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Wang Y, Liu X, Wang X, Lu J, Tian Y, Liu Q, Xue J. Matricellular proteins: Potential biomarkers in head and neck cancer. J Cell Commun Signal 2024; 18:e12027. [PMID: 38946720 PMCID: PMC11208127 DOI: 10.1002/ccs3.12027] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of diverse multidomain macromolecules, including collagen, proteoglycans, and fibronectin, that significantly contribute to the mechanical properties of tissues. Matricellular proteins (MCPs), as a family of non-structural proteins, play a crucial role in regulating various ECM functions. They exert their biological effects by interacting with matrix proteins, cell surface receptors, cytokines, and proteases. These interactions govern essential cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, adhesion, migration as well as multiple signal transduction pathways. Consequently, MCPs are pivotal in maintaining tissue homeostasis while orchestrating intricate molecular mechanisms within the ECM framework. The expression level of MCPs in adult steady-state tissues is significantly low; however, under pathological conditions such as inflammation and cancer, there is a substantial increase in their expression. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on elucidating the role and significance of MCPs in the development and progression of head and neck cancer (HNC). During HNC progression, there is a remarkable upregulation in MCP expression. Through their distinctive structure and function, they actively promote tumor growth, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and lymphatic metastasis of HNC cells. Moreover, by binding to integrins and modulating various signaling pathways, they effectively execute their biological functions. Furthermore, MCPs also hold potential as prognostic indicators. Although the star proteins of various MCPs have been extensively investigated, there remains a plethora of MCP family members that necessitate further scrutiny. This article comprehensively examines the functionalities of each MCP and highlights the research advancements in the context of HNC, with an aim to identify novel biomarkers for HNC and propose promising avenues for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsheng Wang
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Xudong Liu
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Xingyue Wang
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Jiyong Lu
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Youxin Tian
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Qinjiang Liu
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Jincai Xue
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
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Jia L, Hu W, Yan X, Shao J, Guo Y, Zhang A, Yu L, Zhou Y, Li Y, Ren L, Dong D. Soluble Periostin is a potential surveillance biomarker for early and long-term response to chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:109. [PMID: 38504252 PMCID: PMC10953259 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03298-1] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noninvasive biomarkers for the assessment of response to chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer (BCa) are essential for optimized therapeutic decision-making. We evaluated the potential of soluble Periostin (POSTN) in circulation as a novel biomarker for chemotherapy efficacy monitoring. METHODS Two hundred and thirty-one patients with different stages of BCa were included. Of those patients, 58 patients with inoperable metastatic disease receiving HER2-targeted or non-targeted chemotherapy were enrolled to assess the performances of markers in recapitulating the chemotherapy efficacy assessed by imaging. POSTN, together with CA153 or CEA at different time points (C0, C2, and C4) were determined. RESULTS POSTN levels were significantly associated with tumor volume (P < 0.0001) and TNM stages (P < 0.0001) of BCa. For early monitoring, dynamics of POSTN could recapitulate the chemotherapy efficacy among all molecular subtypes (Cohen's weighted kappa = 0.638, P < 0.0001), much better than that of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 153 (CA15-3). For early partial response, superior performance of POSTN was observed (Cohen's weighted kappa = 0.827, P < 0.0001) in cases with baseline levels above 17.19 ng/mL. For long-term monitoring, the POSTN response was observed to be strongly consistent with the course of the disease. Moreover, progression free survival analysis showed that patients experienced a significant early decrease of POSTN tended to obtain more benefits from the treatments. CONCLUSIONS The current study suggests that soluble POSTN is an informative serum biomarker to complement the current clinical approaches for early and long-term chemotherapy efficacy monitoring in advanced BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jia
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Wenwei Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chinese People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, 100088, PR China
| | - Xu Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chinese People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, 100088, PR China
| | - Jie Shao
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Yuhong Guo
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Aimin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Lianzi Yu
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Yunli Zhou
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Yueguo Li
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
| | - Li Ren
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
| | - Dong Dong
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
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Jiang L, Khawaja H, Tahsin S, Clarkson TA, Miranti CK, Zohar Y. Microfluidic-based human prostate-cancer-on-chip. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1302223. [PMID: 38322789 PMCID: PMC10844564 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1302223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Lack of adequate models significantly hinders advances in prostate cancer treatment, where resistance to androgen-deprivation therapies and bone metastasis remain as major challenges. Current in vitro models fail to faithfully mimic the complex prostate physiology. In vivo animal models can shed light on the oncogenes involved in prostate cancer development and progression; however, the animal prostate gland is fundamentally different from that of human, and the underlying genetic mechanisms are different. To address this problem, we developed the first in vitro microfluidic human Prostate-Cancer-on-Chip (PCoC) model, where human prostate cancer and stromal fibroblast cells were co-cultivated in two channels separated by a porous membrane under culture medium flow. The established microenvironment enables soluble signaling factors secreted by each culture to locally diffuse through the membrane pores affecting the neighboring culture. We particularly explored the conversion of the stromal fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) due to the interaction between the 2 cell types. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that tumor cells induced CAF biomarkers, αSMA and COL1A1, in stromal fibroblasts. The stromal CAF conversion level was observed to increase along the flow direction in response to diffusion agents, consistent with simulations of solute concentration gradients. The tumor cells also downregulated androgen receptor (AR) expression in stromal fibroblasts, while an adequate level of stromal AR expression is maintained in normal prostate homeostasis. We further investigated tumor invasion into the stroma, an early step in the metastatic cascade, in devices featuring a serpentine channel with orthogonal channel segments overlaying a straight channel and separated by an 8 µm-pore membrane. Both tumor cells and stromal CAFs were observed to cross over into their neighboring channel, and the stroma's role seemed to be proactive in promoting cell invasion. As control, normal epithelial cells neither induced CAF conversion nor promoted cell invasion. In summary, the developed PCoC model allows spatiotemporal analysis of the tumor-stroma dynamic interactions, due to bi-directional signaling and physical contact, recapitulating tissue-level multicellular responses associated with prostate cancer in vivo. Hence, it can serve as an in vitro model to dissect mechanisms in human prostate cancer development and seek advanced therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linan Jiang
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Hunain Khawaja
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Shekha Tahsin
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - Cindy K Miranti
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Tucson, AZ, United States
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Yitshak Zohar
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Tucson, AZ, United States
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Takatsu F, Suzawa K, Tomida S, Thu YM, Sakaguchi M, Toji T, Ohki M, Tsudaka S, Date K, Matsuda N, Iwata K, Zhu Y, Nakata K, Shien K, Yamamoto H, Nakayama A, Okazaki M, Sugimoto S, Toyooka S. Periostin secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes cancer progression and drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:1603-1614. [PMID: 37831111 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02384-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important components in the tumor microenvironment, and we sought to identify effective therapeutic targets in CAFs for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we established fibroblast cell lines from the cancerous and non-cancerous parts of surgical lung specimens from patients with NSCLC and evaluated the differences in behaviors towards NSCLC cells. RNA sequencing analysis was performed to investigate the differentially expressed genes between normal fibroblasts (NFs) and CAFs, and we identified that the expression of periostin (POSTN), which is known to be overexpressed in various solid tumors and promote cancer progression, was significantly higher in CAFs than in NFs. POSTN increased cell proliferation via NSCLC cells' ERK pathway activation and induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which improved migration in vitro. In addition, POSTN knockdown in CAFs suppressed these effects, and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the POSTN knockdown improved the sensitivity of EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells for osimertinib treatment. Collectively, our results showed that CAF-derived POSTN is involved in tumor growth, migration, EMT induction, and drug resistance in NSCLC. Targeting CAF-secreted POSTN could be a potential therapeutic strategy for NSCLC. KEY MESSAGES: • POSTN is significantly upregulated in CAFs compared to normal fibroblasts in NCSLC. • POSTN increases cell proliferation via activation of the NSCLC cells' ERK pathway. • POSTN induces EMT in NSCLC cells and improves the migration ability. • POSTN knockdown improves the sensitivity for osimertinib in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiaki Takatsu
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Ken Suzawa
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Shuta Tomida
- Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yin Min Thu
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Masakiyo Sakaguchi
- Department of Cell Biology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Toji
- Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Ohki
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shimpei Tsudaka
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Keiichi Date
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Naoki Matsuda
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuma Iwata
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yidan Zhu
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nakata
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Shien
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Yamamoto
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Akiko Nakayama
- Department of Pharmacology, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Mikio Okazaki
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Sugimoto
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shinichi Toyooka
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
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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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Nuñez-Rios JD, Ulrich H, Díaz-Muñoz M, Lameu C, Vázquez-Cuevas FG. Purinergic system in cancer stem cells. Purinergic Signal 2023:10.1007/s11302-023-09976-5. [PMID: 37966629 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-023-09976-5] [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: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence supports the idea that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are those with the capacity to initiate tumors, generate phenotypical diversity, sustain growth, confer drug resistance, and orchestrate the spread of tumor cells. It is still controversial whether CSCs originate from normal stem cells residing in the tissue or cancer cells from the tumor bulk that have dedifferentiated to acquire stem-like characteristics. Although CSCs have been pointed out as key drivers in cancer, knowledge regarding their physiology is still blurry; thus, research focusing on CSCs is essential to designing novel and more effective therapeutics. The purinergic system has emerged as an important autocrine-paracrine messenger system with a prominent role at multiple levels of the tumor microenvironment, where it regulates cellular aspects of the tumors themselves and the stromal and immune systems. Recent findings have shown that purinergic signaling also participates in regulating the CSC phenotype. Here, we discuss updated information regarding CSCs in the purinergic system and present evidence supporting the idea that elements of the purinergic system expressed by this subpopulation of the tumor represent attractive pharmacological targets for proposing innovative anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Nuñez-Rios
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Boulevard Juriquilla #3001, Juriquilla Querétaro, Querétaro, CP 76230, México
| | - H Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M Díaz-Muñoz
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Boulevard Juriquilla #3001, Juriquilla Querétaro, Querétaro, CP 76230, México
| | - C Lameu
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F G Vázquez-Cuevas
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Boulevard Juriquilla #3001, Juriquilla Querétaro, Querétaro, CP 76230, México.
