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Ma R, Sun JH, Wang YY. The role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the formation of exhausted CD8 + T cells. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:128. [PMID: 38884843 PMCID: PMC11182817 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01394-0] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
CD8 + T cells exert a critical role in eliminating cancers and chronic infections, and can provide long-term protective immunity. However, under the exposure of persistent antigen, CD8 + T cells can differentiate into terminally exhausted CD8 + T cells and lose the ability of immune surveillance and disease clearance. New insights into the molecular mechanisms of T-cell exhaustion suggest that it is a potential way to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy by restoring the function of exhausted CD8 + T cells. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is an important executor of immune homeostasis and tolerance, inhibiting the expansion and function of many components of the immune system. Recent studies have shown that TGF-β is one of the drivers for the development of exhausted CD8 + T cells. In this review, we summarized the role and mechanisms of TGF-β in the formation of exhausted CD8 + T cells and discussed ways to target those to ultimately enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
- Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
- Cancer Institute, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Jin-Han Sun
- Graduate School, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yan-Yang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
- Cancer Institute, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
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2
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Wiley MB, Bauer J, Alvarez V, Mehrotra K, Cheng W, Kolics Z, Giarrizzo M, Ingle K, Bialkowska AB, Jung B. Activin A signaling stimulates neutrophil activation and macrophage migration in pancreatitis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9382. [PMID: 38654064 PMCID: PMC11039671 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60065-y] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute Pancreatitis (AP) is associated with high mortality and current treatment options are limited to supportive care. We found that blockade of activin A (activin) in mice improves outcomes in two murine models of AP. To test the hypothesis that activin is produced early in response to pancreatitis and is maintained throughout disease progression to stimulate immune cells, we first performed digital spatial profiling (DSP) of human chronic pancreatitis (CP) patient tissue. Then, transwell migration assays using RAW264.7 mouse macrophages and qPCR analysis of "neutrophil-like" HL-60 cells were used for functional correlation. Immunofluorescence and western blots on cerulein-induced pancreatitis samples from pancreatic acinar cell-specific Kras knock-in (Ptf1aCreER™; LSL-KrasG12D) and functional WT Ptf1aCreER™ mouse lines mimicking AP and CP to allow for in vivo confirmation. Our data suggest activin promotes neutrophil and macrophage activation both in situ and in vitro, while pancreatic activin production is increased as early as 1 h in response to pancreatitis and is maintained throughout CP in vivo. Taken together, activin is produced early in response to pancreatitis and is maintained throughout disease progression to promote neutrophil and macrophage activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark B Wiley
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jessica Bauer
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Valentina Alvarez
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Kunaal Mehrotra
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Wenxuan Cheng
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Zoe Kolics
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Michael Giarrizzo
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Komala Ingle
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Agnieszka B Bialkowska
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Barbara Jung
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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Hu Y, Recouvreux MS, Haro M, Taylan E, Taylor-Harding B, Walts AE, Karlan BY, Orsulic S. INHBA(+) cancer-associated fibroblasts generate an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:35. [PMID: 38360876 PMCID: PMC10869703 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00523-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is hindered by the lack of specific biomarkers and a poor understanding of the mechanisms by which different populations of CAFs contribute to cancer progression. While the role of TGFβ in CAFs is well-studied, less attention has been focused on a structurally and functionally similar protein, Activin A (encoded by INHBA). Here, we identified INHBA(+) CAFs as key players in tumor promotion and immunosuppression. Spatiotemporal analyses of patient-matched primary, metastatic, and recurrent ovarian carcinomas revealed that aggressive metastatic tumors enriched in INHBA(+) CAFs were also enriched in regulatory T cells (Tregs). In ovarian cancer mouse models, intraperitoneal injection of the Activin A neutralizing antibody attenuated tumor progression and infiltration with pro-tumorigenic subsets of myofibroblasts and macrophages. Downregulation of INHBA in human ovarian CAFs inhibited pro-tumorigenic CAF functions. Co-culture of human ovarian CAFs and T cells revealed the dependence of Treg differentiation on direct contact with INHBA(+) CAFs. Mechanistically, INHBA/recombinant Activin A in CAFs induced the autocrine expression of PD-L1 through SMAD2-dependent signaling, which promoted Treg differentiation. Collectively, our study identified an INHBA(+) subset of immunomodulatory pro-tumoral CAFs as a potential therapeutic target in advanced ovarian cancers which typically show a poor response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Maria Sol Recouvreux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Marcela Haro
- Women's Cancer Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Enes Taylan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Barbie Taylor-Harding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ann E Walts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Beth Y Karlan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA.
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Ahmad A, Tiwari RK, Siddiqui S, Chadha M, Shukla R, Srivastava V. Emerging trends in gastrointestinal cancers: Targeting developmental pathways in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:41-99. [PMID: 38663962 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal carcinomas are a group of cancers associated with the digestive system and its accessory organs. The most prevalent cancers related to the gastrointestinal tract are colorectal, gall bladder, gastric, hepatocellular, and esophageal cancers, respectively. Molecular aberrations in different signaling pathways, such as signal transduction systems or developmental pathways are the chief triggering mechanisms in different cancers Though a massive advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions results in improved survival of patients with gastrointestinal cancer; the lower malignancy stages of these carcinomas are comparatively asymptomatic. Various gastrointestinal-related cancers are detected at advanced stages, leading to deplorable prognoses and increased rates of recurrence. Recent molecular studies have elucidated the imperative roles of several signaling pathways, namely Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways, play in the progression, therapeutic responsiveness, and metastasis of gastrointestinal-related cancers. This book chapter gives an interesting update on recent findings on the involvement of developmental signaling pathways their mechanistic insight in gastrointestinalcancer. Subsequently, evidences supporting the exploration of gastrointestinal cancer related molecular mechanisms have also been discussed for developing novel therapeutic strategies against these debilitating carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afza Ahmad
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rohit Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saleha Siddiqui
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Muskan Chadha
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ratnakar Shukla
- Department of Clinical Research, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Srivastava
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Sharda School of Basic Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Wang D, Nakayama M, Hong CP, Oshima H, Oshima M. Gain-of-Function p53 Mutation Acts as a Genetic Switch for TGFβ Signaling-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Intestinal Tumors. Cancer Res 2024; 84:56-68. [PMID: 37851521 PMCID: PMC10758690 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1490] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Signaling by TGFβ family cytokines plays a tumor-suppressive role by inducing cell differentiation, while it promotes malignant progression through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Identification of the mechanisms regulating the switch from tumor suppression to tumor promotion could identify strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. To identify the key genetic alterations that determine the outcome of TGFβ signaling, we used mouse intestinal tumor-derived organoids carrying multiple driver mutations in various combinations to examine the relationship between genotypes and responses to the TGFβ family cytokine activin A. KrasG12D mutation protected organoid cells from activin A-induced growth suppression by inhibiting p21 and p27 expression. Furthermore, Trp53R270H gain-of-function (GOF) mutation together with loss of wild-type Trp53 by loss of heterozygosity (LOH) promoted activin A-induced partial EMT with formation of multiple protrusions on the organoid surface, which was associated with increased metastatic incidence. Histologic analysis confirmed that tumor cells at the protrusions showed loss of apical-basal polarity and glandular structure. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that expression of Hmga2, encoding a cofactor of the SMAD complex that induces EMT transcription factors, was significantly upregulated in organoids with Trp53 GOF/LOH alterations. Importantly, loss of HMGA2 suppressed expression of Twist1 and blocked activin A-induced partial EMT and metastasis in Trp53 GOF/LOH organoids. These results indicate that TP53 GOF/LOH is a key genetic state that primes for TGFβ family-induced partial EMT and malignant progression of colorectal cancer. Activin signaling may be an effective therapeutic target for colorectal cancer harboring TP53 GOF mutations. SIGNIFICANCE KRAS and TP53 mutations shift activin-mediated signaling to overcome growth inhibition and promote partial EMT, identifying a subset of patients with colorectal cancer that could benefit from inhibition of TGFβ signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- WPI Nano-Life Science Institute (Nano-LSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mizuho Nakayama
- WPI Nano-Life Science Institute (Nano-LSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | | | - Hiroko Oshima
- WPI Nano-Life Science Institute (Nano-LSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masanobu Oshima
- WPI Nano-Life Science Institute (Nano-LSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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Peng H, Ying J, Zang J, Lu H, Zhao X, Yang P, Wang X, Li J, Gong Z, Zhang D, Wang Z. Specific Mutations in APC, with Prognostic Implications in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Res Treat 2023; 55:1270-1280. [PMID: 37114476 PMCID: PMC10582542 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2023.415] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Loss-of-function mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene are common in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, the characteristic of APC specific mutations in mCRC is poorly understood. Here, we explored the clinical and molecular characteristics of N-terminal and C-terminal side APC mutations in Chinese patients with mCRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Hybrid capture-based next-generation sequencing was performed on tumor tissues from 275 mCRC pati-ents to detect mutations in 639 tumor-associated genes. The prognostic value and gene-pathway difference between APC specific mutations in mCRC patients were analyzed. RESULTS APC mutations were highly clustered, accounting for 73% of all mCRC patients, and most of them were truncating mutations. The tumor mutation burden of the N-terminal side APC mutations group (n=76) was significantly lower than that of the C-terminal side group (n=123) (p < 0.001), further confirmed by the public database. Survival analysis showed that mCRC patients with N-terminus side APC mutations had longer overall survival than C-terminus side. Tumor gene pathway analysis showed that gene mutations in the RTK/RAS, Wnt and transforming growth factor β signaling pathways of the C-terminal group were significantly higher than those of the N-terminal group (p < 0.05). Additionally, KRAS, AMER1, TGFBR2, and ARID1A driver mutations were more common in patients with C-terminal side APC mutations. CONCLUSION APC specific mutations have potential function as mCRC prognostic biomarkers. There are obvious differences in the gene mutation patterns between the C-terminus and N-terminus APC mutations group, which may have certain guiding significance for the subsequent precise treatment of mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Peng
