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Wang S, Qi X, Liu D, Xie D, Jiang B, Wang J, Wang X, Wu G. The implications for urological malignancies of non-coding RNAs in the the tumor microenvironment. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:491-505. [PMID: 38249783 PMCID: PMC10796827 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.016] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Urological malignancies are a major global health issue because of their complexity and the wide range of ways they affect patients. There's a growing need for in-depth research into these cancers, especially at the molecular level. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) – these don't code for proteins but are crucial in controlling genes – and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is no longer seen as just a background factor but as an active player in cancer progression. Understanding how ncRNAs and the TME interact is key for finding new ways to diagnose and predict outcomes in urological cancers, and for developing new treatments. This article reviews the basic features of ncRNAs and goes into detail about their various roles in the TME, focusing specifically on how different ncRNAs function and act in urological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijin Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaochen Qi
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Dequan Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Deqian Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Bowen Jiang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoxi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Guangzhen Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning, China
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Oliveira SM, Carvalho PD, Serra-Roma A, Oliveira P, Ribeiro A, Carvalho J, Martins F, Machado AL, Oliveira MJ, Velho S. Fibroblasts Promote Resistance to KRAS Silencing in Colorectal Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2595. [PMID: 39061234 PMCID: PMC11274566 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142595] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) responses to KRAS-targeted inhibition have been limited due to low response rates, the mechanisms of which remain unknown. Herein, we explored the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) secretome as a mediator of resistance to KRAS silencing. CRC cell lines HCT15, HCT116, and SW480 were cultured either in recommended media or in conditioned media from a normal colon fibroblast cell line (CCD-18Co) activated with rhTGF-β1 to induce a CAF-like phenotype. The expression of membrane stem cell markers was analyzed by flow cytometry. Stem cell potential was evaluated by a sphere formation assay. RNAseq was performed in KRAS-silenced HCT116 colonospheres treated with either control media or conditioned media from CAFs. Our results demonstrated that KRAS-silencing up-regulated CD24 and down-regulated CD49f and CD104 in the three cell lines, leading to a reduction in sphere-forming efficiency. However, CAF-secreted factors restored stem cell marker expression and increased stemness. RNA sequencing showed that CAF-secreted factors up-regulated genes associated with pro-tumorigenic pathways in KRAS-silenced cells, including KRAS, TGFβ, NOTCH, WNT, MYC, cell cycle progression and exit from quiescence, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and immune regulation. Overall, our results suggest that resistance to KRAS-targeted inhibition might derive not only from cell-intrinsic causes but also from external elements, such as fibroblast-secreted factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Mendonça Oliveira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.O.); (P.O.); (J.C.); (F.M.); (A.L.M.); (M.J.O.)
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- FMUP—Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- ESS|P.PORTO—Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Dias Carvalho
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.O.); (P.O.); (J.C.); (F.M.); (A.L.M.); (M.J.O.)
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - André Serra-Roma
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.O.); (P.O.); (J.C.); (F.M.); (A.L.M.); (M.J.O.)
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Oliveira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.O.); (P.O.); (J.C.); (F.M.); (A.L.M.); (M.J.O.)
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia Ribeiro
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.O.); (P.O.); (J.C.); (F.M.); (A.L.M.); (M.J.O.)
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Carvalho
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.O.); (P.O.); (J.C.); (F.M.); (A.L.M.); (M.J.O.)
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Flávia Martins
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.O.); (P.O.); (J.C.); (F.M.); (A.L.M.); (M.J.O.)
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- FMUP—Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Machado
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.O.); (P.O.); (J.C.); (F.M.); (A.L.M.); (M.J.O.)
- FMUP—Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- ESS|P.PORTO—Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria José Oliveira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.O.); (P.O.); (J.C.); (F.M.); (A.L.M.); (M.J.O.)
- FMUP—Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-177 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgia Velho
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.O.); (P.O.); (J.C.); (F.M.); (A.L.M.); (M.J.O.)
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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Baniasadi A, Das JP, Prendergast CM, Beizavi Z, Ma HY, Jaber MY, Capaccione KM. Imaging at the nexus: how state of the art imaging techniques can enhance our understanding of cancer and fibrosis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:567. [PMID: 38872212 PMCID: PMC11177383 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05379-1] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Both cancer and fibrosis are diseases involving dysregulation of cell signaling pathways resulting in an altered cellular microenvironment which ultimately leads to progression of the condition. The two disease entities share common molecular pathophysiology and recent research has illuminated the how each promotes the other. Multiple imaging techniques have been developed to aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of each disease, and given the commonalities between the pathophysiology of the conditions, advances in imaging one disease have opened new avenues to study the other. Here, we detail the most up-to-date advances in imaging techniques for each disease and how they have crossed over to improve detection and monitoring of the other. We explore techniques in positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), second generation harmonic Imaging (SGHI), ultrasound (US), radiomics, and artificial intelligence (AI). A new diagnostic imaging tool in PET/computed tomography (CT) is the use of radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI). SGHI uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deeper into the tissue, providing a more detailed view of the tumor microenvironment. Artificial intelligence with the aid of advanced deep learning (DL) algorithms has been highly effective in training computer systems to diagnose and classify neoplastic lesions in multiple organs. Ultimately, advancing imaging techniques in cancer and fibrosis can lead to significantly more timely and accurate diagnoses of both diseases resulting in better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Baniasadi
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168Th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Jeeban P Das
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Conor M Prendergast
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168Th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Zahra Beizavi
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168Th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hong Y Ma
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168Th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | - Kathleen M Capaccione
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168Th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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Li Y, Zheng Y, Xu S, Hu H, Peng L, Zhu J, Wu M. The nanobody targeting PD-L1 and CXCR4 counteracts pancreatic stellate cell-mediated tumour progression by disrupting tumour microenvironment. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111944. [PMID: 38581990 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111944] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal malignancy worldwide owing to its complex tumour microenvironment and dense physical barriers. Stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), which is abundantly secreted by tumour stromal cells, plays a pivotal role in promoting PDAC growth and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the impact and molecular mechanisms of the anti-PD-L1&CXCR4 bispecific nanobody on the TME and their consequent interference with PDAC progression. We found that blocking the SDF-1/CXCR4 signalling pathway delayed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells. Anti-PD-L1&CXCR4 bispecific nanobody effectively suppress the secretion of SDF-1 by pancreatic stellate cells and downregulate the expression of smooth muscle actin alpha(α-SMA), thereby preventing the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts by downregulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This improves the pancreatic tumour microenvironment, favouring the infiltration of T cells into the tumour tissue. In conclusion, our results suggest that the anti-PD-L1&CXCR4 bispecific nanobody exerts an antitumor immune response by changing the pancreatic tumour microenvironment. Hence, the anti-PD-L1&CXCR4 bispecific nanobody is a potential candidate for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxian Li
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuejiang Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyi Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hai Hu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyun Peng
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyuan Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China.