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Prieto-Fernández L, Montoro-Jiménez I, de Luxan-Delgado B, Otero-Rosales M, Rodrigo JP, Calvo F, García-Pedrero JM, Álvarez-Teijeiro S. Dissecting the functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts to therapeutically target head and neck cancer microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114502. [PMID: 37002578 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNC) are a diverse group of aggressive malignancies with high morbidity and mortality, leading to almost half-million deaths annually worldwide. A better understanding of the molecular processes governing tumor formation and progression is crucial to improve current diagnostic and prognostic tools as well as to develop more personalized treatment strategies. Tumors are highly complex and heterogeneous structures in which growth and dissemination is not only governed by the cancer cells intrinsic mechanisms, but also by the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as predominant TME components and key players in the generation of permissive conditions that ultimately impact in tumor progression and metastatic dissemination. Although CAFs were initially considered a consequence of tumor development, it is now well established that they actively contribute to numerous cancer hallmarks i.e., tumor cell growth, migration and invasion, cancer cell stemness, angiogenesis, metabolic reprograming, inflammation, and immune system modulation. In this scenario, therapeutic strategies targeting CAF functions could potentially have a major impact in cancer therapeutics, providing avenues for new treatment options or for improving efficacy in established approaches. This review is focused on thoroughly dissecting existing evidences supporting the contribution of CAFs in HNC biology with an emphasis on current knowledge of the key molecules and pathways involved in CAF-tumor crosstalk, and their potential as novel biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets to effectively interfere the tumor-stroma crosstalk for HNC patients benefit. involved in CAF-tumor crosstalk, and their potential as novel biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets to effec- tively interfere the tumor-stroma crosstalk for HNC patients benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Llara Prieto-Fernández
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Montoro-Jiménez
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz de Luxan-Delgado
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - María Otero-Rosales
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan P Rodrigo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Calvo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain
| | - Juana M García-Pedrero
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Saúl Álvarez-Teijeiro
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Hu C, Zhang Y, Wu C, Huang Q. Heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: opportunities and challenges. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:124. [PMID: 37055382 PMCID: PMC10102018 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is among the most severe and complex malignant diseases with a high level of heterogeneity and, as a result, a wide range of therapeutic responses, regardless of clinical stage. Tumor progression depends on ongoing co-evolution and cross-talk with the tumor microenvironment (TME). In particular, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), embedded in the extracellular matrix (ECM), induce tumor growth and survival by interacting with tumor cells. Origin of CAFs is quite varied, and the activation patterns of CAFs are also heterogeneous. Crucially, the heterogeneity of CAFs appears to play a key role in ongoing tumor expansion, including facilitating proliferation, enhancing angiogenesis and invasion, and promoting therapy resistance, through the production of cytokines, chemokines, and other tumor-promotive molecules in the TME. This review describes the various origin and heterogeneous activation mechanisms of CAFs, and biological heterogeneity of CAFs in HNSCC is also included. Moreover, we have highlighted versatility of CAFs heterogeneity in HNSCC progression, and have discussed different tumor-promotive functions of CAFs respectively. In the future, it is a promising strategy for the therapy of HNSCC that specifically targeting tumor-promoting CAF subsets or the tumor-promoting functional targets of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100730, Beijing, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunping Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 200031, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 200031, Shanghai, China.
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9
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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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10
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Toledo B, Picon-Ruiz M, Marchal JA, Perán M. Dual Role of Fibroblasts Educated by Tumour in Cancer Behavior and Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:15576. [PMID: 36555218 PMCID: PMC9778751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours are complex systems with dynamic interactions between tumour cells, non-tumour cells, and extracellular components that comprise the tumour microenvironment (TME). The majority of TME's cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are crucial in extracellular matrix (ECM) construction, tumour metabolism, immunology, adaptive chemoresistance, and tumour cell motility. CAF subtypes have been identified based on the expression of protein markers. CAFs may act as promoters or suppressors in tumour cells depending on a variety of factors, including cancer stage. Indeed, CAFs have been shown to promote tumour growth, survival and spread, and secretome changes, but they can also slow tumourigenesis at an early stage through mechanisms that are still poorly understood. Stromal-cancer interactions are governed by a variety of soluble factors that determine the outcome of the tumourigenic process. Cancer cells release factors that enhance the ability of fibroblasts to secrete multiple tumour-promoting chemokines, acting on malignant cells to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion. This crosstalk between CAFs and tumour cells has given new prominence to the stromal cells, from being considered as mere physical support to becoming key players in the tumour process. Here, we focus on the concept of cancer as a non-healing wound and the relevance of chronic inflammation to tumour initiation. In addition, we review CAFs heterogeneous origins and markers together with the potential therapeutic implications of CAFs "re-education" and/or targeting tumour progression inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Manuel Picon-Ruiz
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
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11
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Wang Z, An J, Zhu D, Chen H, Lin A, Kang J, Liu W, Kang X. Periostin: an emerging activator of multiple signaling pathways. J Cell Commun Signal 2022; 16:515-530. [PMID: 35412260 PMCID: PMC9733775 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00674-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Matricellular proteins are responsible for regulating the microenvironment, the behaviors of surrounding cells, and the homeostasis of tissues. Periostin (POSTN), a non-structural matricellular protein, can bind to many extracellular matrix proteins through its different domains. POSTN usually presents at low levels in most adult tissues but is highly expressed in pathological sites such as in tumors and inflamed organs. POSTN can bind to diverse integrins to interact with multiple signaling pathways within cells, which is one of its core biological functions. Increasing evidence shows that POSTN can activate the TGF-β, the PI3K/Akt, the Wnt, the RhoA/ROCK, the NF-κB, the MAPK and the JAK pathways to promote the occurrence and development of many diseases, especially cancer and inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, POSTN can interact with some pathways in an upstream and downstream relationship, forming complicated crosstalk. This article focuses on the interactions between POSTN and different signaling pathways in diverse diseases, attempting to explain the mechanisms of interaction and provide novel guidelines for the development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoheng Wang
- grid.411294.b0000 0004 1798 9345Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82, Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China ,Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiangdong An
- grid.411294.b0000 0004 1798 9345Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82, Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Daxue Zhu
- grid.411294.b0000 0004 1798 9345Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82, Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China ,Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiwei Chen
- grid.411294.b0000 0004 1798 9345Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82, Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China ,Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Aixin Lin
- grid.411294.b0000 0004 1798 9345Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82, Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China ,Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jihe Kang
- grid.411294.b0000 0004 1798 9345Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82, Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China ,Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenzhao Liu
- grid.411294.b0000 0004 1798 9345Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82, Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China ,Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuewen Kang
- grid.411294.b0000 0004 1798 9345Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82, Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China ,Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030 People’s Republic of China
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12
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Neuzillet C, Nicolle R, Raffenne J, Tijeras‐Raballand A, Brunel A, Astorgues‐Xerri L, Vacher S, Arbateraz F, Fanjul M, Hilmi M, Samain R, Klein C, Perraud A, Rebours V, Mathonnet M, Bièche I, Kocher H, Cros J, Bousquet C. Periostin- and podoplanin-positive cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes cooperate to shape the inflamed tumor microenvironment in aggressive pancreatic adenocarcinoma. J Pathol 2022; 258:408-425. [PMID: 36102377 PMCID: PMC9828775 DOI: 10.1002/path.6011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are orchestrators of the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) microenvironment. Previously we described four CAF subtypes with specific molecular and functional features. Here, we have refined our CAF subtype signatures using RNAseq and immunostaining with the goal of defining bioinformatically the phenotypic stromal and tumor epithelial states associated with CAF diversity. We used primary CAF cultures grown from patient PDAC tumors, human data sets (in-house and public, including single-cell analyses), genetically engineered mouse PDAC tissues, and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) grown in mice. We found that CAF subtype RNAseq signatures correlated with immunostaining. Tumors rich in periostin-positive CAFs were significantly associated with shorter overall survival of patients. Periostin-positive CAFs were characterized by high proliferation and protein synthesis rates and low α-smooth muscle actin expression and were found in peri-/pre-tumoral areas. They were associated with highly cellular tumors and with macrophage infiltrates. Podoplanin-positive CAFs were associated with immune-related signatures and recruitment of dendritic cells. Importantly, we showed that the combination of periostin-positive CAFs and podoplanin-positive CAFs was associated with specific tumor microenvironment features in terms of stromal abundance and immune cell infiltrates. Podoplanin-positive CAFs identified an inflammatory CAF (iCAF)-like subset, whereas periostin-positive CAFs were not correlated with the published myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF)/iCAF classification. Taken together, these results suggest that a periostin-positive CAF is an early, activated CAF, associated with aggressive tumors, whereas a podoplanin-positive CAF is associated with an immune-related phenotype. These two subpopulations cooperate to define specific tumor microenvironment and patient prognosis and are of putative interest for future therapeutic stratification of patients. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Neuzillet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut CurieUniversité Versailles Saint‐Quentin, Paris SaclaySaint‐CloudFrance,UMR144, Institut CurieParisFrance