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai,
China
| | - Jun Ying
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai,
China
| | - Jia Zang
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai,
China
| | - Hao Lu
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai,
China
| | - Xiaokai Zhao
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics, Jiaxing Yunying Medical Inspection Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
- Department of R&D, Zhejiang Yunying Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
| | - Pengmin Yang
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics, Jiaxing Yunying Medical Inspection Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
- Department of R&D, Zhejiang Yunying Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
| | - Xintao Wang
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics, Jiaxing Yunying Medical Inspection Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
- Department of R&D, Zhejiang Yunying Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
| | - Jieyi Li
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics, Jiaxing Yunying Medical Inspection Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
- Department of R&D, Zhejiang Yunying Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
| | - Ziying Gong
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics, Jiaxing Yunying Medical Inspection Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
- Department of R&D, Zhejiang Yunying Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
| | - Daoyun Zhang
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics, Jiaxing Yunying Medical Inspection Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
- Department of R&D, Zhejiang Yunying Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Jiaxing,
China
| | - Zhiguo Wang
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai,
China
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Zhang Y, Zhong J, Lin S, Hu M, Liu J, Kang J, Qi Y, Basabrain MS, Zou T, Zhang C. Direct contact with endothelial cells drives dental pulp stem cells toward smooth muscle cells differentiation via TGF-β1 secretion. Int Endod J 2023; 56:1092-1107. [PMID: 37294792 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
AIM Prevascularization is vital to accelerate functional blood circulation establishment in transplanted engineered tissue constructs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or mural cells could promote the survival of implanted endothelial cells (ECs) and enhance the stabilization of newly formed blood vessels. However, the dynamic cell-cell interactions between MSCs, mural cells and ECs in the angiogenic processes remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the interactions of human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in an in vitro cell coculture model. METHODOLOGY Human umbilical vascular ECs and DPSCs were directly cocultured or indirectly cocultured with transwell inserts in endothelial basal media-2 (EBM-2) supplemented with 5% FBS for 6 days. Expression of SMC-specific markers in DPSCs monoculture and HUVEC+DPSC cocultures was assessed by western blot and immunofluorescence. Activin A and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in conditioned media (CM) of HUVECs monoculture (E-CM), DPSCs monoculture (D-CM) and HUVEC+DPSC cocultures (E+D-CM) were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TGF-β RI kinase inhibitor VI, SB431542, was used to block TGF-β1/ALK5 signalling in DPSCs. RESULTS The expression of SMC-specific markers, α-SMA, SM22α and Calponin, were markedly increased in HUVEC+DPSC direct cocultures compared to that in DPSCs monoculture, while no differences were demonstrated between HUVEC+DPSC indirect cocultures and DPSCs monoculture. E+D-CM significantly upregulated the expression of SMC-specific markers in DPSCs compared to E-CM and D-CM. Activin A and TGF-β1 were considerably higher in E+D-CM than that in D-CM, with upregulated Smad2 phosphorylation in HUVEC+DPSC cocultures. Treatment with activin A did not change the expression of SMC-specific markers in DPSCs, while treatment with TGF-β1 significantly enhanced these markers' expression in DPSCs. In addition, blocking TGF-β1/ALK5 signalling inhibited the expression of α-SMA, SM22α and Calponin in DPSCs. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β1 was responsible for DPSC differentiation into SMCs in HUVEC+DPSC cocultures, and TGF-β1/ALK5 signalling pathway played a vital role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Zhang
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jialin Zhong
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shulan Lin
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mingxin Hu
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Junqing Liu
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jun Kang
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yubingqing Qi
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mohammed S Basabrain
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting Zou
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chengfei Zhang
- Restorative Dental Sciences, Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Attiq A, Afzal S. Trinity of inflammation, innate immune cells and cross-talk of signalling pathways in tumour microenvironment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1255727. [PMID: 37680708 PMCID: PMC10482416 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1255727] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Unresolved inflammation is a pathological consequence of persistent inflammatory stimulus and perturbation in regulatory mechanisms. It increases the risk of tumour development and orchestrates all stages of tumorigenesis in selected organs. In certain cancers, inflammatory processes create the appropriate conditions for neoplastic transformation. While in other types, oncogenic changes pave the way for an inflammatory microenvironment that leads to tumour development. Of interest, hallmarks of tumour-promoting and cancer-associated inflammation are striking similar, sharing a complex network of stromal (fibroblasts and vascular cells) and inflammatory immune cells that collectively form the tumour microenvironment (TME). The cross-talks of signalling pathways initially developed to support homeostasis, change their role, and promote atypical proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and subversion of adaptive immunity in TME. These transcriptional and regulatory pathways invariably contribute to cancer-promoting inflammation in chronic inflammatory disorders and foster "smouldering" inflammation in the microenvironment of various tumour types. Besides identifying common target sites of numerous cancer types, signalling programs and their cross-talks governing immune cells' plasticity and functional diversity can be used to develop new fate-mapping and lineage-tracing mechanisms. Here, we review the vital molecular mechanisms and pathways that establish the connection between inflammation and tumour development, progression, and metastasis. We also discussed the cross-talks between signalling pathways and devised strategies focusing on these interaction mechanisms to harness synthetic lethal drug combinations for targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Attiq
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Sheryar Afzal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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Wiley MB, Mehrotra K, Bauer J, Yazici C, Bialkowska AB, Jung B. Acute Pancreatitis: Current Clinical Approaches, Molecular Pathophysiology, and Potential Therapeutics. Pancreas 2023; 52:e335-e343. [PMID: 38127317 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002259] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), pancreatic inflammation leading to multiorgan failure, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is a critical need to identify novel therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes for SAP patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify current clinical strategies, known molecular pathophysiology, and potential therapeutic targets for SAP. RESULTS Current clinical approaches focus on determining which patients will likely develop SAP. However, therapeutic options are limited to supportive care and fluid resuscitation. The application of a novel 5-cytokine panel accurately predicting disease outcomes in SAP suggests that molecular approaches will improve impact of future clinical trials in AP. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory outcomes in acute pancreatitis are driven by several unique molecular signals, which compound to promote both local and systemic inflammation. The identification of master cytokine regulators is critical to developing therapeutics, which reduce inflammation through several mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark B Wiley
- From the Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Kunaal Mehrotra
- From the Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Jessica Bauer
- From the Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Cemal Yazici
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Agnieszka B Bialkowska
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Barbara Jung
- From the Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Wiley MB, Bauer J, Mehrotra K, Zessner-Spitzenberg J, Kolics Z, Cheng W, Castellanos K, Nash MG, Gui X, Kone L, Maker AV, Qiao G, Reddi D, Church DN, Kerr RS, Kerr DJ, Grippo PJ, Jung B. Non-Canonical Activin A Signaling Stimulates Context-Dependent and Cellular-Specific Outcomes in CRC to Promote Tumor Cell Migration and Immune Tolerance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3003. [PMID: 37296966 PMCID: PMC10252122 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We have shown that activin A (activin), a TGF-β superfamily member, has pro-metastatic effects in colorectal cancer (CRC). In lung cancer, activin activates pro-metastatic pathways to enhance tumor cell survival and migration while augmenting CD4+ to CD8+ communications to promote cytotoxicity. Here, we hypothesized that activin exerts cell-specific effects in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC to promote anti-tumoral activity of immune cells and the pro-metastatic behavior of tumor cells in a cell-specific and context-dependent manner. We generated an Smad4 epithelial cell specific knockout (Smad4-/-) which was crossed with TS4-Cre mice to identify SMAD-specific changes in CRC. We also performed IHC and digital spatial profiling (DSP) of tissue microarrays (TMAs) obtained from 1055 stage II and III CRC patients in the QUASAR 2 clinical trial. We transfected the CRC cells to reduce their activin production and injected them into mice with intermittent tumor measurements to determine how cancer-derived activin alters tumor growth in vivo. In vivo, Smad4-/- mice displayed elevated colonic activin and pAKT expression and increased mortality. IHC analysis of the TMA samples revealed increased activin was required for TGF-β-associated improved outcomes in CRC. DSP analysis identified that activin co-localization in the stroma was coupled with increases in T-cell exhaustion markers, activation markers of antigen presenting cells (APCs), and effectors of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Activin-stimulated PI3K-dependent CRC transwell migration, and the in vivo loss of activin lead to smaller CRC tumors. Taken together, activin is a targetable, highly context-dependent molecule with effects on CRC growth, migration, and TME immune plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark B. Wiley
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (M.B.W.); (K.M.)
| | - Jessica Bauer
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (M.B.W.); (K.M.)
| | - Kunaal Mehrotra
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (M.B.W.); (K.M.)
| | - Jasmin Zessner-Spitzenberg
- Clinical Department for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Zoe Kolics
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (M.B.W.); (K.M.)
| | - Wenxuan Cheng
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (M.B.W.); (K.M.)
| | - Karla Castellanos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Michael G. Nash
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Xianyong Gui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Lyonell Kone
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Ajay V. Maker
- Department of Surgery, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Guilin Qiao
- Department of Surgery, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Deepti Reddi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David N. Church
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 4BH, UK
- NIHR Oxford Comprehensive Biomedical Research Center, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 4BH, UK
| | - Rachel S. Kerr
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 4BH, UK
| | - David J. Kerr
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 4BH, UK
| | - Paul J. Grippo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Barbara Jung
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (M.B.W.); (K.M.)
