Blockade of SDF-1/CXCR4 signalling inhibits pancreatic cancer progression in vitro via inactivation of canonical Wnt pathway

WNT2B Deficiency Causes Enhanced Susceptibility to Colitis Due to Increased Inflammatory Cytokine Production

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Humans with WNT2B deficiency have severe intestinal disease, including significant inflammatory injury, highlighting a critical role for WNT2B. We sought to understand how WNT2B contributes to intestinal homeostasis.

METHODS

We investigated the intestinal health of Wnt2b knock out (KO) mice. We assessed the baseline histology and health of the small intestine and colon, and the impact of inflammatory challenge using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). We also evaluated human intestinal tissue.

RESULTS

Mice with WNT2B deficiency had normal baseline histology but enhanced susceptibility to DSS colitis because of an increased early injury response. Although intestinal stem cells markers were decreased, epithelial proliferation was similar to control subjects. Wnt2b KO mice showed an enhanced inflammatory signature after DSS treatment. Wnt2b KO colon and human WNT2B-deficient organoids had increased levels of CXCR4 and IL6, and biopsy tissue from humans showed increased neutrophils.

CONCLUSIONS

WNT2B is important for regulation of inflammation in the intestine. Absence of WNT2B leads to increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal inflammation, particularly in the colon.

Molecular profile of metastasis, cell plasticity and EMT in pancreatic cancer: a pre-clinical connection to aggressiveness and drug resistance

The metastasis is a multistep process in which a small proportion of cancer cells are detached from the colony to enter into blood cells for obtaining a new place for metastasis and proliferation. The metastasis and cell plasticity are considered major causes of cancer-related deaths since they improve the malignancy of cancer cells and provide poor prognosis for patients. Furthermore, enhancement in the aggressiveness of cancer cells has been related to the development of drug resistance. Metastasis of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells has been considered one of the major causes of death in patients and their undesirable prognosis. PC is among the most malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and in addition to lifestyle, smoking, and other factors, genomic changes play a key role in its progression. The stimulation of EMT in PC cells occurs as a result of changes in molecular interaction, and in addition to increasing metastasis, EMT participates in the development of chemoresistance. The epithelial, mesenchymal, and acinar cell plasticity can occur and determines the progression of PC. The major molecular pathways including STAT3, PTEN, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt participate in regulating the metastasis of PC cells. The communication in tumor microenvironment can provide by exosomes in determining PC metastasis. The components of tumor microenvironment including macrophages, neutrophils, and cancer-associated fibroblasts can modulate PC progression and the response of cancer cells to chemotherapy.

Adaptor proteins mediate CXCR4 and PI4KA crosstalk in prostate cancer cells and the significance of PI4KA in bone tumor growth

The chemokine receptor, CXCR4 signaling regulates cell growth, invasion, and metastasis to the bone-marrow niche in prostate cancer (PCa). Previously, we established that CXCR4 interacts with phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIα (PI4KIIIα encoded by PI4KA) through its adaptor proteins and PI4KA overexpressed in the PCa metastasis. To further characterize how the CXCR4-PI4KIIIα axis promotes PCa metastasis, here we identify CXCR4 binds to PI4KIIIα adaptor proteins TTC7 and this interaction induce plasma membrane PI4P production in prostate cancer cells. Inhibiting PI4KIIIα or TTC7 reduces plasma membrane PI4P production, cellular invasion, and bone tumor growth. Using metastatic biopsy sequencing, we found PI4KA expression in tumors correlated with overall survival and contributes to immunosuppressive bone tumor microenvironment through preferentially enriching non-activated and immunosuppressive macrophage populations. Altogether we have characterized the chemokine signaling axis through CXCR4-PI4KIIIα interaction contributing to the growth of prostate cancer bone metastasis.

CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) blockade in cancer treatment

CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily and is specific for CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12, also known as SDF-1), which makes CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. CXCR4 interacts with its ligand, triggering downstream signaling pathways that influence cell proliferation chemotaxis, migration, and gene expression. The interaction also regulates physiological processes, including hematopoiesis, organogenesis, and tissue repair. Multiple evidence revealed that CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is implicated in several pathways involved in carcinogenesis and plays a key role in tumor growth, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Several CXCR4-targeting compounds have been discovered and used for preclinical and clinical cancer therapy, most of which have shown promising anti-tumor activity. In this review, we summarized the physiological signaling of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and described the role of this axis in tumor progression, and focused on the potential therapeutic options and strategies to block CXCR4.

Molecular and metabolic regulation of immunosuppression in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Immunosuppression is a hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), contributing to early metastasis and poor patient survival. Compared to the localized tumors, current standard-of-care therapies have failed to improve the survival of patients with metastatic PDAC, that necessecitates exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. While immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and therapeutic vaccines have emerged as promising treatment modalities in certain cancers, limited responses have been achieved in PDAC. Therefore, specific mechanisms regulating the poor response to immunotherapy must be explored. The immunosuppressive microenvironment driven by oncogenic mutations, tumor secretome, non-coding RNAs, and tumor microbiome persists throughout PDAC progression, allowing neoplastic cells to grow locally and metastasize distantly. The metastatic cells escaping the host immune surveillance are unique in molecular, immunological, and metabolic characteristics. Following chemokine and exosomal guidance, these cells metastasize to the organ-specific pre-metastatic niches (PMNs) constituted by local resident cells, stromal fibroblasts, and suppressive immune cells, such as the metastasis-associated macrophages, neutrophils, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The metastatic immune microenvironment differs from primary tumors in stromal and immune cell composition, functionality, and metabolism. Thus far, multiple molecular and metabolic pathways, distinct from primary tumors, have been identified that dampen immune effector functions, confounding the immunotherapy response in metastatic PDAC. This review describes major immunoregulatory pathways that contribute to the metastatic progression and limit immunotherapy outcomes in PDAC. Overall, we highlight the therapeutic vulnerabilities attributable to immunosuppressive factors and discuss whether targeting these molecular and immunological "hot spots" could improve the outcomes of PDAC immunotherapies.

Adaptor proteins mediate CXCR4 and PI4KA crosstalk in prostate cancer cells and the significance of PI4KA in bone tumor growth

The chemokine receptor, CXCR4 signaling regulates cell growth, invasion, and metastasis to the bone-marrow niche in prostate cancer (PCa). Previously, we established that CXCR4 interacts with phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIα (PI4KIIIα encoded by PI4KA) through its adaptor proteins and PI4KA overexpressed in the PCa metastasis. To further characterize how the CXCR4-PI4KIIIα axis promotes PCa metastasis, here we identify CXCR4 binds to PI4KIIIα adaptor proteins TTC7 and this interaction induce plasma membrane PI4P production in prostate cancer cells. Inhibiting PI4KIIIα or TTC7 reduces plasma membrane PI4P production, cellular invasion, and bone tumor growth. Using metastatic biopsy sequencing, we found PI4KA expression in tumors correlated with overall survival and contributes to immunosuppressive bone tumor microenvironment through preferentially enriching non-activated and immunosuppressive macrophage populations. Altogether we have characterized the chemokine signaling axis through CXCR4-PI4KIIIα interaction contributing to the growth of prostate cancer bone metastasis.

