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Guo X, Song J, Liu M, Ou X, Guo Y. The interplay between the tumor microenvironment and tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles in cancer development and therapeutic response. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2356831. [PMID: 38767879 PMCID: PMC11110713 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2356831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an essential role in tumor cell survival by profoundly influencing their proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to treatment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small particles released by all cell types and often reflect the state of their parental cells and modulate other cells' functions through the various cargo they transport. Tumor-derived small EVs (TDSEVs) can transport specific proteins, nucleic acids and lipids tailored to propagate tumor signals and establish a favorable TME. Thus, the TME's biological characteristics can affect TDSEV heterogeneity, and this interplay can amplify tumor growth, dissemination, and resistance to therapy. This review discusses the interplay between TME and TDSEVs based on their biological characteristics and summarizes strategies for targeting cancer cells. Additionally, it reviews the current issues and challenges in this field to offer fresh insights into comprehending tumor development mechanisms and exploring innovative clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyu Guo
- The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, PR China
| | - Jiajun Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, PR China
| | - Miao Liu
- Nanobiosensing and Microfluidic Point-of-Care Testing, Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, PR China
| | - Xinyi Ou
- Nanobiosensing and Microfluidic Point-of-Care Testing, Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, PR China
| | - Yongcan Guo
- Nanobiosensing and Microfluidic Point-of-Care Testing, Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, PR China
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2
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Zhao C, Han H, Tian Y, Qu G, Xu Y, Wang Y, Shi L. Identification of genome-wide copy number variation-driven subtypes for the treatment and prognostic prediction of esophageal carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e38011. [PMID: 39386821 PMCID: PMC11462465 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is a frequently detected gastrointestinal cancer. Copy number variants (CNVs) have a dramatic impact on the screening, diagnosis and prognostic prediction of cancers. However, the mechanism of action of CNVs on ESCA occurrence and progression remains unclear. Methods ESCA samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were typed by consensus clustering using CNV-associated genes. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to section gene modules closely related to the two clusters, and sub-networks were constructed as hub genes. In addition, seven prognosis-correlated genes were further screened and retained by multivariate Cox regression analysis to develop a prognostic assessment model. The ssGSEA algorithm assessed energy metabolism levels in patients from different clusters and risk groups. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and live-dead cell staining verified the expression of genes associated with CNV risk scores. Results ESCA was classified into two subtypes based on CNV values. Compared with cluster 1, cluster 2 had significantly higher level of immune score and tumor-associated immune cell infiltration as well as a noticeably better overall survival. The three modules most associated with the two clusters were identified by WGCNA, and a prognostic model with a strong prediction performance was constructed with their genes. Glycolysis, lactate metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, glutathione, methionine, and tryptophan metabolic pathway enrichment scores were remarkably higher in patients in cluster 1 and the high-risk group than in cluster 2 and the low-risk group. Knockdown PIK3C2A promoted ESCA cells apoptosis and inhibited cell vibiality. Conclusion The current research maybe provides new understanding for the pathogenesis of ESCA based on CNV, providing an effective guidance for its clinical diagnosis and prognostic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhao
- Department of Gerontology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Gerontology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yushuang Tian
- Department of Gerontology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Guangjin Qu
- Department of Gerontology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yingying Xu
- Department of Gerontology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yihan Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lili Shi
- Department of Gerontology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
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3
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Rolver MG, Severin M, Pedersen SF. Regulation of cancer cell lipid metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation by microenvironmental acidosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C869-C883. [PMID: 39099426 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00429.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The expansion of cancer cell mass in solid tumors generates a harsh environment characterized by dynamically varying levels of acidosis, hypoxia, and nutrient deprivation. Because acidosis inhibits glycolytic metabolism and hypoxia inhibits oxidative phosphorylation, cancer cells that survive and grow in these environments must rewire their metabolism and develop a high degree of metabolic plasticity to meet their energetic and biosynthetic demands. Cancer cells frequently upregulate pathways enabling the uptake and utilization of lipids and other nutrients derived from dead or recruited stromal cells, and in particular lipid uptake is strongly enhanced in acidic microenvironments. The resulting lipid accumulation and increased reliance on β-oxidation and mitochondrial metabolism increase susceptibility to oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, and ferroptosis, in turn driving changes that may mitigate such risks. The spatially and temporally heterogeneous tumor microenvironment thus selects for invasive, metabolically flexible, and resilient cancer cells capable of exploiting their local conditions and of seeking out more favorable surroundings. This phenotype relies on the interplay between metabolism, acidosis, and oncogenic mutations, driving metabolic signaling pathways such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Understanding the particular vulnerabilities of such cells may uncover novel therapeutic liabilities of the most aggressive cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michala G Rolver
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc Severin
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine F Pedersen
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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Zhao Y, Qin C, Lin C, Li Z, Zhao B, Li T, Zhang X, Wang W. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells reshape the immune microenvironment: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189183. [PMID: 39303859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a digestive system malignancy characterized by challenging early detection, limited treatment alternatives, and generally poor prognosis. Although there have been significant advancements in immunotherapy for hematological malignancies and various solid tumors in recent decades, with impressive outcomes in recent preclinical and clinical trials, the effectiveness of these therapies in treating PDAC continues to be modest. The unique immunological microenvironment of PDAC, especially the abnormal distribution, complex composition, and variable activation states of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, greatly restricts the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Undoubtedly, integrating data from both preclinical models and human studies helps accelerate the identification of reliable molecules and pathways responsive to targeted biological therapies and immunotherapies, thereby continuously optimizing therapeutic combinations. In this review, we delve deeply into how PDAC cells regulate the immune microenvironment through complex signaling networks, affecting the quantity and functional status of immune cells to promote immune escape and tumor progression. Furthermore, we explore the multi-modal immunotherapeutic strategies currently under development, emphasizing the transformation of the immunosuppressive environment into an anti-tumor milieu by targeting specific molecular and cellular pathways, providing insights for the development of novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China
| | - Cheng Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China
| | - Chen Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China
| | - Zeru Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China
| | - Bangbo Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China
| | - Weibin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100023, PR China; National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100023, PR China.