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Tang L, Xu H, Wu T, Wu W, Lu Y, Gu J, Wang X, Zhou M, Chen Q, Sun X, Cai H. Advances in tumor microenvironment and underlying molecular mechanisms of bladder cancer: a systematic review. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:111. [PMID: 38602556 PMCID: PMC11009183 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00902-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is one of the most frequent malignant tumors of the urinary system. The prevalence of bladder cancer among men and women is roughly 5:2, and both its incidence and death have been rising steadily over the past few years. At the moment, metastasis and recurrence of advanced bladder cancer-which are believed to be connected to the malfunction of multigene and multilevel cell signaling network-remain the leading causes of bladder cancer-related death. The therapeutic treatment of bladder cancer will be greatly aided by the elucidation of these mechanisms. New concepts for the treatment of bladder cancer have been made possible by the advancement of research technologies and a number of new treatment options, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy. In this paper, we will extensively review the development of the tumor microenvironment and the possible molecular mechanisms of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Tang
- Department of Nursing, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haifei Xu
- Department of Urology, Nantong Tumor Hospital and Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Medical University The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenhao Wu
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Medical University The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuhao Lu
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Medical University The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jijia Gu
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Medical University The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Department of Urology, Nantong Tumor Hospital and Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Department of Nursing, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qiuyang Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Medical University The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xuan Sun
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Medical University The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hongzhou Cai
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Zeng X, Su H, Liu Z, Wang Y, Lu Z, Cheng S. Integrative analysis of the bladder cancer from a cell cycle NCAM1 perspective at both single cell and bulk resolution. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38581187 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a prevalent and deadly form of urinary cancer, and there is a need for effective therapies, particularly for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Cell cycle inhibitors show promise in restoring control of the cell cycle in BLCA cells, but their clinical prognosis evaluation is limited. METHODS Transcriptome and scRNA-seq data were collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA)-BLCA and GSE190888 cohort, respectively. R software and the Seurat package were used for data analysis, including cell quality control, dimensionality reduction, and identification of differentially expressed genes. Genes related to the cell cycle were obtained from the genecards website, and a protein-protein interaction network analysis was performed using cytoscape software. Functional enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, and molecular docking were conducted using various tools and packages. BLCA cell lines were cultured and transfected for in vitro experimental assays, including RT-qPCR analysis, and CCK-8 cell viability assays. RESULTS We identified 32 genes as independent risk or protective factors for BLCA prediction. Functional enrichment analysis revealed their involvement in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and various signaling pathways. Using these genes, we developed a nomogram for predicting BLCA survival, which displayed high prognosis stratification efficacy in BLCA patients. Four cell cycle associated key genes identified, including NCAM1, HBB, CKD6, and CTLA4. We also identified the main cell types in BLCA patients and investigated the functional differences between epithelial cells based on their expression levels of key genes. Furthermore, we observed a high positive correlative relationship between the infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the risk score value. Finally, we conducted in vitro experiments to demonstrate the suppressive role of NCAM1 in BLCA cell proliferation. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that cell cycle associated genes could serve as potential biomarkers for predicting BLCA prognosis and may represent therapeutic targets for the development of more effective therapies. Hopefully, these findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in BLCA from the perspective of cell cycle. Moreover, NCAM1 was a novel cell proliferation suppressor in the BLCA carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangju Zeng
- Department of Outpatient, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ziqi Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yinhuai Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhijie Lu
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shunhua Cheng
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Yahya MS, Abdel Hameed FF, Radwan NH, Abdelgawad IA, Soliman AF. Clinical assessment of TGFB1 and HP Relative Gene Expression in the Peripheral Blood of Prostate Cancer Patients. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2024; 25:709-717. [PMID: 38415559 PMCID: PMC11077105 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2024.25.2.709] [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: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the relative gene expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1) and haptoglobin (HP) in the peripheral blood of prostate cancer (PCa) patients and evaluate their diagnostic ability. METHODS A total of 125 participants were enrolled in the present study. Among them, 75 PCa patients, 25 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, and 25 healthy volunteers served as the control group. The relative TGFB1 and HP gene expression level was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Further, free and total PSA levels were determined using electrochemiluminescence assays. RESULTS TGFB1 was significantly over-expressed, whereas HP was significantly downregulated in the peripheral blood of PCa patients compared to BPH and control groups (p-value ranges from 0.034 to <0.001). Moreover, the high expression level of TGFB1 was associated with an increased risk of PCa development with OR=1.412 (95%CI: 1.081-1.869, p= 0.012). TGFB1 and HP relative expression levels had lower diagnostic performance to differentiate PCa from normal and BPH individuals compared to PSA, however, the combination of the tested parameters improved the diagnostic efficacy. CONCLUSIONS TGFB1 and HP relative expression have moderate diagnostic efficacy in discriminating patients with PCa from BPH and healthy subjects. Furthermore, over-expression of TGFB1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S Yahya
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fatma F Abdel Hameed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha H Radwan
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iman A Abdelgawad
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F Soliman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Wang J, Peng J, Chen Y, Nasser MI, Qin H. The role of stromal cells in epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and its therapeutic potential. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:13. [PMID: 38244071 PMCID: PMC10799841 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00867-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical tumor invasion and metastasis process. EMT enables tumor cells to migrate, detach from their original location, enter the circulation, circulate within it, and eventually exit from blood arteries to colonize in foreign sites, leading to the development of overt metastases, ultimately resulting in death. EMT is intimately tied to stromal cells around the tumor and is controlled by a range of cytokines secreted by stromal cells. This review summarizes recent research on stromal cell-mediated EMT in tumor invasion and metastasis. We also discuss the effects of various stromal cells on EMT induction and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which several significant stromal cells convert from foes to friends of cancer cells to fuel EMT processes via their secretions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As a result, a better knowledge of the role of stromal cells in cancer cells' EMT may pave the path to cancer eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjing Wang
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junmei Peng
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonglin Chen
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
- The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - M I Nasser
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hui Qin
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
- The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
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Zhang M, Chen F, Feng S, Liu X, Wang Z, Shen N, Meng L, Zhu D, Zhu Z. FBLN5 as One Presumably Prognostic Gene Potentially Modulating Tumor Immune Microenvironment for Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma in Children and Young Adults. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2024; 17:27-40. [PMID: 38264064 PMCID: PMC10804877 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s442803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the role of FBLN5in renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), in particular on the tumor's immune microenvironment, including children and young adults. Methods FBLN5 expression in tumor and normal samples was explored using SangerBox, TIMER2.0, GEPIA, UALCAN, HPA databases. The Linkedomics database was used to obtain FBLN5 co-expressed genes in KIRC tissue. SangerBox was also used to estimate immune infiltration of FBLN5 in KIRC. The Kaplan-Meier plotter was used to investigate the survival effects of FBLN5 expression in the presence of immune infiltration. We then collected 48 cases from 7 hospitals over a-20 year period to calculate the impact of FBLN5 on the prognosis of children and young adults with KIRC. Results FBLN5 expression was significantly reduced in KIRC tissue compared to normal adjacent tissue. FBLN5 was potentially involved in the immune-related biological processes. In addition, FBLN5 expression has been linked to a number of immune checkpoints, cytokines, chemokines and chemokine receptors in KIRC. At the same time, the expression of FBLN5 affected the survival rates differently in KIRC patients with high or low levels of immune infiltration. High expression of FBLN5 in children and young adults with KIRC was associated with a favorable prognosis. Conclusion This study shed light on the potential of FBLN5 as a prognostic marker in children and young adults with KIRC and as an immune-related target for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Pediatric, Luodian Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaoguang Feng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Children’s Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Children’s Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Pediatric, the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan Shen
- Department of Pediatrics, Suqian Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingjian Meng
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhitao Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The Second People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, People’s Republic of China
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10
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Li Y, Zhu X, Zhang C, Yin Y, Chen L, Liu Y, He A, Xia F. Long noncoding RNA FTX promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition of epithelial ovarian cancer through modulating miR-7515/TPD52 and activating Met/Akt/mTOR. Histol Histopathol 2023; 38:1487-1498. [PMID: 37140169 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Overexpressed long noncoding RNA FTX is associated with low survival rate of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients, and enhances tumor infiltration. Thus, we aim to illuminate the undefined underlying mechanisms. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect the expressions of FTX, miR-7515, miR-342-3p, miR-940, miR-150-5p, miR-205-5p and tumor protein D52 (TPD52). Cell counting kit-8 and transwell assays were utilized to explore the cell viability, migration or invasion of EOC cells. Western blot was conducted to measure the expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Met, phosphorylated (p)-Met, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR and p-mTOR. LncBase and TargetScan predicted the binding of miR-7515 with FTX, and the binding of TPD52 with miR-7515, respectively. The two bindings were further validated by dual luciferase reporter assay. As a result, FTX sponged miR-7515 and miR-7515 targeted to TPD52. FTX was overexpressed in four EOC cell lines. Overexpressed FTX enhanced the cell viability, migration or invasion of EOC cells, elevated N-cadherin and TPD52 expressions, phosphorylated Met/Akt/mTOR, and inhibited E-cadherin expression. All these influences were subsequently reversed by miR-7515 mimic. Collectively, FTX regulates miR-7515/TPD52 to facilitate the migration, invasion or epithelial-mesenchymal transition of EOC through activating Met/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinghua Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Can Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Yin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yushan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aiqin He
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Fei Xia
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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11
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Jumaniyazova E, Lokhonina A, Dzhalilova D, Kosyreva A, Fatkhudinov T. Role of Microenvironmental Components in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1616. [PMID: 38003931 PMCID: PMC10672525 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is one of the ten most common malignant neoplasms, characterized by an aggressive course, high recurrence rate, poor response to treatment, and low survival rate. This creates the need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of this cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCC consists of stromal and immune cells, blood and lymphatic vessels, and extracellular matrix. It is known that HNSCC is characterized by complex relationships between cancer cells and TME components. TME components and their dynamic interactions with cancer cells enhance tumor adaptation to the environment, which provides the highly aggressive potential of HNSCC and resistance to antitumor therapy. Basic research aimed at studying the role of TME components in HNSCC carcinogenesis may serve as a key to the discovery of both new biomarkers-predictors of prognosis and targets for new antitumor drugs. This review article focuses on the role and interaction with cancer of TME components such as newly formed vessels, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enar Jumaniyazova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
| | - Anastasiya Lokhonina
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dzhuliia Dzhalilova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kosyreva
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.L.); (A.K.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
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12
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Gao D, Fang L, Liu C, Yang M, Yu X, Wang L, Zhang W, Sun C, Zhuang J. Microenvironmental regulation in tumor progression: Interactions between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115622. [PMID: 37783155 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), the "soil" on which tumor cells grow, has an important role in regulating the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells as well as their response to treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as the most abundant stromal cells of the TME, can not only directly alter the immunosuppressive effect of the TME through their own metabolism, but also influence the aggregation and function of immune cells by secreting a large number of cytokines and chemokines, reducing the body's immune surveillance of tumor cells and making them more prone to immune escape. Our study provides a comprehensive review of fibroblast chemotaxis, malignant transformation, metabolic characteristics, and interactions with immune cells. In addition, the current small molecule drugs targeting CAFs have been summarized, including both natural small molecules and targeted drugs for current clinical therapeutic applications. A complete review of the role of fibroblasts in TME from an immune perspective is presented, which has important implications in improving the efficiency of immunotherapy by targeting fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Liguang Fang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Mengrui Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Longyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China; Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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13