GLI1 interaction with p300 modulates SDF1 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts to promote pancreatic cancer cells migration

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the progression of multiple malignancies. Secretion of cytokines and growth factors underlies the pro-tumoral effect of CAFs. Although this paracrine function has been extensively documented, the molecular mechanisms controlling the expression of these factors remain elusive. In this study, we provide evidence of a novel CAF transcriptional axis regulating the expression of SDF1, a major driver of cancer cell migration, involving the transcription factor GLI1 and histone acetyltransferase p300. We demonstrate that conditioned media from CAFs overexpressing GLI1 induce the migration of pancreatic cancer cells, and this effect is impaired by an SDF1-neutralizing antibody. Using a combination of co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we further demonstrate that GLI1 and p300 physically interact in CAFs to co-occupy and drive SDF1 promoter activity. Mapping experiments highlight the requirement of GLI1 N-terminal for the interaction with p300. Importantly, knockdowns of both GLI1 and p300 reduce SDF1 expression. Further analysis shows that knockdown of GLI1 decreases SDF1 promoter activity, p300 recruitment, and levels of its associated histone marks (H4ac, H3K27ac, and H3K14ac). Finally, we show that the integrity of two GLI binding sites in the SDF1 promoter is required for p300 recruitment. Our findings define a new role for the p300-GLI1 complex in the regulation of SDF1, providing new mechanistic insight into the molecular events controlling pancreatic cancer cells migration.

Clinical Strategies Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic cancer has a complex tumor microenvironment which engages in extensive crosstalk between cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells. Many of these interactions contribute to tumor resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Here, new therapeutic strategies designed to modulate the cancer-associated fibroblast and immune compartments of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas are described and clinical trials of novel therapeutics are discussed. Continued advances in our understanding of the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment are generating stromal and immune-modulating therapeutics that may improve patient responses to anti-tumor treatment.

CXCL12 in Pancreatic Cancer: Its Function and Potential as a Therapeutic Drug Target

Simple Summary

Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease to treat effectively. Fibroblasts associated with pancreatic cancer contribute to disease progression by secreting factors that enhance tumor cell survival and help tumor cells avoid detection by the immune system. This overview focuses on a chemokine, CXCL12, produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts and how CXCL12 signaling enhances pancreatic cancer progression by contributing to various hallmarks of cancer including, but not limited to, tumor growth and evasion of immune response. These pro-oncogenic functions of CXCL12 make it an attractive target in pancreatic cancer. We discuss the different approaches in development to therapeutically target CXCL12 and finally propose a novel approach, the use of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor tipifarnib to inhibit CXCL12 expression in pancreatic fibroblasts.

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease with limited therapeutic options and dismal long-term survival. The unique tumor environment of PDAC, consisting of desmoplastic stroma, immune suppressive cells, and activated fibroblasts, contributes to its resistance to therapy. Activated fibroblasts (cancer-associated fibroblasts and pancreatic stellate cells) secrete chemokines and growth factors that support PDAC growth, spread, chemoresistance, and immune evasion. In this review, we focus on one such chemokine, CXCL12, secreted by the cancer-associated fibroblasts and discuss its contribution to several of the classical hallmarks of PDAC and other tumors. We review the various therapeutic approaches in development to target CXCL12 signaling in PDAC. Finally, we propose an unconventional use of tipifarnib, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, to inhibit CXCL12 production in PDAC.

Chronic Pancreatitis and the Development of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatitis is a fibro-inflammatory disorder of the pancreas that can occur acutely or chronically as a result of the activation of digestive enzymes that damage pancreatic cells, which promotes inflammation. Chronic pancreatitis with persistent fibro-inflammation of the pancreas progresses to pancreatic cancer, which is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths across the globe. Pancreatic cancer involves cross-talk of inflammatory, proliferative, migratory, and fibrotic mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the role of cytokines in the inflammatory cell storm in pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer and their role in the activation of SDF1α/CXCR4, SOCS3, inflammasome, and NF-κB signaling. The aberrant immune reactions contribute to pathological damage of acinar and ductal cells, and the activation of pancreatic stellate cells to a myofibroblast-like phenotype. We summarize several aspects involved in the promotion of pancreatic cancer by inflammation and include a number of regulatory molecules that inhibit that process.

CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 Axis in Colorectal Cancer: Therapeutic Target in Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that promote cancer growth, metastasis, and regulate resistance to chemotherapy. Stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) also known as C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12), a prognostic factor, is an extracellular homeostatic chemokine that is the natural ligand for chemokine receptors C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), also known as fusin or cluster of differentiation 184 (CD184) and chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7). CXCR4 is the most widely expressed rhodopsin-like G protein coupled chemokine receptor (GPCR). The CXCL12–CXCR4 axis is involved in tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). CXCR7, recently termed as atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3), is amongst the G protein coupled cell surface receptor family that is also commonly expressed in a large variety of cancer cells. CXCR7, like CXCR4, regulates immunity, angiogenesis, stem cell trafficking, cell growth and organ-specific metastases. CXCR4 and CXCR7 are expressed individually or together, depending on the tumor type. When expressed together, CXCR4 and CXCR7 can form homo- or hetero-dimers. Homo- and hetero-dimerization of CXCL12 and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 alter their signaling activity. Only few drugs have been approved for clinical use targeting CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 axis. Several CXCR4 inhibitors are in clinical trials for solid tumor treatment with limited success whereas CXCR7-specific inhibitors are still in preclinical studies for CRC. This review focuses on current knowledge of chemokine CXCL12 and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7, with emphasis on targeting the CXCL12–CXCR4/CXCR7 axis as a treatment strategy for CRC.

Ovarian Cancer-Associated Mesothelial Cells: Transdifferentiation to Minions of Cancer and Orchestrate Developing Peritoneal Dissemination

Ovarian cancer has one of the poorest prognoses among carcinomas. Advanced ovarian cancer often develops ascites and peritoneal dissemination, which is one of the poor prognostic factors. From the perspective of the "seed and soil" hypothesis, the intra-abdominal environment is like the soil for the growth of ovarian cancer (OvCa) and mesothelial cells (MCs) line the top layer of this soil. In recent years, various functions of MCs have been reported, including supporting cancer in the OvCa microenvironment. We refer to OvCa-associated MCs (OCAMs) as MCs that are stimulated by OvCa and contribute to its progression. OCAMs promote OvCa cell adhesion to the peritoneum, invasion, and metastasis. Elucidation of these functions may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets that can delay OvCa progression, which is difficult to cure.