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5
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Cenigaonandia‐Campillo A, Garcia‐Bautista A, Rio‐Vilariño A, Cebrian A, del Puerto L, Pellicer JA, Gabaldón JA, Pérez‐Sánchez H, Carmena‐Bargueño M, Meroño C, Traba J, Fernandez‐Aceñero MJ, Baños‐Herraiz N, Mozas‐Vivar L, Núñez‐Delicado E, Garcia‐Foncillas J, Aguilera Ó. Vitamin-C-dependent downregulation of the citrate metabolism pathway potentiates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma growth arrest. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:2212-2233. [PMID: 38425123 PMCID: PMC11467799 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13616] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), metabolic rewiring and resistance to standard therapy are closely associated. PDAC cells show enormous requirements for glucose-derived citrate, the first rate-limiting metabolite in the synthesis of new lipids. Both the expression and activity of citrate synthase (CS) are extraordinarily upregulated in PDAC. However, no previous relationship between gemcitabine response and citrate metabolism has been documented in pancreatic cancer. Here, we report for the first time that pharmacological doses of vitamin C are capable of exerting an inhibitory action on the activity of CS, reducing glucose-derived citrate levels. Moreover, ascorbate targets citrate metabolism towards the de novo lipogenesis pathway, impairing fatty acid synthase (FASN) and ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) expression. Lowered citrate availability was found to be directly associated with diminished proliferation and, remarkably, enhanced gemcitabine response. Moreover, the deregulated citrate-derived lipogenic pathway correlated with a remarkable decrease in extracellular pH through inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and overall reduced glycolytic metabolism. Modulation of citric acid metabolism in highly chemoresistant pancreatic adenocarcinoma, through molecules such as vitamin C, could be considered as a future clinical option to improve patient response to standard chemotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Garcia‐Bautista
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth InstituteIIS‐Fundación Jimenez Diaz‐UAM (Madrid)Spain
| | - Anxo Rio‐Vilariño
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth InstituteIIS‐Fundación Jimenez Diaz‐UAM (Madrid)Spain
| | - Arancha Cebrian
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth InstituteIIS‐Fundación Jimenez Diaz‐UAM (Madrid)Spain
| | - Laura del Puerto
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth InstituteIIS‐Fundación Jimenez Diaz‐UAM (Madrid)Spain
| | - José Antonio Pellicer
- Molecular Recognition and Encapsulation Research Group (REM), Health Sciences DepartmentUniversidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM)Spain
| | - José Antonio Gabaldón
- Molecular Recognition and Encapsulation Research Group (REM), Health Sciences DepartmentUniversidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM)Spain
| | - Horacio Pérez‐Sánchez
- Bioinformatics and High‐Performance Computing Research Group (BIO‐HPC), Computer Engineering DepartmentUniversidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM)Spain
| | - Miguel Carmena‐Bargueño
- Bioinformatics and High‐Performance Computing Research Group (BIO‐HPC), Computer Engineering DepartmentUniversidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM)Spain
| | - Carolina Meroño
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC‐UAM)Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular‐UAM (IUBM‐UAM), Departamento de Biología MolecularUniversidad Autónoma de MadridSpain
| | - Javier Traba
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC‐UAM)Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular‐UAM (IUBM‐UAM), Departamento de Biología MolecularUniversidad Autónoma de MadridSpain
| | | | | | - Lorena Mozas‐Vivar
- Preclinical programe START Madrid‐FJD Hospital fundación Jiménez DíazSpain
| | - Estrella Núñez‐Delicado
- Molecular Recognition and Encapsulation Research Group (REM), Health Sciences DepartmentUniversidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM)Spain
| | - Jesús Garcia‐Foncillas
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth InstituteIIS‐Fundación Jimenez Diaz‐UAM (Madrid)Spain
| | - Óscar Aguilera
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth InstituteIIS‐Fundación Jimenez Diaz‐UAM (Madrid)Spain
- Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM)Spain
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6
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Perez LM, Venugopal SV, Martin AS, Freedland SJ, Di Vizio D, Freeman MR. Mechanisms governing lineage plasticity and metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Trends Cancer 2024:S2405-8033(24)00168-7. [PMID: 39218770 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic alterations in cellular phenotypes during cancer progression are attributed to a phenomenon known as 'lineage plasticity'. This process is associated with therapeutic resistance and involves concurrent shifts in metabolic states that facilitate adaptation to various stressors inherent in malignant growth. Certain metabolites also serve as synthetic reservoirs for chromatin modification, thus linking metabolic states with epigenetic regulation. There remains a critical need to understand the mechanisms that converge on lineage plasticity and metabolic reprogramming to prevent the emergence of lethal disease. This review attempts to offer an overview of our current understanding of the interplay between metabolic reprogramming and lineage plasticity in the context of cancer, highlighting the intersecting drivers of cancer hallmarks, with an emphasis on solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian M Perez
- Departments of Urology and Biomedical Sciences, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Smrruthi V Venugopal
- Departments of Urology and Biomedical Sciences, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Anna St Martin
- Departments of Urology and Biomedical Sciences, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Stephen J Freedland
- Departments of Urology and Biomedical Sciences, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Dolores Di Vizio
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Michael R Freeman
- Departments of Urology and Biomedical Sciences, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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7
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Chen K, Li T, Diao H, Wang Q, Zhou X, Huang Z, Wang M, Mao Z, Yang Y, Yu W. SIRT7 knockdown promotes gemcitabine sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cell via upregulation of GLUT3 expression. Cancer Lett 2024; 598:217109. [PMID: 39002692 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Gemcitabine serves as a first-line chemotherapeutic treatment for pancreatic cancer (PC), but it is prone to rapid drug resistance. Increasing the sensitivity of PC to gemcitabine has long been a focus of research. Fasting interventions may augment the effects of chemotherapy and present new options. SIRT7 is known to link metabolism with various cellular processes through post-translational modifications. We found upregulation of SIRT7 in PC cells is associated with poor prognosis and gemcitabine resistance. Cross-analysis of RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data suggested that GLUT3 might be a downstream target gene of SIRT7. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that SIRT7 directly interacts with the enhancer region of GLUT3 to desuccinylate H3K122. Our group's another study revealed that GLUT3 can transport gemcitabine in breast cancer cells. Here, we found GLUT3 KD reduces the sensitivity of PC cells to gemcitabine, and SIRT7 KD-associated gemcitabine-sensitizing could be reversed by GLUT3 KD. While fasting mimicking induced upregulation of SIRT7 expression in PC cells, knocking down SIRT7 enhanced sensitivity to gemcitabine through upregulating GLUT3 expression. We further confirmed the effect of SIRT7 deficiency on the sensitivity of gemcitabine under fasting conditions using a mouse xenograft model. In summary, our study demonstrates that SIRT7 can regulate GLUT3 expression by binding to its enhancer and altering H3K122 succinylation levels, thus affecting gemcitabine sensitivity in PC cells. Additionally, combining SIRT7 knockdown with fasting may improve the efficacy of gemcitabine. This unveils a novel mechanism by which SIRT7 influences gemcitabine sensitivity in PC and offer innovative strategies for clinical combination therapy with gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tiane Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Honglin Diao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qikai Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaojia Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhihua Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Mingyue Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zebin Mao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Yinmo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Wenhua Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
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8
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Chen HJ, Yu MM, Huang JC, Lan FY, Liao HH, Xu ZH, Yu YJ, Huang YC, Chen F. SLC4A4 is a novel driver of enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217070. [PMID: 38880227 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217070] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSI) enzalutamide (Enz) has shown critical efficacy in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PCa). However, the development of drug resistance is a significant factor contributing to mortality in PCa patients. We aimed to explore the key mechanisms of Enz-resistance. Through analysis of GEO databases, we identified SLC4A4 as a novel driver in Enz resistance. Long-term Enz treatment leads to the up-regulation of SLC4A4, which in turn mediates P53 lactylation via the NF-κB/STAT3/SLC4A4 axis, ultimately leading to the development of Enz resistance and progression of PCa. SLC4A4 knockdown overcomes Enz resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Hence, our results suggest that targeting SLC4A4 could be a promising therapeutic strategy for Enz resistance. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: SLC4A4 is a novel driver of enzalutamide resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Jie Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China; Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ming-Ming Yu
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Jia-Cheng Huang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Fu-Ying Lan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Hai-Hong Liao
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zi-Han Xu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Yong-Jiang Yu
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Yi-Chen Huang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
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9
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Scolaro T, Manco M, Pecqueux M, Amorim R, Trotta R, Van Acker HH, Van Haele M, Shirgaonkar N, Naulaerts S, Daniluk J, Prenen F, Varamo C, Ponti D, Doglioni G, Ferreira Campos AM, Fernandez Garcia J, Radenkovic S, Rouhi P, Beatovic A, Wang L, Wang Y, Tzoumpa A, Antoranz A, Sargsian A, Di Matteo M, Berardi E, Goveia J, Ghesquière B, Roskams T, Soenen S, Voets T, Manshian B, Fendt SM, Carmeliet P, Garg AD, DasGupta R, Topal B, Mazzone M. Nucleotide metabolism in cancer cells fuels a UDP-driven macrophage cross-talk, promoting immunosuppression and immunotherapy resistance. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:1206-1226. [PMID: 38844817 PMCID: PMC11358017 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00771-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Many individuals with cancer are resistant to immunotherapies. Here, we identify the gene encoding the pyrimidine salvage pathway enzyme cytidine deaminase (CDA) among the top upregulated metabolic genes in several immunotherapy-resistant tumors. We show that CDA in cancer cells contributes to the uridine diphosphate (UDP) pool. Extracellular UDP hijacks immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) through its receptor P2Y6. Pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of CDA in cancer cells (or P2Y6 in TAMs) disrupts TAM-mediated immunosuppression, promoting cytotoxic T cell entry and susceptibility to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) treatment in resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and melanoma models. Conversely, CDA overexpression in CDA-depleted PDACs or anti-PD-1-responsive colorectal tumors or systemic UDP administration (re)establishes resistance. In individuals with PDAC, high CDA levels in cancer cells correlate with increased TAMs, lower cytotoxic T cells and possibly anti-PD-1 resistance. In a pan-cancer single-cell atlas, CDAhigh cancer cells match with T cell cytotoxicity dysfunction and P2RY6high TAMs. Overall, we suggest CDA and P2Y6 as potential targets for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Scolaro
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marta Manco
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Pecqueux
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ricardo Amorim
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rosa Trotta
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heleen H Van Acker
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthias Van Haele
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niranjan Shirgaonkar
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stefan Naulaerts
- Laboratory for Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI), Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Daniluk
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research (LICR), VIB-KU Leuven Centre for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fran Prenen
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chiara Varamo
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Donatella Ponti
