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Pathak A, Palasalava S, Knott MV, Colon B, Ciervo E, Zhou Y, Mitchell J, Pumar OT, Wong HKA, Zhang L, Susic N, Shah KH, Kay K, Chin D, Johnson S, Cheng F, Lyssiotis CA, Watson DC, Ceccarelli M, Shah A, Wahl DR, Lathia JD, Bayik D. γ-aminobutyric acid receptor B signaling drives glioblastoma in females in an immune-dependent manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.18.603996. [PMID: 39091833 PMCID: PMC11291093 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.18.603996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Sex differences in immune responses impact cancer outcomes and treatment response, including in glioblastoma (GBM). However, host factors underlying sex specific immune-cancer interactions are poorly understood. Here, we identify the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a driver of GBM-promoting immune response in females. We demonstrated that GABA receptor B (GABBR) signaling enhances L-Arginine metabolism and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) expression in female granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (gMDSCs). GABBR agonist and GABA analog promoted GBM growth in females in an immune-dependent manner, while GABBR inhibition reduces gMDSC NOS2 production and extends survival only in females. Furthermore, female GBM patients have enriched GABA transcriptional signatures compared to males, and the use of GABA analogs in GBM patients is associated with worse short-term outcomes only in females. Collectively, these results highlight that GABA modulates anti-tumor immune response in a sex-specific manner, supporting future assessment of GABA pathway inhibitors as part of immunotherapy approaches.
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Wang L, Ge J, Han H, Jia Y, Qin Y. Crosstalk between the nervous system and tumor microenvironment: Functional aspects and potential therapeutic strategies. Cancer Lett 2024; 594:216986. [PMID: 38797233 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Recent advancements in understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) have highlighted the critical role of the nervous system in cancer progression. This review comprehensively examines how the nervous system influences various aspects of tumorigenesis, including growth, motility, immune response, angiogenesis, and the behavior of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We delineate the neurodevelopmental mechanisms associated with cancer, such as the secretion of neurotrophins and exosomes by cancer cells. Furthermore, we explore the emerging therapeutic strategy of targeting nerves associated with tumors. Evidence supporting this approach includes studies demonstrating direct tumor growth inhibition, enhanced efficacy of immunotherapy when combined with nervous system-modulating drugs, and the suppression of tumor blood vessel formation through nerve targeting. Finally, we discuss the current challenges in this field and emphasize the need for further exploration within cancer neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Jingjing Ge
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, No. 651, Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Huiqiong Han
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Yongxu Jia
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, PR China.
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Rangel-Sosa MM, Mann F, Chauvet S. Pancreatic Schwann cell reprogramming supports cancer-associated neuronal remodeling. Glia 2024. [PMID: 38961612 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system is a key regulator of cancer progression. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system inhibits cancer development. This inhibition is associated with extensive sympathetic nerve sprouting in early pancreatic cancer precursor lesions. However, the underlying mechanisms behind this process remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the roles of pancreatic Schwann cells in the structural plasticity of sympathetic neurons. We examined the changes in the number and distribution of Schwann cells in a transgenic mouse model of PDAC and in a model of metaplastic pancreatic lesions induced by chronic inflammation. Schwann cells proliferated and expanded simultaneously with new sympathetic nerve sprouts in metaplastic/neoplastic pancreatic lesions. Sparse genetic labeling showed that individual Schwann cells in these lesions had a more elongated and branched structure than those under physiological conditions. Schwann cells overexpressed neurotrophic factors, including glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Sympathetic neurons upregulated the GDNF receptors and exhibited enhanced neurite growth in response to GDNF in vitro. Selective genetic deletion of Gdnf in Schwann cells completely blocked sympathetic nerve sprouting in metaplastic pancreatic lesions in vivo. This study demonstrated that pancreatic Schwann cells underwent adaptive reprogramming during early cancer development, supporting a protective antitumor neuronal response. These finding could help to develop new strategies to modulate cancer associated neural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fanny Mann
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
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Zhang Z, Lv ZG, Lu M, Li H, Zhou J. Nerve-tumor crosstalk in tumor microenvironment: From tumor initiation and progression to clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189121. [PMID: 38796026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The autonomic nerve system (ANS) innervates organs and tissues throughout the body and maintains functional balance among various systems. Further investigations have shown that excessive activation of ANS not only causes disruption of homeostasis, but also may promote tumor formation. In addition, the dynamic interaction between nerve and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment also regulate tumor progression. On the one hand, nerves are passively invaded by tumor cells, that is, perineural invasion (PNI). On the other hand, compared with normal tissues, tumor tissues are subject to more abundant innervation, and nerves can influence tumor progression through regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance. A large number of studies have shown that nerve-tumor crosstalk, including PNI and innervation, is closely related to the prognosis of patients, and contributes to the formation of cancer pain, which significantly deteriorates the quality of life for patients. These findings suggest that nerve-tumor crosstalk represents a potential target for anti-tumor therapies and the management of cancer pain in the future. In this review, we systematically describe the mechanism by which nerve-tumor crosstalk regulates tumorigenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen Gang Lv
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Miao Lu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiahua Zhou
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China.
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5
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Wong CN, Zhang Y, Ru B, Wang S, Zhou H, Lin J, Lyu Y, Qin Y, Jiang P, Lee VHF, Guan XY. Identification and Characterization of Metastasis-Initiating Cells in ESCC in a Multi-Timepoint Pulmonary Metastasis Mouse Model. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401590. [PMID: 38864342 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis is the biggest obstacle to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treatment. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses are applied to investigate lung metastatic ESCC cells isolated from pulmonary metastasis mouse model at multiple timepoints to characterize early metastatic microenvironment. A small population of parental KYSE30 cell line (Cluster S) resembling metastasis-initiating cells (MICs) is identified because they survive and colonize at lung metastatic sites. Differential expression profile comparisons between Cluster S and other subpopulations identified a panel of 7 metastasis-initiating signature genes (MIS), including CD44 and TACSTD2, to represent MICs in ESCC. Functional studies demonstrated MICs (CD44high) exhibited significantly enhanced cell survival (resistances to oxidative stress and apoptosis), migration, invasion, stemness, and in vivo lung metastasis capabilities, while bioinformatics analyses revealed enhanced organ development, stress responses, and neuron development, potentially remodel early metastasis microenvironment. Meanwhile, early metastasizing cells demonstrate quasi-epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype to support both invasion and anchorage. Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) staining of 4 MISs (CD44, S100A14, RHOD, and TACSTD2) in ESCC clinical samples demonstrated differential MIS expression scores (dMISs) predict lymph node metastasis, overall survival, and risk of carcinothrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching Ngar Wong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre for Cancer Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Beibei Ru
- Cancer Data Science Lab, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Songna Wang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre for Cancer Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre for Cancer Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Jiarun Lin
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre for Cancer Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Yingchen Lyu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre for Cancer Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Clinical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Cancer Data Science Lab, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Victor Ho-Fun Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre for Cancer Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre for Cancer Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for cancer metastasis and personalized therapy, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, 516029, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510610, China
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Stassart RM, Gomez-Sanchez JA, Lloyd AC. Schwann Cells as Orchestrators of Nerve Repair: Implications for Tissue Regeneration and Pathologies. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041363. [PMID: 38199866 PMCID: PMC11146315 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Peripheral nerves exist in a stable state in adulthood providing a rapid bidirectional signaling system to control tissue structure and function. However, following injury, peripheral nerves can regenerate much more effectively than those of the central nervous system (CNS). This multicellular process is coordinated by peripheral glia, in particular Schwann cells, which have multiple roles in stimulating and nurturing the regrowth of damaged axons back to their targets. Aside from the repair of damaged nerves themselves, nerve regenerative processes have been linked to the repair of other tissues and de novo innervation appears important in establishing an environment conducive for the development and spread of tumors. In contrast, defects in these processes are linked to neuropathies, aging, and pain. In this review, we focus on the role of peripheral glia, especially Schwann cells, in multiple aspects of nerve regeneration and discuss how these findings may be relevant for pathologies associated with these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth M Stassart
