1
|
Lin Z, Li G, Jiang K, Li Z, Liu T. Cancer therapy resistance mediated by cancer-associated fibroblast-derived extracellular vesicles: biological mechanisms to clinical significance and implications. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:191. [PMID: 39244548 PMCID: PMC11380334 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a diverse stromal cell population within the tumour microenvironment, where they play fundamental roles in cancer progression and patient prognosis. Multiple lines of evidence have identified that CAFs are critically involved in shaping the structure and function of the tumour microenvironment with numerous functions in regulating tumour behaviours, such as metastasis, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CAFs can interact extensively with cancer cells by producing extracellular vesicles (EVs), multiple secreted factors, and metabolites. Notably, CAF-derived EVs have been identified as critical mediators of cancer therapy resistance, and constitute novel therapy targets and biomarkers in cancer management. This review aimed to summarize the biological roles and detailed molecular mechanisms of CAF-derived EVs in mediating cancer resistance to chemotherapy, targeted therapy agents, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. We also discussed the therapeutic potential of CAF-derived EVs as novel targets and clinical biomarkers in cancer clinical management, thereby providing a novel therapeutic strategy for enhancing cancer therapy efficacy and improving patient prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjun Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139# Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410011, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guoqing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139# Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410011, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139# Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410011, China
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139# Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410011, China.
| | - Tang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139# Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Holman DR, Rubin SJS, Ferenc M, Holman EA, Koron AN, Daniel R, Boland BS, Nolan GP, Chang JT, Rogalla S. Automated spatial omics landscape analysis approach reveals novel tissue architectures in ulcerative colitis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18934. [PMID: 39147769 PMCID: PMC11327370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68397-5] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The utility of spatial omics in leveraging cellular interactions in normal and diseased states for precision medicine is hampered by a lack of strategies for matching disease states with spatial heterogeneity-guided cellular annotations. Here we use a spatial context-dependent approach that matches spatial pattern detection to cell annotation. Using this approach in existing datasets from ulcerative colitis patient colonic biopsies, we identified architectural complexities and associated difficult-to-detect rare cell types in ulcerative colitis germinal-center B cell follicles. Our approach deepens our understanding of health and disease pathogenesis, illustrates a strategy for automating nested architecture detection for highly multiplexed spatial biology data, and informs precision diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derek R Holman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Samuel J S Rubin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mariusz Ferenc
- Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elizabeth A Holman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexander N Koron
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robel Daniel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brigid S Boland
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Garry P Nolan
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John T Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Stephan Rogalla
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Radtke AJ, Postovalova E, Varlamova A, Bagaev A, Sorokina M, Kudryashova O, Meerson M, Polyakova M, Galkin I, Svekolkin V, Isaev S, Wiebe D, Sharun A, Sarachakov A, Perelman G, Lozinsky Y, Yaniv Z, Lowekamp BC, Speranza E, Yao L, Pittaluga S, Shaffer AL, Jonigk D, Phelan JD, Davies-Hill T, Huang DW, Ovcharov P, Nomie K, Nuzhdina E, Kotlov N, Ataullakhanov R, Fowler N, Kelly M, Muppidi J, Davis JL, Hernandez JM, Wilson WH, Jaffe ES, Staudt LM, Roschewski M, Germain RN. Multi-omic profiling of follicular lymphoma reveals changes in tissue architecture and enhanced stromal remodeling in high-risk patients. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:444-463.e10. [PMID: 38428410 PMCID: PMC10966827 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a generally incurable malignancy that evolves from developmentally blocked germinal center (GC) B cells. To promote survival and immune escape, tumor B cells undergo significant genetic changes and extensively remodel the lymphoid microenvironment. Dynamic interactions between tumor B cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are hypothesized to contribute to the broad spectrum of clinical behaviors observed among FL patients. Despite the urgent need, existing clinical tools do not reliably predict disease behavior. Using a multi-modal strategy, we examined cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors governing progression and therapeutic outcomes in FL patients enrolled onto a prospective clinical trial. By leveraging the strengths of each platform, we identify several tumor-specific features and microenvironmental patterns enriched in individuals who experience early relapse, the most high-risk FL patients. These features include stromal desmoplasia and changes to the follicular growth pattern present 20 months before first progression and first relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Radtke
- Lymphocyte Biology Section and Center for Advanced Tissue Imaging, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ziv Yaniv
- Bioinformatics and Computational Bioscience Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Bradley C Lowekamp
- Bioinformatics and Computational Bioscience Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emily Speranza
- Lymphocyte Biology Section and Center for Advanced Tissue Imaging, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Li Yao
- Li Yao Visuals, Rockville, MD 20855, USA
| | | | - Arthur L Shaffer
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Tumor Targeted Delivery, Heme Malignancy Target Discovery Group, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Danny Jonigk
- Institute of Pathology, Aachen Medical University, RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - James D Phelan
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Da Wei Huang
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael Kelly
- CCR Single Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jagan Muppidi
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeremy L Davis
- Surgical Oncology Program, Metastasis Biology Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jonathan M Hernandez
- Surgical Oncology Program, Metastasis Biology Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Elaine S Jaffe
- Laboratory of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Louis M Staudt
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mark Roschewski
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ronald N Germain
- Lymphocyte Biology Section and Center for Advanced Tissue Imaging, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rogalla S, Holman D, Rubin S, Ferenc M, Holman E, Koron A, Daniel R, Boland B, Nolan G, Chang J. Automated Spatial Omics Landscape Analysis Approach Reveals Novel Tissue Architectures in Ulcerative Colitis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3965505. [PMID: 38559236 PMCID: PMC10980100 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3965505/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The utility of spatial omics in leveraging cellular interactions in normal and diseased states for precision medicine is hampered by a lack of strategies for matching disease states with spatial heterogeneity-guided cellular annotations. Here we use a spatial context-dependent approach that matches spatial pattern detection to cell annotation. Using this approach in existing datasets from ulcerative colitis patient colonic biopsies, we identified architectural complexities and associated difficult-to-detect rare cell types in ulcerative colitis germinal-center B cell follicles. Our approach deepens our understanding of health and disease pathogenesis, illustrates a strategy for automating nested architecture detection for highly multiplexed spatial biology data, and informs precision diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
5
|
Mun S, Lee HJ, Kim P. Rebuilding the microenvironment of primary tumors in humans: a focus on stroma. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:527-548. [PMID: 38443595 PMCID: PMC10984944 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01191-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional tumor models have critical shortcomings in that they lack the complexity of the human stroma. The heterogeneous stroma is a central compartment of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that must be addressed in cancer research and precision medicine. To fully model the human tumor stroma, the deconstruction and reconstruction of tumor tissues have been suggested as new approaches for in vitro tumor modeling. In this review, we summarize the heterogeneity of tumor-associated stromal cells and general deconstruction approaches used to isolate patient-specific stromal cells from tumor tissue; we also address the effect of the deconstruction procedure on the characteristics of primary cells. Finally, perspectives on the future of reconstructed tumor models are discussed, with an emphasis on the essential prerequisites for developing authentic humanized tumor models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siwon Mun
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Pilnam Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