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome Sapienza, Latina, Italy
| | - Ginevra Doglioni
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana Margarida Ferreira Campos
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Juan Fernandez Garcia
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Silvia Radenkovic
- Metabolomics Core Facility, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Metabolomics Core Facility, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pegah Rouhi
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Liwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Amalia Tzoumpa
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Asier Antoranz
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ara Sargsian
- Translation Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mario Di Matteo
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emanuele Berardi
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jermaine Goveia
- Unicle Biomedical Data Science, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Ghesquière
- Metabolomics Core Facility, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Metabolomics Core Facility, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tania Roskams
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Soenen
- NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Voets
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research (LICR), VIB-KU Leuven Centre for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bella Manshian
- Translation Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abhishek D Garg
- Laboratory for Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI), Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ramanuj DasGupta
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Baki Topal
- Department of Visceral Surgery, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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10
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Qiu D, He Y, Feng Y, Lin M, Lin Z, Zhang Z, Xiong Y, Hu Z, Ma S, Jin H, Liu J. Tumor perfusion enhancement by microbubbles ultrasonic cavitation reduces tumor glycolysis metabolism and alleviate tumor acidosis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1424824. [PMID: 39091919 PMCID: PMC11291205 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1424824] [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: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is increasingly acknowledged as a critical contributor to cancer progression, mediating genetic and epigenetic alterations. Beyond diverse cellular interactions from the microenvironment, physicochemical factors such as tumor acidosis also significantly affect cancer dynamics. Recent research has highlighted that tumor acidosis facilitates invasion, immune escape, metastasis, and resistance to therapies. Thus, noninvasive measurement of tumor acidity and the development of targeted interventions represent promising strategies in oncology. Techniques like contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can effectively assess blood perfusion, while ultrasound-stimulated microbubble cavitation (USMC) has proven to enhance tumor blood perfusion. We therefore aimed to determine whether CEUS assesses tumor acidity and whether USMC treatment can modulate tumor acidity. Firstly, we tracked CEUS perfusion parameters in MCF7 tumor models and compared them with in vivo tumor pH recorded by pH microsensors. We found that the peak intensity and area under curve of tumor contrast-enhanced ultrasound correlated well with tumor pH. We further conducted USMC treatment on MCF7 tumor-bearing mice, tracked changes of tumor blood perfusion and tumor pH in different perfusion regions before and after the USMC treatment to assess its impact on tumor acidity and optimize therapeutic ultrasound pressure. We discovered that USMC with 1.0 Mpa significantly improved tumor blood perfusion and tumor pH. Furthermore, tumor vascular pathology and PGI2 assays indicated that improved tumor perfusion was mainly due to vasodilation rather than angiogenesis. More importantly, analysis of glycolysis-related metabolites and enzymes demonstrated USMC treatment can reduce tumor acidity by reducing tumor glycolysis. These findings support that CEUS may serve as a potential biomarker to assess tumor acidity and USMC is a promising therapeutic modality for reducing tumor acidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danxia Qiu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangcheng He
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyi Feng
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minhua Lin
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zekai Lin
- Department of Radiology, The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwen Hu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suihong Ma
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Weidle UH, Nopora A. CircRNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: New Tools for Target Identification and Therapeutic Intervention. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2024; 21:327-349. [PMID: 38944427 PMCID: PMC11215428 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20451] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
We have reviewed the literature for circular RNAs (circRNAs) with efficacy in preclinical pancreatic-cancer related in vivo models. The identified circRNAs target chemoresistance mechanisms (n=5), secreted proteins and transmembrane receptors (n=15), transcription factors (n=9), components of the signaling- (n=11), ubiquitination- (n=2), autophagy-system (n=2), and others (n=9). In addition to identifying targets for therapeutic intervention, circRNAs are potential new entities for treatment of pancreatic cancer. Up-regulated circRNAs can be inhibited by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) or clustered regularly interspaced short-palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein (CRISPR-CAS)-based intervention. The function of down-regulated circRNAs can be reconstituted by replacement therapy using plasmids or virus-based vector systems. Target validation experiments and the development of improved delivery systems for corresponding agents were examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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12
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Zhang R, Mao G, Tang Y, Li C, Gao Y, Nie W, Song T, Liu S, Zhang P, Tao K, Li W. Inhibition of glycolysis enhances the efficacy of immunotherapy via PDK-mediated upregulation of PD-L1. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:151. [PMID: 38832951 PMCID: PMC11150234 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03735-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy for gastric cancer remains a challenge due to its limited efficacy. Metabolic reprogramming toward glycolysis has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing the sensitivity of tumors to immunotherapy. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs) play pivotal roles in regulating glycolysis. The importance of PDKs in the context of gastric cancer immunotherapy and their potential as therapeutic targets have not been fully explored. METHODS PDK and PD-L1 expression was analyzed using data from the GSE66229 and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohorts. Additionally, the Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy Atlas (ICBatlas) database was utilized to assess PDK expression in an immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy group. Subsequently, the upregulation of PD-L1 and the enhancement of anticancer effects achieved by targeting PDK were validated through in vivo and in vitro assays. The impact of PDK on histone acetylation was investigated using ChIP‒qPCR to detect changes in histone acetylation levels. RESULTS Our analysis revealed a notable negative correlation between PD-L1 and PDK expression. Downregulation of PDK led to a significant increase in PD-L1 expression. PDK inhibition increased histone acetylation levels by promoting acetyl-CoA generation. The augmentation of acetyl-CoA production and concurrent inhibition of histone deacetylation were found to upregulate PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer cells. Additionally, we observed a significant increase in the anticancer effect of PD-L1 antibodies following treatment with a PDK inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS Downregulation of PDK in gastric cancer cells leads to an increase in PD-L1 expression levels, thus potentially improving the efficacy of PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gan Mao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chong Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yisong Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenxiang Nie
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianyu Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Suao Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaixiong Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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13
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Teng Y, Xu J, Wang Y, Wen N, Ye H, Li B. Combining a glycolysis‑related prognostic model based on scRNA‑Seq with experimental verification identifies ZFP41 as a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC. Mol Med Rep 2024; 29:78. [PMID: 38516783 PMCID: PMC10975023 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy with a poor prognosis, and its heterogeneity affects the response to clinical treatments. Glycolysis is highly associated with HCC therapy and prognosis. The present study aimed to identify a novel biomarker for HCC by exploring the heterogeneity of glycolysis in HCC. The intersection of both marker genes of glycolysis‑related cell clusters from single‑cell RNA sequencing analysis and mRNA data of liver HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used to construct a prognostic model through Cox proportional hazard regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression. Data from the International Cancer Genome Consortium were used to validate the results of the analysis. Immune status analysis was then conducted. A significant gene in the prognostic model was identified as a potential biomarker and was verified through in vitro experiments. The results revealed that the glycolysis‑related prognostic model divided patients with HCC into high‑ and low‑risk groups. A nomogram combining the model and clinical features exhibited accurate predictive ability, with an area under the curve of 0.763 at 3 years. The high‑risk group exhibited a higher expression of checkpoint genes and lower tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion scores, suggesting that this group may be more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. The tumor tissues had a higher zinc finger protein (ZFP)41 mRNA and protein expression compared with the adjacent tissues. In vitro analyses revealed that ZFP41 played a crucial role in cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that the glycolysis‑related prognostic gene, ZFP41, is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, and may play a crucial role in glycolysis and malignancy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Teng
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jianrong Xu
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yaoqun Wang
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Division of Biliary Tract Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ningyuan Wen
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Division of Biliary Tract Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Hui Ye
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Division of Biliary Tract Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Bei Li
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Division of Biliary Tract Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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Zhao L, Guo J, Xu S, Duan M, Liu B, Zhao H, Wang Y, Liu H, Yang Z, Yuan H, Jiang X, Jiang X. Abnormal changes in metabolites caused by m 6A methylation modification: The leading factors that induce the formation of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and their promising potential for clinical application. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00159-0. [PMID: 38677545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation modifications have been widely implicated in the metabolic reprogramming of various cell types within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are essential for meeting the demands of cellular growth and maintaining tissue homeostasis, enabling cells to adapt to the specific conditions of the TME. An increasing number of research studies have focused on the role of m6A modifications in glucose, amino acid and lipid metabolism, revealing their capacity to induce aberrant changes in metabolite levels. These changes may in turn trigger oncogenic signaling pathways, leading to substantial alterations within the TME. Notably, certain metabolites, including lactate, succinate, fumarate, 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), glutamate, glutamine, methionine, S-adenosylmethionine, fatty acids and cholesterol, exhibit pronounced deviations from normal levels. These deviations not only foster tumorigenesis, proliferation and angiogenesis but also give rise to an immunosuppressive TME, thereby facilitating immune evasion by the tumor. AIM OF REVIEW The primary objective of this review is to comprehensively discuss the regulatory role of m6A modifications in the aforementioned metabolites and their potential impact on the development of an immunosuppressive TME through metabolic alterations. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review aims to elaborate on the intricate networks governed by the m6A-metabolite-TME axis and underscores its pivotal role in tumor progression. Furthermore, we delve into the potential implications of the m6A-metabolite-TME axis for the development of novel and targeted therapeutic strategies in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China; Department of Colorectal Anal Surgery, Shenyang Coloproctology Hospital, Shenyang 110002, China.