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Abdel-Hafiz HA, Kailasam Mani SK, Huang W, Gouin KH, Chang Y, Xiao T, Ma Q, Li Z, Knott SR, Theodorescu D. Single-cell profiling of murine bladder cancer identifies sex-specific transcriptional signatures with prognostic relevance. iScience 2023; 26:107703. [PMID: 37701814 PMCID: PMC10494466 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107703] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BLCA) is more common in men but more aggressive in women. Sex-based differences in cancer biology are commonly studied using a murine model with BLCA generated by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN). While tumors in the BBN model have been profiled, these profiles provide limited information on the tumor microenvironment. Here, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize cell-type specific transcriptional differences between male and female BBN-induced tumors. We found proportional and gene expression differences in epithelial and non-epithelial subpopulations between male and female tumors. Expression of several genes predicted sex-specific survival in several human BLCA datasets. We identified novel and clinically relevant sex-specific transcriptional signatures including immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and it validated the relevance of the BBN model for studying sex differences in human BLCA. This work highlights the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in the development of new and accurate cancer markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany A. Abdel-Hafiz
- Department of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Wesley Huang
- Department of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth H. Gouin
- Department of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yuzhou Chang
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Tong Xiao
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Qin Ma
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Simon R.V. Knott
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dan Theodorescu
- Department of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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14
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Rastegar-Pouyani N, Montazeri V, Marandi N, Aliebrahimi S, Andalib M, Jafarzadeh E, Montazeri H, Ostad SN. The Impact of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts on Drug Resistance, Stemness, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Bladder Cancer: A Comparison between Recurrent and Non-Recurrent Patient-Derived CAFs. Cancer Invest 2023; 41:656-671. [PMID: 37462514 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2023.2237576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
This study comparatively evaluated the possible effects of recurrent and non-recurrent patient-derived Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs-R and -NR) on the bladder cancer cell line, EJ138. Both groups of CAFs increased cisplatin resistance and altered cell cycle distribution alongside induced resistance to apoptosis. Later, the scratch assay confirmed the cell migration-inducing effects of CAFs on cells. Nonetheless, only CAFs-R managed to increase sphere-formation and clonogenic levels in EJ138 cells, which were later validated by upregulating pluripotency transcription factors. Besides, CAFs-R also affected the expression levels of some of the EMT markers. Our study suggests that CAFs-R had stronger pro-tumorigenic effects on EJ138 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Rastegar-Pouyani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Montazeri
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Smart University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikoo Marandi
- School of Pharmacy, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| | - Shima Aliebrahimi
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Smart University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melika Andalib
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Emad Jafarzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Montazeri
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Nasser Ostad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Toxicology and Poisoning Research Centre, Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Hu D, Zhuo W, Gong P, Ji F, Zhang X, Chen Y, Mao M, Ju S, Pan Y, Shen J. Biological differences between normal and cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19803. [PMID: 37810030 PMCID: PMC10559169 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19803] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute the primary constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and exert significant influences on cancer progression. However, adequate comprehension of CAF profiles in breast cancer, as well as the precise mechanisms underlying their promotion of cancer, remains lacking. Objectives To discerns the biological differences between normal fibroblasts (NFs) and CAFs in breast cancer and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods Three pairs of CAFs and NFs were isolated from breast cancer patients of diverse subtypes who had not undergone prior radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Morphological characteristics of CAFs and NFs were assessed through optical and electron microscopy, their biological attributes were examined using cell counting kits and transwell assays, and their impact on breast cancer cells was simulated using a coculture system. Furthermore, the miRNA profiles of CAFs and NFs were sequenced via an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Results CAFs exhibited higher growth rate and motility than NFs and a stronger potential to promote the malignancy of breast cancer cells. RNA sequencing of both NFs and CAFs revealed differentially expressed miRNAs with notable variability among distinct patients within their NFs and CAFs, while the enrichment of the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs within both GO terms and KEGG pathways demonstrated significant similarity across patients with different profiles. Conclusion CAFs have greater malignancy and higher potential to influence the growth, migration, invasion and chemoresistance of cocultured breast cancer cells than NFs. In addition, the miRNAs that are differentially expressed in CAFs when compared to NFs display substantial variability across patients with distinct breast cancer subtypes, while the enrichment of target genes regulated by these miRNAs, within GO terms and KEGG pathways, remains remarkably consistent among patients with varying profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengdi Hu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenying Zhuo
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peirong Gong
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feiyang Ji
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongxia Chen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Misha Mao
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siwei Ju
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuehong Pan
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Shen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- , China (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
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16
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Huang L, Xie Q, Deng J, Wei WF. The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in bladder cancer progression. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19802. [PMID: 37809511 PMCID: PMC10559166 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19802] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that critically contribute to cancer initiation and progression. In bladder cancer (BCa), there is emerging evidence that BCa CAFs are actively involved in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. This review outlines the present knowledge of BCa CAFs, with a particular emphasis on their origin and function in BCa progression, and provides further insights into their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Qun Xie
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Deng
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Fei Wei
- Department of Gynecology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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17
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Patwardhan MV, Mahendran R. The Bladder Tumor Microenvironment Components That Modulate the Tumor and Impact Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12311. [PMID: 37569686 PMCID: PMC10419109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is complex and involves many different cell types that seemingly work together in helping cancer cells evade immune monitoring and survive therapy. The advent of single-cell sequencing has greatly increased our knowledge of the cell types present in the tumor microenvironment and their role in the developing cancer. This, coupled with clinical data showing that cancer development and the response to therapy may be influenced by drugs that indirectly influence the tumor environment, highlights the need to better understand how the cells present in the TME work together. This review looks at the different cell types (cancer cells, cancer stem cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, adipose cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and neuronal cells) in the bladder tumor microenvironment. Their impact on immune activation and on shaping the microenvironment are discussed as well as the effects of hypertensive drugs and anesthetics on bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ratha Mahendran
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
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18
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Grafanaki K, Grammatikakis I, Ghosh A, Gopalan V, Olgun G, Liu H, Kyriakopoulos GC, Skeparnias I, Georgiou S, Stathopoulos C, Hannenhalli S, Merlino G, Marie KL, Day CP. Noncoding RNA circuitry in melanoma onset, plasticity, and therapeutic response. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 248:108466. [PMID: 37301330 PMCID: PMC10527631 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma, the cancer of the melanocyte, is the deadliest form of skin cancer with an aggressive nature, propensity to metastasize and tendency to resist therapeutic intervention. Studies have identified that the re-emergence of developmental pathways in melanoma contributes to melanoma onset, plasticity, and therapeutic response. Notably, it is well known that noncoding RNAs play a critical role in the development and stress response of tissues. In this review, we focus on the noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, and other small RNAs, for their functions in developmental mechanisms and plasticity, which drive onset, progression, therapeutic response and resistance in melanoma. Going forward, elucidation of noncoding RNA-mediated mechanisms may provide insights that accelerate development of novel melanoma therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Grafanaki
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Ioannis Grammatikakis
- Cancer Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arin Ghosh
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vishaka Gopalan
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gulden Olgun
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Huaitian Liu
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - George C Kyriakopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Ilias Skeparnias
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sophia Georgiou
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | | | - Sridhar Hannenhalli
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Glenn Merlino
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kerrie L Marie
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Chi-Ping Day
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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19
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Ping Q, Wang C, Cheng X, Zhong Y, Yan R, Yang M, Shi Y, Li X, Li X, Huang W, Wang L, Bi X, Hu L, Yang Y, Wang Y, Gong R, Tan J, Li R, Li H, Li J, Wang W, Li R. TGF-β1 dominates stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT via the FAP/VCAN axis in bladder cancer cells. J Transl Med 2023; 21:475. [PMID: 37461061 PMCID: PMC10351189 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04303-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the urinary system and is associated with a poor prognosis once invasion and distant metastases occur. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives metastasis and invasion in bladder cancer. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and stromal fibroblasts, especially cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), are positive regulators of EMT in bladder cancer. However, it remains unclear how TGF-β1 mediates crosstalk between bladder cancer cells and CAFs and how it induces stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT in bladder cancer. We aimed to investigate the mechanism of TGF-β1 regulation of stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT in bladder cancer cells. METHODS Primary CAFs with high expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) were isolated from bladder cancer tissue samples. Subsequently, different conditioned media were used to stimulate the bladder cancer cell line T24 in a co-culture system. Gene set enrichment analysis, a human cytokine antibody array, and cytological assays were performed to investigate the mechanism of TGF-β1 regulation of stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT in bladder cancer cells. RESULTS Among the TGF-β family, TGF-β1 was the most highly expressed factor in bladder cancer tissue and primary stromal fibroblast supernatant. In the tumor microenvironment, TGF-β1 was mainly derived from stromal fibroblasts, especially CAFs. In stimulated bladder cells, stromal fibroblast-derived TGF-β1 promoted bladder cancer cell migration, invasion, and EMT. Furthermore, TGF-β1 promoted the activation of stromal fibroblasts, inducing CAF-like features, by upregulating FAP in primary normal fibroblasts and a normal fibroblast cell line. Stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT was induced in bladder cancer cells by TGF-β1/FAP. Versican (VCAN), a downstream molecule of FAP, plays an essential role in TGF-β1/FAP axis-induced EMT in bladder cancer cells. VCAN may also function through the PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β1 is a critical mediator of crosstalk between stromal fibroblasts and bladder cancer cells. We revealed a new mechanism whereby TGF-β1 dominated stromal fibroblast-mediated EMT of bladder cancer cells via the FAP/VCAN axis and identified potential biomarkers (FAP, VCAN, N-cadherin, and Vimentin) of bladder cancer. These results enhance our understanding of bladder cancer invasion and metastasis and provide potential strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinrong Ping
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Chunhui Wang
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Xin Cheng
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Yiming Zhong
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Ruping Yan
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650101, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Yunqiang Shi
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Xiangmeng Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650101, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Wenwen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China
- Department of Pathology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Liqiong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Xiaofang Bi
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Libing Hu
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Yingbao Wang
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Rui Gong
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Urology, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Wenju Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China.
| | - Ruhong Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Provincial, Kunming, 650051, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, China.