- Institute for Health Science and Technology, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gibson A, Ram R, Gangula R, Li Y, Mukherjee E, Palubinsky AM, Campbell CN, Thorne M, Konvinse KC, Choshi P, Deshpande P, Pedretti S, O’Neil RT, Wanjalla CN, Kalams SA, Gaudieri S, Lehloenya RJ, Bailin SS, Chopra A, Mallal SA, Phillips EJ. Multiomic single-cell sequencing defines tissue-specific responses in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic epidermal necrolysis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.26.568771. [PMID: 38405793 PMCID: PMC10888802 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.26.568771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a rare but life-threatening cutaneous drug reaction mediated by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I-restricted CD8+ T-cells. To obtain an unbiased assessment of SJS/TEN cellular immunopathogenesis, we performed single-cell (sc) transcriptome, surface proteome, and TCR sequencing on unaffected skin, affected skin, and blister fluid from 17 SJS/TEN patients. From 119,784 total cells, we identified 16 scRNA-defined subsets, confirmed by subset-defining surface protein expression. Keratinocytes upregulated HLA and IFN-response genes in the affected skin. Cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell subpopulations of expanded and unexpanded TCRαβ clonotypes were shared in affected skin and blister fluid but absent or unexpanded in SJS/TEN unaffected skin. SJS/TEN blister fluid is a rich reservoir of oligoclonal CD8+ T-cells with an effector phenotype driving SJS/TEN pathogenesis. This multiomic database will act as the basis to define antigen-reactivity, HLA restriction, and signatures of drug-antigen-reactive T-cell clonotypes at a tissue level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Gibson
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ramesh Ram
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rama Gangula
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yueran Li
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Eric Mukherjee
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Amy M Palubinsky
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chelsea N Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michael Thorne
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katherine C Konvinse
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Phuti Choshi
- Allergy and Immunology Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pooja Deshpande
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah Pedretti
- Allergy and Immunology Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard T O’Neil
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Celestine N Wanjalla
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Spyros A Kalams
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Silvana Gaudieri
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rannakoe J Lehloenya
- Allergy and Immunology Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Dermatology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Samuel S Bailin
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Abha Chopra
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jason A Trubiano on behalf of the AUS-SCAR study group
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Simon A Mallal
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Phillips
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Contreras-Panta EW, Choi E, Goldenring JR. The Fibroblast Landscape in Stomach Carcinogenesis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:671-678. [PMID: 38342299 PMCID: PMC10957461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Numerous recent studies using single cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have shown the vast cell heterogeneity, including epithelial, immune, and stromal cells, present in the normal human stomach and at different stages of gastric carcinogenesis. Fibroblasts within the metaplastic and dysplastic mucosal stroma represent key contributors to the carcinogenic microenvironment in the stomach. The heterogeneity of fibroblast populations is present in the normal stomach, but plasticity within these populations underlies their alterations in association with both metaplasia and dysplasia. In this review, we summarize and discuss efforts over the past several years to study the fibroblast components in human stomach from normal to metaplasia, dysplasia, and cancer. In the stomach, myofibroblast populations increase during late phase carcinogenesis and are a source of matrix proteins. PDGFRA-expressing telocyte-like cells are present in normal stomach and expand during metaplasia and dysplasia in close proximity with epithelial lineages, likely providing support for both normal and metaplastic progenitor niches. The alterations in fibroblast transcriptional signatures across the stomach carcinogenesis process indicate that fibroblast populations are likely as plastic as epithelial populations during the evolution of carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ela W Contreras-Panta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Eunyoung Choi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - James R Goldenring
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Nashville VA Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Soteriou D, Kubánková M, Schweitzer C, López-Posadas R, Pradhan R, Thoma OM, Györfi AH, Matei AE, Waldner M, Distler JHW, Scheuermann S, Langejürgen J, Eckstein M, Schneider-Stock R, Atreya R, Neurath MF, Hartmann A, Guck J. Rapid single-cell physical phenotyping of mechanically dissociated tissue biopsies. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1392-1403. [PMID: 37024677 PMCID: PMC10651479 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01015-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
During surgery, rapid and accurate histopathological diagnosis is essential for clinical decision making. Yet the prevalent method of intra-operative consultation pathology is intensive in time, labour and costs, and requires the expertise of trained pathologists. Here we show that biopsy samples can be analysed within 30 min by sequentially assessing the physical phenotypes of singularized suspended cells dissociated from the tissues. The diagnostic method combines the enzyme-free mechanical dissociation of tissues, real-time deformability cytometry at rates of 100-1,000 cells s-1 and data analysis by unsupervised dimensionality reduction and logistic regression. Physical phenotype parameters extracted from brightfield images of single cells distinguished cell subpopulations in various tissues, enhancing or even substituting measurements of molecular markers. We used the method to quantify the degree of colon inflammation and to accurately discriminate healthy and tumorous tissue in biopsy samples of mouse and human colons. This fast and label-free approach may aid the intra-operative detection of pathological changes in solid biopsies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Despina Soteriou
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markéta Kubánková
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christine Schweitzer
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rocío López-Posadas
- Department of Medicine 1-Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rashmita Pradhan
- Department of Medicine 1-Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Oana-Maria Thoma
- Department of Medicine 1-Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea-Hermina Györfi
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexandru-Emil Matei
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Waldner
- Department of Medicine 1-Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | - Markus Eckstein
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Regine Schneider-Stock
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Raja Atreya
- Department of Medicine 1-Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus F Neurath
- Department of Medicine 1-Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xue M, Tong Y, Xiong Y, Yu C. Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the progression, therapeutic resistance and targeted therapy of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1257266. [PMID: 37927475 PMCID: PMC10623436 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1257266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumours with high morbidity and mortality. Although surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are common treatment options available for oesophageal cancer, the 5-year survival rate remains low after treatment. On the one hand, many oesophageal cancers are are discovered at an advanced stage and, on the other hand, treatment resistance is a major obstacle to treating locally advanced ESCC. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the main type of stromal cell in the tumour microenvironment, enhance tumour progression and treatment resistance and have emerged as a major focus of study on targeted therapy of oesophageal cancer.With the aim of providing potential, prospective targets for improving therapeutic efficacy, this review summarises the origin and activation of CAFs and their specific role in regulating tumour progression and treatment resistance in ESCC. We also emphasize the clinical potential and emerging trends of ESCC CAFs-targeted treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Changhua Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li M, Wu B, Li L, Lv C, Tian Y. Reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A potential therapeutic strategy for cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188945. [PMID: 37356739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Activated fibroblasts, namely cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), are highly heterogeneous in phenotypes, functions, and origins. CAFs originated from varieties of cell types, including local resident fibroblasts, epithelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, or others. These cells participate in tumor angiogenesis, mechanics, drug access, and immune suppression, with the latter being particularly important. It was difficult to distinguish CAFs by subsets due to their complex origins until the use of scRNA-seq. Reprogramming CAFs with TGFβ-RI inhibitor, a CXCR4 blocker, or other methods increases T cells activation and infiltration, together with a decrease in CAFs recruitment, thus improving the prognosis. As depletion of CAFs can't bring clinical benefit, the combination of reprogramming CAFs and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) come into consideration. It has shown better outcomes compared with monotherapy respectively in basic/preclinical researches, and needs more data on clinical trials. Combination therapy may be a promising and expecting method for treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Mammary Gland, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Center(Group), No. 1 Dunhuang Road, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China; Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Baokang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lunxu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lischetti U, Tastanova A, Singer F, Grob L, Carrara M, Cheng PF, Martínez Gómez JM, Sella F, Haunerdinger V, Beisel C, Levesque MP. Dynamic thresholding and tissue dissociation optimization for CITE-seq identifies differential surface protein abundance in metastatic melanoma. Commun Biol 2023; 6:830. [PMID: 37563418 PMCID: PMC10415364 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Multi-omics profiling by CITE-seq bridges the RNA-protein gap in single-cell analysis but has been largely applied to liquid biopsies. Applying CITE-seq to clinically relevant solid biopsies to characterize healthy tissue and the tumor microenvironment is an essential next step in single-cell translational studies. In this study, gating of cell populations based on their transcriptome signatures for use in cell type-specific ridge plots allowed identification of positive antibody signals and setting of manual thresholds. Next, we compare five skin dissociation protocols by taking into account dissociation efficiency, captured cell type heterogeneity and recovered surface proteome. To assess the effect of enzymatic digestion on transcriptome and epitope expression in immune cell populations, we analyze peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with and without dissociation. To further assess the RNA-protein gap, RNA-protein we perform codetection and correlation analyses on thresholded protein values. Finally, in a proof-of-concept study, using protein abundance analysis on selected surface markers in a cohort of healthy skin, primary, and metastatic melanoma we identify CD56 surface marker expression on metastatic melanoma cells, which was further confirmed by multiplex immunohistochemistry. This work provides practical guidelines for processing and analysis of clinically relevant solid tissue biopsies for biomarker discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Lischetti
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aizhan Tastanova
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Franziska Singer
- ETH Zurich, NEXUS Personalized Health Technologies, Wagistrasse 18, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Linda Grob
- ETH Zurich, NEXUS Personalized Health Technologies, Wagistrasse 18, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Carrara
- ETH Zurich, NEXUS Personalized Health Technologies, Wagistrasse 18, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Phil F Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia M Martínez Gómez
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Federica Sella
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Veronika Haunerdinger
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Beisel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mitchell P Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shahvali S, Rahiman N, Jaafari MR, Arabi L. Targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP): advances in CAR-T cell, antibody, and vaccine in cancer immunotherapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2041-2056. [PMID: 36840906 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01308-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a serine protease with dual enzymatic activities overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in several tumor types, while its expression in healthy adult tissues is scarce. FAP overexpression on CAFs is associated with poor prognosis and plays an important role in tumor development, progression, and invasion. Therefore, FAP is considered a robust therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Here, we try to review and highlight the recent advances in immunotherapies for FAP targeting including the anti-FAP antibodies and immunoconjugates, FAP chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell, and various FAP vaccines in a preclinical and clinical setting. Subsequently, a discussion on the challenges and prospects associated with the development and translation of effective and safe therapies for targeting and depletion of FAP is provided. We proposed that new CAR-T cell engineering strategies and nanotechnology-based systems as well as advanced functional biomaterials can be used to improve the efficiency and safety of CAR-T cells and vaccines against FAP for more personalized immunotherapy. This review emphasizes the immune targeting of FAP as an emerging stromal candidate and one of the crucial elements in immunotherapy and shows the potential for improvement of current cancer therapy. A summary of different immunotherapy approaches to target fibroblast activation protein (FAP) for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Shahvali
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Niloufar Rahiman
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Leila Arabi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chhabra Y, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in cancer: Unity in heterogeneity. Cell 2023; 186:1580-1609. [PMID: 37059066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells do not exist in isolation in vivo, and carcinogenesis depends on the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of a myriad of cell types and biophysical and biochemical components. Fibroblasts are integral in maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, even before a tumor develops, pro-tumorigenic fibroblasts in close proximity can provide the fertile 'soil' to the cancer 'seed' and are known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In response to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, CAFs reorganize the TME enabling metastasis, therapeutic resistance, dormancy and reactivation by secreting cellular and acellular factors. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries on CAF-mediated cancer progression with a particular focus on fibroblast heterogeneity and plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The theory that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are immunosuppressive cells has prevailed throughout the past decade. However, recent high-throughput, high-resolution mesenchyme-directed single-cell studies have harnessed computational advances to functionally characterize cell states, highlighting the existence of immunostimulatory CAFs. Our group and others have uncovered and experimentally substantiated key functions of cancer antigen-presenting CAFs in T cell immunity, both in vitro and in vivo, refuting the conventional assumption that CAFs impede adaptive immune rejection of tumours. In this Perspective, I unify the follicular and non-follicular, non-endothelial stroma of tumours under the 'peripheral adaptive immune mesenchyme' framework and position subsets of CAFs as direct positive regulators of the adaptive immune system. Building on the understanding of cancer antigen presentation by CAFs and the second touch hypothesis, which postulates that full T cell polarization requires interaction with antigen-presenting cells in the non-lymphoid tissue where the antigen resides, I re-design the 'cancer-immunity cycle' to incorporate intratumoural activation of cancer-specific CD4+ T cells. Lastly, a road map to therapeutic harnessing of immunostimulatory CAF states is proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsoumakidou
- Institute of Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hanley CJ, Waise S, Ellis MJ, Lopez MA, Pun WY, Taylor J, Parker R, Kimbley LM, Chee SJ, Shaw EC, West J, Alzetani A, Woo E, Ottensmeier CH, Rose-Zerilli MJJ, Thomas GJ. Single-cell analysis reveals prognostic fibroblast subpopulations linked to molecular and immunological subtypes of lung cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:387. [PMID: 36720863 PMCID: PMC9889778 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35832-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are poorly characterised cells that variably impact tumour progression. Here, we use single cell RNA-sequencing, multiplexed immunohistochemistry and digital cytometry (CIBERSORTx) to identify and characterise three major fibroblast subpopulations in human non-small cell lung cancer: adventitial, alveolar and myofibroblasts. Alveolar and adventitial fibroblasts (enriched in control tissue samples) localise to discrete spatial niches in histologically normal lung tissue and indicate improved overall survival rates when present in lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD). Trajectory inference identifies three phases of control tissue fibroblast activation, leading to myofibroblast enrichment in tumour samples: initial upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, followed by stress-response signalling and ultimately increased expression of fibrillar collagens. Myofibroblasts correlate with poor overall survival rates in LUAD, associated with loss of epithelial differentiation, TP53 mutations, proximal molecular subtypes and myeloid cell recruitment. In squamous carcinomas myofibroblasts were not prognostic despite being transcriptomically equivalent. These findings have important implications for developing fibroblast-targeting strategies for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Hanley
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
- Cancer Research UK and NIHR Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Sara Waise