| | - Junchen Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Shasha Xu
- Department of Gastroendoscopy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Meiqi Duan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Baiming Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - He Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Yihan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Hexue Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Anal Surgery, Shenyang Coloproctology Hospital, Shenyang 110002, China.
| | - Xiaodi Jiang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110020, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
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15
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Guo Y, Hu P, Shi J. Nanomedicine Remodels Tumor Microenvironment for Solid Tumor Immunotherapy. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:10217-10233. [PMID: 38563421 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Although immunotherapy is relatively effective in treating hematological malignancies, their efficacy against solid tumors is still suboptimal or even noneffective presently. Compared to hematological cancers, solid tumors exhibit strikingly different immunosuppressive microenvironment, severely deteriorating the efficacy of immunotherapy: (1) chemical features such as hypoxia and mild acidity suppress the activity of immune cells, (2) the pro-tumorigenic domestication of immune cells in the microenvironment within the solid tumors further undermines the effectiveness of immunotherapy, and (3) the dense physical barrier of solid tumor tissues prevents the effective intratumoral infiltration and contact killing of active immune cells. Therefore, we believe that reversing the immunosuppressive microenvironment are of critical priority for the immunotherapy against solid tumors. Due to their unique morphologies, structures, and compositions, nanomedicines have become powerful tools for achieving this goal. In this Perspective, we will first briefly introduce the immunosuppressive microenvironment of solid tumors and then summarize the most recent progresses in nanomedicine-based immunotherapy for solid tumors by remodeling tumor immune-microenvironment in a comprehensive manner. It is highly expected that this Perspective will aid in advancing immunotherapy against solid tumors, and we are highly optimistic on the future development in this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuedong Guo
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200331, P. R. China
| | - Ping Hu
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200331, P. R. China
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Research Unit of Nanocatalytic Medicine in Specific Therapy for Serious Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2021RU012), Shanghai 200050, P. R. China
| | - Jianlin Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Research Unit of Nanocatalytic Medicine in Specific Therapy for Serious Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2021RU012), Shanghai 200050, P. R. China
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16
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Silva LGDO, Lemos FFB, Luz MS, Rocha Pinheiro SL, Calmon MDS, Correa Santos GL, Rocha GR, de Melo FF. New avenues for the treatment of immunotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1134-1153. [PMID: 38660642 PMCID: PMC11037047 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i4.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by its extremely aggressive nature and ranks 14th in the number of new cancer cases worldwide. However, due to its complexity, it ranks 7th in the list of the most lethal cancers worldwide. The pathogenesis of PC involves several complex processes, including familial genetic factors associated with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis, and smoking. Mutations in genes such as KRAS, TP53, and SMAD4 are linked to the appearance of malignant cells that generate pancreatic lesions and, consequently, cancer. In this context, some therapies are used for PC, one of which is immunotherapy, which is extremely promising in various other types of cancer but has shown little response in the treatment of PC due to various resistance mechanisms that contribute to a drop in immunotherapy efficiency. It is therefore clear that the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a huge impact on the resistance process, since cellular and non-cellular elements create an immunosuppressive environment, characterized by a dense desmoplastic stroma with cancer-associated fibroblasts, pancreatic stellate cells, extracellular matrix, and immunosuppressive cells. Linked to this are genetic mutations in TP53 and immunosuppressive factors that act on T cells, resulting in a shortage of CD8+ T cells and limited expression of activation markers such as interferon-gamma. In this way, finding new strategies that make it possible to manipulate resistance mechanisms is necessary. Thus, techniques such as the use of TME modulators that block receptors and stromal molecules that generate resistance, the use of genetic manipulation in specific regions, such as microRNAs, the modulation of extrinsic and intrinsic factors associated with T cells, and, above all, therapeutic models that combine these modulation techniques constitute the promising future of PC therapy. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the main mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy in PC and new ways of manipulating this process, resulting in a more efficient therapy for cancer patients and, consequently, a reduction in the lethality of this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabian Fellipe Bueno Lemos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marcel Silva Luz
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Samuel Luca Rocha Pinheiro
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mariana dos Santos Calmon
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Lima Correa Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Reis Rocha
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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17
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Pei XZ, Cai M, Jiang DW, Chen SH, Wang QQ, Lu HM, Lu YF. FAM53B promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metastasis by regulating macrophage M2 polarization. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1479-1499. [PMID: 38660645 PMCID: PMC11037046 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i4.1479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study investigated the role of FAM53B in regulating macrophage M2 polarization and its potential mechanisms in promoting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) metastasis. AIM To further investigate the role of FAM53B in regulating macrophage M2 polarization and its potential mechanism in promoting PDAC metastasis. Our goal is to determine how FAM53B affects macrophage M2 polarization and to define its underlying mechanism in PDAC metastasis. METHODS Cell culture and various experiments, including protein analysis, immunohistochemistry, and animal model experiments, were conducted. We compared FAM53B expression between PDAC tissues and healthy tissues and assessed the correlation of FAM53B expression with clinical features. Our study analyzed the role of FAM53B in macrophage M2 polarization in vitro by examining the expression of relevant markers. Finally, we used a murine model to study the role of FAM53B in PDAC metastasis and analyzed the potential underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Our research showed that there was a significant increase in FAM53B levels in PDAC tissues, which was linked to adverse tumor features. Experimental findings indicated that FAM53B can enhance macrophage M2 polarization, leading to increased anti-inflammatory factor release. The results from the mouse model further supported the role of FAM53B in PDAC metastasis, as blocking FAM53B prevented tumor cell invasion and metastasis. CONCLUSION FAM53B promotes PDAC metastasis by regulating macrophage M2 polarization. This discovery could lead to the development of new strategies for treating PDAC. For example, interfering with the FAM53B signaling pathway may prevent cancer spread. Our research findings also provide important information for expanding our understanding of PDAC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan-Zeng Pei
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Min Cai
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Da-Wei Jiang
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Song-Hai Chen
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qing-Qing Wang
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hui-Min Lu
- Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610044, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yi-Fan Lu
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
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18
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Axelsen TV, Olesen C, Khan D, Mohammadi A, Bouzinova EV, Nielsen CJF, Mele M, Hauerslev KR, Pedersen HL, Balling E, Vahl P, Tramm T, Christiansen PM, Boedtkjer E. Antibodies toward Na +,HCO 3--cotransporter NBCn1/SLC4A7 block net acid extrusion and cause pH-dependent growth inhibition and apoptosis in breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1206-1220. [PMID: 38310186 PMCID: PMC10991555 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Na+,HCO3--cotransporter NBCn1/Slc4a7 accelerates murine breast carcinogenesis. Lack of specific pharmacological tools previously restricted therapeutic targeting of NBCn1 and identification of NBCn1-dependent functions in human breast cancer. METHODS We develop extracellularly-targeted anti-NBCn1 antibodies, screen for functional activity on cells, and evaluate (a) mechanisms of intracellular pH regulation in human primary breast carcinomas, (b) proliferation, cell death, and tumor growth consequences of NBCn1 in triple-negative breast cancer, and (c) association of NBCn1-mediated Na+,HCO3--cotransport with human breast cancer metastasis. RESULTS We identify high-affinity (KD ≈ 0.14 nM) anti-NBCn1 antibodies that block human NBCn1-mediated Na+,HCO3--cotransport in cells, without cross-reactivity towards human NBCe1 or murine NBCn1. These anti-NBCn1 antibodies abolish Na+,HCO3--cotransport activity in freshly isolated primary organoids from human breast carcinomas and lower net acid extrusion effectively in primary breast cancer tissue from patients with macrometastases in axillary lymph nodes. Inhibitory anti-NBCn1 antibodies decelerate tumor growth in vivo by ~50% in a patient-derived xenograft model of triple-negative breast cancer and pH-dependently reduce colony formation, cause G2/M-phase cell cycle accumulation, and increase apoptosis of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Inhibitory anti-NBCn1 antibodies block net acid extrusion in human breast cancer tissue, particularly from patients with disseminated disease, and pH-dependently limit triple-negative breast cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine V Axelsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Claus Olesen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Danish Khan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Marco Mele
- Department of Surgery, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Katrine R Hauerslev
- Department of Plastic and Breast Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Helene L Pedersen
- Department of Pathology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Eva Balling
- Department of Surgery, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Pernille Vahl