- Paul-Flechsig-Institute of Neuropathology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Jose A Gomez-Sanchez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante 03010, Spain
- Instituto de Neurociencias CSIC-UMH, Sant Joan de Alicante 03550, Spain
| | - Alison C Lloyd
- UCL Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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Saloman JL, Epouhe AY, Ruff CF, Albers KM. PDX1, a transcription factor essential for organ differentiation, regulates SERCA-dependent Ca 2+ homeostasis in sensory neurons. Cell Calcium 2024; 120:102884. [PMID: 38574509 PMCID: PMC11188734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2024.102884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) is a transcription factor required for the development and differentiation of the pancreas. Previous studies indicated that PDX1 expression was restricted to the gastrointestinal tract. Using a cre-dependent reporter, we observed PDX1-dependent expression of tdtomato (PDX1-tom) in a subpopulation of sensory nerves. Many of these PDX1-tom afferents expressed the neurofilament 200 protein and projected to the skin. Tdtomato-labeled terminals were associated with hair follicles in the form of longitudinal and circumferential lanceolate endings suggesting a role in tactile and proprioceptive perception. To begin to examine the functional significance of PDX1 in afferents, we used Fura-2 imaging to examine calcium (Ca2+) handling under naïve and nerve injury conditions. Neuropathic injury is associated with increased intracellular Ca2+ signaling that in part results from dysregulation of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase (SERCA). Here we demonstrate that under naïve conditions, PDX1 regulates expression of the SERCA2B isoform in sensory neurons. In response to infraorbital nerve injury, a significant reduction of PDX1 and SERCA2B expression and dysregulation of Ca2+ handling occurs in PDX1-tom trigeminal ganglia neurons. The identification of PDX1 expression in the somatosensory system and its regulation of SERCA2B and Ca2+ handling provide a new mechanism to explain pathological changes in primary afferents that may contribute to pain associated with nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jami L Saloman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Center for Neuroscience and Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Ariel Y Epouhe
- Department of Neurobiology, Center for Neuroscience and Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Catherine F Ruff
- Department of Neurobiology, Center for Neuroscience and Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kathryn M Albers
- Department of Neurobiology, Center for Neuroscience and Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Benzaquen D, Lawrence YR, Taussky D, Zwahlen D, Oehler C, Champion A. The Crosstalk between Nerves and Cancer-A Poorly Understood Phenomenon and New Possibilities. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1875. [PMID: 38791953 PMCID: PMC11120349 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Crosstalk occurs between nerve and cancer cells. These interactions are important for cancer homeostasis and metabolism. Nerve cells influence the tumor microenvironment (TME) and participate in metastasis through neurogenesis, neural extension, and axonogenesis. We summarized the past and current literature on the interaction between nerves and cancer, with a special focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), prostate cancer (PCa), and the role of the nerve growth factor (NGF) in cancer. MATERIALS/METHODS We reviewed PubMed and Google Scholar for the relevant literature on the relationship between nerves, neurotrophins, and cancer in general and specifically for both PCa and PDAC. RESULTS The NGF helped sustain cancer cell proliferation and evade immune defense. It is a neuropeptide involved in neurogenic inflammation through the activation of several cells of the immune system by several proinflammatory cytokines. Both PCa and PDAC employ different strategies to evade immune defense. The prostate is richly innervated by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, which helps in both growth control and homeostasis. Newly formed autonomic nerve fibers grow into cancer cells and contribute to cancer initiation and progression through the activation of β-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic signaling. Surgical or chemical sympathectomy prevents the development of prostate cancer. Beta-blockers have a high therapeutic potential for cancer, although current clinical data have been contradictory. With a better understanding of the beta-receptors, one could identify specific receptors that could have an effect on prostate cancer development or act as therapeutic agents. CONCLUSION The bidirectional crosstalk between the nervous system and cancer cells has emerged as a crucial regulator of cancer and its microenvironment. Denervation has been shown to be promising in vitro and in animal models. Additionally, there is a potential relationship between cancer and psychosocial biology through neurotransmitters and neurotrophins.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Benzaquen
- Radiation Oncology, Hôpital de La Tour, 1217 Meyrin, Switzerland; (D.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Yaacov R. Lawrence
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv 39040, Israel;
| | - Daniel Taussky
- Radiation Oncology, Hôpital de La Tour, 1217 Meyrin, Switzerland; (D.B.); (A.C.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0C1, Canada
| | - Daniel Zwahlen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kantonsspital Winterthur, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland; (D.Z.); (C.O.)
| | - Christoph Oehler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kantonsspital Winterthur, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland; (D.Z.); (C.O.)
| | - Ambroise Champion
- Radiation Oncology, Hôpital de La Tour, 1217 Meyrin, Switzerland; (D.B.); (A.C.)
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Cai Z, Yao H, Chen J, Ahmed AA, Li C, Hu X, Tang X, Jiang C. Schwann cells in pancreatic cancer: Unraveling their multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis and neural interactions. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216689. [PMID: 38367898 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), characterized by heightened neural density, presents a challenging prognosis primarily due to perineural invasion. Recognized for their crucial roles in neural support and myelination, Schwann cells (SCs) significantly influence the process of tumorigenesis. This review succinctly outlines the interplay between PDAC and neural systems, positioning SCs as a nexus in the tumor-neural interface. Subsequently, it delves into the cellular origin and influencers of SCs within the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, emphasizing their multifaceted roles in tumor initiation, progression, and modulation of the neural and immune microenvironment. The discussion encompasses potential therapeutic interventions targeting SCs. Lastly, the review underscores pressing issues, advocating for sustained exploration into the diverse contributions of SCs within the intricate landscape of PDAC, with the aim of enhancing our understanding of their involvement in this complex malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatobiliary Surgery Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China
| | - Hongfei Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatobiliary Surgery Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China
| | - Jiahao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatobiliary Surgery Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China
| | - Abousalam Abdoulkader Ahmed
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatobiliary Surgery Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China
| | - Chunjing Li
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatobiliary Surgery Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatobiliary Surgery Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatobiliary Surgery Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China
| | - Chongyi Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatobiliary Surgery Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China.
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10
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Park H, Lee CH. The contribution of the nervous system in the cancer progression. BMB Rep 2024; 57:167-175. [PMID: 38523371 PMCID: PMC11058356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is driven by genetic mutations, environmental factors, and intricate interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME comprises of diverse cell types, such as cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, and neuronal cells. These cells mutually influence each other through various factors, including cytokines, vascular perfusion, and matrix stiffness. In the initial or developmental stage of cancer, neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor are associated with poor prognosis of various cancers by communicating with cancer cells, immune cells, and peripheral nerves within the TME. Over the past decade, research has been conducted to prevent cancer growth by controlling the activation of neurotrophic factors within tumors, exhibiting a novel attemt in cancer treatment with promising results. More recently, research focusing on controlling cancer growth through regulation of the autonomic nervous system, including the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, has gained significant attention. Sympathetic signaling predominantly promotes tumor progression, while the role of parasympathetic signaling varies among different cancer types. Neurotransmitters released from these signalings can directly or indirectly affect tumor cells or immune cells within the TME. Additionally, sensory nerve significantly promotes cancer progression. In the advanced stage of cancer, cancer-associated cachexia occurs, characterized by tissue wasting and reduced quality of life. This process involves the pathways via brainstem growth and differentiation factor 15-glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha-like signaling and hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin neurons. Our review highlights the critical role of neurotrophic factors as well as central nervous system on the progression of cancer, offering promising avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(4): 167-175].