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Matthew J Ellis
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Maria A Lopez
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Wai Y Pun
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Julian Taylor
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Rachel Parker
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Lucy M Kimbley
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Serena J Chee
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) and Liverpool Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Emily C Shaw
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jonathan West
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Aiman Alzetani
- Department of Thoracic surgery, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Edwin Woo
- Department of Thoracic surgery, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Christian H Ottensmeier
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Cancer Research UK and NIHR Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) and Liverpool Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Matthew J J Rose-Zerilli
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Gareth J Thomas
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
- Cancer Research UK and NIHR Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Colpitts SJ, Budd MA, Monajemi M, Reid KT, Murphy JM, Ivison S, Verchere CB, Levings MK, Crome SQ. Strategies for optimizing CITE-seq for human islets and other tissues. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1107582. [PMID: 36936943 PMCID: PMC10014726 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1107582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Defining the immunological landscape of human tissue is an important area of research, but challenges include the impact of tissue disaggregation on cell phenotypes and the low abundance of immune cells in many tissues. Here, we describe methods to troubleshoot and standardize Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq) for studies involving enzymatic digestion of human tissue. We tested epitope susceptibility of 92 antibodies commonly used to differentiate immune lineages and cell states on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells following treatment with an enzymatic digestion cocktail used to isolate islets. We observed CD4, CD8a, CD25, CD27, CD120b, CCR4, CCR6, and PD1 display significant sensitivity to enzymatic treatment, effects that often could not be overcome with alternate antibodies. Comparison of flow cytometry-based CITE-seq antibody titrations and sequencing data supports that for the majority of antibodies, flow cytometry accurately predicts optimal antibody concentrations for CITE-seq. Comparison by CITE-seq of immune cells in enzymatically digested islet tissue and donor-matched spleen not treated with enzymes revealed little digestion-induced epitope cleavage, suggesting increased sensitivity of CITE-seq and/or that the islet structure may protect resident immune cells from enzymes. Within islets, CITE-seq identified immune cells difficult to identify by transcriptional signatures alone, such as distinct tissue-resident T cell subsets, mast cells, and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Collectively this study identifies strategies for the rational design and testing of CITE-seq antibodies for single-cell studies of immune cells within islets and other tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Colpitts
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew A. Budd
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mahdis Monajemi
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kyle T. Reid
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julia M. Murphy
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sabine Ivison
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - C. Bruce Verchere
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Canada and Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Megan K. Levings, ; Sarah Q. Crome, ; C. Bruce Verchere,
| | - Megan K. Levings
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Megan K. Levings, ; Sarah Q. Crome, ; C. Bruce Verchere,
| | - Sarah Q. Crome
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Megan K. Levings, ; Sarah Q. Crome, ; C. Bruce Verchere,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jenkins BH, Buckingham JF, Hanley CJ, Thomas GJ. Targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts: Challenges, opportunities and future directions. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108231. [PMID: 35718294 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a common cell in the tumour microenvironment with diverse tumour-promoting functions. Their presence in tumours is commonly associated with poor prognosis making them attractive therapeutic targets, particularly in the context of immunotherapy where CAFs have been shown to promote resistance to checkpoint blockade. Previous attempts to inhibit CAFs clinically have not been successful, however, in part due to a lack of understanding of CAF heterogeneity and function, with some fibroblast populations potentially being tumour suppressive. Recent single-cell transcriptomic studies have advanced our understanding of fibroblast phenotypes in normal tissues and cancers, allowing for a more precise characterisation of CAF subsets and providing opportunities to develop new therapies. Here we review recent advances in the field, focusing on the evolving area of therapeutic CAF targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H Jenkins
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | | | | | - Gareth J Thomas
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cocker ATH, Whettlock EM, Browne B, Lai PF, Li JKH, Sivarajasingam SP, Imami N, Johnson MR, Male V. Isolation of single cells from human uterus in the third trimester of pregnancy: myometrium, decidua, amnion and chorion. OXFORD OPEN IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 3:iqac010. [PMID: 36846559 PMCID: PMC9914580 DOI: 10.1093/oxfimm/iqac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, interactions between uterine immune cells and cells of the surrounding reproductive tissues are thought to be vital for regulating labour. The mechanism that specifically initiates spontaneous labour has not been determined, but distinct changes in uterine immune cell populations and their activation status have been observed during labour at term gestation. To understand the regulation of human labour by the immune system, the ability to isolate both immune cells and non-immune cells from the uterus is required. Here, we describe protocols developed in our laboratory to isolate single cells from uterine tissues, which preserve both immune and non-immune cell populations for further analysis. We provide detailed methods for isolating immune and non-immune cells from human myometrium, chorion, amnion and decidua, together with representative flow cytometry analysis of isolated cell populations present. The protocols can be completed in tandem and take approximately 4-5 h, resulting in single-cell suspensions that contain viable leucocytes, and non-immune cells in sufficient numbers for single-cell analysis approaches such as flow cytometry and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brendan Browne
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Pei F Lai
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan K H Li
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Nesrina Imami
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark R Johnson
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Male
- Correspondence address. School of Medicine, Stanford University, D150, Sherman Fairchild Science Building, 299 Campus Drive West, Stanford, CA, USA. , Tel: +44 (0)20 7589 5111
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kershner LJ, Choi K, Wu J, Zhang X, Perrino M, Salomonis N, Shern JF, Ratner N. Multiple Nf1 Schwann cell populations reprogram the plexiform neurofibroma tumor microenvironment. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e154513. [PMID: 36134665 PMCID: PMC9675562 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.154513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To define alterations early in tumor formation, we studied nerve tumors in neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), a tumor predisposition syndrome. Affected individuals develop neurofibromas, benign tumors driven by NF1 loss in Schwann cells (SCs). By comparing normal nerve cells to plexiform neurofibroma (PN) cells using single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, we identified changes in 5 SC populations, including a de novo SC progenitor-like (SCP-like) population. Long after Nf1 loss, SC populations developed PN-specific expression of Dcn, Postn, and Cd74, with sustained expression of the injury response gene Postn and showed dramatic expansion of immune and stromal cell populations; in corresponding human PNs, the immune and stromal cells comprised 90% of cells. Comparisons between injury-related and tumor monocytes/macrophages support early monocyte recruitment and aberrant macrophage differentiation. Cross-species analysis verified each SC population and unique conserved patterns of predicted cell-cell communication in each SC population. This analysis identified PROS1-AXL, FGF-FGFR, and MIF-CD74 and its effector pathway NF-κB as deregulated in NF1 SC populations, including SCP-like cells predicted to influence other types of SCs, stromal cells, and/or immune cells in mouse and human. These findings highlight remarkable changes in multiple types of SCs and identify therapeutic targets for PN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah J. Kershner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kwangmin Choi
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiyuan Zhang
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa Perrino
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nathan Salomonis
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, and
- Departments of Pediatrics and Bioinformatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jack F. Shern