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Trine Tramm
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peer M Christiansen
- Department of Surgery, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
- Department of Plastic and Breast Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ebbe Boedtkjer
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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19
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Pedersen SHF. Acid-base transporters in the context of tumor heterogeneity. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:689-701. [PMID: 38332178 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02918-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The copious metabolic acid production and -extrusion by cancer cells render poorly vascularized regions of solid tumors highly acidic. A growing list of proton - and bicarbonate transporters has been suggested to contribute to net acid extrusion from cancer cells, and/or been shown to be dysregulated and favor malignant development in various cancers. The great majority of these roles have been studied at the level of the cancer cells. However, recent advances in understanding of the cellular and physicochemical heterogeneity of solid tumors both enable and necessitate a reexamination of the regulation and roles of acid-base transporters in such malignancies. This review will briefly summarize the state-of-the-art, with a focus on the SLC9A and SLC4A families, for which most evidence is available. This is followed by a discussion of key concepts and open questions arising from recent insights and of the challenges that need to be tackled to address them. Finally, opportunities and challenges in therapeutic targeting of the acid-base transportome in cancers will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Helene Falsig Pedersen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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20
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Holmberg SR, Sakamoto Y, Kato A, Romero MF. The role of Na +-coupled bicarbonate transporters (NCBT) in health and disease. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:479-503. [PMID: 38536494 PMCID: PMC11338471 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02937-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Cellular and organism survival depends upon the regulation of pH, which is regulated by highly specialized cell membrane transporters, the solute carriers (SLC) (For a comprehensive list of the solute carrier family members, see: https://www.bioparadigms.org/slc/ ). The SLC4 family of bicarbonate (HCO3-) transporters consists of ten members, sorted by their coupling to either sodium (NBCe1, NBCe2, NBCn1, NBCn2, NDCBE), chloride (AE1, AE2, AE3), or borate (BTR1). The ionic coupling of SLC4A9 (AE4) remains controversial. These SLC4 bicarbonate transporters may be controlled by cellular ionic gradients, cellular membrane voltage, and signaling molecules to maintain critical cellular and systemic pH (acid-base) balance. There are profound consequences when blood pH deviates even a small amount outside the normal range (7.35-7.45). Chiefly, Na+-coupled bicarbonate transporters (NCBT) control intracellular pH in nearly every living cell, maintaining the biological pH required for life. Additionally, NCBTs have important roles to regulate cell volume and maintain salt balance as well as absorption and secretion of acid-base equivalents. Due to their varied tissue expression, NCBTs have roles in pathophysiology, which become apparent in physiologic responses when their expression is reduced or genetically deleted. Variations in physiological pH are seen in a wide variety of conditions, from canonically acid-base related conditions to pathologies not necessarily associated with acid-base dysfunction such as cancer, glaucoma, or various neurological diseases. The membranous location of the SLC4 transporters as well as recent advances in discovering their structural biology makes them accessible and attractive as a druggable target in a disease context. The role of sodium-coupled bicarbonate transporters in such a large array of conditions illustrates the potential of treating a wide range of disease states by modifying function of these transporters, whether that be through inhibition or enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon R Holmberg
- Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yohei Sakamoto
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Midori-Ku, Yokohama, 226-8501, Japan
| | - Akira Kato
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Midori-Ku, Yokohama, 226-8501, Japan
| | - Michael F Romero
- Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
- Nephrology & Hypertension, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, USA.
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21
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Kim HJ, Hong JH. Multiple Regulatory Signals and Components in the Modulation of Bicarbonate Transporters. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:78. [PMID: 38258089 PMCID: PMC10820580 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bicarbonate transporters are responsible for the appropriate flux of bicarbonate across the plasma membrane to perform various fundamental cellular functions. The functions of bicarbonate transporters, including pH regulation, cell migration, and inflammation, are highlighted in various cellular systems, encompassing their participation in both physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we focused on recently identified modulatory signaling components that regulate the expression and activity of bicarbonate transporters. Moreover, we addressed recent advances in our understanding of cooperative systems of bicarbonate transporters and channelopathies. This current review aims to provide a new, in-depth understanding of numerous human diseases associated with the dysfunction of bicarbonate transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeong Hee Hong
- Department of Physiology, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, College of Medicine, Gachon University, 155 Getbeolro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea;
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22
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Knopf P, Stowbur D, Hoffmann SHL, Hermann N, Maurer A, Bucher V, Poxleitner M, Tako B, Sonanini D, Krishnamachary B, Sinharay S, Fehrenbacher B, Gonzalez-Menendez I, Reckmann F, Bomze D, Flatz L, Kramer D, Schaller M, Forchhammer S, Bhujwalla ZM, Quintanilla-Martinez L, Schulze-Osthoff K, Pagel MD, Fransen MF, Röcken M, Martins AF, Pichler BJ, Ghoreschi K, Kneilling M. Acidosis-mediated increase in IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression on cancer cells as an immune escape mechanism in solid tumors. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:207. [PMID: 38102680 PMCID: PMC10722725 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01900-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet the efficacy of these treatments is often limited by the heterogeneous and hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors. In the TME, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on cancer cells is mainly regulated by Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which induces T cell exhaustion and enables tumor immune evasion. In this study, we demonstrate that acidosis, a common characteristic of solid tumors, significantly increases IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression on aggressive cancer cells, thus promoting immune escape. Using preclinical models, we found that acidosis enhances the genomic expression and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and the translation of STAT1 mRNA by eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (elF4F), resulting in an increased PD-L1 expression. We observed this effect in murine and human anti-PD-L1-responsive tumor cell lines, but not in anti-PD-L1-nonresponsive tumor cell lines. In vivo studies fully validated our in vitro findings and revealed that neutralizing the acidic extracellular tumor pH by sodium bicarbonate treatment suppresses IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression and promotes immune cell infiltration in responsive tumors and thus reduces tumor growth. However, this effect was not observed in anti-PD-L1-nonresponsive tumors. In vivo experiments in tumor-bearing IFN-γ-/- mice validated the dependency on immune cell-derived IFN-γ for acidosis-mediated cancer cell PD-L1 induction and tumor immune escape. Thus, acidosis and IFN-γ-induced elevation of PD-L1 expression on cancer cells represent a previously unknown immune escape mechanism that may serve as a novel biomarker for anti-PD-L1/PD-1 treatment response. These findings have important implications for the development of new strategies to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Knopf
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dimitri Stowbur
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Röntgenweg 13, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sabrina H L Hoffmann
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Natalie Hermann
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Röntgenweg 13, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Valentina Bucher
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marilena Poxleitner
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bredi Tako
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Sonanini
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Röntgenweg 13, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Balaji Krishnamachary
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sanhita Sinharay
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1881 East Rd, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | | | - Irene Gonzalez-Menendez
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Röntgenweg 13, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Reckmann
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - David Bomze
- Department of Dermatology, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Lukas Flatz
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniela Kramer
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Schaller
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Zaver M Bhujwalla
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leticia Quintanilla-Martinez
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Röntgenweg 13, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Schulze-Osthoff
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Röntgenweg 13, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Tübingen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark D Pagel
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1881 East Rd, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Marieke F Fransen
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Martin Röcken
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Röntgenweg 13, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Tübingen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - André F Martins
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Röntgenweg 13, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Tübingen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernd J Pichler
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Röntgenweg 13, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Tübingen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kamran Ghoreschi
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred Kneilling
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Röntgenweg 13, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.