| | - Rémy Nicolle
- INSERM U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'InflammationParisFrance
| | - Jérôme Raffenne
- INSERM UMR‐1037, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Team ‘labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer’University of ToulouseToulouseFrance
| | | | - Alexia Brunel
- INSERM UMR‐1037, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Team ‘labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer’University of ToulouseToulouseFrance
| | | | - Sophie Vacher
- Department of GeneticsInstitut Curie, PSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Floriane Arbateraz
- Centre d'Histologie Imagerie et Cytométrie (CHIC), U1138 Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC)ParisFrance
| | - Marjorie Fanjul
- INSERM UMR‐1037, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Team ‘labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer’University of ToulouseToulouseFrance
| | - Marc Hilmi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut CurieUniversité Versailles Saint‐Quentin, Paris SaclaySaint‐CloudFrance
| | - Rémi Samain
- INSERM UMR‐1037, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Team ‘labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer’University of ToulouseToulouseFrance
| | - Christophe Klein
- Centre d'Histologie Imagerie et Cytométrie (CHIC), U1138 Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC)ParisFrance
| | - Aurélie Perraud
- Department of Digestive SurgeryUniversity Hospital of LimogesLimogesFrance,INSERM UMLR‐1308University of LimogesLimogesFrance
| | - Vinciane Rebours
- INSERM U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'InflammationParisFrance,Department of PancreatologyBeaujon Hospital (APHP)Clichy‐La‐GarenneFrance
| | - Muriel Mathonnet
- Department of Digestive SurgeryUniversity Hospital of LimogesLimogesFrance,INSERM UMLR‐1308University of LimogesLimogesFrance
| | - Ivan Bièche
- Department of GeneticsInstitut Curie, PSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Hemant Kocher
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute ‐ a CR‐UK Centre of ExcellenceQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Jérôme Cros
- INSERM U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'InflammationParisFrance,Department of Pathology, Beaujon Hospital (APHP)Université de ParisParisFrance
| | - Corinne Bousquet
- INSERM UMR‐1037, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Team ‘labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer’University of ToulouseToulouseFrance
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13
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Regulation of Metastatic Tumor Dormancy and Emerging Opportunities for Therapeutic Intervention. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213931. [PMID: 36430404 PMCID: PMC9698240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213931] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer recurrence and metastasis, following successful treatment, constitutes a critical threat in clinical oncology and are the leading causes of death amongst cancer patients. This phenomenon is largely attributed to metastatic tumor dormancy, a rate-limiting stage during cancer progression, in which disseminated cancer cells remain in a viable, yet not proliferating state for a prolonged period. Dormant cancer cells are characterized by their entry into cell cycle arrest and survival in a quiescence state to adapt to their new microenvironment through the acquisition of mutations and epigenetic modifications, rendering them resistant to anti-cancer treatment and immune surveillance. Under favorable conditions, disseminated dormant tumor cells 're-awake', resume their proliferation and thus colonize distant sites. Due to their rarity, detection of dormant cells using current diagnostic tools is challenging and, thus, therapeutic targets are hard to be identified. Therefore, unraveling the underlying mechanisms required for keeping disseminating tumor cells dormant, along with signals that stimulate their "re-awakening" are crucial for the discovery of novel pharmacological treatments. In this review, we shed light into the main mechanisms that control dormancy induction and escape as well as emerging therapeutic strategies for the eradication of metastatic dormant cells, including dormancy maintenance, direct targeting of dormant cells and re-awakening dormant cells. Studies on the ability of the metastatic cancer cells to cease proliferation and survive in a quiescent state before re-initiating proliferation and colonization years after successful treatment, will pave the way toward developing innovative therapeutic strategies against dormancy-mediated metastatic outgrowth.
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14
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Wang Y, Liang H, Zheng J. Exosomal microRNAs mediating crosstalk between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 239:154159. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154159] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Dorafshan S, Razmi M, Safaei S, Gentilin E, Madjd Z, Ghods R. Periostin: biology and function in cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:315. [PMID: 36224629 PMCID: PMC9555118 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02714-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Periostin (POSTN), a member of the matricellular protein family, is a secreted adhesion-related protein produced in the periosteum and periodontal ligaments. Matricellular proteins are a nonstructural family of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that regulate a wide range of biological processes in both normal and pathological conditions. Recent studies have demonstrated the key roles of these ECM proteins in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, periostin is an essential regulator of bone and tooth formation and maintenance, as well as cardiac development. Also, periostin interacts with multiple cell-surface receptors, especially integrins, and triggers signals that promote tumor growth. According to recent studies, these signals are implicated in cancer cell survival, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and metastasis. In this review, we will summarize the most current data regarding periostin, its structure and isoforms, expressions, functions, and regulation in normal and cancerous tissues. Emphasis is placed on its association with cancer progression, and also future potential for periostin-targeted therapeutic approaches will be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Dorafshan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Razmi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Safaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Erica Gentilin
- Bioacoustics Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, via G. Orus, 2b, 35129, Padua, Italy
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. .,Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Roya Ghods
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. .,Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
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16
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Development of the Novel Bifunctional Fusion Protein BR102 That Simultaneously Targets PD-L1 and TGF-β for Anticancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194964. [PMID: 36230887 PMCID: PMC9562016 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194964] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies, have revolutionized the therapy landscape of cancer immunotherapy. However, poor clinical response to ICIs and drug resistance are the main challenges for ICIs immunotherapy. TGF-β produced in the TME was found to confer resistance to PD-1/PD-L1-targeted immunotherapy. The independent and complementary immunosuppressive role of PD-L1 and TGF-β in cancer progression provides a rationale for simultaneously targeting TGF-β and PD-L1 to improve anti-PD-L1 therapy. Consequently, we develop and characterize a novel anti-PD-L1/TGF-β bifunctional fusion protein termed BR102. The data suggest that BR102 could simultaneously disrupt TGF-β- and PD-L1-mediated signals and display high antitumor efficacy and safety. The data support further clinical advancement of BR102 as a promising approach to cancer immunotherapy. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are remarkable breakthroughs in treating various types of cancer, but many patients still do not derive long-term clinical benefits. Increasing evidence shows that TGF-β can promote cancer progression and confer resistance to ICI therapies. Consequently, dual blocking of TGF-β and immune checkpoint may provide an effective approach to enhance the effectiveness of ICI therapies. Here, we reported the development and preclinical characterization of a novel bifunctional anti-PD-L1/TGF-β fusion protein, BR102. BR102 comprises an anti-PD-L1 antibody fused to the extracellular domain (ECD) of human TGF-βRII. BR102 is capable of simultaneously binding to TGF-β and PD-L1. Incorporating TGF-βRII into BR102 does not alter the PD-L1 blocking activity of BR102. In vitro characterization further demonstrated that BR102 could disrupt TGF-β-induced signaling. Moreover, BR102 significantly inhibits tumor growth in vivo and exerts a superior antitumor effect compared to anti-PD-L1. Administration of BR102 to cynomolgus monkeys is well-tolerated, with only minimal to moderate and reversing red cell changes noted. The data demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the novel anti-PD-L1/TGF-β fusion protein and supported the further clinical development of BR102 for anticancer therapy.
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17
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Ou Z, Lin S, Qiu J, Ding W, Ren P, Chen D, Wang J, Tong Y, Wu D, Chen A, Deng Y, Cheng M, Peng T, Lu H, Yang H, Wang J, Jin X, Ma D, Xu X, Wang Y, Li J, Wu P. Single-Nucleus RNA Sequencing and Spatial Transcriptomics Reveal the Immunological Microenvironment of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203040. [PMID: 35986392 PMCID: PMC9561780 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The effective treatment of advanced cervical cancer remains challenging. Herein, single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and SpaTial enhanced resolution omics-sequencing (Stereo-seq) are used to investigate the immunological microenvironment of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The expression levels of most immune suppressive genes in the tumor and inflammation areas of CSCC are not significantly higher than those in the non-cancer samples, except for LGALS9 and IDO1. Stronger signals of CD56+ NK cells and immature dendritic cells are found in the hypermetabolic tumor areas, whereas more eosinophils, immature B cells, and Treg cells are found in the hypometabolic tumor areas. Moreover, a cluster of pro-tumorigenic cancer-associated myofibroblasts (myCAFs) are identified. The myCAFs may support the growth and metastasis of tumors by inhibiting lymphocyte infiltration and remodeling of the tumor extracellular matrix. Furthermore, these myCAFs are associated with poorer survival probability in patients with CSCC, predict resistance to immunotherapy, and might be present in a small fraction (< 30%) of patients with advanced cancer. Immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence staining are conducted to validate the spatial distribution and potential function of myCAFs. Collectively, these findings enhance the understanding of the immunological microenvironment of CSCC and shed light on the treatment of advanced CSCC.