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20
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Huang Y, Mo W, Ding X, Ding Y. Long non-coding RNAs in breast cancer stem cells. Med Oncol 2023; 40:177. [PMID: 37178429 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02046-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer, one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, is a heterogeneous disease with high rates of recurrence and metastasis that contribute to its high mortality rate. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are a small but significant subset of heterogeneous breast cancer cells that possess stem cell characteristics such as self-renewal and differentiation abilities that may drive metastasis and recurrence. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNAs that are longer than 200 nucleotides in length and do not possess protein-coding properties. An increasing number of studies have shown that some lncRNAs are abnormally expressed in BCSCs, and have great biological significance in the occurrence, progression, invasion, and metastasis of various cancers. However, the importance of lncRNAs, as well as the molecular mechanisms that regulate and promote the stemness of BCSCs, are still poorly understood. In the current review, we aim to summarize recent studies that highlight the role of lncRNAs in tumor occurrence and progression through BCSCs. In addition, the utility of lncRNAs as biomarkers of breast cancer progression, and their potential use as therapeutic targets for treatment of breast cancer, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Huang
- Department of Oncology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenju Mo
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaowen Ding
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yuqin Ding
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
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21
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de Visser KE, Joyce JA. The evolving tumor microenvironment: From cancer initiation to metastatic outgrowth. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:374-403. [PMID: 36917948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 457] [Impact Index Per Article: 457.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancers represent complex ecosystems comprising tumor cells and a multitude of non-cancerous cells, embedded in an altered extracellular matrix. The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes diverse immune cell types, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes, and various additional tissue-resident cell types. These host cells were once considered bystanders of tumorigenesis but are now known to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of cancer. The cellular composition and functional state of the TME can differ extensively depending on the organ in which the tumor arises, the intrinsic features of cancer cells, the tumor stage, and patient characteristics. Here, we review the importance of the TME in each stage of cancer progression, from tumor initiation, progression, invasion, and intravasation to metastatic dissemination and outgrowth. Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cell-intrinsic, cell-extrinsic, and systemic mediators of disease progression is critical for the rational development of effective anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E de Visser
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Johanna A Joyce
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Center Lausanne, and Swiss Cancer Center Léman, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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22
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Caramelo B, Zagorac S, Corral S, Marqués M, Real FX. Cancer-associated Fibroblasts in Bladder Cancer: Origin, Biology, and Therapeutic Opportunities. Eur Urol Oncol 2023:S2588-9311(23)00043-3. [PMID: 36890105 DOI: 10.1016/j.euo.2023.02.011] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a highly prevalent tumour and a health problem worldwide, especially among men. Recent work has highlighted the relevance of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in cancer biology with translational implications. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a prominent, heterogeneous population of cells in the TME. CAFs have been associated with tumour development, progression, and poor prognosis in several neoplasms. However, their role in BLCA has not yet been exploited deeply. OBJECTIVE To review the role of CAFs in BLCA biology and provide an understanding of CAF origin, subtypes, markers, and phenotypic and functional characteristics to improve patient management. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A PubMed search was performed to review manuscripts published using the terms "cancer associated fibroblast" and "bladder cancer" or "urothelial cancer". All abstracts were reviewed, and the full content of all relevant manuscripts was analysed. In addition, selected manuscripts on CAFs in other tumours were considered. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS CAFs have been studied less extensively in BLCA than in other tumours. Thanks to new techniques, such as single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics, it is now possible to accurately map and molecularly define the phenotype of fibroblasts in normal bladder and BLCA. Bulk transcriptomic analyses have revealed the existence of subtypes among both non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive BLCA; these subtypes display distinct features regarding their CAF content. We provide a higher-resolution map of the phenotypic diversity of CAFs in these tumour subtypes. Preclinical studies and recent promising clinical trials leverage on this knowledge through the combined targeting of CAFs or their effectors and the immune microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS Current knowledge of BLCA CAFs and the TME is being increasingly applied to improve BLCA therapy. There is a need to acquire a deeper understanding of CAF biology in BLCA. PATIENT SUMMARY Tumour cells are surrounded by nontumoural cells that contribute to the determination of the behaviour of cancers. Among them are cancer-associated fibroblasts. The "neighbourhoods" established through these cellular interactions can now be studied with much greater resolution. Understanding these features of tumours will contribute to the designing of more effective therapies, especially in relationship to bladder cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Caramelo
- Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain; Hospital Sierrallana, Torrelavega, Spain
| | - Sladjana Zagorac
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre-CNIO, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Corral
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre-CNIO, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Marqués
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre-CNIO, Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Francisco X Real
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre-CNIO, Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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23
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Wang Z, Wang T, Wu G, Zhu L, Zhang J. Clinical Significance and Tumor Microenvironment Characterization of a Novel Immune-Related Gene Signature in Bladder Cancer. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051892. [PMID: 36902678 PMCID: PMC10003605 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051892] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy plays a crucial role in bladder cancer (BC) progression. Increasing evidence has elucidated the clinicopathologic significance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in predicting outcomes and therapeutic efficacy. This study sought to establish a comprehensive analysis of the immune-gene signature combined with TME to assist in BC prognosis. We selected sixteen immune-related genes (IRGs) after a weighted gene co-expression network and survival analysis. Enrichment analysis revealed that these IRGs were actively involved in Mitophagy and Renin secretion pathways. After multivariable COX analysis, the IRGPI comprising NCAM1, CNTN1, PTGIS, ADRB3, and ANLN was established to predict the overall survival of BC, which was validated in both TCGA and GSE13507 cohorts. In addition, a TME gene signature was developed for molecular and prognosis subtyping with unsupervised clustering, followed by a panoramic landscape characterization of BC. In summary, the IRGPI model developed in our study provided a valuable tool with an improved prognosis for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Advanced Biological Screening Facility, BioQuant, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Gangfeng Wu
- Department of Urology, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Surgical Oncology (A430), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (J.Z.)
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24
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Sarkar M, Nguyen T, Gundre E, Ogunlusi O, El-Sobky M, Giri B, Sarkar TR. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: The chief architect in the tumor microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1089068. [PMID: 36793444 PMCID: PMC9923123 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1089068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in malignancy and therapeutic resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major players in tumor stroma. The heterogeneous sources of origin and subsequent impacts of crosstalk with breast cancer cells flaunt serious challenges before current therapies to cure triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and other cancers. The positive and reciprocal feedback of CAFs to induce cancer cells dictates their mutual synergy in establishing malignancy. Their substantial role in creating a tumor-promoting niche has reduced the efficacy of several anti-cancer treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Over the years, there has been an emphasis on understanding CAF-induced therapeutic resistance in order to enhance cancer therapy results. CAFs, in the majority of cases, employ crosstalk, stromal management, and other strategies to generate resilience in surrounding tumor cells. This emphasizes the significance of developing novel strategies that target particular tumor-promoting CAF subpopulations, which will improve treatment sensitivity and impede tumor growth. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the origin and heterogeneity of CAFs, their role in tumor progression, and altering the tumor response to therapeutic agents in breast cancer. In addition, we also discuss the potential and possible approaches for CAF-mediated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Tristan Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Esheksha Gundre
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Olajumoke Ogunlusi
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Mohanad El-Sobky
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Biplab Giri
- Department of Physiology, University of Gour Banga, English Bazar, India,*Correspondence: Biplab Giri, ; Tapasree Roy Sarkar,
| | - Tapasree Roy Sarkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Biplab Giri, ; Tapasree Roy Sarkar,
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25
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Bian X, Yin S, Yin X, Fang T, Wang Y, Yang S, Jiang X, Xue Y, Ye F, Zhang L. Clinical and Biological Significances of FBLN5 in Gastric Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020553. [PMID: 36672502 PMCID: PMC9856449 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal FBLN5 expression levels are related to various cancer types. This study is the first to explore its clinical and biological significances in gastric cancer (GC). We used The Cancer Genome Atlas-GC (TCGA-GC) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to identify the differential expression of FBLN5, and its association with clinical pathological characteristics was analyzed. A Kaplan-Meier plotter was used to calculate the impact of FBLN5 on GC patient prognosis, and the biological functions of FBLN5 were analyzed. In addition, we constructed a GC tissue microarray, and performed an immunohistochemical staining of FBLN5 to verify our findings. Western blotting was conducted simultaneously to confirm that FBLN5 was overexpressed in GC. We found that the high level of FBLN5 mRNA in GC was associated with a poor prognosis. High FBLN5 expression levels were significantly correlated with INFc and N3 lymph node metastasis. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that FBLN5 expression levels and lymph node metastasis rate were independent risk factors related to GC patient prognosis, which can be combined to construct a nomogram to serve patients. Therefore, we believe that FBLN5 is significantly related to the poor prognosis of GC patients. FBLN5 is a valuable prognostic indicator to evaluate the prognosis of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiulan Bian
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Shengjie Yin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Municipal Hospital of Chifeng, Chifeng 024000, China
| | - Xin Yin
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Tianyi Fang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Xinju Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Yingwei Xue
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
- Correspondence: (F.Y.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
- Correspondence: (F.Y.); (L.Z.)