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongryeol Park
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Muenster D-48149, Germany, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Chan Hee Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Program of Material Science for Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
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Wang Y, Liu Z, Tian Y, Zhao H, Fu X. Periampullary cancer and neurological interactions: current understanding and future research directions. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1370111. [PMID: 38567163 PMCID: PMC10985190 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1370111] [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: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Periampullary cancer is a malignant tumor occurring around the ampullary region of the liver and pancreas, encompassing a variety of tissue types and sharing numerous biological characteristics, including interactions with the nervous system. The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating organ development, maintaining physiological equilibrium, and ensuring life process plasticity, a role that is equally pivotal in oncology. Investigations into nerve-tumor interactions have unveiled their key part in controlling cancer progression, inhibiting anti-tumor immune responses, facilitating invasion and metastasis, and triggering neuropathic pain. Despite many mechanisms by which nerve fibers contribute to cancer advancement still being incompletely understood, the growing emphasis on the significance of nerves within the tumor microenvironment in recent years has set the stage for the development of groundbreaking therapies. This includes combining current neuroactive medications with established therapeutic protocols. This review centers on the mechanisms of Periampullary cancer's interactions with nerves, the influence of various types of nerve innervation on cancer evolution, and outlines the horizons for ongoing and forthcoming research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Wang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zi’ang Liu
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanzhang Tian
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- General Surgery Department , Shanxi Bethune Hospital/General Surgery Department, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoliang Zhao
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- General Surgery Department , Shanxi Bethune Hospital/General Surgery Department, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xifeng Fu
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- General Surgery Department , Shanxi Bethune Hospital/General Surgery Department, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Zhi X, Wu F, Qian J, Ochiai Y, Lian G, Malagola E, Chen D, Ryeom SW, Wang TC. Nociceptive neurons interact directly with gastric cancer cells via a CGRP/Ramp1 axis to promote tumor progression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.04.583209. [PMID: 38496544 PMCID: PMC10942283 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.04.583209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells have been shown to exploit neurons to modulate their survival and growth, including through establishment of neural circuits within the central nervous system (CNS) 1-3 . Here, we report a distinct pattern of cancer-nerve interactions between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and gastric cancer (GC). In multiple GC mouse models, nociceptive nerves demonstrated the greatest degree of nerve expansion in an NGF-dependent manner. Neural tracing identified CGRP+ peptidergic neurons as the primary gastric sensory neurons. Three-dimensional co-culture models showed that sensory neurons directly connect with gastric cancer spheroids through synapse-like structures. Chemogenetic activation of sensory neurons induced the release of calcium into the cytoplasm of cancer cells, promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Pharmacological ablation of sensory neurons or treatment with CGRP inhibitors suppressed tumor growth and extended survival. Depolarization of gastric tumor membranes through in vivo optogenetic activation led to enhanced calcium flux in nodose ganglia and CGRP release, defining a cancer cell-peptidergic neuronal circuit. Together, these findings establish the functional connectivity between cancer and sensory neurons, identifying this pathway as a potential therapeutic target.
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Ma J, Eglauf J, Grad S, Alini M, Serra T. Engineering Sensory Ganglion Multicellular System to Model Tissue Nerve Ingrowth. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308478. [PMID: 38113315 PMCID: PMC10953573 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Discogenic pain is associated with deep nerve ingrowth in annulus fibrosus tissue (AF) of intervertebral disc (IVD). To model AF nerve ingrowth, primary bovine dorsal root ganglion (DRG) micro-scale tissue units are spatially organised around an AF explant by mild hydrodynamic forces within a collagen matrix. This results in a densely packed multicellular system mimicking the native DRG tissue morphology and a controlled AF-neuron distance. Such a multicellular organisation is essential to evolve populational-level cellular functions and in vivo-like morphologies. Pro-inflammatory cytokine-primed AF demonstrates its neurotrophic and neurotropic effects on nociceptor axons. Both effects are dependent on the AF-neuron distance underpinning the role of recapitulating inter-tissue/organ anatomical proximity when investigating their crosstalk. This is the first in vitro model studying AF nerve ingrowth by engineering mature and large animal tissues in a morphologically and physiologically relevant environment. The new approach can be used to biofabricate multi-tissue/organ models for untangling pathophysiological conditions and develop novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxuan Ma
- AO Research InstituteClavadelerstrasse 8Davos7270Switzerland
| | - Janick Eglauf
- AO Research InstituteClavadelerstrasse 8Davos7270Switzerland
- ETH ZürichRämistrasse 101Zürich8092Switzerland
| | - Sibylle Grad
- AO Research InstituteClavadelerstrasse 8Davos7270Switzerland
| | - Mauro Alini
- AO Research InstituteClavadelerstrasse 8Davos7270Switzerland
| | - Tiziano Serra
- AO Research InstituteClavadelerstrasse 8Davos7270Switzerland
- Complex Tissue Regeneration DepartmentMERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineMaastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229ETNetherlands
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14
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Inyang KE, Evans CM, Heussner M, Petroff M, Reimers M, Vermeer PD, Tykocki N, Folger JK, Laumet G. HPV+ head and neck cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles communicate with TRPV1+ neurons to mediate cancer pain. Pain 2024; 165:608-620. [PMID: 37678566 PMCID: PMC10915104 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Severe pain is often experienced by patients with head and neck cancer and is associated with a poor prognosis. Despite its frequency and severity, current treatments fail to adequately control cancer-associated pain because of our lack of mechanistic understanding. Although recent works have shed some light of the biology underlying pain in HPV-negative oral cancers, the mechanisms mediating pain in HPV+ cancers remain unknown. Cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles (cancer-sEVs) are well positioned to function as mediators of communication between cancer cells and neurons. Inhibition of cancer-sEV release attenuated pain in tumor-bearing mice. Injection of purified cancer-sEVs is sufficient to induce pain hypersensitivity in naive mice that is prevented by QX-314 treatment and in Trpv1-/- mice. Cancer-sEVs triggered calcium influx in nociceptors, and inhibition or ablation of nociceptors protects against cancer pain. Interrogation of published sequencing data of human sensory neurons exposed to human cancer-sEVs suggested a stimulation of protein translation in neurons. Induction of translation by cancer-sEVs was validated in our mouse model, and its inhibition alleviated cancer pain in mice. In summary, our work reveals that HPV+ head and neck squamous cell carcinoma-derived sEVs alter TRPV1+ neurons by promoting nascent translation to mediate cancer pain and identified several promising therapeutic targets to interfere with this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine M. Evans
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Matthew Heussner
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Margaret Petroff
- Department of Pathology Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, East Lansing, MI
| | - Mark Reimers
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Paola D. Vermeer
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
| | - Nathan Tykocki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Joseph K. Folger
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Geoffroy Laumet
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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15
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Ding X, Chen J, Zeng W. Neuroimmune regulation in the pancreas. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 4:201-205. [PMID: 38933519 PMCID: PMC11197567 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The pancreas exerts endocrine and exocrine functions in energy balance. The neural innervation and immune milieu are both crucial in supporting pancreatic homeostasis. The neuronal network connects the pancreas with the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system (ENS) and sustains metabolic activities. The nerves in the pancreas are categorized as spinal sensory afferent fibers, vagal sensory afferent nerves, autonomic fibers of both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, and fibers from the ENS and intrapancreatic ganglia. They innervate different regions and various cell types, which collectively determine physiological functions. Studies have established that the diverse pathological conditions, including pancreatitis, diabetes, and pancreatic tumor, are attributed to aberrant immune reactions; however, it is largely not clear how the neuronal network may influence the disease conditions. Enlightened by the recent advances illuminating the organ-wide neuronal architecture and the dysfunctions in pancreatic disorders, this review will highlight emerging opportunities to explore the cellular interrelationship, particularly the neuroimmune components in pancreatic health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Ding
- Institute for Immunology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianhui Chen
- Institute for Immunology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wenwen Zeng
- Institute for Immunology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, Beijing 100084, China
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16
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Velazquez-Quesada I, Allison K, Alizadeh V, Hesketh N, Thomas G, Tuzel E, Gligorijevic B. DACIT: Device for Axon - Cancer cell Interaction Testing in 2D and 3D. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.26.582218. [PMID: 38464088 PMCID: PMC10925080 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.582218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
In this protocol, we describe steps to design, fabricate and use the Device for Axon and Cancer cell Interaction Testing (DACIT) in 2D and in 3D. In the first section, we detail steps to generate the mask, the master and the smooth-on mold. Next, we describe the step-by-step protocol for fabricating the DACIT, loading sensory neurons and cancer cells in 2D or 3D. We compare axonogenesis using PC-12 cell line and primary embryonic or adult sensory neurons, demonstrating the superior neurite growth in primary cells. We demonstrate DACIT can be used to compartmentalize neuronal soma and axons and expose them to different conditions, or to form a temporary gradient of neurotransmitter. Finally, we show that DACIT can be used to measure spheroid invasion in 3D in the presence of axons.