The Role of the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 Chemokine Axis in Cancer

Chemokines are a family of small, secreted cytokines which regulate a variety of cell functions. The C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) binds to C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7). The interaction of CXCL12 and its receptors subsequently induces downstream signaling pathways with broad effects on chemotaxis, cell proliferation, migration, and gene expression. Accumulating evidence suggests that the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis plays a pivotal role in tumor development, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and tumor microenvironment. In addition, this chemokine axis promotes chemoresistance in cancer therapy via complex crosstalk with other pathways. Multiple small molecules targeting CXCR4/CXCR7 have been developed and used for preclinical and clinical cancer treatment. In this review, we describe the roles of the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis in cancer progression and summarize strategies to develop novel targeted cancer therapies.

Immunological Gene Signature Associated With the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has improved overall survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but its effects on immune gene signatures are unknown. Here, we examined the immune transcriptome after NAC for PDAC.

METHODS

Resected tumor specimens were obtained from 140 patients with PDAC who received surgery first (n = 93) or NAC (n = 47). Six patients were randomly selected from each group, and RNA was extracted from tumor tissues. We compared 770 immune-related genes among the 2 groups using nCounterPanCancer Immune Profiling (NanoString Technologies, Seattle, Wash). Gene clusters were classified into 14 immune function groups based on gene ontology argolism by nSolver 4.0 software (NanoString Technologies), and corresponding immune cell function scores were compared.

RESULTS

Eleven genes (LY86, SH2D1A, CD247, TIGIT, CR2, CD83, LAMP3, CXCR4, DUSP4, SELL, and IL2RA) were significantly downregulated in the NAC group. Gene expression analysis showed that the functions of regulatory T cells, B cells, and natural killer CD56 dim cells were significantly decreased in the NAC group.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may suppress regulatory T cells and B-cell function in the PDAC microenvironment. The 11 identified genes could be useful for predicting the efficacy of NAC and could be therapeutic targets for PDAC.

CXCR4 in Tumor Epithelial Cells Mediates Desmoplastic Reaction in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) features abundant stromal cells with an excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), termed the desmoplastic reaction. CXCR4 is a cytokine receptor for stromal cell-derived factor-1 (CXCL12) expressed in PDAC, but its roles in PDAC and the characteristic desmoplastic reaction remain unclear. Here, we generated a mouse model of PDAC with conditional knockout of Cxcr4 (KPC-Cxcr4-KO) by crossing Cxcr4 flox mice with Pdx1-Cre;KrasLSL-G12D/+;Trp53LSL-R172H/+ (KPC-Cxcr4-WT) mice to assess the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and pancreatic cancers. Tumor cell characteristics of those two types were analyzed in vitro. In addition, CXCR4 expression in human pancreatic cancer specimens was evaluated by IHC staining. In KPC-Cxcr4-KO mice, the number and pathologic grade of PanIN lesions were reduced, but the frequency of pancreatic cancers did not differ from that in KPC-Cxcr4-WT mice. The pancreatic tumor phenotype in KPC-Cxcr4-KO mice was significantly larger and undifferentiated, characterized by abundant vimentin-expressing cancer cells, significantly fewer fibroblasts, and markedly less deposition of ECM. In vitro, KPC-Cxcr4-KO tumor cells exhibited higher proliferative and migratory activity than KPC-Cxcr4-WT tumor cells. Myofibroblasts induced invasion activity in KPC-Cxcr4-WT tumor cells, showing an epithelial-mesenchymal interaction, whereas KPC-Cxcr4-KO tumor cells were unaffected by myofibroblasts, suggesting their unique nature. In human pancreatic cancer, undifferentiated carcinoma did not express CXCR4 and exhibited histologic and IHC features similar to those in KPC-Cxcr4-KO mice. In summary, the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis may play an important role in the desmoplastic reaction in PDAC, and loss of CXCR4 induces phenotype changes in undifferentiated carcinoma without a desmoplastic reaction. SIGNIFICANCE: The current study uncovers CXCR4 as a key regulator of desmoplastic reaction in PDAC and opens the way for new therapeutic approaches to overcome the chemoresistance in patients with PDAC.

Cytotoxic drugs in combination with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 as a potential treatment option for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. The prognosis of advanced stage RMS remains poor, and metastatic invasion is a major cause of treatment failure. Therefore, there is an urgent need for treatment alternatives focusing on metastatic invasion and drug resistance. The stromal cell‑derived factor‑1 (SDF‑1)/chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis is a crucial factor for metastatic invasion in RMS. Clinical data has revealed that high CXCR4 expression is associated with a poor outcome and a high metastatic rate in several malignancies, including RMS. Thus, targeting CXCR4 in addition to classical chemotherapy may improve the effectiveness of RMS treatment. In the present study, flow cytometry and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR were used to assess the effects of the combined treatment with a CXCR4 antagonist and chemotherapy on CXCR4 expression in the embryonal RMS (RME) cell line RD and in the alveolar RMS (RMA) cell line RH30. The functional effect of CXCR4 expression on the migratory behavior of RMS cells was analyzed using Transwell assays. Treatment with cytotoxic agents modulated CXCR4 expression in RMS cells in a dose‑, drug‑ and cell line dependent manner; however, this was not observed in RD cells with vincristine. The expression levels of CXCR4 significantly increased the migratory behavior of RMA and did not affect RME cell migration towards stromal cell‑derived factor‑1α (SDF‑1α). AMD3100 markedly reduced the migration of RH30 cells in the Transwell assays compared with SDF‑1α alone, and the cytotoxic agents doxorubicin and vincristine increased this effect. The results of the combined treatment in RMS cells using the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 together with cytotoxic drugs demonstrated that this approach may be a promising alternative for the treatment of advanced stage pediatric RMS. The observed effects of circumventing metastatic invasion and drug resistance should be further investigated in vivo.

Prognostic Value of SDF-1α Expression in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Receiving Esophagectomy

Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) is a chemokine that has been reported to be involved in tumor progression in several malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the crucial role of SDF-1α in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who underwent esophagectomy. A total of 169 patients with ESCC were identified, including overexpression of SDF-1α in 60 patients and low expression of SDF-1α in 109 patients by immunohistochemical analysis. Two ESCC cell lines, TE1 and KYSE30, were selected to evaluate the tumor cell proliferative effect of SDF-1α. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that high tumor (T) status, positive lymph node metastasis, tumors located in the upper esophagus, and SDF-1α overexpression were significantly related to worse disease-free survival and overall survival. In addition, the two cell lines were treated with SDF-1α, AMD3100 (an SDF-1α-ligand receptor antagonist), and chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin). Our in vitro study results showed that SDF-1α promoted the proliferation of tumor cells, and blocking the SDF-1α pathway displayed a growth inhibition effect in a dose-dependent manner. SDF-1α plays an important role in the progression of ESCC and is an independent prognostic factor for ESCC patients who underwent esophagectomy.