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26
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An J, Hu X, Liu F. Current understanding of cancer stem cells: Immune evasion and targeted immunotherapy in gastrointestinal malignancies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1114621. [PMID: 36910604 PMCID: PMC9996315 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1114621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As a relatively rare population of cancer cells existing in the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess properties of immune privilege to evade the attack of immune system, regulated by the microenvironment of CSCs, the so-called CSCs niche. The bidirectional interaction of CSCs with tumor microenvironment (TME) components favors an immunosuppressive shelter for CSCs' survival and maintenance. Gastrointestinal cancer stem cells (GCSCs) are broadly regarded to be intimately involved in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence, with elevated tumor resistance to conventional therapies, which pose a major hindrance to the clinical efficacy for treated patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Thus, a multitude of efforts have been made to combat and eradicate GCSCs within the tumor mass. Among diverse methods of targeting CSCs in gastrointestinal malignancies, immunotherapy represents a promising strategy. And the better understanding of GCSCs immunomodulation and immunoresistance mechanisms is beneficial to guide and design novel GCSCs-specific immunotherapies with enhanced immune response and clinical efficacy. In this review, we have gathered available and updated information to present an overview of the immunoevasion features harbored by cancer stem cells, and we focus on the description of immune escape strategies utilized by CSCs and microenvironmental regulations underlying CSCs immuno-suppression in the context of gastrointestinal malignancies. Importantly, this review offers deep insights into recent advances of CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic approaches in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi An
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Hu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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27
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Zhang J, Hu Z, Horta CA, Yang J. Regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by tumor microenvironmental signals and its implication in cancer therapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:46-66. [PMID: 36521737 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in various aspects of tumor development, including tumor invasion and metastasis, cancer stemness, and therapy resistance. Diverse stroma cell types along with biochemical and biophysical factors in the tumor microenvironment impinge on the EMT program to impact tumor progression. Here we provide an in-depth review of various tumor microenvironmental signals that regulate EMT in cancer. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of EMT in therapy resistance and highlight new therapeutic approaches targeting the tumor microenvironment to impact EMT and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhimin Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Calista A Horta
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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28
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Werchau N, Kotter B, Criado-Moronati E, Gosselink A, Cordes N, Lock D, Lennartz S, Kolbe C, Winter N, Teppert K, Engert F, Webster B, Mittelstaet J, Schaefer D, Mallmann P, Mallmann MR, Ratiu D, Assenmacher M, Schaser T, von Bergwelt-Baildon M, Abramowski P, Kaiser AD. Combined targeting of soluble latent TGF-ß and a solid tumor-associated antigen with adapter CAR T cells. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2140534. [PMID: 36387056 PMCID: PMC9662194 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2140534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors consist of malignant and nonmalignant cells that together create the local tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, the TME is characterized by the expression of numerous soluble factors such as TGF-β. TGF-β plays an important role in the TME by suppressing T cell effector function and promoting tumor invasiveness. Up to now CAR T cells exclusively target tumor-associated antigens (TAA) located on the cell membrane. Thus, strategies to exploit soluble antigens as CAR targets within the TME are needed. This study demonstrates a novel approach using Adapter CAR (AdCAR) T cells for the detection of soluble latent TGF-β within the TME of a pancreatic tumor model. We show that AdCARs in combination with the respective adapter can be used to sense soluble tumor-derived latent TGF-β, both in vitro and in vivo. Sensing of the soluble antigen induced cellular activation and effector cytokine production in AdCAR T cells. Moreover, we evaluated AdCAR T cells for the combined targeting of soluble latent TGF-β and tumor cell killing by targeting CD66c as TAA in vivo. In sum, our study broadens the spectrum of targetable moieties for AdCAR T cells by soluble latent TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Werchau
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine III and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Kotter
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicole Cordes
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Dominik Lock
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Simon Lennartz
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Carolin Kolbe
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Nora Winter
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Karin Teppert
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Fabian Engert
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Brian Webster
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | | | | | - Peter Mallmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Cologne and Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael R. Mallmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Cologne and Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dominik Ratiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Cologne and Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Schaser
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Michael von Bergwelt-Baildon
- Department of Internal Medicine III and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Yang C, Yang Y, Wang W, Zhou W, Zhang X, Xiao Y, Zhang H. CEP55 3'-UTR promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and enhances tumorigenicity of bladder cancer cells by acting as a ceRNA regulating miR-497-5p. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:1217-1236. [PMID: 36374443 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00712-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Centrosomal protein 55 (CEP55) is implicated in the tumorigenesis of bladder cancer (BC) but the detailed molecular mechanisms are unknown. We aim to develop a potential competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network related with CEP55 in BC. METHODS We first extracted the expression profiles of RNAs from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and used bioinformatic analysis to establish ceRNAs in BC. Real-time quantity PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemical analysis were performed to measure CEP55 expression in different bladder cell lines and different grades of cancer. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assays were conducted to predict potential binding sites among miR-497-5p, CEP55, parathyroid hormone like hormone (PTHLH) and high mobility group A2 (HMGA2). Tumor xenograft model was used to show the effect of CEP55 3'-UTR on cisplatin therapy. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assays, and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5'RACE) were to explore the function of CEP55 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) on targeting miR-497-5p. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays were to detect the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction of CEP55 3'-UTR. RESULTS CEP55 expression as well as the expression levels of the oncogenic proteins PTHLH and HMGA2 were upregulated in BC cells while miR-497-5p was downregulated. Low miR-497-5p expression and high CEP55 and HMGA2 expression levels were associated with more advanced tumor clinical stage and pathological grade. Overexpression of the CEP55 3'-UTR promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the EJ cell line in vitro and accelerated EJ-derived tumor growth in nude mice, while inhibition of the CEP55 3'-UTR suppressed all of these oncogenic processes. In addition, CEP55 3'-UTR upregulation reduced the cisplatin sensitivity of BC cell lines and xenograft tumors. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assays, and 5'RACE suggested that the CEP55 3'-UTR functions as a ceRNA targeting miR-497-5p, leading to miR-497-5p downregulation and disinhibition of PTHLH and HMGA2 expression. Further, CEP55 downregulated miR-497-5p transcription by promoting NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling. In turn, CEP55 3'-UTR ultimately promotes EMT and tumorigenesis by activating P38MAPK and ERK 1/2 pathways. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that a ceRNA regulatory network involving CEP55 upregulates PTHLH and HMGA2 expression by suppressing endogenous miR-497-5p. We unveiled a novel mechanism of BC metastasis, and could become novel therapeutics targets in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglin Yang
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Liuhua Road No.111, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Liuhua Road No.111, Guangzhou, 510010, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Liuhua Road No.111, Guangzhou, 510010, China. .,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Wuer Zhou
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Liuhua Road No.111, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Liuhua Road No.111, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Yuansong Xiao
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Liuhua Road No.111, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Huifen Zhang
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Liuhua Road No.111, Guangzhou, 510010, China
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Low V, Li Z, Blenis J. Metabolite activation of tumorigenic signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabj4220. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abj4220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The role of metabolites exchanged in the tumor microenvironment is largely thought of as fuels to drive the increased biosynthetic and bioenergetic demands of growing tumors. However, this view is shifting as metabolites are increasingly shown to function as signaling molecules that directly regulate oncogenic pathways. Combined with our growing understanding of the essential role of stromal cells, this shift has led to increased interest in how the collective and interconnected metabolome of the tumor microenvironment can drive malignant transformation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, drug resistance, immune evasion, and metastasis. In this review, we discuss how metabolite exchange between tumors and various cell types in the tumor microenvironment—such as fibroblasts, adipocytes, and immune cells—can activate signaling pathways that drive cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Low
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Zhongchi Li
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - John Blenis
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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31
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Hashemi M, Hajimazdarany S, Mohan CD, Mohammadi M, Rezaei S, Olyaee Y, Goldoost Y, Ghorbani A, Mirmazloomi SR, Gholinia N, Kakavand A, Salimimoghadam S, Ertas YN, Rangappa KS, Taheriazam A, Entezari M. Long non-coding RNA/epithelial-mesenchymal transition axis in human cancers: Tumorigenesis, chemoresistance, and radioresistance. Pharmacol Res 2022; 186:106535. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Burley A, Rullan A, Wilkins A. A review of the biology and therapeutic implications of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1000888. [PMID: 36313650 PMCID: PMC9608345 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1000888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a fundamental role in the development of cancers and their response to therapy. In recent years, CAFs have returned to the spotlight as researchers work to unpick the mechanisms by which they impact tumour evolution and therapy responses. However, study of CAFs has largely been restricted to a select number of common cancers, whereas research into CAF biology in bladder cancer has been relatively neglected. In this review, we explore the basics of CAF biology including the numerous potential cellular origins of CAFs, alongside mechanisms of CAF activation and their diverse functionality. We find CAFs play an important role in the progression of bladder cancer with significant implications on tumour cell signaling, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and the capacity to modify components of the immune system. In addition, we highlight some of the landmark papers describing CAF heterogeneity and find trends in the literature to suggest that the iCAF and myCAF subtypes defined in bladder cancer share common characteristics with CAF subtypes described in other settings such as breast and pancreatic cancer. Moreover, based on findings in other common cancers we identify key therapeutic challenges associated with CAFs, such as the lack of specific CAF markers, the paucity of research into bladder-specific CAFs and their relationship with therapies such as radiotherapy. Of relevance, we describe a variety of strategies used to target CAFs in several common cancers, paying particular attention to TGFβ signaling as a prominent regulator of CAF activation. In doing so, we find parallels with bladder cancer that suggest CAF targeting may advance therapeutic options in this setting and improve the current poor survival outcomes in bladder cancer which sadly remain largely unchanged over recent decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Burley