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11
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Hatamzade Esfahani N, Day AS. The Role of TGF-β, Activin and Follistatin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS 2023; 5:167-186. [DOI: 10.3390/gidisord5020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An increasing prevalence of IBD has been observed globally. The pathogenesis of IBD includes a complex interplay between the intestinal microbiome, diet, genetic factors and immune responses. The consequent imbalance of inflammatory mediators ultimately leads to intestinal mucosal damage and defective repair. Growth factors, given their specific roles in maintaining the homeostasis and integrity of the intestinal epithelium, are of particular interest in the setting of IBD. Furthermore, direct targeting of growth factor signalling pathways involved in the regeneration of the damaged epithelium and the regulation of inflammation could be considered as therapeutic options for individuals with IBD. Several members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, particularly TGF-β, activin and follistatin, are key candidates as they exhibit various roles in inflammatory processes and contribute to maintenance and homeostasis in the GI tract. This article aimed firstly to review the events involved in the pathogenesis of IBD with particular emphasis on TGF-β, activin and follistatin and secondly to outline the potential role of therapeutic manipulation of these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew S. Day
- Paediatric Department, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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12
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Soomro A, Khajehei M, Li R, O’Neil K, Zhang D, Gao B, MacDonald M, Kakoki M, Krepinsky JC. A therapeutic target for CKD: activin A facilitates TGFβ1 profibrotic signaling. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:10. [PMID: 36717814 PMCID: PMC9885651 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00424-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TGFβ1 is a major profibrotic mediator in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Its direct inhibition, however, is limited by adverse effects. Inhibition of activins, also members of the TGFβ superfamily, blocks TGFβ1 profibrotic effects, but the mechanism underlying this and the specific activin(s) involved are unknown. METHODS Cells were treated with TGFβ1 or activins A/B. Activins were inhibited generally with follistatin, or specifically with neutralizing antibodies or type I receptor downregulation. Cytokine levels, signaling and profibrotic responses were assessed with ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting and promoter luciferase reporters. Wild-type or TGFβ1-overexpressing mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) were treated with an activin A neutralizing antibody. RESULTS In primary mesangial cells, TGFβ1 induces secretion primarily of activin A, which enables longer-term profibrotic effects by enhancing Smad3 phosphorylation and transcriptional activity. This results from lack of cell refractoriness to activin A, unlike that for TGFβ1, and promotion of TGFβ type II receptor expression. Activin A also supports transcription through regulating non-canonical MRTF-A activation. TGFβ1 additionally induces secretion of activin A, but not B, from tubular cells, and activin A neutralization prevents the TGFβ1 profibrotic response in renal fibroblasts. Fibrosis induced by UUO is inhibited by activin A neutralization in wild-type mice. Worsened fibrosis in TGFβ1-overexpressing mice is associated with increased renal activin A expression and is inhibited to wild-type levels with activin A neutralization. CONCLUSIONS Activin A facilitates TGFβ1 profibrotic effects through regulation of both canonical (Smad3) and non-canonical (MRTF-A) signaling, suggesting it may be a novel therapeutic target for preventing fibrosis in CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asfia Soomro
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Mohammad Khajehei
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Renzhong Li
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Kian O’Neil
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Dan Zhang
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Bo Gao
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Melissa MacDonald
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Masao Kakoki
- grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Joan C. Krepinsky
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Rm T3311, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
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13
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Sequential Treatment with Activin and Hepatocyte Growth Factor Induces FOXM1 to Promote Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 2022:8996203. [PMID: 36591565 PMCID: PMC9803576 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8996203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in liver metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Activin and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are important regulators of stem cell properties. This study was performed to explore the effect of activin and HGF on CRC invasion and metastasis. The key genes involved in the action of activin and HGF in CRC were identified. METHODS HCT116 CRC cells were sequentially treated with activin and HGF and examined for migration and invasion in vitro and liver metastasis in vivo. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in response to activin and HGF. RESULTS Sequential treatment with activin and HGF-enhanced CRC cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. CXCR4 and AFP expressions were increased by activin and HGF treatment. Knockdown of FOXM1 blocked liver metastasis from HCT116 cells pretreated with activin and HGF and suppressed CXCR4 and AFP expression. Activin alone increased the mRNA and protein expression of FOXM1. In contrast, HGF alone enhanced the phosphorylation of FOXM1, without altering the total protein level of FOXM1. SMAD2 was required for activin-mediated FOXM1 induction. FOXM1 transactivated CXCR4 by directly binding to the promoter of CXCR4. Additionally, CXCR4 regulated AFP expression through the NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS Sequential treatment with activin and HGF accelerates CRC invasion and liver metastasis, which involves the upregulation and activation of FOXM1 and induction of CXCR4 and AFP.
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TGF-β Signaling in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): From Underlying Mechanism to Potential Applications in Clinical Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214436. [PMID: 36430910 PMCID: PMC9698504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious public health issue, and it has the leading incidence and mortality among malignant tumors worldwide. CRC patients with metastasis in the liver, lung or other distant sites always have poor prognosis. Thus, there is an urgent need to discover the underlying mechanisms of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and to develop optimal therapy for mCRC. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a significant role in various physiologic and pathologic processes, and aberrant TGF-β signal transduction contributes to mCRC progression. In this review, we summarize the alterations of the TGF-β signaling pathway in mCRC patients, the functional mechanisms of TGF-β signaling, its promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, its facilitation of angiogenesis, its suppression of anti-tumor activity of immune cells in the microenvironment and its contribution to stemness of CRC cells. We also discuss the possible applications of TGF-β signaling in mCRC diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapies in clinical trials. Hopefully, these research advances in TGF-β signaling in mCRC will improve the development of new strategies that can be combined with molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and traditional therapies to achieve better efficacy and benefit mCRC patients in the near future.
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15
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Staudacher JJ, Arnold A, Kühl AA, Pötzsch M, Daum S, Winterfeld M, Berg E, Hummel M, Rau B, Stein U, Treese C. Prognostic impact of activin subunit inhibin beta A in gastric and esophageal adenocarcinomas. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:953. [PMID: 36064338 PMCID: PMC9446826 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10016-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adenocarcinomas of the esophagus (AEG) and stomach (AS) are among the most common cancers worldwide. Novel markers for risk stratification and guiding treatment are strongly needed. Activin is a multi-functional cytokine with context specific pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects. We aimed to investigate the prognostic role of activin tumor protein expression in AEG/ASs. METHODS Tissue from a retrospective cohort of 277 patients with AEG/AS treated primarily by surgery at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin was collected and analyzed by immunohistochemistry using a specific antibody to the activin homodimer inhibin beta A. Additionally, we evaluated T-cell infiltration and PD1 expression as well as expression of PD-L1 by immunohistochemistry as possible confounding factors. Clinico-pathologic data were collected and correlated with activin protein expression. RESULTS Out of 277 tumor samples, 72 (26.0%) exhibited high activin subunit inhibin beta A protein expression. Higher expression was correlated with lower Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage and longer overall survival. Interestingly, activin subunit expression correlated with CD4+ T-cell infiltration, and the correlation with higher overall survival was exclusively seen in tumors with high CD4+ T-cell infiltration, pointing towards a role of activin in the tumor immune response in AEG/ASs. CONCLUSION In our cohort of AEG/AS, higher activin subunit levels were correlated with longer overall survival, an effect exclusively seen in tumors with high CD4+ cell infiltration. Further mechanistic research is warranted discerning the exact effect of this context specific cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Staudacher
- Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Alexander Arnold
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - A A Kühl
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, iPATH.Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Pötzsch
- Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Daum
- Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Winterfeld
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - E Berg
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Hummel
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - B Rau
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - U Stein
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C Treese
- Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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KrishnaPriya S, Omer S, Banerjee S, Karunagaran D, Suraishkumar GK. An integrated approach to understand fluid shear stress-driven and reactive oxygen species-mediated metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma through mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA-circRNA networks. Mol Genet Genomics 2022; 297:1353-1370. [PMID: 35831469 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-022-01924-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Development of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) metastasis involves several mediators including fluid shear stress (FSS), intracellular ROS levels, and non-coding RNAs. In our present study, we identified and investigated the role of regulatory non-coding RNA molecules specifically involved in COAD metastasis and their association with FSS and ROS. Interactions between the mRNAs associated with FSS and ROS, the corresponding microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in COAD metastasis were used to generate the mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA-circRNA network. Experimental validation of the identified RNA hubs using quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated a direct effect of the FSS on their expression levels in cancer cells. FSS resulted in the downregulation of HMGA1 and RAN, as well as the upregulation of HSP90AA1, PMAIP1 and BIRC5. Application of shear stress also led to downregulation of hsa-miR-26b-5p and hsa-miR-34a-5p levels in HCT116 cells. Further, functional enrichment and survival analysis of the significant miRNAs, as well as the OncoPrint and the survival analyses of the selected mRNAs were performed. Subsequently, their functional role was also corroborated with existing literature. Ten significant miRNA hubs were identified, out of which hsa-miR-17-5p and hsa-miR-20a-5p were found to interact with lncRNA (CCAT2) while hsa-miR-335 was found to interact with four circRNAs. Fifteen significant miRNAs were identified in 10 different modules suggesting their importance in FSS and ROS-mediated COAD metastasis. Finally, 10 miRNAs and 3 mRNAs associated with FSS and/or ROS were identified as significant overall survival markers; 33 mRNAs were also identified as metastasis-free survival markers whereas 15 mRNAs showed > 10% gene alterations in TCGA-COAD data and may serve as promising therapeutic biomarkers in the COAD metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siluveru KrishnaPriya
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - Sonal Omer
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - Satarupa Banerjee
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, 600036, India. .,School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
| | - Devarajan Karunagaran
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - G K Suraishkumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
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17
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Brás MM, Sousa SR, Carneiro F, Radmacher M, Granja PL. Mechanobiology of Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1945. [PMID: 35454852 PMCID: PMC9028036 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081945] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, the mechanobiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) are discussed. Mechanotransduction of CRC is addressed considering the relationship of several biophysical cues and biochemical pathways. Mechanobiology is focused on considering how it may influence epithelial cells in terms of motility, morphometric changes, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and metastization in CRC development. The roles of the tumor microenvironment, ECM, and stroma are also discussed, taking into account the influence of alterations and surface modifications on mechanical properties and their impact on epithelial cells and CRC progression. The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the impact of flow shear stress is addressed in terms of how it affects CRC metastization. Finally, some insights concerning how the knowledge of biophysical mechanisms may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies and targeting molecules and how mechanical changes of the microenvironment play a role in CRC disease are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Manuela Brás
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.B.); (S.R.S.); (F.C.); (P.L.G.)
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana R. Sousa
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.B.); (S.R.S.); (F.C.); (P.L.G.)
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP), Instituto Politécnico do Porto (IPP), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Carneiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.B.); (S.R.S.); (F.C.); (P.L.G.)
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Patologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manfred Radmacher
- Institute for Biophysics, University of Bremen, 28334 Bremen, Germany
| | - Pedro L. Granja
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.B.); (S.R.S.); (F.C.); (P.L.G.)