Markers of pancreatic cancer stem cells and their clinical and therapeutic implications

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth most common cause of death among all cancers. Poor prognosis of PC may be caused by a prevalence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a population of cancer cells showing stem cell-like characteristics. CSCs have the ability to self-renew and may initiate tumorigenesis. PC CSCs express markers such as CD133, CD24, CD44, DCLK1, CXCR4, ESA, Oct4 and ABCB1. There is a wide complexity of interaction and relationships between CSC markers in PC. These markers are negative prognostic factors and are connected with tumor recurrence and clinical progression. Additionally, PC CSCs are resistant to treatment with gemcitabine. Thus, most current therapies for PC are ineffective. Numerous studies have shown, that targeting of these proteins may increase both disease-free and overall survival in PC.

Piperlongumine Induces Cell Cycle Arrest via Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation and IKKβ Suppression in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Piperlongumine (PL), a natural product derived from long pepper (Piper longum L.), is known to exhibit anticancer effects. However, the effect of PL on cell cycle-regulatory proteins in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells is unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether PL can modulate the growth of ER-positive breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. We found that PL decreased MCF-7 cell proliferation and migration. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that PL induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Moreover, PL significantly modulated the mRNA levels of cyclins B1 and D1, cyclin-dependent kinases 1, 4, and 6, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. PL induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide) accumulation and glutathione depletion. PL-mediated inhibition of IKKβ expression decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Furthermore, PL significantly increased p21 mRNA levels. In conclusion, our data suggest that PL exerts anticancer effects in ER-positive breast cancer cells by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration via ROS accumulation and IKKβ suppression.

The prognostic role of soluble TGF-beta and its dynamics in unresectable pancreatic cancer treated with chemotherapy

Objectives

Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) is a multifunctional regulatory factor. Here we measured serum soluble TGF‐β (sTGF‐β) levels and evaluated its dynamics and prognostic capabilities during chemotherapy in unresectable pancreatic cancer patients.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 60 patients treated with FOLFIRINOX as the first‐line palliative chemotherapy. We collected blood samples at the time of diagnosis, first response assessment, and disease progression and measured serum sTGF‐β using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The patients’ median overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 10.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.5‐12.1) and 6.5 (95% CI, 4.9‐8.1) months, respectively. Patients with low sTGF‐β at diagnosis (<31.2 ng/mL) had better OS and PFS than patients with high sTGF‐β, respectively, (OS, 13.7 vs 9.2 months; hazard ratio [HR], 2.602; P = .004; PFS, 9.0 vs 5.8 months; HR, 2.010; P = .034). At the time of disease progression, sTGF‐β was increased compared with that of diagnosis (mean, 26.4 vs 23.9 ng/mL). In particular, sTGF‐β was significantly increased at disease progression in patients with a partial response (mean, 25.7 vs 31.0 ng/mL; P = .049).

Conclusions

Pretreatment sTGF‐β levels can serve as a prognostic indicator in unresectable pancreatic cancer patients treated with FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. Likewise, the dynamics of sTGF‐β during chemotherapy have prognostic value.

Ping-Pong-Tumor and Host in Pancreatic Cancer Progression

Metastasis is the main cause of high pancreatic cancer (PaCa) mortality and trials dampening PaCa mortality rates are not satisfying. Tumor progression is driven by the crosstalk between tumor cells, predominantly cancer-initiating cells (CIC), and surrounding cells and tissues as well as distant organs, where tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TEX) are of major importance. A strong stroma reaction, recruitment of immunosuppressive leukocytes, perineural invasion, and early spread toward the peritoneal cavity, liver, and lung are shared with several epithelial cell-derived cancer, but are most prominent in PaCa. Here, we report on the state of knowledge on the PaCIC markers Tspan8, alpha6beta4, CD44v6, CXCR4, LRP5/6, LRG5, claudin7, EpCAM, and CD133, which all, but at different steps, are engaged in the metastatic cascade, frequently via PaCIC-TEX. This includes the contribution of PaCIC markers to TEX biogenesis, targeting, and uptake. We then discuss PaCa-selective features, where feedback loops between stromal elements and tumor cells, including distorted transcription, signal transduction, and metabolic shifts, establish vicious circles. For the latter particularly pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) are responsible, furnishing PaCa to cope with poor angiogenesis-promoted hypoxia by metabolic shifts and direct nutrient transfer via vesicles. Furthermore, nerves including Schwann cells deliver a large range of tumor cell attracting factors and Schwann cells additionally support PaCa cell survival by signaling receptor binding. PSC, tumor-associated macrophages, and components of the dysplastic stroma contribute to perineural invasion with signaling pathway activation including the cholinergic system. Last, PaCa aggressiveness is strongly assisted by the immune system. Although rich in immune cells, only immunosuppressive cells and factors are recovered in proximity to tumor cells and hamper effector immune cells entering the tumor stroma. Besides a paucity of immunostimulatory factors and receptors, immunosuppressive cytokines, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T-cells, and M2 macrophages as well as PSC actively inhibit effector cell activation. This accounts for NK cells of the non-adaptive and cytotoxic T-cells of the adaptive immune system. We anticipate further deciphering the molecular background of these recently unraveled intermingled phenomena may turn most lethal PaCa into a curatively treatable disease.

Knockdown of Urothelial Carcinoma-Associated 1 Suppressed Cell Growth and Migration Through Regulating miR-301a and CXCR4 in Osteosarcoma MHCC97 Cells

Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Accumulating evidence has highlighted the critical role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in various cancers. The present study aimed to explore the role of lncRNA urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) in cell growth and migration in MHCC97 cells and its underlying mechanism. First, we assessed the expression of UCA1 in MHCC97 and three other cell lines by RT-qPCR. Then the expression of UCA1, miR-301a, and CXCR4 in MHCC97 cells was altered by transient transfection. The effects of UCA1 and miR-301 on cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed. The results revealed that UCA1 expression was relatively higher in MHCC97 cells than in MG63, hFOB1.19, and OS-732 cells. Knockdown of UCA1 reduced cell viability, inhibited migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. However, the effect of UCA1 knockdown on cell growth and migration was blocked by miR-301a overexpression, whose expression was regulated by UCA1. We also found that miR-301a positively regulated CXCR4 expression. CXCR4 inhibition reversed the effect of miR-301a overexpression on cell growth and migration. Moreover, miR-301a activated the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathways via regulating CXCR4. The present study demonstrated that UCA1 inhibition exerted an antigrowth and antimigration role in MHCC97 cells through regulating miR-301a and CXCR4 expression.