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Rullan
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Head and Neck Unit, Royal Marsden National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Wilkins
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Radiotherapy, Royal Marsden National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Rimal R, Desai P, Daware R, Hosseinnejad A, Prakash J, Lammers T, Singh S. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: Origin, function, imaging, and therapeutic targeting. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 189:114504. [PMID: 35998825 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is emerging as one of the primary barriers in cancer therapy. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a common inhabitant of the TME in several tumor types and play a critical role in tumor progression and drug resistance via different mechanisms such as desmoplasia, angiogenesis, immune modulation, and cancer metabolism. Due to their abundance and significance in pro-tumorigenic mechanisms, CAF are gaining attention as a diagnostic target as well as to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy by their modulation. In this review, we highlight existing imaging techniques that are used for the visualization of CAF and CAF-induced fibrosis and provide an overview of compounds that are known to modulate CAF activity. Subsequently, we also discuss CAF-targeted and CAF-modulating nanocarriers. Finally, our review addresses ongoing challenges and provides a glimpse into the prospects that can spearhead the transition of CAF-targeted therapies from opportunity to reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Rimal
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research (MPImF), Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Prachi Desai
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Rasika Daware
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Aisa Hosseinnejad
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jai Prakash
- Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, Section: Engineered Therapeutics, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, 7500AE Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Smriti Singh
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research (MPImF), Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Fotsitzoudis C, Koulouridi A, Messaritakis I, Konstantinidis T, Gouvas N, Tsiaoussis J, Souglakos J. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: The Origin, Biological Characteristics and Role in Cancer-A Glance on Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184394. [PMID: 36139552 PMCID: PMC9497276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor microenvironment is a major contributor to tumor growth, metastasis and resistance to therapy. It consists of many cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which derive from different types of cells. CAFs detected in different tumor types are linked to poor prognosis, as in the case of colorectal cancer. Although their functions differ according to their subtype, their detection is not easy, and there are no established markers for such detection. They are possible targets for therapeutic treatment. Many trials are ongoing for their use as a prognostic factor and as a treatment target. More research remains to be carried out to establish their role in prognosis and treatment. Abstract The therapeutic approaches to cancer remain a considerable target for all scientists around the world. Although new cancer treatments are an everyday phenomenon, cancer still remains one of the leading mortality causes. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains in this category, although patients with CRC may have better survival compared with other malignancies. Not only the tumor but also its environment, what we call the tumor microenvironment (TME), seem to contribute to cancer progression and resistance to therapy. TME consists of different molecules and cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are a major component. They arise from normal fibroblasts and other normal cells through various pathways. Their role seems to contribute to cancer promotion, participating in tumorigenesis, proliferation, growth, invasion, metastasis and resistance to treatment. Different markers, such as a-SMA, FAP, PDGFR-β, periostin, have been used for the detection of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Their detection is important for two main reasons; research has shown that their existence is correlated with prognosis, and they are already under evaluation as a possible target for treatment. However, extensive research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Fotsitzoudis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Asimina Koulouridi
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ippokratis Messaritakis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-394926
| | | | | | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Souglakos
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
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Lee YC, Lam HM, Rosser C, Theodorescu D, Parks WC, Chan KS. The dynamic roles of the bladder tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:515-533. [PMID: 35764795 PMCID: PMC10112172 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00608-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a prevalent but currently understudied cancer type and patient outcomes are poor when it progresses to the muscle-invasive stage. Current research in bladder cancer focuses on the genetic and epigenetic alterations occurring within the urothelial cell compartment; however, the stromal compartment receives less attention. Dynamic changes and intercellular communications occur in the tumour microenvironment (TME) of the bladder - a new concept and niche that we designate as the bladder TME (bTME) - during tumour evolution, metastatic progression and in the context of therapeutic response. Collagens and their cognate receptors, the discoidin domain receptors, have a role in various steps of the metastatic cascade and in immune checkpoint resistance. Furthermore, the presence of another TME niche, the metastatic TME (met-TME), is a novel concept that could support divergent progression of metastatic colonization in different organs, resulting in distant metastases with distinct characteristics and genetics from the primary tumour. The stroma has divergent roles in mediating therapeutic response to BCG immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, as well as conventional chemotherapy or trimodality therapy (that is, maximal transurethral resection of bladder tumour, chemotherapy and radiotherapy). The local bTME and distant met-TME are currently conceptually and therapeutically unexploited niches that should be actively investigated. New biological insights from these TMEs will enable rational design of strategies that co-target the tumour and stroma, which are expected to improve the outcomes of patients with advanced bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cheng Lee
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ming Lam
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charles Rosser
- Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dan Theodorescu
- Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William C Parks
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keith Syson Chan
- Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Academic Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Li J, Long Y, Sun J, Wu J, He X, Wang S, Wang X, Miao X, Huang R, Yan J. Comprehensive landscape of the ST3GAL family reveals the significance of ST3GAL6-AS1/ST3GAL6 axis on EGFR signaling in lung adenocarcinoma cell invasion. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:931132. [PMID: 36092699 PMCID: PMC9462654 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.931132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sialylation aberration has been implicated in lung cancer development by altering signaling pathways. Hence, it is urgent to identify key sialyltransferases in the development of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which is a common malignant subtype of non-small cell lung cancer. Herein, by systematically investigating the expression levels of ST3GAL family members in several public databases, we consistently found the frequent downregulation of ST3GAL6 in LUAD samples. Its downregulation is significantly negatively associated with stage, and significantly reduced in proximal-proliferative molecular subtype and predicts poor clinical outcomes. By protein–protein interaction network analysis and validation, we found that ST3GAL6 deficiency promotes LUAD cell invasiveness with the activated EGFR/MAPK signaling, accompanied by the elevated expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, which can be partially reversed by EGFR inhibitor, gefitinib. Additionally, the ST3GAL6 level was positively regulated by ST3GAL6-AS1, an antisense long non-coding RNA to its host gene. The downregulation of ST3GAL6-AS1 also heralds a worse prognosis in LUAD patients and promotes LUAD cell invasiveness, recapitulating the function of its host gene, ST3GAL6. Altogether, ST3GAL6-AS1-regulated ST3GAL6 is a frequently downregulated sialyltransferase in LUAD patients and negatively regulates EGFR signaling, which can serve as a promising independent prognostic marker in LUAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Long
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingya Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajun Wu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao He
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Simei Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiongbiao Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiayi Miao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiayi Miao, ; Ruimin Huang, ; Jun Yan,
| | - Ruimin Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiayi Miao, ; Ruimin Huang, ; Jun Yan,
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiayi Miao, ; Ruimin Huang, ; Jun Yan,
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Millet M, Bollmann E, Ringuette Goulet C, Bernard G, Chabaud S, Huot MÉ, Pouliot F, Bolduc S, Bordeleau F. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in a 3D Engineered Tissue Model Induce Tumor-like Matrix Stiffening and EMT Transition. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153810. [PMID: 35954473 PMCID: PMC9367573 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The physical properties of a tumor, such as stiffness, are important drivers of tumor progression. However, current in vitro tumor models fail to recapitulate the full range of physical properties observed in solid tumors. Here, we proposed a 3D self-assembly engineered bladder model using cancer-associated fibroblasts in which stromal cells produce their extracellular matrix. We then proceeded to assess how our model recapitulates biological and mechanical features found in tumors. We confirmed that stroma assembled by cancer-associated fibroblasts have increased extracellular matrix content and display increased remodeling and higher stiffness. Moreover, normal urothelial cells seeded on the tumor model displayed a mechanotransduction response, increased cell proliferation, cell infiltration within stroma, and displayed features of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Altogether, we demonstrated that our cancer-associated fibroblast-derived tumor stroma recapitulates several biological and physical features expected from a tumor-like environment and, thus, provides the basis for more accurate cancer models. Abstract A tumor microenvironment is characterized by its altered mechanical properties. However, most models remain unable to faithfully recreate the mechanical properties of a tumor. Engineered models based on the self-assembly method have the potential to better recapitulate the stroma architecture and composition. Here, we used the self-assembly method based on a bladder tissue model to engineer a tumor-like environment. The tissue-engineered tumor models were reconstituted from stroma-derived healthy primary fibroblasts (HFs) induced into cancer-associated fibroblast cells (iCAFs) along with an urothelium overlay. The iCAFs-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) composition was found to be stiffer, with increased ECM deposition and remodeling. The urothelial cells overlaid on the iCAFs-derived ECM were more contractile, as measured by quantitative polarization microscopy, and displayed increased YAP nuclear translocation. We further showed that the proliferation and expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker in the urothelial cells correlate with the increased stiffness of the iCAFs-derived ECM. Our data showed an increased expression of EMT markers within the urothelium on the iCAFs-derived ECM. Together, our results demonstrate that our tissue-engineered tumor model can achieve stiffness levels comparable to that of a bladder tumor, while triggering a tumor-like response from the urothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martial Millet
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Enola Bollmann
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Cassandra Ringuette Goulet
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Geneviève Bernard
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Stéphane Chabaud
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marc-Étienne Huot
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Frédéric Pouliot
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bolduc
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Regenerative Medicine Division), Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - François Bordeleau
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center (Oncology Division) and Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-525-4444 (ext. 15554)
