi V, Riccio A, Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad E, Totonchi M. Current trends and future prospects of drug repositioning in gastrointestinal oncology. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1329244. [PMID: 38239190 PMCID: PMC10794567 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1329244] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers comprise a significant number of cancer cases worldwide and contribute to a high percentage of cancer-related deaths. To improve survival rates of GI cancer patients, it is important to find and implement more effective therapeutic strategies with better prognoses and fewer side effects. The development of new drugs can be a lengthy and expensive process, often involving clinical trials that may fail in the early stages. One strategy to address these challenges is drug repurposing (DR). Drug repurposing is a developmental strategy that involves using existing drugs approved for other diseases and leveraging their safety and pharmacological data to explore their potential use in treating different diseases. In this paper, we outline the existing therapeutic strategies and challenges associated with GI cancers and explore DR as a promising alternative approach. We have presented an extensive review of different DR methodologies, research efforts and examples of repurposed drugs within various GI cancer types, such as colorectal, pancreatic and liver cancers. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of employing the DR approach in GI cancers to inform future research endeavors and clinical trials in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayeralsadat Fatemi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Karimpour
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoda Bahrami
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Chaleshi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrea Riccio
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Ehsan Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Sari D, Gozuacik D, Akkoc Y. Role of autophagy in cancer-associated fibroblast activation, signaling and metabolic reprograming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1274682. [PMID: 38234683 PMCID: PMC10791779 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1274682] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors not only consist of cancerous cells, but they also harbor several normal-like cell types and non-cellular components. cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of these cellular components that are found predominantly in the tumor stroma. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation and quality control mechanism, and recent studies provided evidence that autophagy played a critical role in CAF formation, metabolic reprograming and tumor-stroma crosstalk. Therefore, shedding light on the autophagy and its role in CAF biology might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the exploitation of more efficient cancer diagnosis and treatment. Here, we provide an overview about the involvement of autophagy in CAF-related pathways, including transdifferentiation and activation of CAFs, and further discuss the implications of targeting tumor stroma as a treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dyana Sari
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Devrim Gozuacik
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Biotechnology, SUNUM Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Yunus Akkoc
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
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Inomata Y, Kuroha M, Shimoyama Y, Naito T, Moroi R, Shiga H, Kakuta Y, Karasawa H, Onuma S, Kinouchi Y, Masamune A. Dickkopf 1 is expressed in normal fibroblasts during early stages of colorectal tumorigenesis. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6992. [PMID: 38334454 PMCID: PMC10854454 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Colorectal cancer progression from adenoma to cancer is a time-intensive process; however, the interaction between normal fibroblasts (NFs) with early colorectal tumors, such as adenomas, remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the response of the microenvironment during early tumorigenesis using co-cultures of organoids and NFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Colon normal epithelium, adenoma, cancer organoid, and NFs were established and co-cultured using Transwell inserts. Microarray analysis of NFs was performed to identify factors expressed early in tumor growth. Immunostaining of clinical specimens was performed to localize the identified factor. Functional analysis was performed using HCT116 cells. Serum DKK1 levels were measured in patients with colorectal cancer and adenoma. RESULTS Colorectal organoid-NF co-culture resulted in increased organoid diameter and cell viability in normal epithelial and adenomatous organoids but not in cancer organoids. Microarray analysis of NFs revealed 18 genes with increased expression when co-cultured with adenoma and cancer organoids. Immunohistochemical staining revealed DKK1 expression in the tumor stroma from early tumor growth. DKK1 stimulation reduced HCT116 cell proliferation, while DKK1 silencing by siRNA transfection increased cell proliferation. Serum DKK1 level was significantly higher in patients with advanced cancer and adenoma than in controls. Serum DKK1 level revealed area-under-the-curve values of 0.78 and 0.64 for cancer and adenoma, respectively. CONCLUSION These findings contribute valuable insights into the early stages of colorectal tumorigenesis and suggest DKK1 as a tumor suppressor. Additionally, serum DKK1 levels could serve as a biomarker to identify both cancer and adenoma, offering diagnostic possibilities for early-stage colon tumors. The present study has a few limitations. We considered using DKK1 as a candidate gene for gene transfer to organoids and NFs; however, it was difficult due to technical problems and the slow growth rate of NFs. Therefore, we used cancer cell lines instead. In addition, immunostaining and ELISA were based on the short-term collection at a single institution, and further accumulation of such data is desirable. As described above, most previous reports were related to advanced cancers, but in this study, new findings were obtained by conducting experiments on endoscopically curable early-stage tumors, such as adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushi Inomata