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Menassa DA, Muntslag TAO, Martin-Estebané M, Barry-Carroll L, Chapman MA, Adorjan I, Tyler T, Turnbull B, Rose-Zerilli MJJ, Nicoll JAR, Krsnik Z, Kostovic I, Gomez-Nicola D. The spatiotemporal dynamics of microglia across the human lifespan. Dev Cell 2022; 57:2127-2139.e6. [PMID: 35977545 PMCID: PMC9616795 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Microglia, the brain's resident macrophages, shape neural development and are key neuroimmune hubs in the pathological signatures of neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite the importance of microglia, their development has not been carefully examined in the human brain, and most of our knowledge derives from rodents. We aimed to address this gap in knowledge by establishing an extensive collection of 97 post-mortem tissues in order to enable quantitative, sex-matched, detailed analysis of microglia across the human lifespan. We identify the dynamics of these cells in the human telencephalon, describing waves in microglial density across gestation, infancy, and childhood, controlled by a balance of proliferation and apoptosis, which track key neurodevelopmental milestones. These profound changes in microglia are also observed in bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq datasets. This study provides a detailed insight into the spatiotemporal dynamics of microglia across the human lifespan and serves as a foundation for elucidating how microglia contribute to shaping neurodevelopment in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Menassa
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tim A O Muntslag
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Martin-Estebané
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Liam Barry-Carroll
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Chapman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Istvan Adorjan
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Teadora Tyler
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bethany Turnbull
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - James A R Nicoll
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Zeljka Krsnik
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb Medical School, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivica Kostovic
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb Medical School, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Diego Gomez-Nicola
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fotsitzoudis C, Koulouridi A, Messaritakis I, Konstantinidis T, Gouvas N, Tsiaoussis J, Souglakos J. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: The Origin, Biological Characteristics and Role in Cancer-A Glance on Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184394. [PMID: 36139552 PMCID: PMC9497276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184394] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor microenvironment is a major contributor to tumor growth, metastasis and resistance to therapy. It consists of many cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which derive from different types of cells. CAFs detected in different tumor types are linked to poor prognosis, as in the case of colorectal cancer. Although their functions differ according to their subtype, their detection is not easy, and there are no established markers for such detection. They are possible targets for therapeutic treatment. Many trials are ongoing for their use as a prognostic factor and as a treatment target. More research remains to be carried out to establish their role in prognosis and treatment. Abstract The therapeutic approaches to cancer remain a considerable target for all scientists around the world. Although new cancer treatments are an everyday phenomenon, cancer still remains one of the leading mortality causes. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains in this category, although patients with CRC may have better survival compared with other malignancies. Not only the tumor but also its environment, what we call the tumor microenvironment (TME), seem to contribute to cancer progression and resistance to therapy. TME consists of different molecules and cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are a major component. They arise from normal fibroblasts and other normal cells through various pathways. Their role seems to contribute to cancer promotion, participating in tumorigenesis, proliferation, growth, invasion, metastasis and resistance to treatment. Different markers, such as a-SMA, FAP, PDGFR-β, periostin, have been used for the detection of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Their detection is important for two main reasons; research has shown that their existence is correlated with prognosis, and they are already under evaluation as a possible target for treatment. However, extensive research is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Fotsitzoudis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Asimina Koulouridi
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ippokratis Messaritakis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-394926
| | | | | | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Souglakos
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yerly L, Pich-Bavastro C, Di Domizio J, Wyss T, Tissot-Renaud S, Cangkrama M, Gilliet M, Werner S, Kuonen F. Integrated multi-omics reveals cellular and molecular interactions governing the invasive niche of basal cell carcinoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4897. [PMID: 35986012 PMCID: PMC9391376 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32670-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors invade the surrounding tissues to progress, but the heterogeneity of cell types at the tumor-stroma interface and the complexity of their potential interactions hampered mechanistic insight required for efficient therapeutic targeting. Here, combining single-cell and spatial transcriptomics on human basal cell carcinomas, we define the cellular contributors of tumor progression. In the invasive niche, tumor cells exhibit a collective migration phenotype, characterized by the expression of cell-cell junction complexes. In physical proximity, we identify cancer-associated fibroblasts with extracellular matrix-remodeling features. Tumor cells strongly express the cytokine Activin A, and increased Activin A-induced gene signature is found in adjacent cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations. Altogether, our data identify the cell populations and their transcriptional reprogramming contributing to the spatial organization of the basal cell carcinoma invasive niche. They also demonstrate the power of integrated spatial and single-cell multi-omics to decipher cancer-specific invasive properties and develop targeted therapies. The role of reciprocal tumour-stroma interactions in tumour invasion remains poorly characterised. Here, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics identifies the cell populations and their transcriptional reprogramming contributing to the spatial organization of the basal cell carcinoma invasive niche.
Collapse
|
23
|
Glabman RA, Choyke PL, Sato N. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Tumorigenicity and Targeting for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163906. [PMID: 36010899 PMCID: PMC9405783 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are found in the tumor microenvironment and exhibit several protumorigenic functions. Preclinical studies suggest that CAFs can be reduced, eliminated, or reprogrammed; however, clinical translation has not yet occurred. A better understanding of these cells and their functions will undoubtedly improve cancer treatments. In this review, we summarize current research, highlight major challenges, and discuss future opportunities for improving our knowledge of CAF biology and targeting. Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogenous group of activated fibroblasts and a major component of the tumor stroma. CAFs may be derived from fibroblasts, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, cancer stem cells, adipocytes, pericytes, or stellate cells. These complex origins may underlie their functional diversity, which includes pro-tumorigenic roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, the suppression of anti-tumor immunity, and resistance to cancer therapy. Several methods for targeting CAFs to inhibit tumor progression and enhance anti-tumor immunity have recently been reported. While preclinical studies have shown promise, to date they have been unsuccessful in human clinical trials against melanoma, breast cancer, pancreas cancer, and colorectal cancers. This review summarizes recent and major advances in CAF-targeting therapies, including DNA-based vaccines, anti-CAF CAR-T cells, and modifying and reprogramming CAF functions. The challenges in developing effective anti-CAF treatment are highlighted, which include CAF heterogeneity and plasticity, the lack of specific target markers for CAFs, the limitations in animal models recapitulating the human cancer microenvironment, and the undesirable off-target and systemic side effects. Overcoming these challenges and expanding our understanding of the basic biology of CAFs is necessary for making progress towards safe and effective therapeutic strategies against cancers in human patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raisa A. Glabman
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Peter L. Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Noriko Sato
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-240-858-3079
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