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Zafari N, Khosravi F, Rezaee Z, Esfandyari S, Bahiraei M, Bahramy A, Ferns GA, Avan A. The role of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer and the potential therapeutic approaches. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24585. [PMID: 35808903 PMCID: PMC9396196 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) with a high prevalence is recognized as the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death globally. Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the network of tumor cells, stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessel cells, and fibroblasts that comprise the tumor microenvironment (TME) to identify new therapeutic interventions. METHODS Databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, were searched to provide an overview of the recent research progress related to targeting the TME as a novel therapeutic approach. RESULTS Tumor microenvironment as a result of the cross talk between these cells may result in either advantages or disadvantages in tumor development and metastasis, affecting the signals and responses from the surrounding cells. Whilst chemotherapy has led to an improvement in CRC patients' survival, the metastatic aspect of the disease remains difficult to avoid. CONCLUSIONS The present review emphasizes the structure and function of the TME, alterations in the TME, its role in the incidence and progression of CRC, the effects on tumor development and metastasis, and also the potential of its alterations as therapeutic targets. It should be noted that providing novel studies in this field of research might help us to achieve practical therapeutic strategies based on their interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Zafari
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Khosravi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health InstituteHormozgan University of Medical SciencesBandar AbbasIran
| | - Zahra Rezaee
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Sahar Esfandyari
- Department of Anatomy, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mohamad Bahiraei
- Department of Radiology, Besat HospitalHamedan University of Medical SciencesHamedanIran
| | - Afshin Bahramy
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical SchoolDivision of Medical EducationSussexUK
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Basic Medical Sciences InstituteMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Medical Genetics Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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Khalaf HA, Elsamanoudy AZ, Abo-Elkhair SM, Hassan FE, Mohie PM, Ghoneim FM. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial injury are critical molecular drivers of AlCl 3-induced testicular and epididymal distortion and dysfunction: protective role of taurine. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:97-121. [PMID: 35511291 PMCID: PMC9247002 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02111-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aluminum, the third most plentiful metal in the Earth's crust, has potential for human exposure and harm. Oxidative stress plays an essential role in producing male infertility by inducing defects in sperm functions. We aimed to investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial injury in the pathogenesis of aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced testicular and epididymal damage at the histological, biochemical, and molecular levels, and to assess the potential protective role of taurine. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were separated into four groups (12 in each): negative control, positive control, AlCl3, and AlCl3 plus taurine groups. Testes and epididymis were dissected. Histological and immunohistochemical (Bax and vimentin) studies were carried out. Gene expression of vimentin, PCNA, CHOP, Bcl-2, Bax, and XBP1 were investigated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), besides estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Light and electron microscopic examinations of the testes and epididymis revealed pathological changes emphasizing both mitochondrial injury and ER stress in the AlCl3 group. Taurine-treated rats showed a noticeable improvement in the testicular and epididymal ultrastructure. Moreover, they exhibited increased gene expression of vimentin, Bcl-2, and PNCA accompanied by decreased CHOP, Bax, and XBP1 gene expression. In conclusion, male reproductive impairment is a significant hazard associated with AlCl3 exposure. Both ER stress and mitochondrial impairment are critical mechanisms of the deterioration in the testes and epididymis induced by AlCl3, but taurine can amend this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa A Khalaf
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Ayman Z Elsamanoudy
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21465, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa M Abo-Elkhair
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Fatma E Hassan
- Medical Physiology Department, Kasr Alainy, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Passant M Mohie
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Fatma M Ghoneim
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
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40
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Tang PCT, Zhang YY, Li JSF, Chan MKK, Chen J, Tang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang D, Leung KT, To KF, Tang SCW, Lan HY, Tang PMK. LncRNA-Dependent Mechanisms of Transforming Growth Factor-β: From Tissue Fibrosis to Cancer Progression. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8030036. [PMID: 35736633 PMCID: PMC9227532 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a crucial pathogenic mediator of inflammatory diseases. In tissue fibrosis, TGF-β regulates the pathogenic activity of infiltrated immunocytes and promotes extracellular matrix production via de novo myofibroblast generation and kidney cell activation. In cancer, TGF-β promotes cancer invasion and metastasis by enhancing the stemness and epithelial mesenchymal transition of cancer cells. However, TGF-β is highly pleiotropic in both tissue fibrosis and cancers, and thus, direct targeting of TGF-β may also block its protective anti-inflammatory and tumor-suppressive effects, resulting in undesirable outcomes. Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in TGF-β-driven tissue fibrosis and cancer progression with a high cell-type and disease specificity, serving as an ideal target for therapeutic development. In this review, the mechanism and translational potential of TGF-β-associated lncRNAs in tissue fibrosis and cancer will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Chiu-Tsun Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.C.-T.T.); (J.S.-F.L.); (M.K.-K.C.); (K.-F.T.)
| | - Ying-Ying Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China;
| | - Jane Siu-Fan Li
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.C.-T.T.); (J.S.-F.L.); (M.K.-K.C.); (K.-F.T.)
| | - Max Kam-Kwan Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.C.-T.T.); (J.S.-F.L.); (M.K.-K.C.); (K.-F.T.)
| | - Jiaoyi Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (J.C.); (S.C.-W.T.)
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Yiming Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China;
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China;
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.C.-T.T.); (J.S.-F.L.); (M.K.-K.C.); (K.-F.T.)
| | - Sydney Chi-Wai Tang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (J.C.); (S.C.-W.T.)
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.C.-T.T.); (J.S.-F.L.); (M.K.-K.C.); (K.-F.T.)
- Correspondence:
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41
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Feng B, Wu J, Shen B, Jiang F, Feng J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and resistance to anticancer therapies: status, mechanisms, and countermeasures. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:166. [PMID: 35488263 PMCID: PMC9052457 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02599-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are critical components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) with diverse functions such as extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, modulation of metabolism and angiogenesis, and crosstalk with both cancer cells and infiltrating immune cells by production of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Within the TME milieu, CAFs exhibit morphological and functional transitions with relatively specific markers and hold tremendous potential to facilitate tumorigenesis, development, and resistance towards multiple therapeutic strategies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, anti-angiogenesis therapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Accordingly, CAFs themselves and the downstream effectors and/or signaling pathways are potential targets for optimizing the sensitivity of anti-cancer therapies. This review aims to provide a detailed landscape of the role that CAFs play in conferring therapeutic resistance in different cancers and the underlying mechanisms. The translational and therapeutic perspectives of CAFs in the individualized treatment of malignant tumors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Feng
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jianzhong Wu
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Jifeng Feng
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 42 Baiziting, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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42
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Hu D, Li Z, Zheng B, Lin X, Pan Y, Gong P, Zhuo W, Hu Y, Chen C, Chen L, Zhou J, Wang L. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast cancer: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:401-434. [PMID: 35481621 PMCID: PMC9118050 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is proposed to contribute substantially to the progression of cancers, including breast cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant components of the tumor microenvironment. Studies have revealed that CAFs in breast cancer originate from several types of cells and promote breast cancer malignancy by secreting factors, generating exosomes, releasing nutrients, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and suppressing the function of immune cells. CAFs are also becoming therapeutic targets for breast cancer due to their specific distribution in tumors and their unique biomarkers. Agents interrupting the effect of CAFs on surrounding cells have been developed and applied in clinical trials. Here, we reviewed studies examining the heterogeneity of CAFs in breast cancer and expression patterns of CAF markers in different subtypes of breast cancer. We hope that summarizing CAF-related studies from a historical perspective will help to accelerate the development of CAF-targeted therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengdi Hu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoqing Li
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Xixi Lin
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Yuehong Pan
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Peirong Gong
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Wenying Zhuo
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China.,Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Hu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Cong Chen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Lini Chen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Jichun Zhou
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Linbo Wang
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
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43
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The role of tumour microenvironment-driven miRNAs in the chemoresistance of muscle-invasive bladder cancer-a review. Urol Oncol 2022; 40:133-148. [PMID: 35246373 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Successful treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer is challenged by the ability of cancer cells to resist chemotherapy. While enormous progress has been made toward understanding the divergent molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance, the heterogenous interplay between the bladder tumour and its microenvironment presents significant challenges in comprehending the occurrence of chemoresistance. The last decade has seen exponential interest in the exploration of microRNA (miRNA) as a tool in the management of chemoresistance. In this review, we highlight the miRNAs involved in the tumour microenvironment crosstalk that contributes to the chemoresistance in bladder cancer. Decrypting the role of miRNAs in the interplay beholds scope for future clinical translational application in managing the long-standing concerns of chemoresistance in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
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44
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Saw PE, Chen J, Song E. Targeting CAFs to overcome anticancer therapeutic resistance. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:527-555. [PMID: 35331673 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The view of cancer as a tumor cell-centric disease is now replaced by our understanding of the interconnection and dependency of tumor stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), are involved in anticancer therapeutic resistance. As we unearth more solid evidence on the link between CAFs and tumor progression, we gain insight into the role of CAFs in establishing resistance to cancer therapies. Herein, we review the origin, heterogeneity, and function of CAFs, with a focus on how CAF subsets can be used as biomarkers and can contribute to therapeutic resistance in cancer. We also depict current breakthroughs in targeting CAFs to overcome anticancer therapeutic resistance and discuss emerging CAF-targeting modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jianing Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Erwei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China; Fountain-Valley Institute for Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.