- Division of GastroenterologyTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Masatake Kuroha
- Division of GastroenterologyTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Yusuke Shimoyama
- Division of GastroenterologyTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Takeo Naito
- Division of GastroenterologyTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Rintaro Moroi
- Division of GastroenterologyTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Hisashi Shiga
- Division of GastroenterologyTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Yoichi Kakuta
- Division of GastroenterologyTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Hideaki Karasawa
- Department of SurgeryTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Shinobu Onuma
- Department of SurgeryTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Yoshitaka Kinouchi
- Student Healthcare Center, Institute for Excellence in Higher EducationTohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of GastroenterologyTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
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Yue M, Chen MM, Zhang B, Wang Y, Li P, Zhao Y. The functional roles of chemokines and chemokine receptors in colorectal cancer progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116040. [PMID: 38113624 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. A number of factors, including the tumor microenvironment, chemokines, the inflammatory response, have an impact on the development of colorectal cancer. A critical component of the tumor microenvironment is chemokines. Various cell subsets are attracted to the tumor microenvironment through interactions with chemokine receptors. These cells have varying effects on the development of the tumor and the effectiveness of treatment. Additionally, chemokines can participate in inflammatory processes and have effects that are either pro- or anti-tumor. Chemokines can be exploited as targets for medication resistance and treatment in colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss the expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors, and their relationship with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. At the same time, we also collect and discuss the significance of chemokines and chemokine receptors in colorectal cancer progression, and their potential as molecular targets for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Yue
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Meng-Meng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Immune Cells of Qingdao, Qingdao 266021, China; Qingdao Restore Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong 266111, PR China
| | - Bingqiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Immune Cells of Qingdao, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province affiliated to Qingdao University, Shandong Province, China.
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46
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Li J, Li X, Zhang Z, Wang S, Huang X, Min L, Li P. Helicobacter pylori promotes gastric fibroblast proliferation and migration by expulsing exosomal miR-124-3p. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105236. [PMID: 37813158 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Gastric fibroblasts (GFs) are direct targets of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). GFs infected with H. pylori exhibit marked changes in their morphology and biological behavior. However, the molecular mechanisms by which H. pylori regulates GFs remain unknown. In this study, we cocultured GFs with H. pylori for 48 h. As a result, GFs exhibited an elongated and spindle-shaped morphology. Further, cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) biomarkers were increased, and related behaviors were significantly enhanced in H. pylori-activated GFs. The number of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by H. pylori-activated GFs remarkably increased. The miR-124-3p level was increased in secreted EVs but decreased in the cytoplasm of H. pylori-activated GFs. Overexpression of miRNA-124-3p in the original GFs significantly suppressed their proliferation and migration. In addition, the migration-promoting effects of H. pylori-activated GFs were suppressed by miR-124-3p and GW4869, which blocked EV generation. Finally, pull-down and luciferase assays revealed that SNAI2 is a target of miR-124-3p. The migration-inhibitory effects of GFs treated with miR-124-3p were eliminated by the overexpression of SNAI2, and the upregulation of SNAI2 in H. pylori-activated GFs was partially alleviated by miR-124-3p or GW4869. Overall, H. pylori infection promotes the proliferation and migration of GFs by accelerating the expulsion of EVs carrying miRNA-124-3p, a SNAI2 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, 100050 Beijing, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, Chui Yang Liu Hospital Affiliated to Tsinghua University, 100020 Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiangji Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, 100050 Beijing, PR China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, 100050 Beijing, PR China
| | - Shidong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, 100050 Beijing, PR China
| | - Xinyuan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, 100050 Beijing, PR China
| | - Li Min
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, 100050 Beijing, PR China.
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, 100050 Beijing, PR China.