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18
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Glabman RA, Choyke PL, Sato N. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Tumorigenicity and Targeting for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163906. [PMID: 36010899 PMCID: PMC9405783 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are found in the tumor microenvironment and exhibit several protumorigenic functions. Preclinical studies suggest that CAFs can be reduced, eliminated, or reprogrammed; however, clinical translation has not yet occurred. A better understanding of these cells and their functions will undoubtedly improve cancer treatments. In this review, we summarize current research, highlight major challenges, and discuss future opportunities for improving our knowledge of CAF biology and targeting. Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogenous group of activated fibroblasts and a major component of the tumor stroma. CAFs may be derived from fibroblasts, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, cancer stem cells, adipocytes, pericytes, or stellate cells. These complex origins may underlie their functional diversity, which includes pro-tumorigenic roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, the suppression of anti-tumor immunity, and resistance to cancer therapy. Several methods for targeting CAFs to inhibit tumor progression and enhance anti-tumor immunity have recently been reported. While preclinical studies have shown promise, to date they have been unsuccessful in human clinical trials against melanoma, breast cancer, pancreas cancer, and colorectal cancers. This review summarizes recent and major advances in CAF-targeting therapies, including DNA-based vaccines, anti-CAF CAR-T cells, and modifying and reprogramming CAF functions. The challenges in developing effective anti-CAF treatment are highlighted, which include CAF heterogeneity and plasticity, the lack of specific target markers for CAFs, the limitations in animal models recapitulating the human cancer microenvironment, and the undesirable off-target and systemic side effects. Overcoming these challenges and expanding our understanding of the basic biology of CAFs is necessary for making progress towards safe and effective therapeutic strategies against cancers in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raisa A. Glabman
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Peter L. Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Noriko Sato
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-240-858-3079
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19
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Jia L, Li G, Ma N, Zhang A, Zhou Y, Ren L, Dong D. Soluble POSTN is a novel biomarker complementing CA153 and CEA for breast cancer diagnosis and metastasis prediction. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:760. [PMID: 35831854 PMCID: PMC9281047 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09864-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BCa) is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and metastasis prediction are essential to improve the prognosis of BCa. This study aimed to evaluate serum periostin (POSTN) as a novel biomarker complementing CA153 (carbohydrate antigen 153) and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) for BCa diagnosis and metastasis prediction. METHODS To assess the potential of soluble POSTN as a circulating biomarker, 242 participants, including 173 patients with different stages of BCa and 69 healthy individuals, were enrolled in this study. Soluble POSTN, together with CA153 and CEA, were determined in serum by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. RESULTS Serum POSTN levels in locoregional BCa patients were significantly higher than that in healthy controls. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis revealed that, to distinguish health controls from locoregional BCa, POSTN was observed with the highest AUC (area under curve) (AUCPOSTN = 0.72 [0.65 - 0.79], AUCCA153 = 0.57 [0.49 - 0.64], AUCCEA = 0.62 [0.55 - 0.69]), and both CA153 and CEA were observed with significantly improved AUCs by combination with POSTN (AUCPOSTN + CA153 = 0.74 [0.67 - 0.80], P < 0.001; AUCPOSTN + CEA = 0.77 [0.70 - 0.82], P < 0.001). Moreover, the performances of the POSTN were comparable with that of CA153 in predicting distant metastasis of BCa (AUCPOSTN = 0.78 [0.71 - 0.84], AUCCA153 = 0.82 [0.76 - 0.88]). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that elevated serum POSTN was associated with poor overall survival and progression-free survival. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that soluble POSTN is a promising potential biomarker for diagnosis and metastasis prediction of BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jia
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanhua Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chinese People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, 100088, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Ma
- Cancer Biobank, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Aimin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunli Zhou
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Ren
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dong Dong
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Sun D, Gai Z, Wu J, Chen Q. Prognostic Impact of the Angiogenic Gene POSTN and Its Related Genes on Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:699824. [PMID: 35832544 PMCID: PMC9271775 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.699824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The function of angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains poorly documented. This study was designed to reveal ARGs in LUAD and related networks. Methods We worked with sequencing data and clinical information pertaining to LUAD from public databases. ARGs were retrieved from the HALLMARK_ANGIOGENESIS gene set. Differential analysis and Kaplan–Meier (K–M) analysis were performed to authenticate the ARGs associated with LUAD. Weighted gene correlation network analysis was performed on the mining hub genes linked to the abovementioned genes, and functional enrichment analysis was done. Subsequently, Cox regression analyses were used to construct the prognostic gene. POSTN and microvessel density were detected using immunohistochemistry. Results POSTN, an ARG that was highly expressed in patients with LUAD and was closely associated with their weak overall survival was identified. Differentially expressed genes associated with POSTN were mainly enriched in entries related to the tubulointerstitial system, immune response, and epithelial cells. A positive correlation was demonstrated between POSTN expression and tumor microvessel density in LUAD. Subsequently, a prognostic gene signature was constructed and revealed that 4 genes may predict the survival of LUAD patients. Furthermore, the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT analyses suggested that our risk scoring system may be implicated in altering the immune microenvironment of patients with LUAD. Finally, a ceRNA network was constructed based on the prognostic genes, and the regulatory networks were examined. Conclusion POSTN, a novel prognostic gene signature associated with ARGs, was constructed for the prognosis of patients with LUAD. This signature may alter the immune microenvironment by modulating the activation of the tubulointerstitial system, epithelial cells, and immune cells, ultimately affecting patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfeng Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Dongfeng Sun, ;Qingfa Chen,
| | - Zhibo Gai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingfa Chen
- Institute of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, China
- *Correspondence: Dongfeng Sun, ;Qingfa Chen,
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21
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Herkiloglu D, Gokce S, Kaygusuz E, Cevik O. Expression of periostin according to endometrial cancer grade. Oncol Lett 2022; 24:213. [PMID: 35707760 PMCID: PMC9178670 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13335] [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: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
While various molecular profiling methods have been described for the early diagnosis and prognostic process of endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer, the data obtained remain insufficient. The present study aimed to investigate the protein and gene expression of periostin and its role as a new biomarker in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of endometrial cancer. A total of 15 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer at the Department of Pathology, Zeynep Kamil Training and Research Hospital (Istanbul, Turkey) and 15 patients who were operated on for non-tumour-related reasons, between December 2019 and May 2020, were included in the study. The cases diagnosed with endometrial cancer were divided into three groups: International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics grades I, II and III. Pathology tumour blocks were selected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PCR studies in which periostin gene expression and protein levels were measured, respectively. A significant increase in periostin gene expression was observed in the endometrial cancer samples compared with that in the controls (3.40±0.66 vs. 2.23±0.47). The protein level of periostin in the tissues was found to be higher in the endometrial cancer samples than that in the control group (1.59±0.31 vs. 0.94±0.22). The levels of periostin protein and gene expression detected in the endometrial cancer samples increased as the grade increased. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to determine the levels of periostin protein and gene expression in endometrial cancer. The results suggested that periostin may be used as a biomarker in the determination of higher histological grade in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilsad Herkiloglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gaziosmanpasa Hospital, Yeni Yuzyil University, Istanbul 34245, Turkey
| | - Sefik Gokce
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gaziosmanpasa Hospital, Yeni Yuzyil University, Istanbul 34245, Turkey
| | - Ecmel Kaygusuz
- Department of Pathology, Zeynep Kamil Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul 2022, Turkey
| | - Ozge Cevik
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin 09010, Turkey
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22
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Periostin in lymph node pre-metastatic niches governs lymphatic endothelial cell functions and metastatic colonization. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:295. [PMID: 35567669 PMCID: PMC9107454 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04262-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although lymph node (LN) metastasis is an important prognostic parameter in cervical cancer, the tissue remodeling at a pre-metastatic state is poorly documented in LNs. We here identified periostin (POSTN) as a component of non-metastatic LNs by applying proteomic analyses and computerized image quantifications on LNs of patients with cervical cancer. We provide evidence for remarkable modifications of POSTN and lymphatic vessel distributions and densities in non-metastatic sentinel and metastatic human LNs, when compared to distant non-metastatic LNs. POSTN deposition at a pre-metastatic stage was demonstrated in a pre-clinical murine model (the ear sponge assay). Its expression by fibroblastic LN cells was assessed by in situ hybridization and in vitro cultures. In vitro, POSTN promoted lymphatic endothelial cell functions and tumor cell proliferation. Accordingly, the in vivo injection of recombinant POSTN together with VEGF-C boosted the lymphangiogenic response, while the metastatic potential of tumor cells was drastically reduced using a POSTN blocking antibody. This translational study also supports the existence of an unprecedented dialog “in cascade”, between the primary tumor and the first pelvic nodal relay in early cervical cancer, and subsequently from pelvic LN to para-aortic LNs in locally advanced cervical cancers. Collectively, this work highlights the association of POSTN deposition with lymphangiogenesis in LNs, and provides evidence for a key contribution of POSTN in promoting VEGF-C driven lymphangiogenesis and the seeding of metastatic cells.