CXCL12/CXCR4 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas via PI3K/AKT signal pathway

OBJECTIVES

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (adaCP) accounts for 5.6% to 15% of intracranial tumors. High expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12, also known as stromal cell-derived factor 1 [SDF1]) and its receptor CXC receptor type 4 (CXCR4) are widespread in various malignancy via multiple signal transduction pathways. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of CXCL12/CXCR4 promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion of adaCP.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the expression of CXCL12/CXCR4 mRNA and protein in 10 human adaCP tissues. Three successfully primary cell lines were obtained from native mainly solid tumor specimens, and confirmed by the means of inverted contrast microscope directly and following hematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunofluorescence was used to detect protein expression in vivo for the verification of primary cell line. Proliferation, migration, and invasion assays were performed to assess the biological functional role of CXCL12/CXCR4 in adaCP. The signal pathways involved in the action of CXCL12/CXCR4 in adaCP were also evaluated.

RESULTS

CXCL12 and CXCR4 were highly expressed in human adaCP samples. Primary adaCP cells were isolated and detected by the means of immunofluorescence for the detection of pan cytokeratin (pan-CK) and vimentin (VIM). Overexpression of CXCL12/CXCR4 significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of primary adaCP cells. Moreover, cancer-promoting activity of CXCL12/CXCR4 is partially through its facilitation of PI3K/AKT signal pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that CXCL12/CXCR4 promotes adaCP proliferation, migration, and invasion through PI3K/AKT signal pathway. These findings suggested that therapeutic strategies regulating CXCL12/CXCR4 expression may provide an effective treatment of adaCP.

A three-dimensional (3D) organotypic microfluidic model for glioma stem cells - Vascular interactions

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Despite many treatment options, prognosis of GBM remains dismal with a 5-year survival rate of 4.7%. Even then, tumors often recur after treatment. Tumor recurrence is hypothesized to be driven by glioma stem cell (GSC) populations which are highly tumorigenic, invasive, and resistant to several forms of therapy. GSCs are often concentrated around the tumor vasculature, referred to as the vascular niche, which are known to provide microenvironmental cues to maintain GSC stemness, promote invasion, and resistance to therapies. In this work, we developed a 3D organotypic microfluidic platform, integrated with hydrogel-based biomaterials, to mimic the GSC vascular niche and study the influence of endothelial cells (ECs) on patient-derived GSC behavior and identify signaling cues that mediate their invasion and phenotype. The established microvascular network enhanced GSC migration within a 3D hydrogel, promoted invasive morphology as well as maintained GSC proliferation rates and phenotype (Nestin, SOX2, CD44). Notably, we compared migration behavior to in vivo mice model and found similar invasive morphology suggesting that our microfluidic system could represent a physiologically relevant in vivo microenvironment. Moreover, we confirmed that CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling is involved in promoting GSC invasion in a 3D vascular microenvironment by utilizing a CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100), while also demonstrating the effectiveness of the microfluidic as a drug screening assay. Our model presents a potential ex vivo platform for studying the interplay of GSCs with its surrounding microenvironment as well as development of future therapeutic strategies tailored toward disrupting key molecular pathways involved in GSC regulatory mechanisms.

Mechanisms regulating T-cell infiltration and activity in solid tumors

T-lymphocytes play a critical role in cancer immunity as evidenced by their presence in resected tumor samples derived from long-surviving patients, and impressive clinical responses to various immunotherapies that reinvigorate them. Indeed, tumors can upregulate a wide array of defense mechanisms, both direct and indirect, to suppress the ability of Tcells to reach the tumor bed and mount curative responses upon infiltration. In addition, patient and tumor genetics, previous antigenic experience, and the microbiome, are all important factors in shaping the T-cell repertoire and sensitivity to immunotherapy. Here, we review the mechanisms that regulate T-cell homing, infiltration, and activity within the solid tumor bed. Finally, we summarize different immunotherapies and combinatorial treatment strategies that enable the immune system to overcome barriers for enhanced tumor control and improved patient outcome.

Strategies for Increasing Pancreatic Tumor Immunogenicity

Immunotherapy has changed the standard of care for multiple deadly cancers, including lung, head and neck, gastric, and some colorectal cancers. However, single-agent immunotherapy has had little effect in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Increasing evidence suggests that the PDAC microenvironment is comprised of an intricate network of signals between immune cells, PDAC cells, and stroma, resulting in an immunosuppressive environment resistant to single-agent immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss differences between immunotherapy-sensitive cancers and PDAC, the complex interactions between PDAC stroma and suppressive tumor-infiltrating cells that facilitate PDAC development and progression, the immunologic targets within these complex networks that are druggable, and data supporting combination drug approaches that modulate multiple PDAC signals, which should lead to improved clinical outcomes. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1656-69. ©2017 AACRSee all articles in this CCR Focus section, "Pancreatic Cancer: Challenge and Inspiration."

Stromal Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment comprises a mass of heterogeneous cell types, including immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, alongside cancer cells. It is increasingly becoming clear that the development of this support niche is critical to the continued uncontrolled growth of the cancer. The tumor microenvironment contributes to the maintenance of cancer stemness and also directly promotes angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and chronic inflammation. In this chapter, we describe on the role of fibroblasts, specifically termed cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), in the promotion and maintenance of cancers. CAFs have a multitude of effects on the growth and maintenance of cancer, and here we focus on their roles in modulating immune cells and responses; CAFs both inhibit immune cell access to the tumor microenvironment and inhibit their functions within the tumor. Finally, we describe the potential modulation of CAF function as an adjunct to bolster the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.

Local and transient gene expression primes the liver to resist cancer metastasis

The liver is the primary site of metastasis for gastrointestinal cancers and is a location highly susceptible to the establishment of metastasis in numerous other primary cancers, including breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers. The current standard of care typically consists of primary tumor resection and systemic administration of potent but toxic chemotherapeutics, yielding a minimal improvement in the median survival rate. CXCL12, a chemokine, is a key factor for activating the migration/survival pathways of CXCR4⁺ cancer cells and for recruiting immunosuppressive cells to areas of inflammation. Therefore, reducing CXCL12 concentrations within the liver has the potential to decrease tumor and immunosuppressive cell activation/migration within the liver. However, because of off-target toxicities associated with systemic administration of anti-CXCL12 therapies, transient and liver-specific expression of a CXCL12 trap is necessary. To address this challenge, we developed a lipid calcium phosphate nanoparticle optimized for delivering plasmid DNA, encoding an engineered CXCL12 protein trap, to the nucleus of liver hepatocytes. This pCXCL12-trap formulation yielded transient (4 days) liver-specific expression, which greatly decreased the occurrence of liver metastasis in two aggressive liver metastasis models, including colorectal [CT-26(FL3)] and breast (4T1) cancers. Subsequent studies in an aggressive human colorectal liver metastasis model (HT-29) decreased the establishment of liver metastasis more effectively than did systemic administration of the CXCL12 protein trap and to a level comparable to a high-dose regimen of a potent CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100).