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23
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Wu C. Single-cell sequencing in pancreatic cancer research: A deeper understanding of heterogeneity and therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115664. [PMID: 37837881 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs), is a malignant tumor with characteristics of tumor-stroma interactions. Patients often have a poor prognosis and a poor long-term survival rate. In recent years, rapidly-developing single-cell sequencing techniques have been used to analyze cell populations at a single-cell resolution, so that it is now possible to have a more in-depth and clearer understanding of the genetic composition of pancreatic cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the current single-cell sequencing techniques and their applications in the exploration of intratumoral heterogeneity, the tumor microenvironment, therapy resistance, and novel treatments. Our hope is to provide new insight into the potential of precision therapy, which will perhaps one day lead to significant advances in PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuomiao Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chunli Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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24
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Abstract
Cancers undergo sequential changes to proton (H+) concentration and sensing that are consequences of the disease and facilitate its further progression. The impact of protonation state on protein activity can arise from alterations to amino acids or their titration. Indeed, many cancer-initiating mutations influence pH balance, regulation or sensing in a manner that enables growth and invasion outside normal constraints as part of oncogenic transformation. These cancer-supporting effects become more prominent when tumours develop an acidic microenvironment owing to metabolic reprogramming and disordered perfusion. The ensuing intracellular and extracellular pH disturbances affect multiple aspects of tumour biology, ranging from proliferation to immune surveillance, and can even facilitate further mutagenesis. As a selection pressure, extracellular acidosis accelerates disease progression by favouring acid-resistant cancer cells, which are typically associated with aggressive phenotypes. Although acid-base disturbances in tumours often occur alongside hypoxia and lactate accumulation, there is now ample evidence for a distinct role of H+-operated responses in key events underpinning cancer. The breadth of these actions presents therapeutic opportunities to change the trajectory of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Swietach
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Ebbe Boedtkjer
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Stine Falsig Pedersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science, København, Denmark.
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25
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Ghaedrahmati F, Nasrolahi A, Najafi S, Mighani M, Anbiyaee O, Haybar H, Assareh AR, Kempisty B, Dzięgiel P, Azizidoost S, Farzaneh M. Circular RNAs-mediated angiogenesis in human cancers. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:3101-3121. [PMID: 37039938 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03178-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) as small non-coding RNAs with cell, tissue, or organ-specific expression accomplish a broad array of functions in physiological and pathological processes such as cancer development. Angiogenesis, a complicated multistep process driving a formation of new blood vessels, speeds up tumor progression by supplying nutrients as well as energy. Abnormal expression of circRNAs reported to affect tumor development through impressing angiogenesis. Such impacts are introduced as constant with different tumorigenic features known as "hallmarks of cancer". In addition, deregulated circRNAs show possibilities to prognosis and diagnosis both in the prophecy of prognosis in malignancies and also their prejudice from healthy individuals. In the present review article, we have evaluated the angiogenic impacts and anti-angiogenic managements of circRNAs in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhoodeh Ghaedrahmati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ava Nasrolahi
- Infectious Ophthalmologic Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mighani
- School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Golestan, Iran
| | - Omid Anbiyaee
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Nemazi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Habib Haybar
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Assareh
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Surgery, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Anatomy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
- North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Raleigh, NC, 27695, US
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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26
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Yan J, Ma X, Liang D, Ran M, Zheng D, Chen X, Zhou S, Sun W, Shen X, Zhang H. An autocatalytic multicomponent DNAzyme nanomachine for tumor-specific photothermal therapy sensitization in pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6905. [PMID: 37903795 PMCID: PMC10616286 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42740-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Multicomponent deoxyribozymes (MNAzymes) have great potential in gene therapy, but their ability to recognize disease tissue and further achieve synergistic gene regulation has rarely been studied. Herein, Arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD)-modified Distearyl acylphosphatidyl ethanolamine (DSPE)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) (DSPE-PEG-RGD) micelle is prepared with a DSPE hydrophobic core to load the photothermal therapy (PTT) dye IR780 and the calcium efflux pump inhibitor curcumin. Then, the MNAzyme is distributed into the hydrophilic PEG layer and sealed with calcium phosphate through biomineralization. Moreover, RGD is attached to the outer tail of PEG for tumor targeting. The constructed nanomachine can release MNAzyme and the cofactor Ca2+ under acidic conditions and self-assemble into an active mode to cleave heat shock protein (HSP) mRNA by consuming the oncogene miRNA-21. Silencing miRNA-21 enhances the expression of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN, leading to PTT sensitization. Meanwhile, curcumin maintains high intracellular Ca2+ to further suppress HSP-chaperone ATP by disrupting mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis. Therefore, pancreatic cancer is triple-sensitized to IR780-mediated PTT. The in vitro and in vivo results show that the MNAzyme-based nanomachine can strongly regulate HSP and PTEN expression and lead to significant pancreatic tumor inhibition under laser irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Yan
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Danna Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meixin Ran
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Dongdong Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shichong Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Weijian Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xian Shen
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
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27
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Zhong J, Dong J, Ruan W, Duan X. Potential Theranostic Roles of SLC4 Molecules in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15166. [PMID: 37894847 PMCID: PMC10606849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015166] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The solute carrier family 4 (SLC4) is an important protein responsible for the transport of various ions across the cell membrane and mediating diverse physiological functions, such as the ion transporting function, protein-to-protein interactions, and molecular transduction. The deficiencies in SLC4 molecules may cause multisystem disease involving, particularly, the respiratory system, digestive, urinary, endocrine, hematopoietic, and central nervous systems. Currently, there are no effective strategies to treat these diseases. SLC4 proteins are also found to contribute to tumorigenesis and development, and some of them are regarded as therapeutic targets in quite a few clinical trials. This indicates that SLC4 proteins have potential clinical prospects. In view of their functional characteristics, there is a critical need to review the specific functions of bicarbonate transporters, their related diseases, and the involved pathological mechanisms. We summarize the diseases caused by the mutations in SLC4 family genes and briefly introduce the clinical manifestations of these diseases as well as the current treatment strategies. Additionally, we illustrate their roles in terms of the physiology and pathogenesis that has been currently researched, which might be the future therapeutic and diagnostic targets of diseases and a new direction for drug research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaohong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Oral Biology & Clinic of Oral Rare Diseases and Genetic Diseases, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (J.Z.); (J.D.); (W.R.)
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28
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Pethő Z, Najder K, Beel S, Fels B, Neumann I, Schimmelpfennig S, Sargin S, Wolters M, Grantins K, Wardelmann E, Mitkovski M, Oeckinghaus A, Schwab A. Acid-base homeostasis orchestrated by NHE1 defines the pancreatic stellate cell phenotype in pancreatic cancer. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e170928. [PMID: 37643024 PMCID: PMC10619433 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.170928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progresses in an organ with a unique pH landscape, where the stroma acidifies after each meal. We hypothesized that disrupting this pH landscape during PDAC progression triggers pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to induce PDAC fibrosis. We revealed that alkaline environmental pH was sufficient to induce PSC differentiation to a myofibroblastic phenotype. We then mechanistically dissected this finding, focusing on the involvement of the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1. Perturbing cellular pH homeostasis by inhibiting NHE1 with cariporide partially altered the myofibroblastic PSC phenotype. To show the relevance of this finding in vivo, we targeted NHE1 in murine PDAC (KPfC). Indeed, tumor fibrosis decreased when mice received the NHE1-inhibitor cariporide in addition to gemcitabine treatment. Moreover, the tumor immune infiltrate shifted from granulocyte rich to more lymphocytic. Taken together, our study provides mechanistic evidence on how the pancreatic pH landscape shapes pancreatic cancer through tuning PSC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephanie Beel
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Benedikt Fels
- Institute of Physiology II and
- Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Maria Wolters
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Klavs Grantins
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Eva Wardelmann
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Miso Mitkovski
- City Campus Light Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Oeckinghaus
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Tojjari A, Giles FJ, Vilbert M, Saeed A, Cavalcante L. SLAM Modification as an Immune-Modulatory Therapeutic Approach in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4808. [PMID: 37835502 PMCID: PMC10571764 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In the field of oncology, the Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule (SLAM) family is emerging as pivotal in modulating immune responses within tumor environments. The SLAM family comprises nine receptors, mainly found on immune cell surfaces. These receptors play complex roles in the interaction between cancer and the host immune system. Research suggests SLAM's role in both enhancing and dampening tumor-immune responses, influencing the progression and treatment outcomes of various cancers. As immunotherapy advances, resistance remains an issue. The nuanced roles of the SLAM family might provide answers. With the rise in technologies like single-cell RNA sequencing and advanced imaging, there is potential for precise SLAM-targeted treatments. This review stresses patient safety, the importance of thorough clinical trials, and the potential of SLAM-focused therapies to transform cancer care. In summary, SLAM's role in oncology signals a new direction for more tailored and adaptable cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Tojjari
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (A.T.); (M.V.)