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Yuan WC, Zhang JX, Chen HB, Yuan Y, Zhuang YP, Zhou HL, Li MH, Qiu WL, Zhou HG. A bibliometric and visual analysis of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1323115. [PMID: 38173726 PMCID: PMC10762783 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1323115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent the predominant stromal component within the tumour microenvironment (TME), exhibiting considerable heterogeneity and plasticity that significantly impact immune response and metabolic reprogramming within the TME, thereby influencing tumour progression. Consequently, investigating CAFs is of utmost importance. The objective of this study is to employ bibliometric analysis in order to evaluate the current state of research on CAFs and predict future areas of research and emerging trends. Methods Conduct a comprehensive search for scholarly publications within the Web of Science Core Collection database, encompassing the time period from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2022. Apply VOSviewer, CiteSpace, R software and Microsoft Excel for bibliometric analysis and visualisation. Results This study involved a comprehensive analysis of 5,925 publications authored by 33,628 individuals affiliated with 4,978 institutions across 79 countries/regions. These publications were published in 908 journals, covering 14,495 keywords and 203,947 references. Notably, there was a significant increase in articles published between 2019 and 2022. China had the highest count of articles, while the United States emerged as the most frequently cited country. The primary research institutions in this field were Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Harvard University, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Sotgia, Federica and Lisanti, Michael P from the University of Manchester, and Martinet, Wim from the University of Antwerp were the most prolific and highly cited authors. The journal Cancers had the highest number of publications, while Cancer Research was the most frequently cited journal. Molecular, biology, immunology, medicine and genetics were the main research disciplines in the field of CAFs. Key directions in CAFs research encompassed the study of transforming growth factor-β, Fibroblast Activation Protein, breast cancer, as well as growth and metastasis. The findings from the analysis of keyword co-occurrence and literature co-citation have revealed several emerging hotspots and trends within the field of CAFs. These include STAT3, multidrug resistance, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, pan-cancer analysis, preclinical evaluation, ionizing radiation, and gold nanoparticles. Conclusion Targeting CAFs is anticipated to be a novel and effective strategy for cancer treatment. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the existing research on CAFs from 2001 to 2022, utilizing bibliometric analysis. The study identified the prominent areas of investigation and anticipated future research directions, with the aim of providing valuable insights and recommendations for future studies in the field of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chen Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie-Xiang Zhang
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hai-Bin Chen
- Science and Technology Department, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Oral Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Weifang, China
| | - Yu-Pei Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Li Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mu-Han Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Li Qiu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Guang Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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48
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Yue M, Hu S, Sun H, Tuo B, Jia B, Chen C, Wang W, Liu J, Liu Y, Sun Z, Hu J. Extracellular vesicles remodel tumor environment for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:203. [PMID: 38087360 PMCID: PMC10717809 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy has transformed neoplastic disease management, yet low response rates and immune complications persist as major challenges. Extracellular vesicles including exosomes have emerged as therapeutic agents actively involved in a diverse range of pathological conditions. Mounting evidence suggests that alterations in the quantity and composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to the remodeling of the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby influencing the efficacy of immunotherapy. This revelation has sparked clinical interest in utilizing EVs for immune sensitization. In this perspective article, we present a comprehensive overview of the origins, generation, and interplay among various components of EVs within the TME. Furthermore, we discuss the pivotal role of EVs in reshaping the TME during tumorigenesis and their specific cargo, such as PD-1 and non-coding RNA, which influence the phenotypes of critical immune cells within the TME. Additionally, we summarize the applications of EVs in different anti-tumor therapies, the latest advancements in engineering EVs for cancer immunotherapy, and the challenges encountered in clinical translation. In light of these findings, we advocate for a broader understanding of the impact of EVs on the TME, as this will unveil overlooked therapeutic vulnerabilities and potentially enhance the efficacy of existing cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yue
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Shengyun Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Haifeng Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Baojing Tuo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Bin Jia
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Wenkang Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Henan Cancer Hospital, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Zhenqiang Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Junhong Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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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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50
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Wang Q, Zhang YF, Li CL, Wang Y, Wu L, Wang XR, Huang T, Liu GL, Chen X, Yu Q, He PF. Integrating scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq to characterize infiltrating cells in the colorectal cancer tumor microenvironment and construct molecular risk models. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:13799-13821. [PMID: 38054820 PMCID: PMC10756133 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205263] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that is both highly lethal and heterogeneous. Although the correlation between intra-tumoral genetic and functional heterogeneity and cancer clinical prognosis is well-established, the underlying mechanism in CRC remains inadequately understood. Utilizing scRNA-seq data from GEO database, we re-isolated distinct subsets of cells, constructed a CRC tumor-related cell differentiation trajectory, and conducted cell-cell communication analysis to investigate potential interactions across cell clusters. A prognostic model was built by integrating scRNA-seq results with TCGA bulk RNA-seq data through univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Eleven distinct cell types were identified, with Epithelial cells, Fibroblasts, and Mast cells exhibiting significant differences between CRC and healthy controls. T cells were observed to engage in extensive interactions with other cell types. Utilizing the 741 signature genes, prognostic risk score model was constructed. Patients with high-risk scores exhibited a significant correlation with unfavorable survival outcomes, high-stage tumors, metastasis, and low responsiveness to chemotherapy. The model demonstrated a strong predictive performance across five validation cohorts. Our investigation involved an analysis of the cellular composition and interactions of infiltrates within the microenvironment, and we developed a prognostic model. This model provides valuable insights into the prognosis and therapeutic evaluation of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Big Data for Clinical Decision Research, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yi-Fan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
- The First clinical Medical College, Shanxi medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chen-Long Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Big Data for Clinical Decision Research, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Big Data for Clinical Decision Research, Taiyuan, China
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital (Fifth Hospital) of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xing-Ru Wang
- The Fifth Clinical Medical School, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Tai Huang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Big Data for Clinical Decision Research, Taiyuan, China
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ge-Liang Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Big Data for Clinical Decision Research, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qi Yu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Big Data for Clinical Decision Research, Taiyuan, China
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Pei-Feng He
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Big Data for Clinical Decision Research, Taiyuan, China
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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