Inflammatory Cytokine Signaling during Development of Pancreatic and Prostate Cancers

Inflammation is essential for many diseases including cancer. Activation and recruitment of immune cells during inflammation result in a cytokine- and chemokine-enriched cell environment, which affects cancer development. Since each type of cancer has its unique tumor environment, effects of cytokines from different sources such as tumor-infiltrating immune cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, and cancer cells on cancer development can be quite complex. In this review, how immune cells contribute to tumorigenesis of pancreatic and prostate cancers through their secreted cytokines is discussed. In addition, the cytokine signaling that tumor cells of pancreatic and prostate cancers utilize to benefit their own survival is delineated.

Lipoxin A4 reverses mesenchymal phenotypes to attenuate invasion and metastasis via the inhibition of autocrine TGF-β1 signaling in pancreatic cancer

Background

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease in part because of its potential for aggressive invasion and metastasis. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is one of the metabolites that is derived from arachidonic acid and that is catalyzed by 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX), and it has recently been reported to exhibit anti-cancer effects. However, the role of LXA4 in pancreatic cancer remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Pancreatic cell lines were treated with vehicle or LXA4, and the invasive capacity was then assessed by Transwell assays. The expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers was determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Anti-TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody and exogenous recombinant human TGF-β1 (rhTGF-β1) were used to study the effect of LXA4 on the TGF-β signaling. A liver metastasis model was applied to investigate the effect of LXA4 in vivo. The correlation between the Lipoxin effect score (LES) and the clinical-pathological features of pancreatic cancer was also analyzed.

Results

We found that in patients with pancreatic cancer, low LES was correlated with aggressive metastatic potential. The LXA4 activity, which was mediated by the LXA4 receptor FPRL1, could significantly suppress invasion capacity and mesenchymal phenotypes. The expression and autocrine signaling pathway activity of TGF-β1 were also downregulated by LXA4. In the liver metastasis model in nude mice, the stable analog of LXA4, BML-111, could inhibit the metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that LXA4 could reverse mesenchymal phenotypes, which attenuated invasion and metastasis via the inhibition of autocrine TGF-β1 signaling in pancreatic cancer, which may provide a new strategy to prevent the metastasis of pancreatic cancer.

Mechanisms by which CXCR4/CXCL12 cause metastatic behavior in pancreatic cancer

C-X-C motif chemokine receptor (CXCR) 4/CXCL12 is associated with tumor invasion and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms behind this process by studying the association between the expression of CXCR4 and numerous molecular markers. A total of 60 patients with pancreatic cancer who had been treated with radical surgery between July 2012 and February 2016 were included in the present study. The expression of CXCR4/CXCL12 in primary pancreatic cancer lesions, tissues adjacent to cancerous tissue, non-cancerous pancreatic tissues and in the surrounding lymph nodes was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Expression levels of four candidate biomarkers [vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), Ki-67, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and β-catenin] were also evaluated. The correlation between CXCR4 and these four biomarkers was assessed. CXCR4 (CXCL12) expression levels were higher in pancreatic cancer 56.7% (86.7%), paracancerous tissue 50.0% (85.0%) and surrounding lymph nodes 53.3% (80.0%), compared with in normal tissues 18.3% (45.0%). CXCR4 expression was significantly associated with the lymph node metastasis of tumors (P=0.001), pathological type (P=0.037) and tumor-node-metastasis stage (P=0.031). CXCR4 expression exhibited a positive correlation with VEGF-C (r=0.417; P=0.001), Ki-67 (r=0.316; P=0.014), MMP-2 (r=0.284; P=0.028) and β-catenin (r=0.368; P=0.04). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis revealed VEGF-C (β=1.722; P=0.005) and Ki-67 (β=1.196; P=0.047) to be two biomarkers that cause metastasis via CXCR4. CXCR4/CXCL12 is closely associated with tumor grade and lymphatic metastasis. VEGF-C and Ki-67 are two important biomarkers, through which CXCR4 initiates metastatic behavior in pancreatic cancer. Therefore, angiogenesis inhibitors will continue to be effective agents in treating pancreatic cancer.

Isatin inhibits SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell invasion and metastasis through MAO/HIF-1α/CXCR4 signaling

Isatin was reported to possess anticancer activities through its effect on tumor proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism behind isatin's ability to inhibit neuroblastoma cell metastasis. Our results demonstrated that isatin could inhibit neuroblastoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, isatin inhibited the expression level of monoamine oxidase A as well as that of its downstream protein hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. Further study indicated that isatin inhibited reactive oxygen species production, extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 phosphorylation, and chemokine receptor type 4 expression. All results support the potential antimetastatic effect of isatin in neuroblatoma cells.

Difference in CXCR4 expression between sporadic and VHL-related hemangioblastoma

Central nervous system hemangioblastomas occur sporadically and in patients with von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease due to a VHL germline mutation. This mutation leads to enhanced transcription of chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), its ligand (CXCL12) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). We aimed to determine in VHL-related and sporadic hemangioblastomas CXCR4, CXCL12, and VEGFA protein expression and to correlate this to hemangioblastoma size and expression in normal surrounding tissue. 27 patients with a hemangioblastoma were included for analysis of immunohistochemistry of tissue, MRI and DNA. Hemangioblastomas overexpress CXCR4, CXCL12, and VEGFA compared to normal surrounding tissue. In sporadic hemangioblastomas the mean percentage of CXCR4 positive hemangioblastoma cells was 16 %, SD 8.4, in VHL-related hemangioblastomas 8 %, SD 4.4 (P = 0.002). There was no relation between preoperative tumor size and CXCR4 or CXCL12 expression. Compared to normal surrounding tissue CXCR4, CXCL12, and VEGFA were overexpressed in hemangioblastomas. Most interestingly, sporadic hemangioblastomas overexpress CXCR4 compared to VHL-related hemangioblastoma.

Emerging roles of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in pancreatic cancer progression and therapy

Chemokine networks regulate a variety of cellular, physiological, and immune processes. These normal functions can become appropriated by cancer cells to facilitate a more hospitable niche for aberrant cells by enhancing growth, proliferation, and metastasis. This is especially true in pancreatic cancer, where chemokine signaling is a vital component in the development of the supportive tumor microenvironment and the signaling between the cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells. Although expression patterns vary among cancer types, the chemokine receptor CXCR4 has been implicated in nearly every major malignancy and plays a prominent role in pancreatic cancer development and progression. This receptor, in conjunction with its primary chemokine ligand CXCL12, promotes pancreatic cancer development, invasion, and metastasis through the management of the tumor microenvironment via complex crosstalk with other pathways. Thus, CXCR4 likely contributes to the poor prognoses observed in patients afflicted with this malignancy. Recent exploration of combination therapies with CXCR4 antagonists have demonstrated improved outcomes, and abolishing the contribution of this pathway may prove crucial to effectively treat pancreatic cancer at both the primary tumor and metastases.