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23
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Wang B, Zhang S, Tong F, Wang Y, Wei L. HPV + HNSCC-derived exosomal miR-9-5p inhibits TGFβ signaling mediated fibroblasts phenotypic transformation through NOX4. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:1475-1487. [PMID: 35100464 PMCID: PMC8990726 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). HPV+ HNSCC patients have a higher survival rate, which may be related to its unique tumor microenvironment. Exosomes are emerging as a communication tool between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, including cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In this study, 111 clinical samples tissues and public sequencing data were analyzed. Our study found fewer CAFs infiltrated in HPV+ HNSCC, and poor CAF infiltration level was associated with a good prognosis. HPV+ HNSCC cell‐derived exosomes can significantly reduce the phenotypic transformation of fibroblasts. miR‐9‐5p, as a miRNA enriched in HPV+ HNSCC cell‐derived exosomes, can be transferred to fibroblasts. miR‐9‐5p mimic transfection decreased the expression of NOX4 and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which inhibited the transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF‐β1)‐induced increase of αSMA levels. Therefore, these results indicated that HPV+ HNSCC‐derived exosomal miR‐9‐5p inhibits TGF‐β signaling‐mediated fibroblast phenotypic transformation through NOX4, which is related to the excellent prognosis of HPV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozhi Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518000, China.,Wu Lien-Teh Institute, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Siwei Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518000, China.,Wu Lien-Teh Institute, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Fangjia Tong
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518000, China.,Wu Lien-Teh Institute, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lanlan Wei
- Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518000, China.,Wu Lien-Teh Institute, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
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24
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den bossche VV, Zaryouh H, Vara-Messler M, Vignau J, Machiels JP, Wouters A, Schmitz S, Corbet C. Microenvironment-driven intratumoral heterogeneity in head and neck cancers: clinical challenges and opportunities for precision medicine. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 60:100806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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25
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Loh JJ, Ma S. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblast as a Dynamic Player in Mediating Cancer Stemness in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:727640. [PMID: 34760886 PMCID: PMC8573407 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.727640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The enrichment of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) in a tumor microenvironment (TME) cultivates a pro-tumorigenic niche via aberrant paracrine signaling and matrix remodeling. A favorable niche is critical to the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a population of cells that are characterized by their enhanced ability to self-renew, metastasis, and develop therapy resistance. Mounting evidence illustrates the interplay between CAF and cancer cells expedites malignant progression. Therefore, targeting the key cellular components and factors in the niche may promote a more efficacious treatment. In this study, we discuss how CAF orchestrates a niche that enhances CSC features and the potential therapeutic implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR China
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26
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Zhao L, Zhang K, He H, Yang Y, Li W, Liu T, Li J. The Relationship Between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Tumor Dormancy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:731393. [PMID: 34712663 PMCID: PMC8545891 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.731393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor dormancy, a state of tumor, is clinically undetectable and the outgrowth of dormant tumor cells into overt metastases is responsible for cancer-associated deaths. However, the dormancy-related molecular mechanism has not been clearly described. Some researchers have proposed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) can be seen as progenitor cells of tumor dormancy, both of which can remain dormant in a non-permissive soil/niche. Nowadays, research interest in the cancer biology field is skyrocketing as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of regulating tumor dormancy, which will provide a unique therapeutic window to cure cancer. Although the influence of MSCs on tumor dormancy has been investigated in previous studies, there is no thorough review on the relationship between MSCs and tumor dormancy. In this paper, the root of tumor dormancy is analyzed and dormancy-related molecular mechanisms are summarized. With an emphasis on the role of the MSCs during tumor dormancy, new therapeutic strategies to prevent metastatic disease are proposed, whose clinical application potentials are discussed, and some challenges and prospects of the studies of tumor dormancy are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxian Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu He
- Operating Theater and Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongping Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tongjun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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27
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Lugo-Cintrón KM, Ayuso JM, Humayun M, Gong MM, Kerr SC, Ponik SM, Harari PM, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Beebe DJ. Primary head and neck tumour-derived fibroblasts promote lymphangiogenesis in a lymphatic organotypic co-culture model. EBioMedicine 2021; 73:103634. [PMID: 34673450 PMCID: PMC8528684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In head and neck cancer, intratumour lymphatic density and tumour lymphangiogenesis have been correlated with lymphatic metastasis, making lymphangiogenesis a promising therapeutic target. However, inter-patient tumour heterogeneity makes it challenging to predict tumour progression and lymph node metastasis. Understanding the lymphangiogenic-promoting factors leading to metastasis (e.g., tumour-derived fibroblasts or TDF), would help develop strategies to improve patient outcomes. METHODS A microfluidic in vitro model of a tubular lymphatic vessel was co-cultured with primary TDF from head and neck cancer patients to evaluate the effect of TDF on lymphangiogenesis. We assessed the length and number of lymphangiogenic sprouts and vessel permeability via microscopy and image analysis. Finally, we characterised lymphatic vessel conditioning by TDF via RT-qPCR. FINDINGS Lymphatic vessels were conditioned by the TDF in a patient-specific manner. Specifically, the presence of TDF induced sprouting, altered vessel permeability, and increased the expression of pro-lymphangiogenic genes. Gene expression and functional responses in the fibroblast-conditioned lymphatic vessels were consistent with the patient tumour stage and lymph node status. IGF-1, upregulated among patients, was targeted to validate our personalised medicine approach. Interestingly, IGF-1 blockade was not effective across different patients. INTERPRETATION The use of lymphatic organotypic models incorporating head and neck TDF provides insight into the pathways leading to lymphangiogenesis in each patient. This model provided a platform to test anti-angiogenic therapeutics and inform of their effectiveness for individual patients. FUNDING NIH R33CA225281. Wisconsin Head and Neck SPORE NIH P50DE026787. NIH R01AI34749.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M Lugo-Cintrón
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - José M Ayuso
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Max M Gong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Trine University, Angola, IN, USA
| | - Sheena C Kerr
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Suzanne M Ponik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Paul M Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
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28
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Ansardamavandi A, Tafazzoli-Shadpour M. The functional cross talk between cancer cells and cancer associated fibroblasts from a cancer mechanics perspective. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:119103. [PMID: 34293346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The function of biological tissues in health and disease is regulated at cellular level and is highly influenced by the physical microenvironment, through the interaction of forces between cells and ECM, which are perceived through mechanosensing pathways. In cancer, both chemical and physical signaling cascades and their interactions are involved during cell-cell and cell-ECM communications to meet requirements of tumor growth. Among stroma cells, cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play key role in tumor growth and pave the way for cancer cells to initiate metastasis and invasion to other tissues, and without recruitment of CAFs, the process of cancer invasion is dysfunctional. This is through an intense chemical and physical cross talks with tumor cells, and interactive remodeling of ECM. During such interaction CAFs apply traction forces and depending on the mechanical properties, deform ECM and in return receive physical signals from the micromechanical environment. Such interaction leads to ECM remodeling by manipulating ECM structure and its mechanical properties. The results are in form of deposition of extra fibers, stiffening, rearrangement and reorganization of fibrous structure, and degradation which are due to a complex secretion and expression of different markers triggered by mechanosensing of tumor cells, specially CAFs. Such events define cancer progress and invasion of cancer cells. A systemic knowledge of chemical and physical factors provides a holistic view of how cancer process and enhances the current treatment methods to provide more diversity among targets that involves tumor cells and ECM structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arian Ansardamavandi
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
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29
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Pradhan RN, Krishnamurty AT, Fletcher AL, Turley SJ, Müller S. A bird's eye view of fibroblast heterogeneity: A pan-disease, pan-cancer perspective. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:299-320. [PMID: 34164824 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts, custodians of tissue architecture and function, are no longer considered a monolithic entity across tissues and disease indications. Recent advances in single-cell technologies provide an unrestricted, high-resolution view of fibroblast heterogeneity that exists within and across tissues. In this review, we summarize a compendium of single-cell transcriptomic studies and provide a comprehensive accounting of fibroblast subsets, many of which have been described to occupy specific niches in tissues at homeostatic and pathologic states. Understanding this heterogeneity is particularly important in the context of cancer, as the diverse cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are directly impacted by the expression phenotypes of their predecessors. Relationships between these heterogeneous populations often accompany and influence response to therapy in cancer and fibrosis. We further highlight the importance of integrating single-cell studies to deduce common fibroblast phenotypes across disease states, which will facilitate the identification of common signaling pathways, gene regulatory programs, and cell surface markers that are going to advance drug discovery and targeting.
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30
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Nikoloudaki G. Functions of Matricellular Proteins in Dental Tissues and Their Emerging Roles in Orofacial Tissue Development, Maintenance, and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126626. [PMID: 34205668 PMCID: PMC8235165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Matricellular proteins (MCPs) are defined as extracellular matrix (ECM) associated proteins that are important regulators and integrators of microenvironmental signals, contributing to the dynamic nature of ECM signalling. There is a growing understanding of the role of matricellular proteins in cellular processes governing tissue development as well as in disease pathogenesis. In this review, the expression and functions of different MP family members (periostin, CCNs, TSPs, SIBLINGs and others) are presented, specifically in relation to craniofacial development and the maintenance of orofacial tissues, including bone, gingiva, oral mucosa, palate and the dental pulp. As will be discussed, each MP family member has been shown to have non-redundant roles in development, tissue homeostasis, wound healing, pathology and tumorigenesis of orofacial and dental tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Nikoloudaki
- Schulich Dentistry Department, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; ; Tel.: +1-519-661-2111 (ext. 81102)
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
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Yamauchi N, Kanke Y, Saito K, Okayama H, Yamada S, Nakajima S, Endo E, Kase K, Yamada L, Nakano H, Matsumoto T, Hanayama H, Watanabe Y, Hayase S, Saito M, Saze Z, Mimura K, Momma T, Oki S, Hashimoto Y, Kono K. Stromal expression of cancer-associated fibroblast-related molecules, versican and lumican, is strongly associated with worse relapse-free and overall survival times in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:445. [PMID: 33868483 PMCID: PMC8045151 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment play an essential role in the tumor progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The present study aimed to investigate the expression of CAF-related molecules, versican, periostin and lumican, in cancer stroma, to provide prognostic stratification for patients with ESCC after surgery. A total of 106 patients with ESCC who underwent curative esophagectomy without preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy were enrolled. The expression of CAF-related stromal proteins, including versican, periostin and lumican, was examined using immunohistochemistry, and the prognostic value was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. The expression of versican, periostin and lumican was found specifically in the stromal component of ESCC. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that, compared with a low expression level, a high expression level of versican, periostin or lumican in the cancer stroma was significantly associated with worse relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival times in patients with ESCC. The prognostic values of stromal versican and lumican remained significant in a stratified analysis of stage I patients. Moreover, univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that high stromal versican or lumican expression was an independent prognostic factor for RFS in the patients. The present study demonstrated that CAF-related molecules, including versican, periostin and lumican, were expressed in the stroma of ESCC, and that stromal expression of versican and lumican in particular may have clinical utility as a prognostic biomarker for poor RFS in postoperative patients with ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Yamauchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kanke
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Katsuharu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Okayama
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shoki Yamada
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shotaro Nakajima
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Eisei Endo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Koji Kase
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Leo Yamada
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakano
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Takuro Matsumoto
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hanayama
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yohei Watanabe
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Suguru Hayase
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Motonobu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Zenichiro Saze
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kosaku Mimura
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Momma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shinji Oki
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yuko Hashimoto
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Koji Kono
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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Dai L, Li M, Zhang WL, Tang YJ, Tang YL, Liang XH. Fibroblasts in cancer dormancy: foe or friend? Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:184. [PMID: 33771156 PMCID: PMC7995785 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01883-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer dormancy is defined that the residual cancer cells could enter into a state of quiescence and patients remain asymptomatic for years or even decades after anti-tumor therapies. Fibroblasts, which represent a predominant cell type in tumor microenvironment, play a pivotal role in determining the ultimate fate of tumor cells. This review recapitulates the pleiotropic roles of fibroblasts which are divided into normal, senescent, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and circulation CAFs in tumor dormancy, relapse, metastasis and resistance to therapy to help the treatment of cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-long Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-Jie Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Ya-ling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin-hua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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An integrated approach for identification of a panel of candidate genes arbitrated for invasion and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6208. [PMID: 33739025 PMCID: PMC7973753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85729-x] [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: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is known for its aggressiveness associated with poor prognosis. The molecular mechanisms underlying the invasion and metastasis are still poorly understood. An improved understanding of these mechanisms shall precede the development of new diagnostic tools and targeted therapies. We report an integrated approach using bioinformatics to predict candidate genes, coupled with proteomics and immunohistochemistry for validating their presence and involvement in OSCC pathways heralding invasion and metastasis. Four genes POSTN, TNC, CAV1 and FSCN1 were identified. A protein–protein interaction network analysis teamed with pathway analysis led us to propose the role of the identified genes in invasion and metastasis in OSCC. Further analyses of archived FFPE blocks of various grades of oral cancer was carried out using TMT-based mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry. Results of this study expressed a strong communiqué and interrelationship between these candidate genes. This study emphasizes the significance of a molecular biomarker panel as a diagnostic tool and its correlation with the invasion and metastatic pathway of OSCC. An insight into the probable association of CAF's and these biomarkers in the evolution and malignant transformation of OSCC further magnifies the molecular-biological spectrum of OSCC tumour microenvironment.