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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18
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Staudacher JJ, Bauer J, Atkinson SR, Thursz M, Lang S, Schnabl B, Wiley MB, Carr R, Jung B. Systemic Activin Is Elevated in Patients With Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2022; 1:147-149. [PMID: 35602917 PMCID: PMC9119346 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J J Staudacher
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease and Rheumatology, Charite-University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Bauer
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - S R Atkinson
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - M Thursz
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S Lang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - B Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - M B Wiley
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - R Carr
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - B Jung
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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19
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Yuan Q, Zhang W, Shang W. Identification and validation of a prognostic risk-scoring model based on sphingolipid metabolism-associated cluster in colon adenocarcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1045167. [PMID: 36518255 PMCID: PMC9742378 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1045167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is the primary factor responsible for cancer-related mortalities in western countries, and its development and progression are affected by altered sphingolipid metabolism. The current study aimed at investigating the effects of sphingolipid metabolism-related (SLP) genes on multiple human cancers, especially on COAD. We obtained 1287 SLP genes from the GeneCard and MsigDb databases along with the public transcriptome data and the related clinical information. The univariate Cox regression analysis suggested that 26 SLP genes were substantially related to the prognosis of COAD, and a majority of SLP genes served as the risk genes for the tumor, insinuating a potential pathogenic effect of SLP in COAD development. Pan-cancer characterization of SLP genes summarized their expression traits, mutation traits, and methylation levels. Subsequently, we focused on the thorough research of COAD. With the help of unsupervised clustering, 1008 COAD patients were successfully divided into two distinct subtypes (C1 and C2). C1 subtype is characterized by a poor prognosis, activation of SLP pathways, high expression of SLP genes, disordered carcinogenic pathways, and immune microenvironment. Based on the clusters of SLP, we developed and validated a novel prognostic model, consisting of ANO1, C2CD4A, EEF1A2, GRP, HEYL, IGF1, LAMA2, LSAMP, RBP1, and TCEAL2, to quantitatively evaluate the clinical outcomes of COAD. The Kaplain-Meier survival curves and ROC curves highlighted the accuracy of our SLP model in both internal and external cohorts. Compared to normal colon tissues, expression of C2CD4A was detected to be significantly higher in COAD; whereas, expression levels of EEF1A2, IGF1, and TCEAL2 were detected to be significantly lower in COAD. Overall, our research emphasized the pathogenic role of SLP in COAD and found that targeting SLP might help improve the clinical outcomes of COAD. The risk model based on SLP metabolism provided a new horizon for prognosis assessment and customized patient intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihang Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- *Correspondence: Qihang Yuan,
| | - Weizhi Zhang
- Dalian No.24 High School, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Weijia Shang
- Dalian No.24 High School, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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20
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Dronkers E, van Herwaarden T, van Brakel TJ, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Goumans MJ, Smits AM. Activin A and ALK4 Identified as Novel Regulators of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Human Epicardial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:765007. [PMID: 34977017 PMCID: PMC8716764 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.765007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epicardium, the mesothelial layer covering the heart, is a crucial cell source for cardiac development and repair. It provides cells and biochemical signals to the heart to facilitate vascularization and myocardial growth. An essential element of epicardial behavior is epicardial epithelial to mesenchymal transition (epiMT), which is the initial step for epicardial cells to become motile and invade the myocardium. To identify targets to optimize epicardium-driven repair of the heart, it is vital to understand which pathways are involved in the regulation of epiMT. Therefore, we established a cell culture model for human primary adult and fetal epiMT, which allows for parallel testing of inhibitors and stimulants of specific pathways. Using this approach, we reveal Activin A and ALK4 signaling as novel regulators of epiMT, independent of the commonly accepted EMT inducer TGFβ. Importantly, Activin A was able to induce epicardial invasion in cultured embryonic mouse hearts. Our results identify Activin A/ALK4 signaling as a modulator of epicardial plasticity which may be exploitable in cardiac regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Dronkers
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Tessa van Herwaarden
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Thomas J van Brakel
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anke M Smits
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Anke M Smits,
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21
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Refaat B, Zekri J, Aslam A, Ahmad J, Baghdadi MA, Meliti A, Idris S, Sultan S, Alardati H, Saimeh HA, Alsaegh A, Alhadrami M, Hamid T, Naeem ME, Elsamany SA. Profiling Activins and Follistatin in Colorectal Cancer According to Clinical Stage, Tumour Sidedness and Smad4 Status. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1610032. [PMID: 34867090 PMCID: PMC8634429 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1610032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the roles of activins and follistatin in colorectal cancers. Paired malignant and normal colonic tissues were collected from archived paraffin-embedded (n = 90 patients) alongside fresh (n = 40 patients) specimen cohorts. Activin β-subunits, follistatin and Smad4 mRNAs and proteins were measured by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Mature activin-A, -B, -AB and follistatin proteins were measured by ELISA. Cancer tissues having ≤ the 20th percentile of the Smad4 IHC score were considered as low (L-S4) group. The Smad4-intact SW480 and Smad4-null HT29 colon cancer cell lines were treated with activins and follistatin, and cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry. The cell cycle inducing (CCND1/CCND3) and inhibitory (p21/p27) proteins alongside the survival (survivin/BCL2) and pro-apoptosis (Casp-8/Casp-3) markers were measured by immunofluorescence. Thirty-nine patients had right-sided cancers (30%) and showed higher rates of L-S4 tumours (n = 17; 13.1%) alongside worse clinicopathological characteristics relative to left-sided cancers. The βA-subunit and activin-A increased, whilst βB-subunit and activin-AB decreased, in malignant sites and the late-stage cancers revealed the greatest abnormalities. Interestingly, follistatin declined markedly in early-stage malignant tissues, whilst increased significantly in the advanced stages. All activin molecules were comparable between the early stage right- and left-sided tumours, whereas the late-stage right-sided cancers and L-S4 tumours showed more profound deregulations. In vitro, activin-A increased the numbers of the SW480 cells in sub-G1 and G0/G1-phases, whereas reduced the HT29 cell numbers in the sub-G1 phase with simultaneous increases in the G0/G1 and S phases. The p21/p27/Casp-8/Casp-3 proteins escalated, whilst CCND1/CCND3/BCL2/survivin declined in the SW480 cells following activin-A, whereas activin-A only promoted p21 and p27 alongside reduced CCND3 in the HT29 cells. By contrast, activin-AB increased the numbers of SW480 and HT29 cells in Sub-G1 and G0/G1-phases and promoted the anti-cancer and reduced the oncogenic proteins in both cell lines. In conclusion, activins and follistatin displayed stage-dependent dysregulations and were markedly altered during the advanced stages of right-sided and L-S4 cancers. Moreover, the activin-A actions in CRC could be Smad4-dependent, whereas activin-AB may act as a Smad4-independent tumour suppressor protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamal Zekri
- Oncology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akhmed Aslam
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawwad Ahmad
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Baghdadi
- Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelrazak Meliti
- Pathology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shakir Idris
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sufian Sultan
- Department of Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hosam Alardati
- Pathology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haitham Akram Saimeh
- Department of Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aiman Alsaegh
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Alhadrami
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahira Hamid
- Histopathology Department, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed E Naeem
- Histopathology Department, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shereef Ahmed Elsamany
- Medical Oncology Department, Oncology Centre, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,Medical Oncology Department, Oncology Centre, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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22
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Xi Y, Xu P. Global colorectal cancer burden in 2020 and projections to 2040. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101174. [PMID: 34243011 PMCID: PMC8273208 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 892] [Impact Index Per Article: 297.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As the third most common malignancy and the second most deadly cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC) induces estimated 1.9 million incidence cases and 0.9 million deaths worldwide in 2020. The incidence of CRC is higher in highly developed countries, and it is increasing in middle- and low-income countries due to westernization. Moreover, a rising incidence of early-onset CRC is also emerging. The large number of CRC cases poses a growing global public health challenge. Raising awareness of CRC is important to promote healthy lifestyle choices, novel strategies for CRC management, and implementation of global screening programs, which are critical to reducing CRC morbidity and mortality in the future. CRC is a heterogeneous disease, and its subtype affiliation influences prognosis and therapeutic response. An accurate CRC subtype classification system is of great significance for basic research and clinical outcome. Here, we present the global epidemiology of CRC in 2020 and projections for 2040, review the major CRC subtypes to better understand CRC molecular basis, and summarize current risk factors, prevention, and screening strategies for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xi
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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23
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Dik B, Coskun D, Er A. Protective Effect of Nerium Oleander Distillate and Tarantula Cubensis Alcoholic Extract on Cancer Biomarkers on Colon and Liver Tissues of Rats with Experimental Colon Cancer. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:1962-1969. [PMID: 34477527 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210903120253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colon cancers are among the three major cancer types that result in death. The research for effective treatment continues. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Tarantula cubensis alcoholic extract (TCAE) and Nerium oleander (NO) distillate on the levels of midkine, TGF-β, VEGF, AFP, COX-2, IGF and caspase 3 in liver and colon tissues of experimentally induced colon cancer in rats. METHOD The liver and colon tissues of the rats were divided into Control, Colon Cancer (AZM), AZM+TCAE and AZM+NO groups and they were homogenized. The levels of midkine, TGF-β, VEGF, AFP, COX-2, IGF and caspase 3 in the colon and liver tissues were measured by ELISA kits. RESULTS All parameters levels of colon and liver tissues in the AZM group were generally higher (p<0.05) than the Control group. TCAE and NO prevented (p<0.05) the increases in midkine, TGF-β, VEGF, AFP, COX-2, IGF and caspase-3 levels in the colon. NO prevented increase of all parameters except for IGF level, while TCAE prevented (p<0.05) the increase of all values apart from COX-2 and IGF levels in the liver. CONCLUSION NO and TCAE may prevented at the specified marker levels of colon in the AZM induced colon cancer. The increases the level of parameters in the liver are not as severe as in the colon, due to the 18-week study period may not be sufficient for liver metastasis formationIn the future molecular studies should be done to determine the mechanisms and pathways of them more clearly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Dik
- Selcuk University, Veterinary Faculty, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Konya, Turkey
| | - Devran Coskun
- Siirt University, Veterinary Faculty, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Siirt, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Er
- Selcuk University, Veterinary Faculty, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Konya, Turkey
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24
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Zheng Y, Zeng J, Lin D, Xia H, Wang X, Chen L, Chen H, Huang L, Zeng C. Extracellular vesicles derived from cancer-associated fibroblast carries miR-224-5p targeting SLC4A4 to promote the proliferation, invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:1143-1153. [PMID: 34170291 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
More and more studies indicated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying miRNAs have been potential biomarkers of various cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to explore the function of miR-224-5p carried by EVs derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in CRC. Here, we found that miR-224-5p was highly expressed while SLC4A4 was lowly expressed in CRC cells. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay testified that miR-224-5p targeted SLC4A4. The expression of miR-224-5p in CAFs-derived EVs was found to be elevated. It was also testified that CAFs-derived EVs could transfer miR-224-5p into CRC cells. miR-224-5p in CAFs-derived EVs facilitated the proliferation, migration, invasion and anti-apoptosis of CRC cells. Overexpressing miR-224-5p increased the proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of CRC cells and inhibit CRC cell apoptosis, while overexpressing SLC4A4 caused the opposite result. Research in vitro and in vivo further indicated that miR-224-5p promoted CRC cell progression via binding to its downstream target gene SLC4A4. Rescue assay also demonstrated that overexpressing miR-224-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of overexpressed SLC4A4 on cancer cell growth. In addition, in vivo assay identified that high level of miR-224-5p promoted the growth of cancer cells in mice in vivo. In conclusion, we explored the effect of miR-224-5p in CRC, which helps for further exploration of new methods for CRC targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jintao Zeng
- Basic Medical College, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Dajia Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Haoyun Xia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Liqi Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Hongyuan Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Liangxiang Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Changqing Zeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
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25
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Role of stromal activin A in human pancreatic cancer and metastasis in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7986. [PMID: 33846512 PMCID: PMC8042028 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87213-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has extensive stromal involvement and remains one of the cancers with the highest mortality rates. Activin A has been implicated in colon cancer and its stroma but its role in the stroma of PDAC has not been elucidated. Activin A expression in cancer and stroma was assessed in human PDAC tissue microarrays (TMA). Activin A expression in human TMA is significantly higher in cancer samples, with expression in stroma correlated with shorter survival. Cultured pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) were found to secrete high levels of activin A resulting in PDAC cell migration that is abolished by anti-activin A neutralizing antibody. KPC mice treated with anti-activin A neutralizing antibody were evaluated for tumors, lesions and metastases quantified by immunohistochemistry. KPC mice with increased tumor burden express high plasma activin A. Treating KPC mice with an activin A neutralizing antibody does not reduce primary tumor size but decreases tumor metastases. From these data we conclude that PDAC patients with high activin A expression in stroma have a worse prognosis. PSCs secrete activin A, promoting increased PDAC migration. Inhibition of activin A in mice decreased metastases. Hence, stroma-rich PDAC patients might benefit from activin A inhibition.