神经营养因子和趋化因子与胰腺癌神经浸润的研究进展

胰腺癌癌细胞浸润神经组织, 沿神经或进入神经束膜内沿束膜间隙浸润生长, 即发生神经浸润(perineural invasion, PNI). PNI是特殊的肿瘤转移通路, 在胰腺癌中的发生率极高, 为胰腺癌的重要生物学特性之一, 被认为是导致胰腺癌手术后高复发率和胰腺癌相关疼痛的最主要原因之一, 与患者不良预后和低存活率密切相关. PNI发生的机制十分复杂, 涉及多种生物分子和信号途径. 神经营养因子和趋化因子参与相关信号通路, 促进癌细胞神经交互作用, 导致胰腺癌PNI发生, 在胰腺癌PNI中扮演重要角色. 本文将神经营养因子家族和趋化因子与胰腺癌PNI的研究进展作一综述.

CXCR4 knockdown inhibits the growth and invasion of nasopharyngeal cancer stem cells

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of malignant tumor with a high rate of incidence. Cancer stem cells are regarded as one of the main causes for the formation and recurrence of nasopharyngeal cancer. CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) has been reported to perform an important role in cancer; however, the association between CXCR4 and nasopharyngeal cancer stem cells remains unclear. The present study explored the effect of CXCR4 on cellular viability, apoptosis and invasion of nasopharyngeal cancer stem cells. Results of the present study demonstrated that knockdown of CXCR4 inhibited the viability and invasion of nasopharyngeal cancer stem cells and promoted cellular apoptosis. Further studies have revealed that the anti-tumor effect of CXCR4 knockdown was associated with the inhibition of the protein kinase B signal. These results demonstrate that the knockdown of CXCR4 resulted in an anti-tumor effect in nasopharyngeal cancer stem cells. Therefore, CXCR4 may become a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer.

Tumor-associated macrophage-derived CCL20 enhances the growth and metastasis of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with a high metastatic potential that results in a high mortality rate worldwide. Although macrophages have the potential to kill tumor cells and elicit immune responses against tumors, there is evidence that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote tumor progression and suppress T-cell responses. CC-chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) and its unique receptor CC-chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) are exploited by cancer cells for migration and metastasis and play important roles in the development and progression of cancer. Recent studies have shown that the expression of CCL20 is upregulated in pancreatic cancer; however, the mechanism of action of CCL20 remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, the aberrant expression of CCL20 in TAMs of pancreatic cancer tissue, including metastatic pancreatic cancer tissue, was detected. CCL20 expression was considerably higher in macrophages than in pancreatic cancer cell lines, particularly in interleukin-4-treated (M2) macrophages. Using Boyden chamber assays of pancreatic cancer cells, we found that CCL20 secreted by M2 macrophages promoted the migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. RNA interference results showed that CCR6 is a receptor for CCL20 in pancreatic cancer cells, mediating the increased invasive properties of these cells promoted by CCL20. Using a mouse model, we confirmed the roles of CCR6/CCL20 in promoting pancreatic cancer growth and liver metastasis in vivo Our findings provide insight into the important role of macrophage-secreted CCL20 in pancreatic cancer and implicate CCR6/CCL20 as potential therapeutic targets.

Polyplex-mediated inhibition of chemokine receptor CXCR4 and chromatin-remodeling enzyme NCOA3 impedes pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies due to intense desmoplasia, extreme hypoxia and inherent chemoresistance. Studies have implicated the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 and nuclear receptor co-activator-3 (NCOA3) in the development of desmoplasia and metastatic spread of PC. Using a series of polymeric CXCR4 antagonists (PCX), we optimized formulation of PCX/siNCOA3 polyplexes to simultaneously target CXCR4 and NCOA3 in PC. Cholesterol-modified PCX showed maximum CXCR4 antagonism, NCOA3 silencing and inhibition of PC cell migration in vitro. The optimized PCX/siNCOA3 polyplexes were used in evaluating antitumor and antimetastatic activity in orthotopic mouse model of metastatic PC. The polyplexes displayed significant inhibition of primary tumor growth, which was accompanied by a decrease in tumor necrosis and increased tumor perfusion. The polyplexes also showed significant antimetastatic effect and effective suppression of metastasis to distant organs. Overall, dual-function PCX/siNCOA3 polyplexes can effectively regulate tumor microenvironment to decrease progression and dissemination of PC.

Nef-M1, a peptide antagonist of CXCR4, inhibits tumor angiogenesis and epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition in colon and breast cancers

The Nef-M1 peptide competes effectively with the natural ligand of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), stromal cell-derived factor 1-alpha, to induce apoptosis and inhibit growth in colon cancer (CRC) and breast cancer (BC). Its role in tumor angiogenesis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation, key steps involved in tumor growth and metastasis, are unknown. We evaluated the angioinhibitory effect of Nef-M1 peptide and examined its role in the inhibition of EMT in these cancers.

Colon (HT29) and breast (MDA-MB231) cancer cells expressing CXCR4 were studied in vitro and in xenograft tumors propagated in severe combined immunodeficient mice. The mice were treated intraperitoneally with Nef-M1 or scrambled amino acid sequence of Nef-M1 (sNef-M1) peptide, a negative control, starting at the time of tumor implantation. Sections from tumors were evaluated for tumor angiogenesis, as measured by microvessel density (MVD) based on immunostaining of endothelial markers. In vitro tumor angiogenesis was assessed by treating human umbilical vein endothelial cells with conditioned media from the tumor cell lines. A BC cell line (MDA-MB 468) which does not express CXCR4 was used to study the actions of Nef-M1 peptide. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses assessed the effect of Nef-M1 on tumor angiogenesis and EMT in both tumors and cancer cells.

Metastatic lesions of CRC and BC expressed more CXCR4 than primary lesions. It was also found that tumors from mice treated with sNef-M1 had well established vascularity, while Nef-M1 treated tumors had very poor vascularization. Indeed, the mean MVD was lower in tumors from Nef-M1 treated mice than in sNef-M1 treated tumors. Nef-M1 treated tumor has poor morphology and loss of endothelial integrity. Although conditioned medium from CRC or BC cells supported HUVEC tube formation, the conditioned medium from Nef-M1 treated CRC or BC cells did not support tube formation. Western blot analyses revealed that Nef-M1 effectively suppressed the expression of VEGF-A in CRC and BC cells and tumors. This suggests that Nef-M1 treated CRC and BC cells are more consistent with E-cadherin signature, and thus appears more epithelial in nature.

Our data indicate that Nef-M1 peptide inhibits tumor angiogenesis and the oncogenic EMT process. Targeting the chemokine receptor, CXCR4, mediated pathways using Nef-M1 may prove to be a novel therapeutic approach for CRC and BC.

The prognostic role of serum C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 in patients with metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is involved in tumor progression including angiogenesis, metastasis, and survival. However, whether serum CXCR4 levels in metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer have a prognostic role, have not been evaluated.