| | | | - Maysa Vilbert
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (A.T.); (M.V.)
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (A.T.); (M.V.)
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30
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Chen F, Kang R, Liu J, Tang D. Mechanisms of alkaliptosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1213995. [PMID: 37601110 PMCID: PMC10436304 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1213995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors represent a major threat to global health and the search for effective treatments is imperative. While various treatments exist, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and combination therapies, there remains a need to develop therapies that target regulated cell death pathways to eliminate cancer cells while preserving normal cells. Alkaliptosis, a pH-dependent cell death process triggered by the small molecular compound JTC801, has been identified as a novel approach for malignant tumor treatment, particularly in pancreatic cancer. Two major signaling pathways, the NF-κB-CA9 pathway and the ATP6V0D1-STAT3 pathway, contribute to the induction of alkaliptosis. This review summarizes recent developments in our understanding of alkaliptosis signals, mechanisms, and modulation, and explores its context-dependent effects on drug resistance, inflammation, and immunity. By providing a deeper understanding of the heterogeneity and plasticity of cell death mechanisms, this information holds promise for informing the design of more effective anti-tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangquan Chen
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jiao Liu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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31
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Di Molfetta D, Cannone S, Greco MR, Caroppo R, Piccapane F, Carvalho TMA, Altamura C, Saltarella I, Tavares Valente D, Desaphy JF, Reshkin SJ, Cardone RA. ECM Composition Differentially Regulates Intracellular and Extracellular pH in Normal and Cancer Pancreatic Duct Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10632. [PMID: 37445810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310632] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular pH (pHi) regulation is a challenge for the exocrine pancreas, where the luminal secretion of bicarbonate-rich fluid is accompanied by interstitial flows of acid. This acid-base transport requires a plethora of ion transporters, including bicarbonate transporters and the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1), which are dysregulated in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC progression is favored by a Collagen-I rich extracellular matrix (ECM) which exacerbates the physiological interstitial acidosis. In organotypic cultures of normal human pancreatic cells (HPDE), parenchymal cancer cells (CPCs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) growing on matrices reproducing ECM changes during progression, we studied resting pHi, the pHi response to fluxes of NaHCO3 and acidosis and the role of NHE1 in pHi regulation. Our findings show that: (i) on the physiological ECM, HPDE cells have the most alkaline pHi, followed by CSCs and CPCs, while a Collagen I-rich ECM reverses the acid-base balance in cancer cells compared to normal cells; (ii) both resting pHi and pHi recovery from an acid load are reduced by extracellular NaHCO3, especially in HPDE cells on a normal ECM; (iii) cancer cell NHE1 activity is less affected by NaHCO3. We conclude that ECM composition and the fluctuations of pHe cooperate to predispose pHi homeostasis towards the presence of NaHCO3 gradients similar to that expected in the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Cannone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Caroppo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Piccapane
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Saltarella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Tavares Valente
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Jean Francois Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stephan J Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Lavoro A, Falzone L, Tomasello B, Conti GN, Libra M, Candido S. In silico analysis of the solute carrier (SLC) family in cancer indicates a link among DNA methylation, metabolic adaptation, drug response, and immune reactivity. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1191262. [PMID: 37397501 PMCID: PMC10308049 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1191262] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The oncogenic transformation is driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations influencing cancer cell fate. These alterations also result in metabolic reprogramming by modulating the expression of membrane Solute Carrier (SLC) transporters involved in biomolecules trafficking. SLCs act as tumor suppressors or promoters influencing cancer methylome, tumor growth, immune-escape, and chemoresistance. Methods: This in silico study aimed to identify the deregulated SLCs in various tumor types compared to normal tissues by analyzing the TCGA Target GTEx dataset. Furthermore, the relationship between SLCs expression and the most relevant tumor features was tackled along with their genetic regulation mediated by DNA methylation. Results: We identified 62 differentially expressed SLCs, including the downregulated SLC25A27 and SLC17A7, as well as the upregulated SLC27A2 and SLC12A8. Notably, SLC4A4 and SLC7A11 expression was associated with favorable and unfavorable outcome, respectively. Moreover, SLC6A14, SLC34A2, and SLC1A2 were linked to tumor immune responsiveness. Interestingly, SLC24A5 and SLC45A2 positively correlated with anti-MEK and anti-RAF sensitivity. The expression of relevant SLCs was correlated with hypo- and hyper-methylation of promoter and body region, showing an established DNA methylation pattern. Noteworthy, the positive association of cg06690548 (SLC7A11) methylation with cancer outcome suggests the independent predictive role of DNA methylation at a single nucleotide resolution. Discussion: Although our in silico overview revealed a wide heterogeneity depending on different SLCs functions and tumor types, we identified key SLCs and pointed out the role of DNA methylation as regulatory mechanism of their expression. Overall, these findings deserve further studies to identify novel cancer biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Lavoro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Tomasello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nicolò Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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33
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Huang X, Zhao C, Han Y, Li S. Establishment and validation of a prognostic signature for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma based on lactate metabolism-related genes. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1143073. [PMID: 37363401 PMCID: PMC10288859 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1143073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancy with poor prognosis. To improve patient outcomes, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the oncogenesis and progression of this disease. Metabolic reprogramming, particularly the regulation of lactate metabolism, is known to have a significant impact on tumor microenvironment and could provide valuable insights for the management of PDAC patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic potential of lactate metabolism-related genes (LMRGs). Methods: Transcriptomic data of patients with PDAC along with the clinical outcomes were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and the expression data in normal pancreas from Genotype-Tissue Expression dataset were adopted as the normal control. By using Cox and LASSO regression models, we identified key genes that are differentially expressed in cancerous tissues and related to prognosis. To determine the prognostic value of LMRGs in PDAC, we evaluated their clinical significance and model performance using both the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration curves. In addition, we evaluated the drug sensitivity prediction and immune infiltration by using oncoPredict algorithm, single sample gene set enrichment analysis and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource. Results: A total of 123 LMRGs were identified through differential gene screening analysis, among which 7 LMRGs were identified to comprise a LMRGs signature that independently predict overall survival of these PDAC patient. The AUC values for the LMRGs signature were 0.786, 0.820, 0.837, and 0.816 for predicting 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year overall survival respectively. Furthermore, this prognostic signature was used to stratify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, with the former having worse clinical outcomes. This observation was further validated through analysis of the International Cancer Genome Consortium database. In addition, lower sensitivity to gemcitabine and infiltration of immune effector cells were observed in the cancer tissue of patients in the high-risk group. Conclusion: In conclusion, our data suggests that a genomic signature comprised of these LMRGs may be a novel predictor of overall clinical outcomes and present therapeutic potential for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chongyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanxia Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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34
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Huang Z, Zhang X, Luo Y, Wang Y, Zhou S. KCl Nanoparticles as Potential Inducer of Immunogenic Cell Death for Cancer Immunotherapy. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023. [PMID: 37192493 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a promising cancer immunotherapy by inducing antigen-presenting cell maturation. Many inorganic nanomodulators have been developed for cancer therapy via ion overload, and their ICD-inducing properties have also been explored for immunotherapy. Here, we report a potassium chloride nanoparticle (PCNP)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticle coated with cancer cell membrane (PC@P-CCM) for cancer therapy. Through cancer cell membrane (CCM)-achieved surface functionalization, the homotypic targeting behaviors of PC@P-CCM are dramatically enhanced. Once internalized by cancer cells, the PC@P-CCM could be degraded in acidic lysosomes, thus releasing K+ and Cl- ions. These ions can change the osmotic pressure of cancer cells, causing a hypertonic state in the cancer cells in a short time and leading to the rupture and death of cancer cells. Furthermore, these ions can stimulate cancer cells to secrete adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1); meanwhile, calreticulin (CRT) showed increased presentation on the surface of cancer cells, which can further induce dendritic cell maturation and promote the immunotherapy. This work provides a new perspective on KCl nanoparticle-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjie Huang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, P. R. China