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26
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De Martino M, Daviaud C, Vanpouille-Box C. Radiotherapy: An immune response modifier for immuno-oncology. Semin Immunol 2021; 52:101474. [PMID: 33741223 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2021.101474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The ability of radiotherapy to enhance antigenicity and adjuvanticity of an irradiated tumor has stimulated the interest for its combination with immuno-oncology agents. However, radiotherapy often generates multiple layers of host responses which likely depends on the tumor biology, the immune cell infiltration and the induction of immunosuppressive signals post radiotherapy. Consequently, translation of preclinical findings to the clinic is more convoluted than anticipated which underscore the need to decipher molecular and cellular mechanisms elicited by radiotherapy. Here we review pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive mechanisms triggered by radiotherapy that impact the outcome of antigen specific T cell killing and discuss how radiation-induced immunostimulatory mechanisms can be exploited to reactivate the host's immune system, especially in the context of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara De Martino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, Box 169, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Camille Daviaud
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, Box 169, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Claire Vanpouille-Box
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, Box 169, New York, NY, 10065, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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27
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Singh MP, Rai S, Pandey A, Singh NK, Srivastava S. Molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer: An emerging therapeutic opportunity for personalized medicine. Genes Dis 2021; 8:133-145. [PMID: 33997160 PMCID: PMC8099693 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular subtypes-based therapies offer new potential framework for desired and precise outcome in clinical settings. Current treatment strategies in colorectal cancer are largely 'one drug fit all' model for patients that display same pathological conditions. However, CRC is a very heterogenous set of malignancy that does not support for above criteria. Each subtype displays different pathological and genetic signatures. Based on these features, therapeutic stratification for individual patients may be designed, which may ultimately lead to improved therapeutic outcomes. In this comprehensive review, we have attempted to briefly outline major CRC pathways. A detailed overview of molecular subtypes and their clinical significance has been discussed. Present and future methods, governing CRC subtyping in the era of personalized therapy with a special emphasis on CMS subtypes of CRC has been reviewed. Together, discovery and validation of new CRC patient stratification methods, screening for novel therapeutic targets, and enhanced diagnosis of CRC may improve the treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Pratap Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, UP, 211004, India
| | - Sandhya Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, UP, 211004, India
| | - Ashutosh Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, UP, 211004, India
| | - Nand K. Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, UP, 211004, India
| | - Sameer Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, UP, 211004, India
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28
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Abstract
The mechanisms accountable for the infiltration of regulatory T cells into an irradiated tumor remain elusive. In our recent study, we demonstrate that activin A promotes regulatory T cells in tumors, and impairs anti-tumor immune responses induced by radiotherapy and TGF-β blockade. Dual blockade of activin A and TGF-β may be necessary to reduce regulatory T cells mediated immunosuppression driven by radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara De Martino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Camille Daviaud
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claire Vanpouille-Box
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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29
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Jo J, Abdi Nansa S, Kim DH. Molecular Regulators of Cellular Mechanoadaptation at Cell-Material Interfaces. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:608569. [PMID: 33364232 PMCID: PMC7753015 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.608569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse essential cellular behaviors are determined by extracellular physical cues that are detected by highly orchestrated subcellular interactions with the extracellular microenvironment. To maintain the reciprocity of cellular responses and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix, cells utilize a variety of signaling pathways that transduce biophysical stimuli to biochemical reactions. Recent advances in the micromanipulation of individual cells have shown that cellular responses to distinct physical and chemical features of the material are fundamental determinants of cellular mechanosensation and mechanotransduction. In the process of outside-in signal transduction, transmembrane protein integrins facilitate the formation of focal adhesion protein clusters that are connected to the cytoskeletal architecture and anchor the cell to the substrate. The linkers of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton molecular complexes, collectively termed LINC, are critical signal transducers that relay biophysical signals between the extranuclear cytoplasmic region and intranuclear nucleoplasmic region. Mechanical signals that involve cytoskeletal remodeling ultimately propagate into the nuclear envelope comprising the nuclear lamina in assistance with various nuclear membrane proteins, where nuclear mechanics play a key role in the subsequent alteration of gene expression and epigenetic modification. These intracellular mechanical signaling cues adjust cellular behaviors directly associated with mechanohomeostasis. Diverse strategies to modulate cell-material interfaces, including alteration of surface rigidity, confinement of cell adhesive region, and changes in surface topology, have been proposed to identify cellular signal transduction at the cellular and subcellular levels. In this review, we will discuss how a diversity of alterations in the physical properties of materials induce distinct cellular responses such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and chromosomal organization. Furthermore, the pathological relevance of misregulated cellular mechanosensation and mechanotransduction in the progression of devastating human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and aging, will be extensively reviewed. Understanding cellular responses to various extracellular forces is expected to provide new insights into how cellular mechanoadaptation is modulated by manipulating the mechanics of extracellular matrix and the application of these materials in clinical aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dong-Hwee Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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30
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Wang Y, Shuang L, Yujie S, Xiaohui M, Wei W, Jidong W. Activin A overexpression promotes rat follicular development through SCF-kit-mediated cell signals. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:1070-1073. [PMID: 32133888 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1736026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored the possible signaling pathway by which activin A induces oocyte maturation. Inhba-overexpressing lentivirus vectors were constructed and transfected into primary granulosa cells in vitro and ovary tissues in vivo in rats. The granulosa cell growth curve was drawn, and antibodies for phospho-Smad2, phospho-Erk5, phospho-Nur77, and stem cell factor (SCF) were prepared for western blot analysis. Protein expression of SCF and C-kit in the rat ovaries was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The rate of granulosa cell proliferation was higher in the Inhba gene overexpression group (INH) than in the control groups (CON group and GFP group) in vitro. Protein expression of SCF and C-kit was higher in the INH group than in the other two groups. phospho-Smad2, phospho-ERK5, P-nur77, and SCF proteins showed positive expression in rat ovarian granulosa cells in each group and were obviously increased in the INH group. Activin A overexpression may promote rat granulosa cell proliferation through Smad2/ERK5/nur77 signaling pathways, and rat granulosa cells overexpressing activin A in vitro showed increased levels of SCF and c-kit proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxia Wang
- Gynecology Department of Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Luo Shuang
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Su Yujie
- Gynecology Department of Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ma Xiaohui
- Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Wang Wei
- Clinical Department of Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Wang Jidong
- Gynecology Department of Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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31
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De Martino M, Daviaud C, Diamond JM, Kraynak J, Alard A, Formenti SC, Miller LD, Demaria S, Vanpouille-Box C. Activin A Promotes Regulatory T-cell-Mediated Immunosuppression in Irradiated Breast Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 9:89-102. [PMID: 33093219 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Increased regulatory T cells (Treg) after radiotherapy have been reported, but the mechanisms of their induction remain incompletely understood. TGFβ is known to foster Treg differentiation within tumors and is activated following radiotherapy. Thus, we hypothesized that TGFβ blockade would result in decreased Tregs within the irradiated tumor microenvironment. We found increased Tregs in the tumors of mice treated with focal radiotherapy and TGFβ blockade. This increase was mediated by upregulation of another TGFβ family member, activin A. In vitro, activin A secretion was increased following irradiation of mouse and human breast cancer cells, and its expression was further enhanced upon TGFβ blockade. In vivo, dual blockade of activin A and TGFβ was required to decrease intratumoral Tregs in the context of radiotherapy. This resulted in an increase in CD8+ T-cell priming and was associated with a reduced tumor recurrence rate. Combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with the dual blockade of activin A and TGFβ led to the development of tumor-specific memory responses in irradiated breast cancer. Supporting the translational value of activin A targeting to reduce Treg-mediated immunosuppression, retrospective analysis of a public dataset of patients with breast cancer revealed a positive correlation between activin A gene expression and Treg abundance. Overall, these results shed light on an immune escape mechanism driven by activin A and suggest that dual targeting of activin A and TGFβ may be required to optimally unleash radiation-induced antitumor immunity against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara De Martino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Camille Daviaud
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Julie M Diamond
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.,Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.,Endless Frontier Labs, New York, New York
| | - Jeffrey Kraynak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Amandine Alard
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM UMR 1037-University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Silvia C Formenti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.,Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lance D Miller
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.,Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Claire Vanpouille-Box
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York. .,Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, New York
