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Li J, Deng Z, Liu Y, Jin J, Xie C, Gan J. Prognostic and immunological significance of metastasis-associated protein 3 in patients with thymic epithelial tumors. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:216. [PMID: 38852126 PMCID: PMC11162987 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01066-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising anticancer activity and have recently been proposed as a therapy for thymic epithelial tumors (TETs); however, this treatment is only effective for a subgroup of TET patients. Thus, this study aims to identify the potential genes implicated in the regulation of cancer immunity in TETs. METHODS The TETs RNA-seq and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The clinical significance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in TETs was evaluated. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the immune response-related hub genes. The expression of metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) in TETs was investigated in public datasets and a patient cohort. Kaplan‒Meier curves were generated to analyze the prognostic value of various factors. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER2.0) was used to estimate the relevance of MTA3 to immune cell infiltration. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and pathway enrichment analysis were applied to explore the MTA3-related pathways. RESULTS The TME was found to be clinically significant in TETs. Moreover, MTA3 was identified as a key gene associated with the immune score, and lower MTA3 expression was linked to poor TME and reduced cytotoxic activity in TETs. Furthermore, MTA3 was found to be deregulated in TETs, predictive of poor prognosis. MTA3 was also significantly associated with the infiltration levels of various immune cell types and highly correlated with their corresponding markers. Notably, MTA3 was positively associated with various immune response pathways. CONCLUSION MTA3 is clinically significant in TETs and correlated with immune cell infiltration. Thus, MTA3 might be a biomarker for predicting the prognosis and immune status of TET patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Zhenyan Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guilin Hospital of the Second Xiangya Hospital CSU, Guilin, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Receptor-Targeted Drug Basic Research, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Clinical Research Center, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Jiamin Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Receptor-Targeted Drug Basic Research, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Chichu Xie
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Receptor-Targeted Drug Basic Research, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Jinfeng Gan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China.
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Receptor-Targeted Drug Basic Research, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China.
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Tang W, Zhou W, Ji M, Yang X. Role of STING in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:202. [PMID: 38566036 PMCID: PMC10986073 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01586-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prevalent form of lung cancer. Patients with advanced NSCLC are currently being treated with various therapies, including traditional radiotherapy, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapy. However, a considerable proportion of advance patients who cannot benefit from them. Consequently, it is essential to identify a novel research target that offers an encouraging perspective. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) has emerged as such a target. At present, it is confirmed that activating STING in NSCLC tumor cells can impede the proliferation and metastasis of dormant tumor cells. This review focuses on the role of STING in NSCLC treatment and the factors influencing its activation. Additionally, it explores the correlation between STING activation and diverse therapy modalities for NSCLC, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Furthermore, it proposes the prospect of innovative therapy methods involving nanoparticles, with the aim of using the features of STING to develop more strategies for NSCLC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Tang
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Wenjie Zhou
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Mei Ji
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China.
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Zhu D, Zeng S, Su C, Li J, Xuan Y, Lin Y, Xu E, Fan Q. The interaction between DNA methylation and tumor immune microenvironment: from the laboratory to clinical applications. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:24. [PMID: 38331927 PMCID: PMC10854038 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01633-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a pivotal epigenetic modification that affects gene expression. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) comprises diverse immune cells and stromal components, creating a complex landscape that can either promote or inhibit tumor progression. In the TIME, DNA methylation has been shown to play a critical role in influencing immune cell function and tumor immune evasion. DNA methylation regulates immune cell differentiation, immune responses, and TIME composition Targeting DNA methylation in TIME offers various potential avenues for enhancing immune cytotoxicity and reducing immunosuppression. Recent studies have demonstrated that modification of DNA methylation patterns can promote immune cell infiltration and function. However, challenges persist in understanding the precise mechanisms underlying DNA methylation in the TIME, developing selective epigenetic therapies, and effectively integrating these therapies with other antitumor strategies. In conclusion, DNA methylation of both tumor cells and immune cells interacts with the TIME, and thus affects clinical efficacy. The regulation of DNA methylation within the TIME holds significant promise for the advancement of tumor immunotherapy. Addressing these challenges is crucial for harnessing the full potential of epigenetic interventions to enhance antitumor immune responses and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoqi Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Siying Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chao Su
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jingjun Li
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yiwen Xuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Yongkai Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Traditional Chinese Medicine University of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Enwu Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China.
| | - Qin Fan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Kumar V, Bauer C, Stewart JH. Cancer cell-specific cGAS/STING Signaling pathway in the era of advancing cancer cell biology. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151338. [PMID: 37423035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) are critical to recognizing endogenous and exogenous threats to mount a protective proinflammatory innate immune response. PRRs may be located on the outer cell membrane, cytosol, and nucleus. The cGAS/STING signaling pathway is a cytosolic PRR system. Notably, cGAS is also present in the nucleus. The cGAS-mediated recognition of cytosolic dsDNA and its cleavage into cGAMP activates STING. Furthermore, STING activation through its downstream signaling triggers different interferon-stimulating genes (ISGs), initiating the release of type 1 interferons (IFNs) and NF-κB-mediated release of proinflammatory cytokines and molecules. Activating cGAS/STING generates type 1 IFN, which may prevent cellular transformation and cancer development, growth, and metastasis. The current article delineates the impact of the cancer cell-specific cGAS/STING signaling pathway alteration in tumors and its impact on tumor growth and metastasis. This article further discusses different approaches to specifically target cGAS/STING signaling in cancer cells to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in conjunction with existing anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA.
| | - Caitlin Bauer
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
| | - John H Stewart
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA; Louisiana Children's Medical Center Cancer Center, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA.
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