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17
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Mardelle U, Bretaud N, Daher C, Feuillet V. From pain to tumor immunity: influence of peripheral sensory neurons in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1335387. [PMID: 38433844 PMCID: PMC10905387 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The nervous and immune systems are the primary sensory interfaces of the body, allowing it to recognize, process, and respond to various stimuli from both the external and internal environment. These systems work in concert through various mechanisms of neuro-immune crosstalk to detect threats, provide defense against pathogens, and maintain or restore homeostasis, but can also contribute to the development of diseases. Among peripheral sensory neurons (PSNs), nociceptive PSNs are of particular interest. They possess a remarkable capability to detect noxious stimuli in the periphery and transmit this information to the brain, resulting in the perception of pain and the activation of adaptive responses. Pain is an early symptom of cancer, often leading to its diagnosis, but it is also a major source of distress for patients as the disease progresses. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the mechanisms within tumors that are likely to induce cancer pain, exploring a range of factors from etiological elements to cellular and molecular mediators. In addition to transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system, PSNs are also capable, when activated, to produce and release neuropeptides (e.g., CGRP and SP) from their peripheral terminals. These neuropeptides have been shown to modulate immunity in cases of inflammation, infection, and cancer. PSNs, often found within solid tumors, are likely to play a significant role in the tumor microenvironment, potentially influencing both tumor growth and anti-tumor immune responses. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge about the degree of sensory innervation in tumors. We also seek to understand whether and how PSNs may influence the tumor growth and associated anti-tumor immunity in different mouse models of cancer. Finally, we discuss the extent to which the tumor is able to influence the development and functions of the PSNs that innervate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Mardelle
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Ninon Bretaud
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Clara Daher
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Feuillet
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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18
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Tao ZY, Wang L, Zhu WY, Zhang G, Su YX. Lingual Denervation Improves the Efficacy of Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas by Downregulating TGFβ Signaling. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:418-430. [PMID: 38324026 PMCID: PMC10868515 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intratumoral nerve infiltration relates to tumor progression and poor survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). How neural involvement regulates antitumor immunity has not been well characterized. This study aims to investigate molecular mechanisms of regulating tumor aggressiveness and impairing antitumor immunity by nerve-derived factors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed the surgical lingual denervation in an immunocompetent mouse OSCC model to investigate its effect on tumor growth and the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. A trigeminal ganglion neuron and OSCC cell coculture system was established to investigate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells and the PD-L1 expression. Both the neuron-tumor cell coculture in vitro model and the OSCC animal model were explored. RESULTS Lingual denervation slowed down tumor growth and improved the efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment in the OSCC model. Coculturing with neurons not only enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion but also upregulated TGFβ-SMAD2 signaling and PD-L1 expression of tumor cells. Treatment with the TGFβ signaling inhibitor galunisertib reversed nerve-derived tumor aggressiveness and downregulated PD-L1 on tumor cells. Similarly, lingual denervation in vivo decreased TGFβ and PD-L1 expression and increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration and the expression of IFNγ and TNFα within tumor. CONCLUSIONS Neural involvement enhanced tumor aggressiveness through upregulating TGFβ signaling and PD-L1 expression in OSCC, while denervation of OSCC inhibited tumor growth, downregulated TGFβ signaling, enhanced activities of CD8+ T cells, and improved the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. This study will encourage further research focusing on denervation as a potential adjuvant therapeutic approach in OSCC. SIGNIFICANCE This study revealed the specific mechanisms for nerve-derived cancer progression and impaired antitumor immunity in OSCC, providing a novel insight into the cancer-neuron-immune network as well as pointing the way for new strategies targeting nerve-cancer cross-talk as a potential adjuvant therapeutic approach for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Ying Tao
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Leilei Wang
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wang-Yong Zhu
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Gao Zhang
- Division of Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Xiong Su
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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19
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Szczepanski JM, Rudolf MA, Shi J. Clinical Evaluation of the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment: Opportunities and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:794. [PMID: 38398185 PMCID: PMC10887250 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040794] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its tumor microenvironment (TME) have the potential to transform treatment for the hundreds of thousands of patients who are diagnosed each year. Whereas the clinical assessment of cancer cell genetics has grown increasingly sophisticated and personalized, current protocols to evaluate the TME have lagged, despite evidence that the TME can be heterogeneous within and between patients. Here, we outline current protocols for PDAC diagnosis and management, review novel biomarkers, and highlight potential opportunities and challenges when evaluating the PDAC TME as we prepare to translate emerging TME-directed therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.S.); (M.A.R.)
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20
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Yoshida A, Nishibata M, Maruyama T, Sunami S, Isono K, Kawamata T. Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Is Involved in Both Pain and Tumor Growth in a Mouse Model of Cancer Pain. Neuroscience 2024; 538:80-92. [PMID: 38157977 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Activation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive sensory neurons in the tumor microenvironment has been shown to be involved in tumor growth. However, how CGRP-positive sensory neurons are activated requires elucidation. In this study, we focused on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and examined the contribution of TRPV1 to tumor growth and cancer pain in a mouse cancer model in which Lewis lung carcinoma was subcutaneously inoculated in the left plantar region. Tumor inoculation gradually increased the volumes of the hind paws of wild type (WT) mice over time, but those of both αCGRP knockout mice and TRPV1 knockout mice were significantly smaller than those of WT mice after tumor inoculation. Both TRPV1 and CGRP are therefore suggested to be involved in tumor growth. In an immunohistochemical study, the percentage of phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (p-CREB)-positive profiles in CGRP-positive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in WT mice was significantly increased after tumor inoculation. The percentage of p-CREB-positive profiles in CGRP-positive DRG neurons in TRPV1 knockout mice was also increased after tumor inoculation, but was significantly lower than that in WT mice, indicating the contribution of TRPV1 to activation of CGRP-positive DRG neurons. Cancer pain in TRPV1 knockout mice was significantly lower than that in WT mice. In conclusion, TRPV1 is involved in both tumor growth and cancer pain, potentially leading to a novel strategy for the treatment of cancer pain and cancer development. Cancer pain is also suggested to facilitate tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akari Yoshida
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama 640-0012, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Nishibata
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama 640-0012, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Maruyama
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama 640-0012, Japan
| | - Shogo Sunami
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama 640-0012, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Isono
- Laboratory Animal Center, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama 640-0012, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kawamata
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama 640-0012, Japan
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21
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Wang H, Huo R, He K, Cheng L, Zhang S, Yu M, Zhao W, Li H, Xue J. Perineural invasion in colorectal cancer: mechanisms of action and clinical relevance. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:1-17. [PMID: 37610689 PMCID: PMC10899381 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00857-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the significance of the nervous system in the tumor microenvironment has gained increasing attention. The bidirectional communication between nerves and cancer cells plays a critical role in tumor initiation and progression. Perineural invasion (PNI) occurs when tumor cells invade the nerve sheath and/or encircle more than 33% of the nerve circumference. PNI is a common feature in various malignancies and is associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, cancer-related pain, and unfavorable clinical outcomes. The colon and rectum are highly innervated organs, and accumulating studies support PNI as a histopathologic feature of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, it is essential to investigate the role of nerves in CRC and comprehend the mechanisms of PNI to impede tumor progression and improve patient survival. CONCLUSION This review elucidates the clinical significance of PNI, summarizes the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, introduces various experimental models suitable for studying PNI, and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting this phenomenon. By delving into the intricate interactions between nerves and tumor cells, we hope this review can provide valuable insights for the future development of CRC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Ruixue Huo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Kexin He
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Li Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Shan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China
| | - Minhao Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200217, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China.
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China.
| | - Junli Xue
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China.