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32
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Ervolino De Oliveira C, Dourado MR, Sawazaki-Calone Í, Costa De Medeiros M, Rossa Júnior C, De Karla Cervigne N, Esquiche León J, Lambert D, Salo T, Graner E, Coletta RD. Activin A triggers angiogenesis via regulation of VEGFA and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2020; 57:364-376. [PMID: 32377747 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor prognosis associated with the dysregulated expression of activin A in a number of malignancies has been related to with numerous aspects of tumorigenesis, including angiogenesis. The present study investigated the prognostic significance of activin A immunoexpression in blood vessels and cancer cells in a number of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cases and applied in vitro strategies to determine the impact of activin A on angiogenesis. In a cohort of 95 patients with OSCC, immunoexpression of activin A in both blood vessels and tumor cells was quantified and the association with clinicopathological parameters and survival was analyzed. Effects of activin A on the tube formation, proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated in gain‑of‑function (treatment with recombinant activin A) or loss‑of‑function [treatment with activin A‑antagonist follistatin or by stable transfection with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting activin A] conditions. Conditioned medium from an OSCC cell line with shRNA‑mediated depletion of activin A was also tested. The profile of pro‑ and anti‑angiogenic factors regulated by activin A was assessed with a human angiogenesis quantitative PCR (qPCR) array. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and its major isoforms were evaluated by reverse transcription‑qPCR and ELISA. Activin A expression in blood vessels demonstrated an independent prognostic value in the multivariate analysis with a hazard ratio of 2.47 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30‑4.71; P=0.006) for disease‑specific survival and 2.09 (95% CI, 1.07‑4.08l: P=0.03) for disease‑free survival. Activin A significantly increased tubular formation of HUVECs concomitantly with an increase in proliferation. This effect was validated by reduced proliferation and tubular formation of HUVECs following inhibition of activin A by follistatin or shRNA, as well as by treatment of HUVECs with conditioned medium from activin A‑depleted OSCC cells. Activin A‑knockdown increased the migration of HUVECs. In addition, activin A stimulated the phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and the expression and production of total VEGFA, significantly enhancing the expression of its pro‑angiogenic isoform 121. The present findings suggest that activin A is a predictor of the prognosis of patients with OSCC, and provide evidence that activin A, in an autocrine and paracrine manner, may contribute to OSCC angiogenesis through differential expression of the isoform 121 of VEGFA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurício Rocha Dourado
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP 13414‑018, Brazil
| | - Íris Sawazaki-Calone
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine, Dentistry School, Western Paraná State University, Cascavel, PR 85819‑170, Brazil
| | - Marcell Costa De Medeiros
- Departament of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Araraquara, SP 14801‑385, Brazil
| | - Carlos Rossa Júnior
- Departament of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Araraquara, SP 14801‑385, Brazil
| | | | - Jorge Esquiche León
- Departament of Stomatology, Public Oral Health and Forensic Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040‑904, Brazil
| | - Daniel Lambert
- Integrated Biosciences, School of Clinical Dentistry and Sheffield Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TG, UK
| | - Tuula Salo
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Edgard Graner
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP 13414‑018, Brazil
| | - Ricardo D Coletta
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP 13414‑018, Brazil
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Nuclear translocation of Atox1 potentiates activin A-induced cell migration and colony formation in colon cancer. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227916. [PMID: 31961892 PMCID: PMC6974162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer remains a deadly cancer due to metastatic disease. To understand the molecular mechanisms of metastasis in colon cancer, we investigated whether the copper chaperone antioxidant-1 (Atox1) protein plays a role in this process. Recent findings indicate that Atox1 protein has transcription factor activities and plays a vital role in cell proliferation in cancer cells. However, the role of Atox1 in metastasis has not been examined. Methods Atox1 expression was determined by immunofluorescence in a tissue microarray generated from a spectrum of CRC patients. Subcellular fractionation of colon cancer cell lines SW480 and SW620 cells was used to examine the cellular location of Atox1 in the face of activin A, a cytokine that stimulates colon cancer metastasis. Atox1 expression was genetically manipulated and cellular migration measured through trans-well assay and proliferation measured by colony formation assays. Results Here we demonstrate that in patients with metastatic colon cancer, there is a significant increase in the expression of nuclear Atox1. Interestingly, the metastatic CRC cell line SW620 has increased nuclear localization of Atox1 compared to its related non-metastatic cell line SW480. Further, inhibition of endogenous Atox1 by siRNA in SW620 decreased colony formation and reactive oxygen species generation via decreased expression of Atox1 targets cyclin D1 and NADPH oxidase subunit p47 phox, respectively. Additionally, overexpression of nuclear-targeted but not copper binding domain-mutated Atox1 in SW480 cells increased colony formation and cell migration that was further augmented by activin A stimulation, a known enhancer of colon cancer metastasis. Conclusions Our findings suggest that nuclear Atox1 might be a new therapeutic target as well as a new biomarker for metastatic colorectal cancer.
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Bauer J, Emon MAB, Staudacher JJ, Thomas AL, Zessner-Spitzenberg J, Mancinelli G, Krett N, Saif MT, Jung B. Increased stiffness of the tumor microenvironment in colon cancer stimulates cancer associated fibroblast-mediated prometastatic activin A signaling. Sci Rep 2020; 10:50. [PMID: 31919369 PMCID: PMC6952350 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55687-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest cancer in the US due to its propensity to metastasize. Stromal cells and especially cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) play a critical biophysical role in cancer progression, but the precise pro-metastatic mechanisms are not clear. Activin A, a TGF-β family member, is a strong pro-metastatic cytokine in the context of CRC. Here, we assessed the link between biophysical forces and pro-metastatic signaling by testing the hypothesis that CAF-generated mechanical forces lead to activin A release and associated downstream effects. Consistent with our hypothesis, we first determined that stromal activin A secretion increased with increasing substrate stiffness. Then we found that stromally-secreted activin A induced ligand-dependent CRC epithelial cell migration and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, serum activin A levels are significantly increased in metastatic (stage IV) CRC patients (1.558 ng/ml versus 0.4179 ng/ml, p < 0.05). We propose that increased tumor microenvironment stiffness leads to stromal cell-mediated TGF-β family signaling relying on the induction and utilization of activin A signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bauer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Md Abul Bashar Emon
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jonas J Staudacher
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité-University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra L Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jasmin Zessner-Spitzenberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georgina Mancinelli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nancy Krett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M Taher Saif
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Barbara Jung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Gu S, Zaidi S, Hassan I, Mohammad T, Malta TM, Noushmehr H, Nguyen B, Crandall KA, Srivastav J, Obias V, Lin P, Nguyen BN, Yao M, Yao R, King CH, Mazumder R, Mishra B, Rao S, Mishra L. Mutated CEACAMs Disrupt Transforming Growth Factor Beta Signaling and Alter the Intestinal Microbiome to Promote Colorectal Carcinogenesis. Gastroenterology 2020; 158:238-252. [PMID: 31585122 PMCID: PMC7124154 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We studied interactions among proteins of the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM) family, which interact with microbes, and transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) signaling pathway, which is often altered in colorectal cancer cells. We investigated mechanisms by which CEACAM proteins inhibit TGFB signaling and alter the intestinal microbiome to promote colorectal carcinogenesis. METHODS We collected data on DNA sequences, messenger RNA expression levels, and patient survival times from 456 colorectal adenocarcinoma cases, and a separate set of 594 samples of colorectal adenocarcinomas, in The Cancer Genome Atlas. We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing analyses of feces from wild-type mice and mice with defects in TGFB signaling (Sptbn1+/- and Smad4+/-/Sptbn1+/-) to identify changes in microbiota composition before development of colon tumors. CEACAM protein and its mutants were overexpressed in SW480 and HCT116 colorectal cancer cell lines, which were analyzed by immunoblotting and proliferation and colony formation assays. RESULTS In colorectal adenocarcinomas, high expression levels of genes encoding CEACAM proteins, especially CEACAM5, were associated with reduced survival times of patients. There was an inverse correlation between expression of CEACAM genes and expression of TGFB pathway genes (TGFBR1, TGFBR2, and SMAD3). In colorectal adenocarcinomas, we also found an inverse correlation between expression of genes in the TGFB signaling pathway and genes that regulate stem cell features of cells. We found mutations encoding L640I and A643T in the B3 domain of human CEACAM5 in colorectal adenocarcinomas; structural studies indicated that these mutations would alter the interaction between CEACAM5 and TGFBR1. Overexpression of these mutants in SW480 and HCT116 colorectal cancer cell lines increased their anchorage-independent growth and inhibited TGFB signaling to a greater extent than overexpression of wild-type CEACAM5, indicating that they are gain-of-function mutations. Compared with feces from wild-type mice, feces from mice with defects in TGFB signaling had increased abundance of bacterial species that have been associated with the development of colon tumors, including Clostridium septicum, and decreased amounts of beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides vulgatus and Parabacteroides distasonis. CONCLUSION We found expression of CEACAMs and genes that regulate stem cell features of cells to be increased in colorectal adenocarcinomas and inversely correlated with expression of TGFB pathway genes. We found colorectal adenocarcinomas to express mutant forms of CEACAM5 that inhibit TGFB signaling and increase proliferation and colony formation. We propose that CEACAM proteins disrupt TGFB signaling, which alters the composition of the intestinal microbiome to promote colorectal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoujun Gu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sobia Zaidi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Taj Mohammad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Tathiane M. Malta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Houtan Noushmehr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bryan Nguyen
- Computational Biology Institute and Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Keith A. Crandall
- Computational Biology Institute and Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Vincent Obias
- Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Paul Lin
- Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bao-Ngoc Nguyen
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Ren Yao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Charles Hadley King
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Raja Mazumder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bibhuti Mishra
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shuyun Rao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
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Koveitypour Z, Panahi F, Vakilian M, Peymani M, Seyed Forootan F, Nasr Esfahani MH, Ghaedi K. Signaling pathways involved in colorectal cancer progression. Cell Biosci 2019; 9:97. [PMID: 31827763 PMCID: PMC6889432 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-019-0361-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of the worldwide cancer mortality. Different molecular mechanisms have been attributed to the development and progress of CRC. In this review, we will focus on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades downstream of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Notch, PI3K/AKT pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and Wnt signaling pathways. Various mutations in the components of these signaling pathways have been linked to the development of CRC. Accordingly, numerous efforts have been carried out to target the signaling pathways to develop novel therapeutic approaches. Herein, we review the signaling pathways involved in the incidence and progression of CRC, and the strategies for the therapy targeting components of signaling pathways in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Koveitypour
- Department of Modern Biology, ACECR Institute of Higher Education (Isfahan Branch), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farnoush Panahi
- Department of Modern Biology, ACECR Institute of Higher Education (Isfahan Branch), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Vakilian
- 6Department of Cell Regeneration and Advanced Therapies, Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER), University of Pablo de Olavide-University of Seville-CSIC, Seville, Spain.,7Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Malaga (UMA), Malaga, Spain
| | - Maryam Peymani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box: 88137-33395, Shahrekord, Iran.,4Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 816513-1378, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farzad Seyed Forootan
- 4Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 816513-1378, Isfahan, Iran.,Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- 4Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 816513-1378, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- 3Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.,4Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 816513-1378, Isfahan, Iran
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Jiang L, Zhao XH, Mao YL, Wang JF, Zheng HJ, You QS. Long non-coding RNA RP11-468E2.5 curtails colorectal cancer cell proliferation and stimulates apoptosis via the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by targeting STAT5 and STAT6. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2019; 38:465. [PMID: 31718693 PMCID: PMC6852742 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1428-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are tumor-associated biological molecules and have been found to be implicated in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to examine the effects of lncRNA RP11-468E2.5 and its target genes (STAT5 and STAT6) on the biological activities of CRC cells via the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway. METHODS We initially screened the GEO database for differentially expressed lncRNAs related to CRC and then made a prediction of the implicated target genes. Then we collected CRC tissues and adjacent normal tissues from 169 CRC patients. Human CRC HCT116 and SW480 cells were treated with small interference RNA (siRNA) against RP11-468E2.5, AG490 (an inhibitor of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway), or both in combination. Next, we measured the effects of RP11-468E2.5 treatment on cellular activities such as cell viability, cycle distribution and cell apoptosis, and studied interactions among RP11-468E2.5, STAT5/STAT6, and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Finally, an in vivo tumor formation assay was performed to observe the effect of RP11-468E2.5 on tumor growth. RESULTS The CRC-related gene microarray data showed low expression of RP11-468E2.5 in CRC surgical specimens. However, RP11-468E2.5 was confirmed to target STAT5 and STAT6, which participate in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. CRC tissues showed lower expression of RP11-468E2.5, higher expression of STAT5, STAT6 and of the cell cycle marker Cyclin D1 (CCND1), compared to the findings in adjacent normal tissues. The treatment of siRNA against RP11-468E2.5 increased expression of JAK2, STAT3, STAT5, STAT6, CCND1 and Bcl-2 along with the extent of STAT3, STAT5 and STAT6 phosphorylation, while lowering expression of P21 and P27. Treatment with AG490 exhibited approximately opposite effects, whereas siRNA against RP11-468E2.5 treatment stimulated CRC cell proliferation and reduced cell apoptosis, while promoting cell cycle entry; AG490 treatment reversed these results. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, we conclude that up-regulation of RP11-468E2.5 inhibits the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by targeting STAT5 and STAT6, thereby suppressing cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jiang
- Department of Hematology and Lymphatic Diseases, Harbin Medical University Tumour Hospital, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu-Hai Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Tumour Hospital, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin-Ling Mao
- Department of Abdominal Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical University Tumour Hospital, No. 150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun-Feng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Harbin Medical University Tumour Hospital, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Jun Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Kangying Hospital of Mingshui County, Suihua, 151700, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Shan You
- Department of Abdominal Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical University Tumour Hospital, No. 150, Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, People's Republic of China
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Zessner-Spitzenberg J, Thomas AL, Krett NL, Jung B. TGFβ and activin A in the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer. GENE REPORTS 2019; 17. [PMID: 32154442 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2019.100501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although overall survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing steadily due to progress in screening, therapeutic options and precise diagnostic tools remain scarce. As the understanding of CRC as a complex and multifactorial condition moves forward, the tumor microenvironment has come into focus as a source of diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. The role of TGFβ in shifting the epithelial cancer compartment towards invasiveness and a pro-migratory phenotype via stromal signaling has been widely investigated. Accordingly, recent studies have proposed that CRC patients could be stratified into distinct subtypes and have identified one poor prognosis subset of CRC that is characterized by high stromal activity and elevated levels of TGFβ. The TGFβ superfamily member activin A is crucial for the pro-metastatic properties of the TGFβ pathway, yet it has been under-researched in CRC carcinogenesis. In this review, we will elucidate the signaling network and interdependency of both ligands in the context of the tumor microenvironment in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Zessner-Spitzenberg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Alexandra L Thomas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Nancy L Krett
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Barbara Jung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Roudebush C, Catala-Valentin A, Andl T, Le Bras GF, Andl CD. Activin A-mediated epithelial de-differentiation contributes to injury repair in an in vitro gastrointestinal reflux model. Cytokine 2019; 123:154782. [PMID: 31369967 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Reflux esophagitis is a result of esophageal exposure to acid and bile during episodes of gastroesophageal reflux. Aside from chemical injury to the esophageal epithelium, it has been shown that acid and bile induce cytokine-mediated injury by stimulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. During the repair and healing process following reflux injury, the squamous esophageal cells are replaced with a columnar epithelium causing Barrett's metaplasia, which predisposes patients to esophageal adenocarcinoma. We identified a novel player in gastroesophageal reflux injury, the TGFβ family member Activin A (ActA), which is a known regulator of inflammation and tissue repair. In this study, we show that in response to bile salt and acidified media (pH 4) exposure, emulating the milieu to which the distal esophagus is exposed during gastroesophageal reflux, long-term treated, tolerant esophageal keratinocytes exhibit increased ActA secretion and a pro-inflammatory cytokine signature. Furthermore, we noted increased motility and expression of the stem cell markers SOX9, LGR5 and DCLK1 supporting the notion that repair mechanisms were activated in the bile salt/acid-tolerant keratinocytes. Additionally, these experiments demonstrated that de-differentiation as characterized by the induction of YAP1, FOXO3 and KRT17 was altered by ActA/TGFβ signaling. Collectively, our results suggest a pivotal role for ActA in the inflammatory GERD environment by modulating esophageal tissue repair and de-differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Roudebush
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Alma Catala-Valentin
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Thomas Andl
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Gregoire F Le Bras
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Claudia D Andl
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States.
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CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knockout in intestinal tumor organoids provides functional validation for colorectal cancer driver genes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:15635-15644. [PMID: 31300537 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1904714116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Several genome sequencing studies have provided comprehensive CRC genomic datasets. Likewise, in our previous study, we performed genome-wide Sleeping Beauty transposon-based mutagenesis screening in mice and provided comprehensive datasets of candidate CRC driver genes. However, functional validation for most candidate CRC driver genes, which were commonly identified from both human and mice, has not been performed. Here, we describe a platform for functionally validating CRC driver genes that utilizes CRISPR-Cas9 in mouse intestinal tumor organoids and human CRC-derived organoids in xenograft mouse models. We used genetically defined benign tumor-derived organoids carrying 2 frequent gene mutations (Apc and Kras mutations), which act in the early stage of CRC development, so that we could clearly evaluate the tumorigenic ability of the mutation in a single gene. These studies showed that Acvr1b, Acvr2a, and Arid2 could function as tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) in CRC and uncovered a role for Trp53 in tumor metastasis. We also showed that co-occurrent mutations in receptors for activin and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) synergistically promote tumorigenesis, and shed light on the role of activin receptors in CRC. This experimental system can also be applied to mouse intestinal organoids carrying other sensitizing mutations as well as organoids derived from other organs, which could further contribute to identification of novel cancer driver genes and new drug targets.