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Linares J, Marín-Jiménez JA, Badia-Ramentol J, Calon A. Determinants and Functions of CAFs Secretome During Cancer Progression and Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:621070. [PMID: 33553157 PMCID: PMC7862334 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.621070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence are indicating that cancer development and malignant progression are not exclusively epithelial cancer cell-autonomous processes but may also depend on crosstalk with the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundantly represented in the TME and are continuously interacting with cancer cells. CAFs are regulating key mechanisms during progression to metastasis and response to treatment by enhancing cancer cells survival and aggressiveness. The latest advances in CAFs biology are pointing to CAFs-secreted factors as druggable targets and companion tools for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Especially, extensive research conducted in the recent years has underscored the potential of several cytokines as actionable biomarkers that are currently evaluated in the clinical setting. In this review, we explore the current understanding of CAFs secretome determinants and functions to discuss their clinical implication in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenniffer Linares
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan A. Marín-Jiménez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) - L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Badia-Ramentol
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Calon
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
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Hu W, Zhang L, Dong Y, Tian Z, Chen Y, Dong S. Tumour dormancy in inflammatory microenvironment: A promising therapeutic strategy for cancer-related bone metastasis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:5149-5169. [PMID: 32556373 PMCID: PMC11104789 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03572-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is a unique feature of malignant tumours. Even bone can become a common colonization site due to the tendency of solid tumours, including breast cancer (BCa) and prostate cancer (PCa), to metastasize to bone. Currently, a previous concept in tumour metabolism called tumour dormancy may be a promising target for antitumour treatment. When disseminated tumour cells (DTCs) metastasize to the bone microenvironment, they form a flexible regulatory network called the "bone-tumour-inflammation network". In this network, bone turnover as well as metabolism, tumour progression, angiogenesis and inflammatory responses are highly unified and coordinated, and a slight shift in this balance can result in the disruption of the microenvironment, uncontrolled inflammatory responses and excessive tumour growth. The purpose of this review is to highlight the regulatory effect of the "bone-tumour-inflammation network" in tumour dormancy. Osteoblast-secreted factors, bone turnover and macrophages are emphasized and occupy in the main part of the review. In addition, the prospective clinical application of tumour dormancy is also discussed, which shows the direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Hu
- Department of Biomedical Materials Science, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lincheng Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Materials Science, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yutong Dong
- Department of Biomedical Materials Science, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhansong Tian
- Department of Biomedical Materials Science, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yueqi Chen
- Department of Biomedical Materials Science, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Department of Orthopedics, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Shiwu Dong
- Department of Biomedical Materials Science, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Department of Orthopedics, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Long J, Zhang S, Zeng X, Ouyang Y, Wang Y, Hu Z, Ye Y, Wu W, Jin F, Zhou S, Zeng Z. Development of an Immunogenomic Landscape-Based Prognostic Index of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:586344. [PMID: 33330624 PMCID: PMC7732611 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.586344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the eighth leading cancer by incidence worldwide, with approximately 700,000 new cases in 2018 (accounting for 11% of all cancers). The occurrence and development of tumors are closely related to the immunological function of the body and sensitivity to treatment schemes as well as prognosis. It is urgent for clinicians to systematically study patients’ immune gene maps to help select a treatment plan and analyze the potential to cure HNSCC. Here, the transcriptomic data of HNSCC samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and 4,793 genes differentially expressed in normal and cancer tissues of HNSCC were identified, including 1,182 downregulated and 3,611 upregulated genes. From these genes, 400 differentially expressed immune-related genes (IRGs) were extracted, including 95 downregulated genes and 305 upregulated genes. The prognostic values of IRGs were evaluated by univariate Cox analysis, and 236 genes that were significantly related to the overall survival (OS) of patients were identified. The signaling pathways that play roles in the prognosis of IRGs were investigated by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, and the expression profiles of IRGs and OS in 499 HNSCC patients based on TCGA dataset were integrated. Potential molecular mechanisms and characteristics of these HNSCC-specific IRGs were further explored with the help of a new prognostic index based on IRGs developed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox analysis. A total of 64 hub genes (IRGs associated with prognosis) were markedly associated with the clinical outcome of HNSCC patients. KEGG functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were actively involved in several pathways, e.g., cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, T-cell receptor signaling, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. IRG-based prognostic signatures performed moderately in prognostic predictions. Interestingly, the prognostic index based on IRGs reflected infiltration by several types of immune cells. These data screened several IRGs of clinical significance and revealed drivers of the immune repertoire, demonstrating the importance of a personalized IRG-based immune signature in the recognition, surveillance, and prognosis of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Long
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering in Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Head and Neck Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shichao Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering in Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Medical Engineering, Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xianlin Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering in Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Medical Engineering, Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yan Ouyang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering in Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Medical Engineering, Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zuquan Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering in Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Medical Engineering, Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuannong Ye
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering in Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Weili Wu
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Feng Jin
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shi Zhou
- Department of Intervention, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhu Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering in Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Economopoulou P, Kotsantis I, Psyrri A. Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy Response in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3377. [PMID: 33203092 PMCID: PMC7696050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) encompasses cellular and non-cellular components which play an important role in tumor evolution, invasion, and metastasis. A complicated interplay between tumor cells and adjacent TME cells, such as stromal cells, immune cells, inflammatory cells, and cytokines, leads to severe immunosuppression and the proliferation of cancer cells in several solid tumors. An immunosuppressive TME has a significant impact on treatment resistance and may guide response to immunotherapy. In head and neck cancer (HNC), immunotherapeutic drugs have been incorporated in everyday clinical practice. However, despite an exceptional rate of durable responses, only a low percentage of patients respond. In this review, we will focus on the complex interactions occurring in this dynamic system, the TME, which orchestrate key events that lead to tumor progression, immune escape, and resistance. Furthermore, we will summarize current clinical trials that depict the TME as a potential therapeutic target for improved patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amanda Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (I.K.)
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38
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Louault K, Li RR, DeClerck YA. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Understanding Their Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113108. [PMID: 33114328 PMCID: PMC7690906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important contributory role in the microenvironment of tumors. They originate from different cells, have multiple pro-and anti-tumorigenic functions in tumors and their presence is variable among cancer types. Recently, there has been evidence that CAFs represent a highly heterogeneous group of cells that can now be characterized and identified at the single cell level. This review article summarizes our recent understanding of the highly heterogeneous nature of the origin, phenotype and function of CAFs and how such understanding will lead to a more precise approach to target or use CAFs and their precursor cells in the treatment of cancer. Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in tumor progression. Among its multiple components are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that are the main suppliers of extracellular matrix molecules and important contributors to inflammation. As a source of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and other regulatory molecules, they participate in cancer progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune cell reprogramming and therapeutic resistance. Nevertheless, their role is not fully understood, and is sometimes controversial due to their heterogeneity. CAFs are heterogeneous in their origin, phenotype, function and presence within tumors. As a result, strategies to target CAFs in cancer therapy have been hampered by the difficulties in better defining the various populations of CAFs and by the lack of clear recognition of their specific function in cancer progression. This review discusses how a greater understanding of the heterogeneous nature of CAFs could lead to better approaches aimed at their use or at their targeting in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Louault
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Correspondence: or (K.L); (Y.A.D.); Tel.: +1-323-361-5649 (Y.A.D.); Fax: +1-323-361-4902 (Y.A.D.)
| | - Rong-Rong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
| | - Yves A. DeClerck
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Correspondence: or (K.L); (Y.A.D.); Tel.: +1-323-361-5649 (Y.A.D.); Fax: +1-323-361-4902 (Y.A.D.)