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22
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Liang S, Hess J. Tumor Neurobiology in the Pathogenesis and Therapy of Head and Neck Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:256. [PMID: 38334648 PMCID: PMC10854684 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The neurobiology of tumors has attracted considerable interest from clinicians and scientists and has become a multidisciplinary area of research. Neural components not only interact with tumor cells but also influence other elements within the TME, such as immune cells and vascular components, forming a polygonal relationship to synergistically facilitate tumor growth and progression. This review comprehensively summarizes the current state of the knowledge on nerve-tumor crosstalk in head and neck cancer and discusses the potential underlying mechanisms. Several mechanisms facilitating nerve-tumor crosstalk are covered, such as perineural invasion, axonogenesis, neurogenesis, neural reprogramming, and transdifferentiation, and the reciprocal interactions between the nervous and immune systems in the TME are also discussed in this review. Further understanding of the nerve-tumor crosstalk in the TME of head and neck cancer may provide new nerve-targeted treatment options and help improve clinical outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Liang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Tumors, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Tumors, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Research Group Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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23
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Blasko F, Horvathova L. The relationship between the tumor and its innervation: historical, methodical, morphological, and functional assessments - A minireview. Endocr Regul 2024; 58:68-82. [PMID: 38563296 DOI: 10.2478/enr-2024-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The acceptance of the tumor as a non-isolated structure within the organism has opened a space for the study of a wide spectrum of potential direct and indirect interactions, not only between the tumor tissue and its vicinity, but also between the tumor and its macroenvironment, including the nervous system. Although several lines of evidence have implicated the nervous system in tumor growth and progression, for many years, researchers believed that tumors lacked innervation and the notion of indirect neuro-neoplastic interactions via other systems (e.g., immune, or endocrine) predominated. The original idea that tumors are supplied not only by blood and lymphatic vessels, but also autonomic and sensory nerves that may influence cancer progression, is not a recent phenomenon. Although in the past, mainly due to the insufficiently sensitive methodological approaches, opinions regarding the presence of nerves in tumors were inconsistent. However, data from the last decade have shown that tumors are able to stimulate the formation of their own innervation by processes called neo-neurogenesis and neo-axonogenesis. It has also been shown that tumor infiltrating nerves are not a passive, but active components of the tumor microenvironment and their presence in the tumor tissue is associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype and correlates with poor prognosis. The aim of the present review was to 1) summarize the available knowledge regarding the course of tumor innervation, 2) present the potential mechanisms and pathways for the possible induction of new nerve fibers into the tumor microenvironment, and 3) highlight the functional significance/consequences of the nerves infiltrating the tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Blasko
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lubica Horvathova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
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24
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Xu W, Liu J, Zhang J, Lu J, Guo J. Tumor microenvironment crosstalk between tumors and the nervous system in pancreatic cancer: Molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189032. [PMID: 38036106 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits the highest incidence of perineural invasion among all solid tumors. The intricate interplay between tumors and the nervous system plays an important role in PDAC tumorigenesis, progression, recurrence, and metastasis. Various clinical symptoms of PDAC, including anorexia and cancer pain, have been linked to aberrant neural activity, while the presence of perineural invasion is a significant prognostic indicator. The use of conventional neuroactive drugs and neurosurgical interventions for PDAC patients is on the rise. An in-depth exploration of tumor-nervous system crosstalk has revealed novel therapeutic strategies for mitigating PDAC progression and effectively relieving symptoms. In this comprehensive review, we elucidate the regulatory functions of tumor-nervous system crosstalk, provide a succinct overview of the relationship between tumor-nervous system dialogue and clinical symptomatology, and deliberate the current research progress and forthcoming avenues of neural therapy for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Xu
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jianzhou Liu
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jianlu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Junchao Guo
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
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25
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Zhu M, Luo F, Xu B, Xu J. Research Progress of Neural Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:397-410. [PMID: 37592782 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230817105221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the highly malignant gastrointestinal tumors in humans, and patients suffer from cancer pain in the process of cancer. Most patients suffer from severe pain in the later stages of the disease. The latest studies have shown that the main cause of pain in patients with pancreatic cancer is neuroinflammation caused by tumor cells invading nerves and triggering neuropathic pain on this basis, which is believed to be the result of nerve invasion. Peripheral nerve invasion (PNI), defined as the presence of cancer cells along the nerve or in the epineurial, perineural, and endoneurial spaces of the nerve sheath, is a special way for cancer to spread to distant sites. However, due to limited clinical materials, the research on the mechanism of pancreatic cancer nerve invasion has not been carried out in depth. In addition, perineural invasion is considered to be one of the underlying causes of recurrence and metastasis after pancreatectomy and an independent predictor of prognosis. This article systematically reviewed the neural invasion of pancreatic cancer through bioinformatics analysis, clinical manifestations and literature reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Zhu
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, P.R. China
| | - Feng Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P.R. China
| | - Jian Xu
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, P.R. China
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26
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Huang FF, Cui WH, Ma LY, Chen Q, Liu Y. Crosstalk of nervous and immune systems in pancreatic cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1309738. [PMID: 38099290 PMCID: PMC10720593 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1309738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor known for its extremely low survival rate. The combination of genetic disorders within pancreatic cells and the tumor microenvironment contributes to the emergence and progression of this devastating disease. Extensive research has shed light on the nature of the microenvironmental cells surrounding the pancreatic cancer, including peripheral nerves and immune cells. Peripheral nerves release neuropeptides that directly target pancreatic cancer cells in a paracrine manner, while immune cells play a crucial role in eliminating cancer cells that have not evaded the immune response. Recent studies have revealed the intricate interplay between the nervous and immune systems in homeostatic condition as well as in cancer development. In this review, we aim to summarize the function of nerves in pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the significance to investigate the neural-immune crosstalk during the advancement of this malignant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Fei Huang
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Hui Cui
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan-Yue Ma
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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27
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Wang X, Istvanffy R, Ye L, Teller S, Laschinger M, Diakopoulos KN, Görgülü K, Li Q, Ren L, Jäger C, Steiger K, Muckenhuber A, Vilne B, Çifcibaşı K, Reyes CM, Yurteri Ü, Kießler M, Gürçınar IH, Sugden M, Yıldızhan SE, Sezerman OU, Çilingir S, Süyen G, Reichert M, Schmid RM, Bärthel S, Oellinger R, Krüger A, Rad R, Saur D, Algül H, Friess H, Lesina M, Ceyhan GO, Demir IE. Phenotype screens of murine pancreatic cancer identify a Tgf-α-Ccl2-paxillin axis driving human-like neural invasion. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e166333. [PMID: 37607005 PMCID: PMC10617783 DOI: 10.1172/jci166333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid cancers like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of pancreatic cancer, frequently exploit nerves for rapid dissemination. This neural invasion (NI) is an independent prognostic factor in PDAC, but insufficiently modeled in genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) of PDAC. Here, we systematically screened for human-like NI in Europe's largest repository of GEMM of PDAC, comprising 295 different genotypes. This phenotype screen uncovered 2 GEMMs of PDAC with human-like NI, which are both characterized by pancreas-specific overexpression of transforming growth factor α (TGF-α) and conditional depletion of p53. Mechanistically, cancer-cell-derived TGF-α upregulated CCL2 secretion from sensory neurons, which induced hyperphosphorylation of the cytoskeletal protein paxillin via CCR4 on cancer cells. This activated the cancer migration machinery and filopodia formation toward neurons. Disrupting CCR4 or paxillin activity limited NI and dampened tumor size and tumor innervation. In human PDAC, phospho-paxillin and TGF-α-expression constituted strong prognostic factors. Therefore, we believe that the TGF-α-CCL2-CCR4-p-paxillin axis is a clinically actionable target for constraining NI and tumor progression in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rouzanna Istvanffy
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neural Influences in Cancer (NIC) International Research Consortium
| | - Linhan Ye
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pain Clinic, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Steffen Teller
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Laschinger
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Kalliope N. Diakopoulos
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II & Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Kıvanç Görgülü
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II & Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Qiaolin Li
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Jäger
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Comparative Experimental Pathology and Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Muckenhuber
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Comparative Experimental Pathology and Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Baiba Vilne
- Bioinformatics laboratory, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Kaan Çifcibaşı
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carmen Mota Reyes
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neural Influences in Cancer (NIC) International Research Consortium
| | - Ümmügülsüm Yurteri
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Kießler
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ibrahim Halil Gürçınar
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maya Sugden
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Sümeyye Çilingir
- Department of Physiology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Güldal Süyen
- Department of Physiology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Maximilian Reichert
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland M. Schmid
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bärthel
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM) and Experimental Cancer Therapy
| | - Rupert Oellinger
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics
| | - Achim Krüger
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Therapy Research, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics
| | - Dieter Saur
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM) and Experimental Cancer Therapy
| | - Hana Algül
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II & Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neural Influences in Cancer (NIC) International Research Consortium
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marina Lesina
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II & Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Güralp Onur Ceyhan
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Neural Influences in Cancer (NIC) International Research Consortium
- Department of General Surgery, HPB-Unit, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neural Influences in Cancer (NIC) International Research Consortium
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of General Surgery, HPB-Unit, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Else Kröner Clinician Scientist Professor for Translational Pancreatic Surgery, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Li J, Che M, Zhang B, Zhao K, Wan C, Yang K. The association between the neuroendocrine system and the tumor immune microenvironment: Emerging directions for cancer immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189007. [PMID: 37907132 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes emerging evidence that the neuroendocrine system is involved in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to influence cancer progression. The basis of the interaction between the neuroendocrine system and cancer is usually achieved by the infiltration of nerve fibers into the tumor tissue, which is called neurogenesis; the migration of cancer cells toward nerve fibers, which is called perineural invasion (PNI), and the neurotransmitters. In addition to the traditional role of neurotransmitters in neural communications, neurotransmitters are increasingly recognized as mediators of crosstalk between the nervous system, cancer cells, and the immune system. Recent studies have revealed that not only nerve fibers but also cancer cells and immune cells within the TIME can secrete neurotransmitters, exerting influence on both neurons and themselves. Furthermore, immune cells infiltrating the tumor environment have been found to express a wide array of neurotransmitter receptors. Hence, targeting these neurotransmitter receptors may promote the activity of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and exert anti-tumor immunity. Herein, we discuss the crosstalk between the neuroendocrine system and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, which may provide feasible cancer immunotherapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mengjie Che