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Xu Y, Shen L, Li F, Yang J, Wan X, Ouyang M. microRNA-16-5p-containing exosomes derived from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells by downregulating ITGA2. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:21380-21394. [PMID: 31102273 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a form of cancer developing from either the colon or rectum. Nowadays, research supports the functionality of exosome expressing microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarker for various cancers including CRC. This study was performed with the intent of investigating the roles of both bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and exosomal miR-16-5p in CRC by regulating integrin α2 (ITGA2). A microarray-based analysis was conducted to screen the CRC-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as well as potential regulatory miRNAs. Next, the role of miR-16-5p in terms of its progression in association with CRC was determined. Subsequently, CRC cells were exposed to exosomes secreted by BMSCs transfected with miR-16-5p, isolated and cocultured with CRC cells in an attempt to identify the role of exosomes. Effects of BMSCs-derived exosomes overexpressing miR-16-5p on biological functions of CRC cells and tumorigenicity were all subsequently detected. Effects of miR-16-5p treated with CRC cells in regard to CRC in vivo were also measured. ITGA2 was overexpressed, while miR-16-5p was poorly expressed in CRC cells and miR-16-5p targeted ITGA2. The in vitro experiments revealed that the BMSCs-derived exosomes overexpressing miR-16-5p inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, while simultaneously stimulating the apoptosis of the CRC cells via downregulation of ITGA2. Furthermore, the results of in vivo experiments confirmed that the BMSCs-derived exosomes overexpressing miR-16-5p repressed the tumor growth of CRC. Collectively, BMSCs-derived exosomes overexpressing miR-16-5p restricted the progression of CRC by downregulating ITGA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangfang Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Fujun Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Junwen Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Wan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Ouyang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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Kalli M, Mpekris F, Wong CK, Panagi M, Ozturk S, Thiagalingam S, Stylianopoulos T, Papageorgis P. Activin A Signaling Regulates IL13Rα2 Expression to Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis. Front Oncol 2019; 9:32. [PMID: 30805303 PMCID: PMC6370707 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination of cancer cells to distal organs is the major cause of death for patients suffering from the aggressive basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) subtype. Recently, we have shown that interleukin 13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Rα2) is a critical gene that is overexpressed in a subset of BLBC primary tumors associated with poor distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and can promote extravasation and metastasis of breast cancer cells to the lungs. However, the upstream signaling mechanisms that promote aberrant IL13Rα2 expression during tumor progression remain unknown. Driven by our previously published gene expression microarray data derived from a well-characterized cell line model for BLBC progression, we show that both Inhibin βA (INHBA) and IL13Rα2 genes exhibit similarly higher expression levels in metastatic compared to non-metastatic cells and that overexpression of both genes predicts worse metastasis-free survival of patients with high grade tumors. Activin A, a member of the TGFβ superfamily comprising two INHBA subunits, has been shown to play context-depended roles in cancer progression. Here, we demonstrate that INHBA depletion downregulates IL13Rα2 expression in metastatic breast cancer cells, whereas treatment with Activin A in non-metastatic cells increases its expression levels. We also find that Activin A predominantly induces Smad2 phosphorylation and to a lesser extent activates Smad3 and Akt. Interestingly, we also show that Activin A-mediated upregulation of IL13Rα2 is Smad2-dependent since knocking down Smad2 or using the ALK4/ALK5 inhibitors EW-7197 and SB-505124 abolishes this effect. Most importantly, our data indicate that knocking down INHBA levels in breast cancer cells delays primary tumor growth, suppresses migration in vitro and inhibits the formation of lung metastases in vivo. Conclusively, our findings presented here suggest that the development of therapeutic interventions employing small molecule inhibitors against Activin receptors or neutralizing antibodies targeting Activin A ligand, could serve as alternative approaches against breast tumors overexpressing INHBA and/or IL13Rα2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Fotios Mpekris
- Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chen K Wong
- Genetics & Genomics and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical Genetics Section, Molecular Medicine Program and Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sait Ozturk
- Genetics & Genomics and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical Genetics Section, Molecular Medicine Program and Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Genetics & Genomics and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical Genetics Section, Molecular Medicine Program and Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Wang CY, Ding HZ, Tang X, Li ZG. Comparative analysis of immune function, hemorheological alterations and prognosis in colorectal cancer patients with different traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Cancer Biomark 2018; 21:701-710. [PMID: 29171989 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-170805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study investigates the differences in immune function, hemorheological alterations and prognostic evaluation in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes. METHODS A total of 128 patients, diagnosed as stage II and III of CRC, were recruited. They were assigned into three TCM syndromes: deficiency syndrome, excess syndrome, and syndrome of intermingled deficiency and excess, and another 53 healthy individuals were selected as the control. Flow cytometry was used to determine the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (the levels of CD+3, CD+4, CD+8, NK cells, and the ratios of CD+4/CD+8, Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2). Whole blood viscosity (WBV), plasma viscosity (PV), hematocrit (Hct), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), plasma fibrinogen concentration (PFC) were measured using a fully-automatic blood rheological instrument. The univariate analysis and Cox regression analysis were conducted to evaluate the prognosis of CRC patients with different TCM syndromes. RESULTS Compared with healthy individuals, CRC patients with three different syndromes had lower levels of CD+3, CD+4, NK cells, and ratios of CD+4/CD+8, Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2, but higher level of CD+8, WBV, PV, Hct, ESR and PFC. Besides, patients with excess syndrome showed the highest levels of CD3+, CD4+ and NK cells, and ratios of CD+4/CD+8, Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2, but the lowest level of CD+8 among three syndromes, and those with deficiency syndrome showed an opposite trend. Compared with patients with excess syndrome, those with deficiency syndrome showed decreased WBV, PV, Hct, ESR and PFC. The pathological type, surgical approach, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, liver metastasis, TCM treatment time and different TCM syndromes were independent factors of prognostic survival in CRC patients except perioperative blood transfusion volume. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, we conclude that patients with TCM deficiency syndrome has lower immune function and poorer prognosis while patients with TCM excess syndrome has higher immune function and better prognosis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yang Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Huan-Zhang Ding
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao Tang
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, Anhui, China
| | - Ze-Geng Li
- Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China
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Emon B, Bauer J, Jain Y, Jung B, Saif T. Biophysics of Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Metastasis - A Mini Review. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2018; 16:279-287. [PMID: 30128085 PMCID: PMC6097544 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of tumor microenvironment in cancer progression is gaining significant attention. It is realized that cancer cells and the corresponding stroma co-evolve with time. Cancer cells recruit and transform the stromal cells, which in turn remodel the extra cellular matrix of the stroma. This complex interaction between the stroma and the cancer cells results in a dynamic feed-forward/feed-back loop with biochemical and biophysical cues that assist metastatic transition of the cancer cells. Although biochemistry has long been studied for the understanding of cancer progression, biophysical signaling is emerging as a critical paradigm determining cancer metastasis. In this mini review, we discuss the role of one of the biophysical cues, mostly the mechanical stiffness of tumor microenvironment, in cancer progression and its clinical implications.
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Key Words
- ADAMs, Adamalysins
- ANGPT2, Angiopoietin 2
- Activin/TGFβ
- CAF, Cancer associated fibroblast
- CSF-1, Colony stimulating factor 1
- CTGF, Connective tissue growth factor
- CYR61/CCN1, Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61/CCN family member 1
- Cancer
- ECM stiffness
- ECM, Extracellular matrix
- EGF, Epidermal growth factor
- EMT, Epithelial to mesenchymal transition
- FGF, Fibroblast growth factor
- Growth factors
- HGF/SF, Hepatocyte growth factor/Scatter factor
- IGFs, Insulin-like growth factors
- IL-13, Interleukin-13
- IL-33, Interleukin-33
- IL-6, Interleukin-6
- KGF, Keratinocyte growth factor, also FGF7
- LOX, Lysyl Oxidase
- MMPs, Matrix metalloproteinases
- Metastasis
- NO, Nitric oxide
- SDF-1/CXCL12, Stromal cell-derived factor 1/C-X-C motif chemokine 12
- TACs, Tumor-associated collagen signatures
- TGFβ, Transforming growth factor β
- TNF-α, Tumor necrosis factor-α
- Tumor biophysics
- VEGF, Vascular endothelial growth factor
- α-SMA, α-Smooth muscle actin
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashar Emon
- Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Jessica Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Yasna Jain
- Department of Architecture, BRAC University, Dhaka
| | - Barbara Jung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Taher Saif
- Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
- Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
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45
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Gang W, Wang JJ, Guan R, Yan S, Shi F, Zhang JY, Li ZM, Gao J, Fu XL. Strategy to targeting the immune resistance and novel therapy in colorectal cancer. Cancer Med 2018; 7:1578-1603. [PMID: 29658188 PMCID: PMC5943429 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing the CRC subtypes that can predict the outcome of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with immunogenicity seems to be a promising strategy to develop new drugs that target the antitumoral immune response. In particular, the disinhibition of the antitumoral T‐cell response by immune checkpoint blockade has shown remarkable therapeutic promise for patients with mismatch repair (MMR) deficient CRC. In this review, the authors provide the update of the molecular features and immunogenicity of CRC, discuss the role of possible predictive biomarkers, illustrate the modern immunotherapeutic approaches, and introduce the most relevant ongoing preclinical study and clinical trials such as the use of the combination therapy with immunotherapy. Furthermore, this work is further to understand the complex interactions between the immune surveillance and develop resistance in tumor cells. As expected, if the promise of these developments is fulfilled, it could develop the effective therapeutic strategies and novel combinations to overcome immune resistance and enhance effector responses, which guide clinicians toward a more “personalized” treatment for advanced CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Gang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, 200235, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, 200235, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Guan
- Hubei University of Medicine, NO. 30 People South Road, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, 442000, China
| | - Sun Yan
- Hubei University of Medicine, NO. 30 People South Road, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, 442000, China
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, 212001, China
| | - Jia-Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, 200235, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Meng Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, 200235, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, 212001, China
| | - Xing-Li Fu
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, 212001, China
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Wilson RB. Hypoxia, cytokines and stromal recruitment: parallels between pathophysiology of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, endometriosis and peritoneal metastasis. Pleura Peritoneum 2018; 3:20180103. [PMID: 30911653 PMCID: PMC6405013 DOI: 10.1515/pp-2018-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal response to various kinds of injury involves loss of peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMC), danger signalling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT). Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), endometriosis (EM) and peritoneal metastasis (PM) are all characterized by hypoxia and formation of a vascularized connective tissue stroma mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is constitutively expressed by the PMC and plays a major role in the maintenance of a transformed, inflammatory micro-environment in PM, but also in EPS and EM. Persistently high levels of TGF-β1 or stimulation by inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6)) induce peritoneal MMT, adhesion formation and fibrosis. TGF-β1 enhances hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression, which drives cell growth, extracellular matrix production and cell migration. Disruption of the peritoneal glycocalyx and exposure of the basement membrane release low molecular weight hyaluronan, which initiates a cascade of pro-inflammatory mediators, including peritoneal cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, prostaglandins), growth factors (TGF-α, TGF-β, platelet-derived growth factor, VEGF, epidermal growth factor) and the fibrin/coagulation cascade (thrombin, Tissue factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor [PAI]-1/2). Chronic inflammation and cellular transformation are mediated by damage-associated molecular patterns, pattern recognition receptors, AGE-RAGE, extracellular lactate, pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, increased glycolysis, metabolomic reprogramming and cancer-associated fibroblasts. The pathogenesis of EPS, EM and PM shows similarities to the cellular transformation and stromal recruitment of wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Beaumont Wilson
- Upper GI Surgery Department, Liverpool Hospital, Elizabeth St, Liverpool, 2170, NSW, Australia
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47
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Baran B, Mert Ozupek N, Yerli Tetik N, Acar E, Bekcioglu O, Baskin Y. Difference Between Left-Sided and Right-Sided Colorectal Cancer: A Focused Review of Literature. Gastroenterology Res 2018; 11:264-273. [PMID: 30116425 PMCID: PMC6089587 DOI: 10.14740/gr1062w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide with a high mortality rate at the advanced stages. However, colorectal cancer is not a single type of tumor; its pathogenesis depends on the anatomical location of the tumor and differs between right side and left side of the colon. Tumors in the proximal colon (right side) and distal colon (left side) exhibit different molecular characteristics and histology. In the right-sided tumors, mutations in the DNA mismatch repair pathway are commonly observed; and these tumors generally have a flat histology. In the left-sided tumors, chromosomal instability pathway-related mutations, such as KRAS, APC, PIK3CA, p53 mutations are observed and these tumors demonstrate polypoid-like morphology. Therapy responses are totally different between these tumor entities. Left-sided colorectal cancer (LCRC) patients benefit more from adjuvant chemotherapies such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based regimes, and targeted therapies such as anti- epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy, and have a better prognosis. Right-sided colorectal cancer (RCRC) patients do not respond well to conventional chemotherapies, but demonstrate more promising results with immunotherapies because these tumors have high antigenic load. For the development of effective therapy regimes and better treatment options, it is essential to evaluate right-sided and left-sided tumors as separate entities, and design the therapy regime considering the differences between these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcin Baran
- Department of Basic Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nazli Mert Ozupek
- Department of Basic Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nihal Yerli Tetik
- Department of Basic Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Emine Acar
- Department of Translational Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Omer Bekcioglu
- Department of Basic Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Baskin
- Department of Basic Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.,Dokuz Eylul University, Personalized Medicine and Pharmacogenomic Research Center, Izmir, Turkey
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