The single-cell revolution in the field of genomics is in full bloom, with clever new molecular biology tricks appearing regularly that allow researchers to explore new modalities or scale up their projects to millions of cells and beyond. Techniques abound to measure RNA expression, DNA alterations, protein abundance, chromatin accessibility, and more, all with single-cell resolution and often in combination. Despite such a rapidly changing technology landscape, there are several fundamental principles that are applicable to the majority of experimental workflows to help users avoid pitfalls and exploit the advantages of the chosen platform. In this overview article, we describe a variety of popular single-cell genomics technologies and address some common questions pertaining to study design, sample preparation, quality control, and sequencing strategy. As the majority of relevant publications currently revolve around single-cell RNA-seq, we will prioritize this genomics modality in our discussion. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Regan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lavie D, Ben-Shmuel A, Erez N, Scherz-Shouval R. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in the single-cell era. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:793-807. [PMID: 35883004 PMCID: PMC7613625 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00411-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are central players in the microenvironment of solid tumors, affecting cancer progression and metastasis. CAFs have diverse phenotypes, origins and functions and consist of distinct subpopulations. Recent progress in single-cell RNA-sequencing technologies has enabled detailed characterization of the complexity and heterogeneity of CAF subpopulations in multiple tumor types. In this Review, we discuss the current understanding of CAF subsets and functions as elucidated by single-cell technologies, their functional plasticity, and their emergent shared and organ-specific features that could potentially be harnessed to design better therapeutic strategies for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dor Lavie
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Neta Erez
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ruth Scherz-Shouval
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ilieva M, Miller HE, Agarwal A, Paulus GK, Madsen JH, Bishop AJR, Kauppinen S, Uchida S. FibroDB: Expression Analysis of Protein-Coding and Long Non-Coding RNA Genes in Fibrosis. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8010013. [PMID: 35202087 PMCID: PMC8877069 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Most long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are expressed at lower levels than protein-coding genes and their expression is often restricted to specific cell types, certain time points during development, and various stress and disease conditions, respectively. To revisit this long-held concept, we focused on fibroblasts, a common cell type in various organs and tissues. Using fibroblasts and changes in their expression profiles during fibrosis as a model system, we show that the overall expression level of lncRNA genes is significantly lower than that of protein-coding genes. Furthermore, we identified lncRNA genes whose expression is upregulated during fibrosis. Using dermal fibroblasts as a model, we performed loss-of-function experiments and show that the knockdown of the lncRNAs LINC00622 and LINC01711 result in gene expression changes associated with cellular and inflammatory responses, respectively. Since there are no lncRNA databases focused on fibroblasts and fibrosis, we built a web application, FibroDB, to further promote functional and mechanistic studies of fibrotic lncRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirolyuba Ilieva
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.I.); (J.H.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Henry E. Miller
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (H.E.M.); (A.J.R.B.)
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Network, Atlanta, GA 30317, USA; (A.A.); (G.K.P.)
| | - Arav Agarwal
- Bioinformatics Research Network, Atlanta, GA 30317, USA; (A.A.); (G.K.P.)
- Language Technologies Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Gabriela K. Paulus
- Bioinformatics Research Network, Atlanta, GA 30317, USA; (A.A.); (G.K.P.)
- Osthus GmbH, 52068 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jens Hedelund Madsen
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.I.); (J.H.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Alexander J. R. Bishop
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (H.E.M.); (A.J.R.B.)
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- May’s Cancer Center, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Sakari Kauppinen
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.I.); (J.H.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Shizuka Uchida
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.I.); (J.H.M.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: or
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ascensión AM, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, Izeta A. Challenges and Opportunities for the Translation of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Technologies to Dermatology. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:67. [PMID: 35054460 PMCID: PMC8781146 DOI: 10.3390/life12010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin is a complex and heterogeneous organ at the cellular level. This complexity is beginning to be understood through the application of single-cell genomics and computational tools. A large number of datasets that shed light on how the different human skin cell types interact in homeostasis-and what ceases to work in diverse dermatological diseases-have been generated and are publicly available. However, translation of these novel aspects to the clinic is lacking. This review aims to summarize the state-of-the-art of skin biology using single-cell technologies, with a special focus on skin pathologies and the translation of mechanistic findings to the clinic. The main implications of this review are to summarize the benefits and limitations of single-cell analysis and thus help translate the emerging insights from these novel techniques to the bedside.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex M. Ascensión
- Tissue Engineering Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain;
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain;
| | - Marcos J. Araúzo-Bravo
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain;
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48167 Muenster, Germany
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48012 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ander Izeta
- Tissue Engineering Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain;
- School of Engineering, Tecnun-University of Navarra, 20009 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ascensión AM, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, Izeta A. The need to reassess single-cell RNA sequencing datasets: the importance of biological sample processing. F1000Res 2021; 10:767. [PMID: 35399227 PMCID: PMC8984215 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.54864.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and additional single-cell omics technologies have provided scientists with unprecedented tools to explore biology at cellular resolution. However, reaching an appropriate number of good quality reads per cell and reasonable numbers of cells within each of the populations of interest are key to infer relevant conclusions about the underlying biology of the dataset. For these reasons, scRNAseq studies are constantly increasing the number of cells analysed and the granularity of the resultant transcriptomics analyses. Methods: We aimed to identify previously described fibroblast subpopulations in healthy adult human skin by using the largest dataset published to date (528,253 sequenced cells) and an unsupervised population-matching algorithm. Results: Our reanalysis of this landmark resource demonstrates that a substantial proportion of cell transcriptomic signatures may be biased by cellular stress and response to hypoxic conditions. Conclusions: We postulate that careful design of experimental conditions is needed to avoid long processing times of biological samples. Additionally, computation of large datasets might undermine the extent of the analysis, possibly due to long processing times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex M. Ascensión
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014, Spain
- Tissue Engineering Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014, Spain
| | - Marcos J. Araúzo-Bravo
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014, Spain
- Computational Biomedicine Data Analysis Platform, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERfes), Madrid, Spain
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Ander Izeta
- Tissue Engineering Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tecnun-University of Navarra, School of Engineering, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20009, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ascensión AM, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, Izeta A. The need to reassess single-cell RNA sequencing datasets: more is not always better. F1000Res 2021; 10:767. [PMID: 35399227 PMCID: PMC8984215 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.54864.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and additional single-cell omics technologies have provided scientists with unprecedented tools to explore biology at cellular resolution. However, reaching an appropriate number of good quality reads per cell and reasonable numbers of cells within each of the populations of interest are key to infer conclusions from otherwise limited analyses. For these reasons, scRNAseq studies are constantly increasing the number of cells analysed and the granularity of the resultant transcriptomics analyses. Methods: We aimed to identify previously described fibroblast subpopulations in healthy adult human skin by using the largest dataset published to date (528,253 sequenced cells) and an unsupervised population-matching algorithm. Results: Our reanalysis of this landmark resource demonstrates that a substantial proportion of cell transcriptomic signatures may be biased by cellular stress and response to hypoxic conditions. Conclusions: We postulate that the "more is better" approach, currently prevalent in the scientific community, might undermine the extent of the analysis, possibly due to long computational processing times inherent to large datasets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex M. Ascensión
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014, Spain
- Tissue Engineering Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014, Spain