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Kewei Zhao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chao Wan
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Kunyu Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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29
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García-Reyes B, Kuzmanov I, Schneider R, Schneiker B, Efferz P, Kalff JC, Wehner S. Glial cell-derived soluble factors increase the metastatic potential of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14315-14327. [PMID: 37572121 PMCID: PMC10590291 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05133-y] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer, characterized by the spreading of highly metastatic cancer cells, including invasion into surrounding nerves and perineural spaces. Nerves, in turn, can invade the tumor tissue and, through the secretion of neurotrophic factors, chemokines, and cytokines, contribute to PDAC progression. However, the contribution of the nerve-associated glial cells to PDAC progression is not well characterized. METHODS Two murine PDAC cell lines were cultured with the conditioned media (CM) of primary enteric glial cells or IMS32 Schwann cells (SCs). Different properties of PDAC cells, such as invasiveness, migratory capacity, and resistance to gemcitabine, were measured by RT-qPCR, microscopy, and MTT assays. Using a neuronal cell line, the observed effects were confirmed to be specific to the glial lineage. RESULTS Compared to the control medium, PDAC cells in the glial cell-conditioned medium showed increased invasiveness and migratory capacity. These cells showed reduced E-cadherin and increased N-cadherin and Vimentin levels, all markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Primary enteric glial cell CM inhibited the proliferation of PDAC cells but preserved their viability, upregulated transcription factor Snail, and increased their resistance to gemcitabine. The conditioned medium generated from the IMS32 SCs produced comparable results. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that glial cells can increase the metastatic potential of PDAC cells by increasing their migratory capacity and inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a re-programming that many solid tumors use to undergo metastasis. Glial cell-conditioned medium also increased the chemoresistance of PDAC cells. These findings may have implications for future therapeutic strategies, such as targeting glial cell-derived factor signaling in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balbina García-Reyes
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (MSSO ABCD), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ivan Kuzmanov
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Reiner Schneider
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bianca Schneiker
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Patrik Efferz
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg C Kalff
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sven Wehner
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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30
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Ni B, Yin Y, Li Z, Wang J, Wang X, Wang K. Crosstalk Between Peripheral Innervation and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1717-1731. [PMID: 37347365 PMCID: PMC10603023 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01082-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive lethal malignancy, characterized by late diagnosis, aggressive growth, and therapy resistance, leading to a poor overall prognosis. Emerging evidence shows that the peripheral nerve is an important non-tumor component in the tumor microenvironment that regulates tumor growth and immune escape. The crosstalk between the neuronal system and PDAC has become a hot research topic that may provide novel mechanisms underlying tumor progression and further uncover promising therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms of perineural invasion and the role of various types of tumor innervation in the progression of PDAC, summarize the potential signaling pathways modulating the neuronal-cancer interaction, and discuss the current and future therapeutic possibilities for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ni
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yiqing Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Zekun Li
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Junjin Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiuchao Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Kaiyuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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31
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Li O, Li L, Sheng Y, Ke K, Wu J, Mou Y, Liu M, Jin W. Biological characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Initiation to malignancy, intracellular to extracellular. Cancer Lett 2023; 574:216391. [PMID: 37714257 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly life-threatening tumour with a low early-detection rate, rapid progression and a tendency to develop resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying the initiation, development and metastasis of pancreatic cancer is necessary for enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. In this review, we summarised single-gene mutations (including KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53, SMAD4 and some other less prevalent mutations), epigenetic changes (including DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA interference) and large chromosome alterations (such as copy number variations, chromosome rearrangements and chromothripsis) associated with PDAC. In addition, we discussed variations in signalling pathways that act as intermediate oncogenic factors in PDAC, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, Hippo and TGF-β signalling pathways. The focus of this review was to investigate alterations in the microenvironment of PDAC, particularly the role of immunosuppressive cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, lymphocytes, other para-cancerous cells and tumour extracellular matrix in tumour progression. Peripheral axons innervating the pancreas have been reported to play a crucial role in the development of cancer. In addition, tumour cells can influence the behaviour of neighbouring non-tumour cells by secreting certain factors, both locally and at a distance. In this review, we elucidated the alterations in intracellular molecules and the extracellular environment that occur during the progression of PDAC. Altogether, this review may enhance the understanding of the biological characteristics of PDAC and guide the development of more precise treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ou Li
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Li
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunru Sheng
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Ke
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianzhang Wu
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiping Mou
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China; Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Weiwei Jin
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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32
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Capodanno Y, Hirth M. Targeting the Cancer-Neuronal Crosstalk in the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14989. [PMID: 37834436 PMCID: PMC10573820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents one of the most aggressive solid tumors with a dismal prognosis and an increasing incidence. At the time of diagnosis, more than 85% of patients are in an unresectable stage. For these patients, chemotherapy can prolong survival by only a few months. Unfortunately, in recent decades, no groundbreaking therapies have emerged for PDAC, thus raising the question of how to identify novel therapeutic druggable targets to improve prognosis. Recently, the tumor microenvironment and especially its neural component has gained increasing interest in the pancreatic cancer field. A histological hallmark of PDAC is perineural invasion (PNI), whereby cancer cells invade surrounding nerves, providing an alternative route for metastatic spread. The extent of PNI has been positively correlated with early tumor recurrence and reduced overall survival. Multiple studies have shown that mechanisms involved in PNI are also involved in tumor spread and pain generation. Targeting these pathways has shown promising results in alleviating pain and reducing PNI in preclinical models. In this review, we will describe the mechanisms and future treatment strategies to target this mutually trophic interaction between cancer cells to open novel avenues for the treatment of patients diagnosed with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylenia Capodanno
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1–3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Hirth
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1–3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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33
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Zheng C, Snow BE, Elia AJ, Nechanitzky R, Dominguez-Brauer C, Liu S, Tong Y, Cox MA, Focaccia E, Wakeham AC, Haight J, Tobin C, Hodgson K, Gill KT, Ma W, Berger T, Heikenwälder M, Saunders ME, Fortin J, Leung SY, Mak TW. Tumor-specific cholinergic CD4 + T lymphocytes guide immunosurveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:1437-1454. [PMID: 37640929 PMCID: PMC10597839 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00624-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Cholinergic nerves are involved in tumor progression and dissemination. In contrast to other visceral tissues, cholinergic innervation in the hepatic parenchyma is poorly detected. It remains unclear whether there is any form of cholinergic regulation of liver cancer. Here, we show that cholinergic T cells curtail the development of liver cancer by supporting antitumor immune responses. In a mouse multihit model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we observed activation of the adaptive immune response and induction of two populations of CD4+ T cells expressing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), including regulatory T cells and dysfunctional PD-1+ T cells. Tumor antigens drove the clonal expansion of these cholinergic T cells in HCC. Genetic ablation of Chat in T cells led to an increased prevalence of preneoplastic cells and exacerbated liver cancer due to compromised antitumor immunity. Mechanistically, the cholinergic activity intrinsic in T cells constrained Ca2+-NFAT signaling induced by T cell antigen receptor engagement. Without this cholinergic modulation, hyperactivated CD25+ T regulatory cells and dysregulated PD-1+ T cells impaired HCC immunosurveillance. Our results unveil a previously unappreciated role for cholinergic T cells in liver cancer immunobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxing Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bryan E Snow
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew J Elia
- Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Nechanitzky
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Shaofeng Liu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yin Tong
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Maureen A Cox
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Enrico Focaccia
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrew C Wakeham
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jillian Haight
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chantal Tobin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelsey Hodgson
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyle T Gill
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wei Ma
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thorsten Berger
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mathias Heikenwälder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- The M3 Research Center, Medical Faculty Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mary E Saunders
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jerome Fortin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Suet Yi Leung
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tak W Mak
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Departments of Immunology and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Zhou Q, Xiang J, Qiu N, Wang Y, Piao Y, Shao S, Tang J, Zhou Z, Shen Y. Tumor Abnormality-Oriented Nanomedicine Design. Chem Rev 2023; 123:10920-10989. [PMID: 37713432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer nanomedicines have been proven effective in mitigating the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. However, challenges remain in augmenting their therapeutic efficacy. Nanomedicines responsive to the pathological abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are expected to overcome the biological limitations of conventional nanomedicines, enhance the therapeutic efficacies, and further reduce the side effects. This Review aims to quantitate the various pathological abnormalities in the TME, which may serve as unique endogenous stimuli for the design of stimuli-responsive nanomedicines, and to provide a broad and objective perspective on the current understanding of stimuli-responsive nanomedicines for cancer treatment. We dissect the typical transport process and barriers of cancer drug delivery, highlight the key design principles of stimuli-responsive nanomedicines designed to tackle the series of barriers in the typical drug delivery process, and discuss the "all-into-one" and "one-for-all" strategies for integrating the needed properties for nanomedicines. Ultimately, we provide insight into the challenges and future perspectives toward the clinical translation of stimuli-responsive nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhou
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiajia Xiang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Nasha Qiu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yechun Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ying Piao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shiqun Shao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianbin Tang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhuxian Zhou
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Youqing Shen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Wang Y, Wang P, Zhang Z, Zhou J, Fan J, Sun Y. Dissecting the tumor ecosystem of liver cancers in the single-cell era. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0248. [PMID: 37639704 PMCID: PMC10461950 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancers (PLCs) are a broad class of malignancies that include HCC, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and combined hepatocellular and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. PLCs are often associated with a poor prognosis due to their high relapse and low therapeutic response rates. Importantly, PLCs exist within a dynamic and complex tumor ecosystem, which includes malignant, immune, and stromal cells. It is critical to dissect the PLC tumor ecosystem to uncover the underlying mechanisms associated with tumorigenesis, relapse, and treatment resistance to facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Single-cell and spatial multi-omics sequencing techniques offer an unprecedented opportunity to elucidate spatiotemporal interactions among heterogeneous cell types within the complex tumor ecosystem. In this review, we describe the latest advances in single-cell and spatial technologies and review their applications with respect to dissecting liver cancer tumor ecosystems.