METHODS

We analyzed serum samples from 55 patients with advanced colorectal cancer diagnosed between March 2008 and July 2011. Serum CXCR4 levels were quantified by a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 62 years, and all patients received systemic chemotherapy of two or more lines. The median serum CXCR4 level was 283.47 pg/mL (range: 77.48-846.52). Patients with two or more metastatic sites, liver metastasis, or higher CA 19-9 level (>37 IU/mL) showed significantly higher levels of serum CXCR4 than patients without. The median overall survival (OS) of all patients was 19.53 months. OS was significantly longer in patients with lower CXCR4 levels (≤240.45 pg/mL) compared with those having higher CXCR4 levels (>240.45 pg/mL) (median OS: 26.50 vs 17.03 months, P=0.046). Univariate analysis showed that liver metastasis, no palliative surgery, and higher levels of CXCR4 (>240.45 pg/mL) had a significantly poor prognostic value with regard to OS (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Serum CXCR4 level was positively correlated with metastatic sites, liver metastasis, or higher CA 19-9 level. Also, there was a significant difference in OS according to the level of CXCR4 expression. These findings suggest that serum CXCR4 levels may be a useful surrogate marker of clinical outcome in metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer.

iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomic Comparison of Early- and Late-Passage Human Dermal Papilla Cell Secretome in Relation to Inducing Hair Follicle Regeneration

Alopecia is an exceedingly prevalent problem that lacks effective therapy. Recently, research has focused on early-passage dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which have hair inducing activity both in vivo and in vitro. Our previous study indicated that factors secreted from early-passage DPCs contribute to hair follicle (HF) regeneration. To identify which factors are responsible for HF regeneration and why late-passage DPCs lose this potential, we collected 48-h-culture medium (CM) from both of passage 3 and 9 DPCs, and subcutaneously injected the DPC-CM into NU/NU mice. Passage 3 DPC-CM induced HF regeneration, based on the emergence of a white hair coat, but passage 9 DPC-CM did not. In order to identify the key factors responsible for hair induction, CM from passage 3 and 9 DPCs was analyzed by iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic technology. We identified 1360 proteins, of which 213 proteins were differentially expressed between CM from early-passage vs. late-passage DPCs, including SDF1, MMP3, biglycan and LTBP1. Further analysis indicated that the differentially-expressed proteins regulated the Wnt, TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways, which directly and indirectly participate in HF morphogenesis and regeneration. Subsequently, we selected 19 proteins for further verification by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) between the two types of CM. These results indicate DPC-secreted proteins play important roles in HF regeneration, with SDF1, MMP3, biglycan, and LTBP1 being potential key inductive factors secreted by dermal papilla cells in the regeneration of hair follicles.

Overexpression of Nodal induces a metastatic phenotype in pancreatic cancer cells via the Smad2/3 pathway

Metastasis is the major cause for the high mortality rate of pancreatic cancer. Human embryonic stem cell (hESC) associated genes frequently correlate with malignant disease progression. Recent studies have demonstrated that the embryonic protein Nodal, which plays a critical role during embryonic development, is re-expressed in several types of tumors and promotes cancers progression. However, little is known about the role of Nodal in pancreatic cancer. Here, we show that Nodal expression is upregulated in human pancreatic cancer tissues. Moreover, Nodal expression levels correlate well with the grade of pancreatic cancer differentiation. In addition, we present clear evidence that Nodal induces signal transduction through the Smad2/3-dependent pathway in vitro. Furthermore, we show that Nodal promotes pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion, induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhances the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Using an in vivo liver metastasis model of pancreatic cancer, we observed that blocking Nodal signaling activity with the small-molecule inhibitor SB431542 decreases the number and size of liver metastases. Taken together, our results suggest that Nodal overexpression induces a metastatic phenotype in pancreatic cancer cells, and that targeting Nodal signaling may be a promising therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.

The canonical Wnt pathway regulates the metastasis-promoting mucin MUC4 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Aberrant Wnt signaling frequently occurs in pancreatic cancer (PC) and contributes to disease progression/metastases. Likewise, the transmembrane-mucin MUC4 is expressed de novo in early pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs) and incrementally increases with PC progression, contributing to metastasis. To determine the mechanism of MUC4 upregulation in PC, we examined factors deregulated in early PC progression, such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling. MUC4 promoter analysis revealed the presence of three putative TCF/LEF-binding sites, leading us to hypothesize that MUC4 can be regulated by β-catenin. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of rapid autopsy PC tissues showed a correlation between MUC4 and cytosolic/nuclear β-catenin expression. Knock down (KD) of β-catenin in CD18/HPAF and T3M4 cell lines resulted in decreased MUC4 transcript and protein. Three MUC4 promoter luciferase constructs, p3778, p3000, and p2700, were generated. The construct p3778, encompassing the entire MUC4 promoter, elicited increased luciferase activity in the presence of stabilized β-catenin. Mutation of the TCF/LEF site closest to the transcription start site (i.e., -2629/-2612) and furthest from the start site (i.e., -3425/-3408) reduced MUC4 promoter luciferase activity. Transfection with dominant negative TCF4 decreased MUC4 transcript and protein levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed enrichment of β-catenin on -2629/-2612 and -3425/-3408 of the MUC4 promoter in CD18/HPAF. Functionally, CD18/HPAF and T3M4 β-catenin KD cells showed decreased migration and decreased Vimentin, N-cadherin, and pERK1/2 expression. Tumorigenicity studies in athymic nude mice showed CD18/HPAF β-catenin KD cells significantly reduced primary tumor sizes and metastases compared to scrambled control cells. We show for the first time that β-catenin directly governs MUC4 in PC.

Stromal-derived factor-1α/CXCL12-CXCR4 chemotactic pathway promotes perineural invasion in pancreatic cancer

Perineural invasion (PNI) is considered as an alternative route for the metastatic spread of pancreatic cancer cells; however, the molecular changes leading to PNI are still poorly understood. In this study, we show that the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis plays a pivotal role in the neurotropism of pancreatic cancer cells to local peripheral nerves. Immunohistochemical staining results revealed that CXCR4 elevation correlated with PNI in 78 pancreatic cancer samples. Both in vitro and in vivo PNI models were applied to investigate the function of the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling in PNI progression and pathogenesis. The results showed that the activation of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis significantly increased pancreatic cancer cells invasion and promoted the outgrowth of the dorsal root ganglia. CXCL12 derived from the peripheral nerves stimulated the invasion and chemotactic migration of CXCR4-positive cancer cells in a paracrine manner, eventually leading to PNI. In vivo analyses revealed that the abrogation of the activated signaling inhibited tumor growth and invasion of the sciatic nerve toward the spinal cord. These data indicate that the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis may be a novel therapeutic target to prevent the perineural dissemination of pancreatic cancer.