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Ti W, Wang J, Cheng Y. The Interaction Between Long Non-Coding RNAs and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Lung Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:714125. [PMID: 35087824 PMCID: PMC8787156 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.714125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite great advances in research and treatment, lung cancer is still one of the most leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Evidence is mounting that dynamic communication network in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play an integral role in tumor initiation and development. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which promote tumor growth and metastasis, are the most important stroma component in the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, in-depth identification of relevant molecular mechanisms and biomarkers related to CAFs will increase understanding of tumor development process, which is of great significance for precise treatment of lung cancer. With the development of sequencing technologies such as microarray and next-generation sequencing, lncRNAs without protein-coding ability have been found to act as communicators between tumor cells and CAFs. LncRNAs participate in the activation of normal fibroblasts (NFs) to CAFs. Moreover, activated CAFs can influence the gene expression and secretion characteristics of cells through lncRNAs, enhancing the malignant biological process in tumor cells. In addition, lncRNA-loaded exosomes are considered to be another important form of crosstalk between tumor cells and CAFs. In this review, we focus on the interaction between tumor cells and CAFs mediated by lncRNAs in the lung cancer microenvironment, and discuss the analysis of biological function and molecular mechanism. Furthermore, it contributes to paving a novel direction for the clinical treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Ti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianbo Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yufeng Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Eroğlu Güneş C, Güçlü E, Vural H, Kurar E. Knockdown of lncRNA ZEB2NAT suppresses epithelial mesenchymal transition, metastasis and proliferation in breast cancer cells. Gene 2021; 805:145904. [PMID: 34418470 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Breast cancer metastasis which usually is observed at the last stage is the major cause of breast cancer-related death. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are member of the non-coding RNA family. It is known that lncRNAs have important functions in the genes regulation of different processes and pathways such as EMT (Epithelial mesenchymal transition), metastasis and apoptosis. Therefore, it is inevitable that lncRNAs have potential contribution for the understanding of cancer pathogenesis. lncRNA-ZEB2NAT is the natural antisense transcript of ZEB2. Herein, we investigated the effects of lncRNA-ZEB2NAT on process of EMT, metastasis and apoptosis in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The effect of ZEB2NAT on the expression of important genes in EMT, metastasis and apoptosis, and some protein levels was determined by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The effects of ZEB2NAT on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and colony formation were evaluated using XTT, annexin V, invasion and colony assays, respectively. The ZEB2NAT knockdown caused anti-metastatic and apoptotic effects. The ZEB2NAT knockdown resulted in a decrease in ZEB2 and N-cadherin but an increase in E-cadherin protein levels. In addition, it was determined that ZEB2NAT knockdown significantly decreased cell proliferation and stimulated apoptosis in both cells. It was found that ZEB2NAT knockdown significantly decreased invasion and colony formation in both cells. ZEB2NAT knockdown showed anti-metastatic and apoptotic effect by affecting the important genes in both cells. These results have suggested that ZEB2NAT has an important role in EMT, metastasis and apoptosis in breast cancer and ZEB2NAT knockdown caused significant anti-cancer activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canan Eroğlu Güneş
- Department of Medical Biology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Ebru Güçlü
- Department of Medical Biology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Hasibe Vural
- Department of Medical Biology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ercan Kurar
- Department of Medical Biology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
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Huang Z, Liu J, Yang J, Yan Y, Yang C, He X, Huang R, Tan M, Wu D, Yan J, Shen B. PDE4B Induces Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Bladder Cancer Cells and Is Transcriptionally Suppressed by CBX7. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:783050. [PMID: 34977026 PMCID: PMC8716816 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.783050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary bladder cancer (UBC) is a common malignant tumor with high incidence. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease demand the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Multiple studies demonstrated that PDE4B level was upregulated in malignancies and high PDE4B expression was correlated with poor outcomes. Herein, we identified that PDE4B was a potential therapeutic target in UBC. We confirmed that PDE4B expression was correlated with aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and unfavorable prognosis. Functional studies demonstrated that ectopic expression of PDE4B promoted UBC cells proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas PDE4B depletion suppressed cancer cell aggressiveness. We also identified CBX7 as a regulator of PDE4B to suppress the expression of PDE4B at the transcription level in a PRC1-dependent manner. Moreover, our results indicated that PDE4B induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in UBC cells via β-catenin pathway, whereas inhibition of PDE4B by its small molecule inhibitor, rolipram, effectively reversed the PDE4B overexpression-induced effects. To sum up, our results indicated that PDE4B acts as an oncogene by promoting UBC cell migration and invasion via β-catenin/EMT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengnan Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiakuan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiale Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yilin Yan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenkai Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao He
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruimin Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingyue Tan
- Department of Urology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Denglong Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Denglong Wu, ; Jun Yan, ; Bing Shen,
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Denglong Wu, ; Jun Yan, ; Bing Shen,
| | - Bing Shen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Denglong Wu, ; Jun Yan, ; Bing Shen,
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The Colorectal Cancer Tumor Microenvironment and Its Impact on Liver and Lung Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246206. [PMID: 34944826 PMCID: PMC8699466 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Metastasis to secondary organs, such as the liver and lungs, is a key driver of CRC-related mortality. The tumor microenvironment, which consists of the primary cancer cells, as well as associated support and immune cells, significantly affects the behavior of CRC cells at the primary tumor site, as well as in metastatic lesions. In this paper, we review the role of the individual components of the tumor microenvironment on tumor progression, immune evasion, and metastasis, and we discuss the implications of these components on antitumor therapies. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. A total of 20% of CRC patients present with distant metastases, most frequently to the liver and lung. In the primary tumor, as well as at each metastatic site, the cellular components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to tumor engraftment and metastasis. These include immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, T lymphocytes, and dendritic cells) and stromal cells (cancer-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells). In this review, we highlight how the TME influences tumor progression and invasion at the primary site and its function in fostering metastatic niches in the liver and lungs. We also discuss emerging clinical strategies to target the CRC TME.
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LncRNAs in tumor microenvironment: The potential target for cancer treatment with natural compounds and chemical drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114802. [PMID: 34678226 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It was thought that originally long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were a kind of RNAs without any encoding function. Recently, a variety of studies have shown that lncRNAs play important roles in many life activities. The abnormal expression of lncRNAs in tumor microenvironment (TME) usually promotes the proliferation, migration, and drug resistance of tumor cells through direct or indirect effects, which also usually predicts the poor prognosis. The regulation of lncRNAs expression in TME could significantly inhibit tumor progress. However, the interaction between lncRNAs and TME has not been fully defined at present. Therefore, this paper provided the systemic summary of their interaction and natural products and chemicals targeting lncRNAs in cancer treatment. Currently, the strategies of cancer treatment still have their limits. Understanding the relationship between TME and lncRNAs can help us to realize breakthrough strategy for tumor treatment.
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Haga K, Yamazaki M, Maruyama S, Kawaharada M, Suzuki A, Hoshikawa E, Chan NN, Funayama A, Mikami T, Kobayashi T, Izumi K, Tanuma JI. Crosstalk between oral squamous cell carcinoma cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts via the TGF-β/SOX9 axis in cancer progression. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101236. [PMID: 34624685 PMCID: PMC8502776 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β1 secreted from CAFs promote the migration and invasion of OSCC cells. CAFs upregulate SOX9 expression of OSCC cells, possibly through inducing EMT. The presence of CAFs is correlated with SOX9 expression in the invasive cancer nests. The TGF-β/SOX9 axis between CAFs and OSCC cells facilitates cancer progression. Targeting the TGF-β/SOX9 axis could be a potential novel target for OSCC.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have important roles in promoting cancer development and progression. We previously reported that high expression of sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box9 (SOX9) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells was positively correlated with poor prognosis. This study developed three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models co-cultured with OSCC cells and CAFs to examine CAF-mediated cancer migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we performed an immunohistochemical analysis of alpha-smooth muscle actin and SOX9 expression in surgical specimens from 65 OSCC patients. The results indicated that CAFs promote cancer migration and invasion in migration assays and 3D in vitro models. The invading OSCC cells exhibited significant SOX9 expression and changes in the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, suggesting that SOX9 promotes EMT. TGF-β1 signalling inhibition reduced SOX9 expression and cancer invasion in vitro and in vivo, indicating that TGF-β1-mediated invasion is dependent on SOX9. In surgical specimens, the presence of CAFs was correlated with SOX9 expression in the invasive cancer nests and had a significant impact on regional recurrence. These findings demonstrate that CAFs promote cancer migration and invasion via the TGF-β/SOX9 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Haga
- Division of Biomimetics, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8514, Japan; Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8514, Japan; Division of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 2-5274 Gakkocho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Manabu Yamazaki
- Division of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 2-5274 Gakkocho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Satoshi Maruyama
- Division of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 2-5274 Gakkocho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Masami Kawaharada
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8514, Japan; Division of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 2-5274 Gakkocho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Ayako Suzuki
- Division of Biomimetics, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Emi Hoshikawa
- Division of Biomimetics, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Nyein Nyein Chan
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8514, Japan; Division of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 2-5274 Gakkocho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Akinori Funayama
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Mikami
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Tadaharu Kobayashi
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Kenji Izumi
- Division of Biomimetics, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8514, Japan.
| | - Jun-Ichi Tanuma
- Division of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry & Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 2-5274 Gakkocho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8514, Japan.
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