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Ma K, Zhang C, Li W. Gamabufotalin suppressed osteosarcoma stem cells through the TGF-β/periostin/PI3K/AKT pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 331:109275. [PMID: 33010222 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the effect of gamabufotalin (GBT) on metastasis and modulation of stemness features in osteosarcoma, and the molecular mechanisms underlying such effects. METHODS Human osteosarcoma U2OS/MG-63 cell lines were used in this study. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined by MTT assay, wound healing assay, and cell invasion assay, respectively. The inhibitive effect of GBT on stemness was assessed by flow cytometry and mammosphere formation. The protein levels of related proteins were detected by western blotting analysis. The effect of GBT on tumorigenicity and metastasis was determined by immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry in vivo experiments. RESULTS We found that GBT suppressed the viability of U2OS/MG-63 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Notably, GBT had no effect on the viability of human fetal osteoblastic (hFOB) 1.19 cells. Moreover, GBT increased the width of wounds, reduced the number of invasive osteosarcoma cells and reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype. Notably, we found that, compared with hFOB1.19 cells, the levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), periostin, phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT), and phosphorylated-PI3K (p-PI3K) were higher in spheroids group than in parent cells. In addition, GBT reduced the ratio of CD133+ cells, the size of spheroids and Nanog, as well as the protein levels of SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2), and octamer-binding protein 3/4 (OCT3/4). Our in vivo experiments showed that GBT consistently reduced lung metastasis lesions, the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), TGF-β, periostin, p-AKT, and p-PI3K (immunohistochemistry staining), as well as that of CD133 in tumor tissues (immunofluorescence analysis). From a mechanistic point of view, exogenous TGF-β/periostin/PI3K/AKT overexpression neutralized the reduction of GBT-decreased invasion/migration and the suppression of stemness properties. CONCLUSION Collectively, our data demonstrated that GBT inhibited the viability and tumorigenesis capability of osteosarcoma cells by blocking the TGF-β/periostin/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, GBT may represent a promising therapeutic agent for the management of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ma
- Luoyang Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province & Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, Henan, 471002, China.
| | - Chuan Zhang
- Luoyang Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province & Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, Henan, 471002, China
| | - Wuyin Li
- Luoyang Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province & Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, Henan, 471002, China.
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Prognostic Significance of Stromal Periostin Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197025. [PMID: 32987711 PMCID: PMC7582720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The microenvironment of solid tumours is significant in cancer development and progression. The aim of this study was to determine periostin (POSTN) expression by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as to assess associations with clinicopathological factors and prognosis. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of POSTN expression was performed on NSCLC (N = 700) and non-malignant lung tissue (NMLT) (N = 110) using tissue microarrays. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) for isolation of stromal and cancer cells of NSCLC was employed, and subsequently, POSTN mRNA expression was detected by real-time PCR. Immunofluorescence reaction and colocalisation analysis were performed by confocal microscopy. Results: Expression of POSTN in CAFs was significantly higher in NSCLC and in the adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) subtypes compared to NMLT. POSTN expression in CAFs increased with clinical cancer stage, grades (G) of malignancy, and lymph node involvement in NSCLC. Higher POSTN expression in CAFs was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS). LCM confirmed significantly higher POSTN mRNA expression in the stromal cells (CAFs) compared to the lung cancer cells. Conclusions: POSTN produced by CAFs might be crucial for NSCLC progression and can be an independent negative prognostic factor in NSCLC.
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41
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Yoshida GJ. Regulation of heterogeneous cancer-associated fibroblasts: the molecular pathology of activated signaling pathways. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:112. [PMID: 32546182 PMCID: PMC7296768 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01611-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that intratumoral heterogeneity contributes to the development of resistance to anticancer therapeutics. Fibroblasts, which are components of the paraneoplastic stroma, play a crucial role in the wound-healing process. Activated fibroblasts accumulate in the wound and are involved in many aspects of the tissue remodeling cascade that initiates the repair process and prevents further tissue damage. The pathophysiological roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment have attracted increasing interest. CAFs play crucial roles in tumor progression and the response to chemotherapy. Several cytokines and chemokines are involved in the conversion of normal fibroblasts into CAFs, and some of these form a feedback loop between cancer cells and CAFs. In addition, the physical force between tumor cells and CAFs promotes cooperative invasion or co-migration of both types of cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), are secreted by both cancer cells and CAFs, and mediate the epigenetic modification of CAFs. This enhances the pro-tumorigenic function of CAFs mediated by promoting actomyosin contractility and extracellular matrix remodeling to form the tracks used for collective cancer cell migration. The concept of intra-tumoral CAF heterogeneity refers to the presence of inflammatory CAFs with low levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and high levels of IL-6 expression, which are in striking contrast to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-dependent myofibroblastic CAFs with high α-SMA expression levels. CAF populations that suppress tumor growth and progression through stroma-specific Hedgehog (Hh) activation have been detected in different murine tumor models including those of the bladder, colon, and pancreas. A new therapeutic strategy targeting CAFs is the "stromal switch," in which tumor-promoting CAFs are changed into tumor-retarding CAFs with attenuated stromal stiffness. Several molecular mechanisms that can be exploited to design personalized anticancer therapies targeting CAFs remain to be elucidated. Strategies aimed at targeting the tumor stroma as well as tumor cells themselves have attracted academic attention for their application in precision medicine. This novel review discusses the role of the activation of EGFR, Wnt/β-catenin, Hippo, TGF-β, and JAK/STAT cascades in CAFs in relation to the chemoresistance and invasive/metastatic behavior of cancer cells. For instance, although activated EGFR signaling contributes to collective cell migration in cooperation with CAFs, an activated Hippo pathway is responsible for stromal stiffness resulting in the collapse of neoplastic blood vessels. Therefore, identifying the signaling pathways that are activated under specific conditions is crucial for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Go J Yoshida
- Department of Immunological Diagnosis, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
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Intrinsic Abnormalities of Cystic Fibrosis Airway Connective Tissue Revealed by an In Vitro 3D Stromal Model. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061371. [PMID: 32492951 PMCID: PMC7348935 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis is characterized by lung dysfunction involving mucus hypersecretion, bacterial infections, and inflammatory response. Inflammation triggers pro-fibrotic signals that compromise lung structure and function. At present, several in vitro cystic fibrosis models have been developed to study epithelial dysfunction but none of these focuses on stromal alterations. Here we show a new cystic fibrosis 3D stromal lung model made up of primary fibroblasts embedded in their own extracellular matrix and investigate its morphological and transcriptomic features. Cystic fibrosis fibroblasts showed a high proliferation rate and produced an abundant and chaotic matrix with increased protein content and elastic modulus. More interesting, they had enhanced pro-fibrotic markers and genes involved in epithelial function and inflammatory response. In conclusion, our study reveals that cystic fibrosis fibroblasts maintain in vitro an activated pro-fibrotic state. This abnormality may play in vivo a role in the modulation of epithelial and inflammatory cell behavior and lung remodeling. We argue that the proposed bioengineered model may provide new insights on epithelial/stromal/inflammatory cells crosstalk in cystic fibrosis, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Peng R, Xu C, Zheng H, Lao X. Modified Thymosin Alpha 1 Distributes and Inhibits the Growth of Lung Cancer in Vivo. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:10374-10381. [PMID: 32426594 PMCID: PMC7226852 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapy of tumors is an effective method for treating cancer. Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1), a hormone that contains 28 amino acids, is already approved for cancer treatment. However, its clinical application is limited because of the lack of tumor targeting. Considering that RGD can specifically bind to integrin, the anticancer drug can have a targeted therapeutic effect on tumors when it combines with a peptide containing an RGD sequence. We produced a polypeptide, Tα1-RGDR, by binding Tα1 to RGDR. The RGDR can combine with the αvβ3 and NRP-1 domains, which are highly expressed on the surface of the tumor, to achieve the effect of tumor targeting. This work aimed to investigate the difference of antitumor activity and tumor targeting between Tα1 modified by RGDR and Tα1 by using H460 and LLC tumor models. Results showed that Tα1-RGDR had remarkable antitumor effects, and its tumor targeting was better than that of Tα1. Hence, Tα1-RGDR is a promising antitumor drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renhao Peng
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211199 Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Caoying Xu
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211199 Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Heng Zheng
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211199 Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xingzhen Lao
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211199 Nanjing, P. R. China
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Efthymiou G, Saint A, Ruff M, Rekad Z, Ciais D, Van Obberghen-Schilling E. Shaping Up the Tumor Microenvironment With Cellular Fibronectin. Front Oncol 2020; 10:641. [PMID: 32426283 PMCID: PMC7203475 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal tissue homeostasis and architecture restrain tumor growth. Thus, for a tumor to develop and spread, malignant cells must overcome growth-repressive inputs from surrounding tissue and escape immune surveillance mechanisms that curb cancer progression. This is achieved by promoting the conversion of a physiological microenvironment to a pro-tumoral state and it requires a constant dialog between malignant cells and ostensibly normal cells of adjacent tissue. Pro-tumoral reprogramming of the stroma is accompanied by an upregulation of certain extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their cognate receptors. Fibronectin (FN) is one such component of the tumor matrisome. This large multidomain glycoprotein dimer expressed over a wide range of human cancers is assembled by cell-driven forces into a fibrillar array that provides an obligate scaffold for the deposition of other matrix proteins and binding sites for functionalization by soluble factors in the tumor microenvironment. Encoded by a single gene, FN regulates the proliferation, motile behavior and fate of multiple cell types, largely through mechanisms that involve integrin-mediated signaling. These processes are coordinated by distinct isoforms of FN, collectively known as cellular FN (as opposed to circulating plasma FN) that arise through alternative splicing of the FN1 gene. Cellular FN isoforms differ in their solubility, receptor binding ability and spatiotemporal expression, and functions that have yet to be fully defined. FN induction at tumor sites constitutes an important step in the acquisition of biological capabilities required for several cancer hallmarks such as sustaining proliferative signaling, promoting angiogenesis, facilitating invasion and metastasis, modulating growth suppressor activity and regulating anti-tumoral immunity. In this review, we will first provide an overview of ECM reprogramming through tumor-stroma crosstalk, then focus on the role of cellular FN in tumor progression with respect to these hallmarks. Last, we will discuss the impact of dysregulated ECM on clinical efficacy of classical (radio-/chemo-) therapies and emerging treatments that target immune checkpoints and explore how our expanding knowledge of the tumor ECM and the central role of FN can be leveraged for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angélique Saint
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Nice, France.,Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Michaël Ruff
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Nice, France
| | - Zeinab Rekad
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Nice, France