| | - Yang Luo
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, P. R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, P. R. China
| | - Shaobing Zhou
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, P. R. China
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35
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Kay EJ, Zanivan S. Bicarbonate transport as regulator of antitumour immunity in pancreatic cancer. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:541-544. [PMID: 36807529 PMCID: PMC10061281 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13400] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Bicarbonate transport is a pre-existing mechanism of pH regulation in pancreatic ductal cells. In a recent study, Cappellesso et al. demonstrated that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metabolic rewiring creates an acidic environment, enhanced by bicarbonate import into cancer cells via SLC4A4. This acidity favours protumourigenic immunosuppression. Targeting SLC4A4 neutralises environmental pH and restores antitumour immunity, sensitising tumours to immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Zanivan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowUK
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36
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Bailey P, Zhou X, An J, Peccerella T, Hu K, Springfeld C, Büchler M, Neoptolemos JP. Refining the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer From Big Data to Improved Individual Survival. FUNCTION 2023; 4:zqad011. [PMID: 37168490 PMCID: PMC10165547 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqad011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, most notably in Europe and North America. Great strides have been made in combining the most effective conventional therapies to improve survival at least in the short and medium term. The start of treatment can only be made once a diagnosis is made, which at this point, the tumor volume is already very high in the primary cancer and systemically. If caught at the earliest opportunity (in circa 20% patients) surgical resection of the primary followed by combination chemotherapy can achieve 5-year overall survival rates of 30%-50%. A delay in detection of even a few months after symptom onset will result in the tumor having only borderline resectabilty (in 20%-30% of patients), in which case the best survival is achieved by using short-course chemotherapy before tumor resection as well as adjuvant chemotherapy. Once metastases become visible (in 40%-60% of patients), cure is not possible, palliative cytotoxics only being able to prolong life by few months. Even in apparently successful therapy in resected and borderline resectable patients, the recurrence rate is very high. Considerable efforts to understand the nature of pancreatic cancer through large-scale genomics, transcriptomics, and digital profiling, combined with functional preclinical models, using genetically engineered mouse models and patient derived organoids, have identified the critical role of the tumor microenvironment in determining the nature of chemo- and immuno-resistance. This functional understanding has powered fresh and exciting approaches for the treatment of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bailey
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Xu Zhou
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Jingyu An
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Teresa Peccerella
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Christoph Springfeld
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Disease (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Büchler
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - John P Neoptolemos
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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Harguindey S, Reshkin SJ, Alfarouk KO. The Prime and Integral Cause of Cancer in the Post-Warburg Era. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:540. [PMID: 36672490 PMCID: PMC9856494 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Back to beginnings. A century ago, Otto Warburg published that aerobic glycolysis and the respiratory impairment of cells were the prime cause of cancer, a phenomenon that since then has been known as "the Warburg effect". In his early studies, Warburg looked at the effects of hydrogen ions (H+), on glycolysis in anaerobic conditions, as well as of bicarbonate and glucose. He found that gassing with CO2 led to the acidification of the solutions, resulting in decreased rates of glycolysis. It appears that Warburg first interpreted the role of pH on glycolysis as a secondary phenomenon, a side effect that was there just to compensate for the effect of bicarbonate. However, later on, while talking about glycolysis in a seminar at the Rockefeller Foundation, he said: "Special attention should be drawn to the remarkable influence of the bicarbonate…". Departing from the very beginnings of this metabolic cancer research in the 1920s, our perspective advances an analytic as well as the synthetic approach to the new "pH-related paradigm of cancer", while at the same time addressing the most fundamental and recent changing concepts in cancer metabolic etiology and its potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan J. Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Khalid O. Alfarouk
- Zamzam Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan
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Alvear-Arias JJ, Pena-Pichicoi A, Carrillo C, Fernandez M, Gonzalez T, Garate JA, Gonzalez C. Role of voltage-gated proton channel (Hv1) in cancer biology. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1175702. [PMID: 37153807 PMCID: PMC10157179 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1175702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The acid-base characteristics of tumor cells and the other elements that compose the tumor microenvironment have been topics of scientific interest in oncological research. There is much evidence confirming that pH conditions are maintained by changes in the patterns of expression of certain proton transporters. In the past decade, the voltage-gated proton channel (Hv1) has been added to this list and is increasingly being recognized as a target with onco-therapeutic potential. The Hv1 channel is key to proton extrusion for maintaining a balanced cytosolic pH. This protein-channel is expressed in a myriad of tissues and cell lineages whose functions vary from producing bioluminescence in dinoflagellates to alkalizing spermatozoa cytoplasm for reproduction, and regulating the respiratory burst for immune system response. It is no wonder that in acidic environments such as the tumor microenvironment, an exacerbated expression and function of this channel has been reported. Indeed, multiple studies have revealed a strong relationship between pH balance, cancer development, and the overexpression of the Hv1 channel, being proposed as a marker for malignancy in cancer. In this review, we present data that supports the idea that the Hv1 channel plays a significant role in cancer by maintaining pH conditions that favor the development of malignancy features in solid tumor models. With the antecedents presented in this bibliographic report, we want to strengthen the idea that the Hv1 proton channel is an excellent therapeutic strategy to counter the development of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J. Alvear-Arias
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus in NanoBioPhysics, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Antonio Pena-Pichicoi
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus in NanoBioPhysics, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Christian Carrillo
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus in NanoBioPhysics, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Miguel Fernandez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus in NanoBioPhysics, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Tania Gonzalez
- National Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Jose A. Garate
- Millennium Nucleus in NanoBioPhysics, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Gonzalez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus in NanoBioPhysics, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Carlos Gonzalez,
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Vanmeerbeek I, Govaerts J, Laureano RS, Sprooten J, Naulaerts S, Borras DM, Laoui D, Mazzone M, Van Ginderachter JA, Garg AD. The Interface of Tumour-Associated Macrophages with Dying Cancer Cells in Immuno-Oncology. Cells 2022; 11:3890. [PMID: 36497148 PMCID: PMC9741298 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are essential players in the tumour microenvironment (TME) and modulate various pro-tumorigenic functions such as immunosuppression, angiogenesis, cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, along with resistance to anti-cancer therapies. TAMs also mediate important anti-tumour functions and can clear dying cancer cells via efferocytosis. Thus, not surprisingly, TAMs exhibit heterogeneous activities and functional plasticity depending on the type and context of cancer cell death that they are faced with. This ultimately governs both the pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic activity of TAMs, making the interface between TAMs and dying cancer cells very important for modulating cancer growth and the efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy or immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the interface of TAMs with cancer cell death from the perspectives of cell death pathways, TME-driven variations, TAM heterogeneity and cell-death-inducing anti-cancer therapies. We believe that a better understanding of how dying cancer cells influence TAMs can lead to improved combinatorial anti-cancer therapies, especially in combination with TAM-targeting immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaure Vanmeerbeek
- Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI) Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jannes Govaerts
- Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI) Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raquel S. Laureano
- Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI) Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jenny Sprooten
- Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI) Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan Naulaerts
- Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI) Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniel M. Borras
- Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI) Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Damya Laoui
- Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jo A. Van Ginderachter
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Abhishek D. Garg
- Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI) Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Bicarbonate transport as a vulnerability in pancreatic cancer. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:1449-1451. [PMID: 36522549 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00492-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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