| | - Marcos J. Araúzo-Bravo
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014, Spain
- Computational Biomedicine Data Analysis Platform, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERfes), Madrid, Spain
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Ander Izeta
- Tissue Engineering Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tecnun-University of Navarra, School of Engineering, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20009, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bienkowska KJ, Hanley CJ, Thomas GJ. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Oral Cancer: A Current Perspective on Function and Potential for Therapeutic Targeting. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2021; 2:686337. [PMID: 35048030 PMCID: PMC8757746 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.686337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the tumour microenvironement (TME) in cancer progression and resistance to therapies is now widely recognized. The most prominent non-immune cell type in the microenvironment of oral cancer (OSCC) is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Although CAF are a poorly characterised and heterogenous cell population, those with an "activated" myofibroblastic phenotype have been shown to support OSCC progression, promoting growth, invasion and numerous other "hallmarks of malignancy." CAF also confer broad resistance to different types of therapy, including chemo/radiotherapy and EGFR inhibitors; consistent with this, CAF-rich OSCC are associated with poor prognosis. In recent years, much CAF research has focused on their immunological role in the tumour microenvironment, showing that CAF shield tumours from immune attack through multiple mechanisms, and particularly on their role in promoting resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors, an exciting development for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic oral cancer, but which fails in most patients. This review summarises our current understanding of CAF subtypes and function in OSCC and discusses the potential for targeting these cells therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamila J. Bienkowska
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gareth J. Thomas
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pradhan RN, Krishnamurty AT, Fletcher AL, Turley SJ, Müller S. A bird's eye view of fibroblast heterogeneity: A pan-disease, pan-cancer perspective. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:299-320. [PMID: 34164824 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts, custodians of tissue architecture and function, are no longer considered a monolithic entity across tissues and disease indications. Recent advances in single-cell technologies provide an unrestricted, high-resolution view of fibroblast heterogeneity that exists within and across tissues. In this review, we summarize a compendium of single-cell transcriptomic studies and provide a comprehensive accounting of fibroblast subsets, many of which have been described to occupy specific niches in tissues at homeostatic and pathologic states. Understanding this heterogeneity is particularly important in the context of cancer, as the diverse cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are directly impacted by the expression phenotypes of their predecessors. Relationships between these heterogeneous populations often accompany and influence response to therapy in cancer and fibrosis. We further highlight the importance of integrating single-cell studies to deduce common fibroblast phenotypes across disease states, which will facilitate the identification of common signaling pathways, gene regulatory programs, and cell surface markers that are going to advance drug discovery and targeting.
Collapse
|
32
|
Single Cell Gene Expression Analysis in a 3D Microtissue Liver Model Reveals Cell Type-Specific Responses to Pro-Fibrotic TGF-β1 Stimulation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094372. [PMID: 33922101 PMCID: PMC8122664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
3D cell culture systems are widely used to study disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Multicellular liver microtissues (MTs) comprising HepaRG, hTERT-HSC and THP-1 maintain multicellular interactions and physiological properties required to mimic liver fibrosis. However, the inherent complexity of multicellular 3D-systems often hinders the discrimination of cell type specific responses. Here, we aimed at applying single cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) to discern the molecular responses of cells involved in the development of fibrosis elicited by TGF-β1. To obtain single cell suspensions from the MTs, an enzymatic dissociation method was optimized. Isolated cells showed good viability, could be re-plated and cultured in 2D, and expressed specific markers determined by scRNA-seq, qRT-PCR, ELISA and immunostaining. The three cell populations were successfully clustered using supervised and unsupervised methods based on scRNA-seq data. TGF-β1 led to a fibrotic phenotype in the MTs, detected as decreased albumin and increased αSMA expression. Cell-type specific responses to the treatment were identified for each of the three cell types. They included HepaRG damage characterized by a decrease in cellular metabolism, prototypical inflammatory responses in THP-1s and extracellular matrix remodeling in hTERT-HSCs. Furthermore, we identified novel cell-specific putative fibrosis markers in hTERT-HSC (COL15A1), and THP-1 (ALOX5AP and LAPTM5).
Collapse
|
33
|
Rossin EJ, Sobrin L, Kim LA. Single-cell RNA sequencing: An overview for the ophthalmologist. Semin Ophthalmol 2021; 36:191-197. [PMID: 33635751 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2021.1889615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular composition of pathogenic tissues is a critical step in understanding the pathophysiology of disease and designing therapeutics. First described in 2009, single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) is a methodology whereby thousands of cells are simultaneously isolated into individual micro-environments that can be altered experimentally and the genome-wide RNA expression of each cell is captured. It has undergone significant technological improvement over the last decade and gained tremendous popularity. scRNAseq is an improvement over prior pooled RNA analyses which cannot identify the cellular composition and heterogeneity of a tissue of interest. This new approach offers new opportunity for new discovery, as tissue samples can now be sub-categorized into groups of cell types based on genome-wide gene expression in an unbiased fashion. As ophthalmologists, we are uniquely positioned to obtain pathologic samples from the eye for further study. ScRNAseq has already been applied in ophthalmology to characterize retinal tissue, and it may offer the key to understanding various pathological processes in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Rossin
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lucia Sobrin
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leo A Kim
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Moreno-Ruiz P, Corvigno S, Te Grootenhuis NC, La Fleur L, Backman M, Strell C, Mezheyeuski A, Hoelzlwimmer G, Klein C, Botling J, Micke P, Östman A. Stromal FAP is an independent poor prognosis marker in non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma and associated with p53 mutation. Lung Cancer 2021; 155:10-19. [PMID: 33706022 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2021.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fibroblasts regulate tumor growth and immune surveillance. Here, we study FAP, PDGFβR and α-SMA fibroblast markers in a well-annotated clinical cohort of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for analyses of associations with immune cell infiltration, mutation status and survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS A well-annotated NSCLC cohort was subjected to IHC analyses of stromal expression of FAP, PDGFβR and α-SMA and of stromal CD8 density. Fibroblast markers-related measurements were analyzed with regard to potential associations with CD8 density, cancer genetic driver mutations, survival and PD-L1 expression in the whole NSCLC cohort and in subsets of patients. RESULTS High stromal FAP expression was identified as an independent poor prognostic marker in the whole study population (HR 1.481; 95 % CI, 1.012-2.167, p = 0.023) and in the histological subset of adenocarcinoma (HR 1.720; 95 % CI, 1.126-2.627, p = 0.012). Among patients with adenocarcinoma, a particularly strong association of FAP with poor survival was detected in patients with low stromal CD8 infiltration, and in other subpopulations identified by specific clinical characteristics; elderly patients, females, non-smokers and patients with normal ECOG performance status. α-SMA expression was negatively associated with CD8 infiltration in non-smokers, but none of the fibroblast markers expression was associated with CD8 density in the whole study population. Significant associations were detected between presence of p53 mutations and high α-SMA (p = 0.003) and FAP expression (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The study identifies FAP intensity as a candidate independent NSCLC prognostic biomarker. The study also suggests continued analyses of the relationships between genetic driver mutations and the composition of tumor stroma, as well as continued probing of marker-defined fibroblasts as NSCLC subset-specific modifiers of immune surveillance and outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Moreno-Ruiz
- Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Corvigno
- Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden; Uppsala University, Genetics and Pathology, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nienke C Te Grootenhuis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Linnéa La Fleur
- Uppsala University, Genetics and Pathology, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Max Backman
- Uppsala University, Genetics and Pathology, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carina Strell
- Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Artur Mezheyeuski
- Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden; Uppsala University, Genetics and Pathology, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Johan Botling
- Uppsala University, Genetics and Pathology, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patrick Micke
- Uppsala University, Genetics and Pathology, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Arne Östman
- Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Biffi G, Tuveson DA. Diversity and Biology of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Physiol Rev 2021; 101:147-176. [PMID: 32466724 PMCID: PMC7864232 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00048.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 558] [Impact Index Per Article: 186.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to develop anti-cancer therapies have largely focused on targeting the epithelial compartment, despite the presence of non-neoplastic stromal components that substantially contribute to the progression of the tumor. Indeed, cancer cell survival, growth, migration, and even dormancy are influenced by the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been shown to play several roles in the development of a tumor. They secrete growth factors, inflammatory ligands, and extracellular matrix proteins that promote cancer cell proliferation, therapy resistance, and immune exclusion. However, recent work indicates that CAFs may also restrain tumor progression in some circumstances. In this review, we summarize the body of work on CAFs, with a particular focus on the most recent discoveries about fibroblast heterogeneity, plasticity, and functions. We also highlight the commonalities of fibroblasts present across different cancer types, and in normal and inflammatory states. Finally, we present the latest advances regarding therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs that are undergoing preclinical and clinical evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Biffi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; and Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David A Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; and Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
A mechanical non-enzymatic method for isolation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:8881-8890. [PMID: 33130988 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05940-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) accessibility coupled with their simple generation make them as a typical embryonic cell model and feeder layer for in vitro expansion of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). In this study, a mechanical isolation technique was adopted to isolate MEFs and the efficiency of this technique was compared with enzymatic digestion method. The suspended MEFs were prepared either by mechanical method or 0.25% trypsin enzymatic digestion. The effect of tissue processing on cell apoptosis/necrosis, morphology, viable cell yield, population doubling time, surface marker expression, and the capacity to support PSCs were determined. The mechanical method yielded a significantly higher number of viable cells. However, it showed similar morphology and proliferation characteristics as compared to enzymatic digestion. The mechanical method induced slight apoptosis in MEFs; however, it did not exert the necrotic effect of trypsinization. Treatment of tissue slurry with trypsin solution caused cell lysis and subsequently cell clump formation. Mechanically isolated cells exhibited a higher expression of the MEF surface antigens Sca1, CD106, and CD105. The PSCs on mechanically isolated MEFs displayed a higher expression of pluripotency genes, and formed more compact colonies with a stronger tendency to crowding compared with those cultured on cells isolated by enzymatic digestion. The mechanical method based on tissue inter-syringe processing is relatively a rapid and simple method for MEF isolation. Compared to the enzymatic digestion, the cells obtained from this method show higher expression of embryonic fibroblasts markers and a more functional capacity in supporting PSCs culture.
Collapse
|
37
|
Cancer associated fibroblast: Mediators of tumorigenesis. Matrix Biol 2020; 91-92:19-34. [PMID: 32450219 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is well accepted that the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in cancer onset, development, and progression. The majority of clinical interventions are designed to target either cancer or stroma cells. These emphases have been directed by one of two prevailing theories in the field, the Somatic Mutation Theory and the Tissue Organization Field Theory, which represent two seemingly opposing concepts. This review proposes that the two theories are mutually inclusive and should be concurrently considered for cancer treatments. Specifically, this review discusses the dynamic and reciprocal processes between stromal cells and extracellular matrices, using pancreatic cancer as an example, to demonstrate the inclusivity of the theories. Furthermore, this review highlights the functions of cancer associated fibroblasts, which represent the major stromal cell type, as important mediators of the known cancer hallmarks that the two theories attempt to explain.
Collapse
|
38
|
Sahai E, Astsaturov I, Cukierman E, DeNardo DG, Egeblad M, Evans RM, Fearon D, Greten FR, Hingorani SR, Hunter T, Hynes RO, Jain RK, Janowitz T, Jorgensen C, Kimmelman AC, Kolonin MG, Maki RG, Powers RS, Puré E, Ramirez DC, Scherz-Shouval R, Sherman MH, Stewart S, Tlsty TD, Tuveson DA, Watt FM, Weaver V, Weeraratna AT, Werb Z. A framework for advancing our understanding of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Nat Rev Cancer 2020; 20:174-186. [PMID: 31980749 PMCID: PMC7046529 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-019-0238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1961] [Impact Index Per Article: 490.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the tumour microenvironment with diverse functions, including matrix deposition and remodelling, extensive reciprocal signalling interactions with cancer cells and crosstalk with infiltrating leukocytes. As such, they are a potential target for optimizing therapeutic strategies against cancer. However, many challenges are present in ongoing attempts to modulate CAFs for therapeutic benefit. These include limitations in our understanding of the origin of CAFs and heterogeneity in CAF function, with it being desirable to retain some antitumorigenic functions. On the basis of a meeting of experts in the field of CAF biology, we summarize in this Consensus Statement our current knowledge and present a framework for advancing our understanding of this critical cell type within the tumour microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Sahai
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| | - Igor Astsaturov
- Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Biology Program, Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David G DeNardo
- Division of Oncology, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mikala Egeblad
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Ronald M Evans
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Douglas Fearon
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Florian R Greten
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Tony Hunter
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Richard O Hynes
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tobias Janowitz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
- Northwell Health Cancer Institute, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Claus Jorgensen
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Nether Alderley, UK
| | - Alec C Kimmelman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mikhail G Kolonin
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert G Maki
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
- Northwell Health Cancer Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R Scott Powers
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Puré
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel C Ramirez
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health System, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruth Scherz-Shouval
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mara H Sherman
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sheila Stewart
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Medicine, ICCE Institute, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thea D Tlsty
- UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Fiona M Watt
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Valerie Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zena Werb
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Waise S, Parker R, Rose-Zerilli MJJ, Layfield DM, Wood O, West J, Ottensmeier CH, Thomas GJ, Hanley CJ. An Optimized Method to Isolate Human Fibroblasts from Tissue for ex vivo Analysis. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3440. [PMID: 33654935 PMCID: PMC7853986 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their involvement in many physiological and pathological processes, fibroblasts remain a poorly-characterized cell type. Analysis of primary fibroblasts while maintaining their in vivo phenotype is challenging: standard methods for fibroblast isolation require cell culture in vitro, which is known to alter phenotypes. Previously-described protocols for the dissociation of primary tissues fail to extract sufficient numbers of fibroblasts, instead largely yielding immune cells. Here, we describe an optimized method for generating a fibroblast-enriched single-cell suspension from human tissues using combined mechanical and enzymatic dissociation. This allows analysis of ex vivo fibroblasts without the need for culture in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Waise
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, UK
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Wood
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Jonathan West
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Christian H. Ottensmeier
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, UK
- Cancer Research UK and NIHR Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|