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36
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Shi RJ, Ke BW, Tang YL, Liang XH. Perineural invasion: A potential driver of cancer-induced pain. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115692. [PMID: 37481133 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is the process through which tumors invade and interact with nerves. The dynamic changes in the nerves caused by PNI may induce disturbing symptoms. PNI-related cancer pain in neuro-rich tumors has attracted much attention because the occurrence of tumor-induced pain is closely related to the invasion of nerves in the tumor microenvironment. PNI-related pain might indicate the occurrence of PNI, guide the improvement of treatment strategies, and predict the unresectability of tumors and the necessity of palliative care. Although many studies have investigated PNI, its relationship with tumor-induced pain and its common mechanisms have not been summarized thoroughly. Therefore, in this review, we evaluated the relationship between PNI and cancer-associated pain. We showed that PNI is a major cause of cancer-related pain and that this pain can predict the occurrence of PNI. We also elucidated the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PNI-induced pain. Finally, we analyzed the possible targets for alleviating PNI-related pain or combined antitumor and pain management. Our findings might provide new perspectives for improving the treatment of patients with malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,West China Hospital of Stomatology (Sichuan University), No.14, Sec. 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo-Wen Ke
- Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ya-Ling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral Pathology, West China Hospital of Stomatology (Sichuan University), No.14, Sec. 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xin-Hua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,West China Hospital of Stomatology (Sichuan University), No.14, Sec. 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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37
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Lu HJ, Wu XB, Wei QQ. Ion channels in cancer-induced bone pain: from molecular mechanisms to clinical applications. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1239599. [PMID: 37664239 PMCID: PMC10469682 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1239599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) caused by bone metastasis is one of the most prevalent diseases, and current treatments rely primarily on opioids, which have significant side effects. However, recent developments in pharmaceutical science have identified several new mechanisms for CIBP, including the targeted modification of certain ion channels and receptors. Ion channels are transmembrane proteins, which are situated on biological cell membranes, which facilitate passive transport of inorganic ions across membranes. They are involved in various physiological processes, including transmission of pain signals in the nervous system. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the role of ion channels in chronic pain, including CIBP. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the current literature on ion channels, related receptors, and drugs and explore the mechanism of CIBP. Targeting ion channels and regulating their activity might be key to treating pain associated with bone cancer and offer new treatment avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Jun Lu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Wu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qian-Qi Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital of Tibet Military Command, Xizang, China
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38
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Weitz J, Garg B, Martsinkovskiy A, Patel S, Tiriac H, Lowy AM. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma induces neural injury that promotes a transcriptomic and functional repair signature by peripheral neuroglia. Oncogene 2023; 42:2536-2546. [PMID: 37433986 PMCID: PMC10880465 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02775-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is the phenomenon whereby cancer cells invade the space surrounding nerves. PNI occurs frequently in epithelial malignancies, but is especially characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The presence of PNI portends an increased incidence of local recurrence, metastasis and poorer overall survival. While interactions between tumor cells and nerves have been investigated, the etiology and initiating cues for PNI development is not well understood. Here, we used digital spatial profiling to reveal changes in the transcriptome and to allow for a functional analysis of neural-supportive cell types present within the tumor-nerve microenvironment of PDAC during PNI. We found that hypertrophic tumor-associated nerves within PDAC express transcriptomic signals of nerve damage including programmed cell death, Schwann cell proliferation signaling pathways, as well as macrophage clearance of apoptotic cell debris by phagocytosis. Moreover, we identified that neural hypertrophic regions have increased local neuroglial cell proliferation which was tracked using EdU tumor labeling in KPC mice, as well as frequent TUNEL positivity, suggestive of a high turnover rate. Functional calcium imaging studies using human PDAC organotypic slices confirmed nerve bundles had neuronal activity, as well as contained NGFR+ cells with high sustained calcium levels, which are indicative of apoptosis. This study reveals a common gene expression pattern that characterizes solid tumor-induced damage to local nerves. These data provide new insights into the pathobiology of the tumor-nerve microenvironment during PDAC as well as other gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Weitz
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Bharti Garg
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexei Martsinkovskiy
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sandip Patel
- Division of Hematology-Oncology in the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Herve Tiriac
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, CA 92093, USA
| | - Andrew M Lowy
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, CA 92093, USA.
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Xue M, Zhu Y, Jiang Y, Han L, Shi M, Su R, Wang L, Xiong C, Wang C, Wang T, Deng S, Wu D, Cao Y, Dong L, Bai F, Zhao S, Deng X, Peng C, Li H, Chen J, Shen B, Jiang L, Chen H. Schwann cells regulate tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma microenvironment. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4600. [PMID: 37524695 PMCID: PMC10390497 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40314-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathy is a feature more frequently observed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) than other tumors. Schwann cells, the most prevalent cell type in peripheral nerves, migrate toward tumor cells and associate with poor prognosis in PDAC. To unveil the effects of Schwann cells on the neuro-stroma niche, here we perform single-cell RNA-sequencing and microarray-based spatial transcriptome analysis of PDAC tissues. Results suggest that Schwann cells may drive tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to more malignant subtypes: basal-like and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs), respectively. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrate that Schwann cells enhance the proliferation and migration of PDAC cells via Midkine signaling and promote the switch of CAFs to iCAFs via interleukin-1α. Culture of tumor cells and CAFs with Schwann cells conditioned medium accelerates PDAC progression. Thus, we reveal that Schwann cells induce malignant subtypes of tumor cells and CAFs in the PDAC milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Youwei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongsheng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijie Han
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minmin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Liwen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Xiong
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaofu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shijie Deng
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Yizhi Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Dong
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Bai
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shulin Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaxing Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenghong Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Baiyong Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lingxi Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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40
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Mitsou JD, Tseveleki V, Dimitrakopoulos FI, Konstantinidis K, Kalofonos H. Radical Tumor Denervation Activates Potent Local and Global Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3758. [PMID: 37568574 PMCID: PMC10417359 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This preliminary study seeks to determine the effect of R&P denervation on tumor growth and survival in immunocompetent rats bearing an aggressive and metastatic breast solid tumor. A novel microsurgical approach was applied "in situ", aiming to induce R&P denervation through the division of every single nerve fiber connecting the host with the primary tumor via its complete detachment and re-attachment, by resecting and reconnecting its supplying artery and vein (anastomosis). This preparation, known as microsurgical graft or flap, is radically denervated by definition, but also effectively delays or even impedes the return of innervation for a significant period of time, thus creating a critical and therapeutic time window. Mammary adenocarcinoma cells (HH-16.cl4) were injected into immunocompetent Sprague Dawley adult rats. When the tumors reached a certain volume, the subjects entered the study. The primary tumor, including a substantial amount of peritumoral tissue, was surgically isolated on a dominant artery and vein, which was resected and reconnected using a surgical microscope (orthotopic tumor auto-transplantation). Intending to simulate metastasis, two or three tumors were simultaneously implanted and only one was treated, using the surgical technique described herein. Primary tumor regression was observed in all of the microsurgically treated subjects, associated with a potent systemic anticancer effect and prolonged survival. In stark contrast, the subjects received a close to identical surgical operation; however, with the intact neurovascular connection, they did not achieve the therapeutic result. Animals bearing multiple tumors and receiving the same treatment in only one tumor exhibited regression in both the "primary" and remote- untreated tumors at a clinically significant percentage, with regression occurring in more than half of the treated subjects. A novel therapeutic approach is presented, which induces the permanent regression of primary and, notably, remote tumors, as well as, evidently, the naturally occurring metastatic lesions, at a high rate. This strategy is aligned with the impetus that comes from the current translational research data, focusing on the abrogation of the neuro-tumoral interaction as an alternative treatment strategy. More data regarding the clinical significance of this are expected to come up from a pilot clinical trial that is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D. Mitsou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Athens Medical Center, 15125 Maroussi, Greece