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Gerarduzzi C, Hartmann U, Leask A, Drobetsky E. The Matrix Revolution: Matricellular Proteins and Restructuring of the Cancer Microenvironment. Cancer Res 2020; 80:2705-2717. [PMID: 32193287 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding cells is indispensable for regulating their behavior. The dynamics of ECM signaling are tightly controlled throughout growth and development. During tissue remodeling, matricellular proteins (MCP) are secreted into the ECM. These factors do not serve classical structural roles, but rather regulate matrix proteins and cell-matrix interactions to influence normal cellular functions. In the tumor microenvironment, it is becoming increasingly clear that aberrantly expressed MCPs can support multiple hallmarks of carcinogenesis by interacting with various cellular components that are coupled to an array of downstream signals. Moreover, MCPs also reorganize the biomechanical properties of the ECM to accommodate metastasis and tumor colonization. This realization is stimulating new research on MCPs as reliable and accessible biomarkers in cancer, as well as effective and selective therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casimiro Gerarduzzi
- Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada. .,Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ursula Hartmann
- Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Elliot Drobetsky
- Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Bai Y, Wei C, Zhong Y, Zhang Y, Long J, Huang S, Xie F, Tian Y, Wang X, Zhao H. Development and Validation of a Prognostic Nomogram for Gastric Cancer Based on DNA Methylation-Driven Differentially Expressed Genes. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:1153-1165. [PMID: 32174791 PMCID: PMC7053317 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.41587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims: The incidence of gastric cancer (GC) ranks fifth among common tumors and GC is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the overall survival (OS) of patients with GC. Methods: DNA methylation (DNAm)-driven genes were identified by integrating DNAm and gene expression profiling analyses from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) GC cohort. Then, a risk score model was built based on Kaplan-Meier (K-M), least absolute shrinkage and selector operation (LASSO), and multivariate Cox regression analyses. After analyzing the clinical parameters, a nomogram was constructed and assessed. Another cohort (GSE62254) was used for external validation. Results: Thirteen differentially expressed DNAm-driven genes were narrowed down to a six-gene signature (PODN, NPY, MICU3, TUBB6 and RHOJ were hypermethylated, and MYO1A was hypomethylated), which was associated with OS (P < 0.05) after survival and LASSO regression analyses. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with altered DNAm statuses were included in the prognostic risk score model. The univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that risk score, age, and number of positive lymph nodes were significantly associated with survival time in GC patients. The multivariate Cox regression analysis also indicated that these variables were significant prognostic factors for GC. A nomogram including these variables was constructed, and its performance in predicting the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival outcomes of GC patients was estimated through time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In addition, the clinical benefit of this model was revealed by decision curve analysis (DCA). Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that these DNAm-driven genes might impact tumor progression by affecting signaling pathways such as the "ECM RECEPTOR INTERACTION" and "DNA REPLICATION" pathways. Conclusions: The altered status of the DNAm-driven gene signature (PODN, MYO1A, NPY, MICU3, TUBB6 and RHOJ) was significantly associated with the OS of GC patients. A nomogram incorporating risk score, age and number of positive lymph nodes can be conveniently used to facilitate the individualized prediction of OS in patients with GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Bai
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunlian Wei
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxin Zhong
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Junyu Long
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Shan Huang
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fucun Xie
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Yantao Tian
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
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Recent Advances in Head and Neck Tumor Microenvironment-Based Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1296:11-31. [PMID: 34185284 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-59038-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are a group of heterogeneous aggressive tumors affecting more than half a million patients worldwide annually. While the tobacco- and alcohol-associated HNSCC tumors are declining, human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced tumors are on rise. Despite recent advances in multimodality therapeutic interventions including surgery in combination with chemoradiation therapy (CRT), the overall 5-year survival has not improved more than 50%. The underlying reasons for this dismal prognosis is the intrinsic or acquired resistance to CRT. While previous studies were focused to target tumor cells, recent findings have implicated the involvement of tumor microenvironment (TME) on tumor progression and response to therapy. HNSCC TME includes cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells, immune cells, endocrine cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including collagen and fibronectin. Understanding the crosstalk between TME and cancer cells is important to formulate more effective novel therapies and to overcome resistance mechanisms. Here, we summarized the current literature on recent advances on HNSCC TME with special emphasis on novel cell-cell interactions and therapies currently under development.
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48
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Yang T, Deng Z, Pan Z, Qian Y, Yao W, Wang J. Prognostic value of periostin in multiple solid cancers: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:2800-2808. [PMID: 31517399 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the expression of periostin (POSTN) is significantly correlated with prognosis in multiple solid cancers. However, the function of POSTN in tumorigenesis and its relationship with clinical outcomes have not been systematically summarized and analyzed. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic pertinence of POSTN in solid cancer. We conducted a systematic search in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases, and a total of 10 studies were used to assess the association of POSTN expression and patients' overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were further calculated to estimate the association between POSTN and relevant clinical parameters of solid cancer patients. The pooled results indicated that POSTN overexpression was associated with poor OS (HR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.88-2.93, p < .00001) and DFS (HR = 2.70, 95% CI = 2.00-3.65, p < .00001) in a cohort of 993 patients with cancer. Subsequent analyses showed that the positive expression ratio of POSTN was evidently higher in cancer tissues than in normal tissues (OR = 7.44, 95% CI = 3.66-13.95, p < .00001). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that POSTN was related to microvascular invasion (OR = 5.09, 95% CI = 3.07-8.44, p < .00001), tumor differentiation (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.41-2.91, p = .0001), and lymph node metastasis (OR = 3.05, 95% CI = 2.01-4.64, p < .00001). These data showed that POSTN could be a credible prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in human solid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery/Cancer Research Center Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhengdong Deng
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery/Cancer Research Center Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongya Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yawei Qian
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Yao
- Department of Oncology Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianming Wang
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery/Cancer Research Center Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Affiliated Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
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Jin Y, Yang Y. Identification and analysis of genes associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by integrated bioinformatics methods. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e857. [PMID: 31304688 PMCID: PMC6687648 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, exhibiting high morbidity and mortality. The prognosis of HNSCC patients has remained poor, though considerable efforts have been made to improve the treatment of this cancer. Therefore, identifying significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in HNSCC progression and exploiting them as novel biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for HNSCC is highly valuable. Methods Overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out from three independent gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets and subjected to GO and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analyses. The protein–protein interactions network of DEGs was constructed in the STRING database, and the top ten hub genes were selected using cytoHubba. The relative expression of hub genes was detected in GEPIA, Oncomine, and human protein atlas (HPA) databases. Furthermore, the relationship of hub genes with the overall survival and disease‐free survival in HNSCC patients was investigated using the cancer genome atlas data. Results The top ten hub genes (SPP1, POSTN, COL1A2, FN1, IGFBP3, APP, MMP3, MMP13, CXCL8, and CXCL12) could be utilized as potential diagnostic indicators for HNSCC. The relative levels of FN1, APP, SPP1, and POSTN could be associated with the prognosis of HNSCC patients. The mRNA expression of APP and COL1A2 was validated in HNSCC samples. Conclusion This study identified effective and reliable molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis by integrated bioinformatics analysis, suggesting novel and essential therapeutic targets for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jin
- Department of General Dentistry, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center of Stomatology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ya Yang
- Department of General Dentistry, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center of Stomatology, Shanghai, PR China
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50
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Xu J, Lv H, Zhang B, Xu F, Zhu H, Chen B, Zhu C, Shen J. miR-30b-5p acts as a tumor suppressor microRNA in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Thorac Dis 2019; 11:3015-3029. [PMID: 31463131 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2019.07.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background To study miR-30b-5p expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by comparisons between tumor tissues and matched adjacent non-cancerous tissues to elucidate the correlation between miR-30b-5p expression and ESCC clinical parameters, and to explore the signaling pathways associated with miR-30b-5p and key target genes. Methods Clinical data, cancer tissues, and adjacent non-cancerous tissues of 32 patients diagnosed with ESCC were collected from Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province. The expression levels of miR-30b-5p were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). mRNA data for ESCC tissues and normal tissues, and clinical materials of patients with ESCC were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Associations between miR-30b-5p expression and clinical features of patients with ESCC and overall survival were explored. A bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine the pathways and key miR-30b-5p targets associated with ESCC. Additionally, a cytological experiment was performed to evaluate the biological functions of miR-30b-5p. Finally, correlations between miR-30b-5p and key targets involved in PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were validated by western blotting. Results The expression level of miR-30b-5p in the 32 ESCC tissues was significantly lower than that in adjacent normal tissues (P<0.01) and was significantly disparate in the T stage, with higher expression in T1 than in T2 (P<0.05). Among the patients with higher expression levels of miR-30b-5p in ESCC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues, patients with higher expression of miR-30b-5p had a better prognosis (P<0.05). An analysis of gene chip data from the GEO database showed similar results. A gene enrichment analysis indicated a series of pathways that may be associated with the downregulation of miR-30b-5p, including focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Seven key target genes (PDGFRB, VIM, ITGA5, ACTN1, THBS2, SERPINE1, and RUNX2) were identified; these were found to be upregulated in ESCC tissues and were negatively correlated with miR-30b-5p. Functional experiments showed that miR-30b-5p attenuated migration (P<0.01) and invasion (P<0.05) in the Eca109 cell line. Moreover, the levels of ITGA5, PDGFRB, p-PI3K, and p-AKT, which are involved in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, were decreased in the miR-30b-5p-overexpressing Eca109 cell line. Conclusions Upregulated miR-30b-5p may inhibit migration and invasion in ESCC by targeting ITGA5, PDGFRB, and signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, involved in ESCC regulation. Our results indicate that miR-30b-5p plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of ESCC and is a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Haiyan Lv
- Enze Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Hongyu Zhu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Baofu Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Chengchu Zhu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Jianfei Shen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 317000, China
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