| | - Vivian Tseveleki
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - Foteinos-Ioannis Dimitrakopoulos
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece;
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Konstantinidis
- Department of General Robotic, Laparoscopic and Oncologic Surgery, Athens Medical Center, 15125 Maroussi, Greece;
| | - Haralabos Kalofonos
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece;
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Perez-Pacheco C, Schmitd LB, Furgal A, Bellile EL, Liu M, Fattah A, Gonzalez-Maldonado L, Unsworth SP, Wong SY, Rozek LS, Rao A, Wolf GT, Taylor JMG, Casper K, Mierzwa M, D'Silva NJ. Increased Nerve Density Adversely Affects Outcome in Oral Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2501-2512. [PMID: 37039710 PMCID: PMC10371054 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Perineural invasion (PNI) in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with poor survival. Because of the risk of recurrence, patients with PNI receive additional therapies after surgical resection. Mechanistic studies have shown that nerves in the tumor microenvironment promote aggressive tumor growth. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated whether nerve density (ND) influences tumor growth and patient survival. Moreover, we assessed the reliability of artificial intelligence (AI) in evaluating ND. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To investigate whether increased ND in OSCC influences patient outcome, we performed survival analyses. Tissue sections of OSCC from 142 patients were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and IHC stains to detect nerves and tumor. ND within the tumor bulk and in the adjacent 2 mm was quantified; normalized ND (NND; bulk ND/adjacent ND) was calculated. The impact of ND on tumor growth was evaluated in chick chorioallantoic-dorsal root ganglia (CAM-DRG) and murine surgical denervation models. Cancer cells were grafted and tumor size quantified. Automated nerve detection, applying the Halo AI platform, was compared with manual assessment. RESULTS Disease-specific survival decreased with higher intratumoral ND and NND in tongue SCC. Moreover, NND was associated with worst pattern-of-invasion and PNI. Increasing the number of DRG, in the CAM-DRG model, increased tumor size. Reduction of ND by denervation in a murine model decreased tumor growth. Automated and manual detection of nerves showed high concordance, with an F1 score of 0.977. CONCLUSIONS High ND enhances tumor growth, and NND is an important prognostic factor that could influence treatment selection for aggressive OSCC. See related commentary by Hondermarck and Jiang, p. 2342.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Perez-Pacheco
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ligia B Schmitd
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Allison Furgal
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Emily L Bellile
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Aya Fattah
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Laura Gonzalez-Maldonado
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shelby P Unsworth
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sunny Y Wong
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Laura S Rozek
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Arvind Rao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Gregory T Wolf
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jeremy M G Taylor
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Keith Casper
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Michelle Mierzwa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nisha J D'Silva
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Okui T, Hiasa M, Hata K, Roodman GD, Nakanishi M, Yoneda T. The acid-sensing nociceptor TRPV1 controls breast cancer progression in bone via regulating HGF secretion from sensory neurons. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3105966. [PMID: 37461623 PMCID: PMC10350177 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3105966/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancers showing excessive innervation of sensory neurons (SN) in their microenvironments are associated with poor outcomes due to promoted growth, increased tumor recurrence, metastasis, and cancer pain, suggesting SNs play a regulatory role in cancer aggressiveness. Using a preclinical model in which mouse 4T1 breast cancer (BC) cells were injected into the bone marrow of tibiae, we found 4T1 BC cells aggressively colonized bone with bone destruction and subsequently spread to the lung. Of note, 4T1 BC colonization induced the acidic tumor microenvironment in bone in which SNs showed increased innervation and excitation with elevated expression of the acid-sensing nociceptor transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1), eliciting bone pain (BP) assessed by mechanical hypersensitivity. Further, these excited SNs produced increased hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Importantly, the administration of synthetic and natural TRPV1 antagonists and genetic deletion of TRPV1 decreased HGF production in SNs and inhibited 4T1 BC colonization in bone, pulmonary metastasis from bone, and BP induction. Our results suggest the TRPV1 of SNs promotes BC colonization in bone and lung metastasis via up-regulating HGF production in SNs. The SN TRPV1 may be a novel therapeutic target for BC growing in the acidic bone microenvironment and for BP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masahiro Hiasa
- The University of Tokushima Graduate School of Dentistry
| | - Kenji Hata
- Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry
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Scheff NN, Harris AL, Li J, Horan NL, Kubik MW, Kim SW, Nilsen ML. Pretreatment pain predicts perineural invasion in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:405. [PMID: 37341777 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07872-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Perineural invasion (PNI) in head and neck cancer (HNC) is a distinct pathological feature used to indicate aggressive tumor behavior and drive treatment strategies. Our study examined the prevalence and predictors of PNI in HNC patients stratified by tumor site. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients who underwent surgical resection at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 2015 and 2018 was performed. Pretreatment pain was assessed at least 1 week before surgery using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT-H&N). Demographics, clinical characteristics, and concomitant medications were obtained from medical records. Patients with cancers at the oropharynx and non-oropharynx (i.e., cancer at oral cavity, mandible, larynx) sites were separately analyzed. Tumor blocks were obtained from 10 patients for histological evaluation of intertumoral nerve presence. RESULTS A total of 292 patients (202 males, median age = 60.94 ± 11.06) were assessed. Pain and PNI were significantly associated with higher T stage (p < 0.001) and tumor site (p < 0.001); patients with non-oropharynx tumors reported more pain and had a higher incidence of PNI compared to oropharynx tumors. However, multivariable analysis identified pain as a significant variable uniquely associated with PNI for both tumor sites. Evaluation of nerve presence in tumor tissue showed 5-fold higher nerve density in T2 oral cavity tumors compared to oropharyngeal tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our study finds that PNI is associated with pretreatment pain and tumor stage. These data support the need for additional research into the impact of tumor location when investigating targeted therapies of tumor regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole N Scheff
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexandria L Harris
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jinhong Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nicole L Horan
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mark W Kubik
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Seungwon W Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marci L Nilsen
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Acute and Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Târtea EA, Petrescu M, Udriștoiu I, Gheorman V, Biciușcă V, Petrescu AR, Ciurea AM, Vere CC. Clinical Outcomes Depending on Sympathetic Innervation in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113040. [PMID: 37297000 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of our study was to evaluate sympathetic neuronal remodeling in patients with pancreatic cancer, together with its correlation with clinical outcomes. METHODS In this descriptive, retrospective study, we analyzed pancreatic cancer specimens and peritumoral pancreatic tissue from 122 patients. We also investigated tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity for the analysis of sympathetic nerve fibers and beta 2 adrenoreceptors immunoreactivity. To investigate the potential interaction between tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), beta 2 adrenoreceptors (B2A) immunoreactivity, and clinicopathological outcomes, we used the median to classify each case as TH+, respectively, B2A+ (if it presented a value higher than the median). RESULTS Firstly, the overall survival was analyzed according to TH and B2A immunoreactivity, in both intratumoral and peritumoral tissue. Only B2A immunoreactivity in the peritumoral pancreatic tissue influenced overall survival at 5 years of follow-up; thus, B2A+ patients recorded a 5-year survival of only 3% compared to B2A- patients who recorded an overall survival at 5 years of follow-up of 14% (HR = 1.758, 95% CI of ratio 1.297 to 2.938, p = 0.0004). Additionally, the increased immunoreactivity of B2A in the peritumoral tissue was also associated with other factors of poor prognosis, such as moderately or poorly differentiated tumors, the absence of response to first-line chemotherapy, or metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS The increased immunoreactivity of beta 2 adrenoreceptors in pancreatic peritumoral tissue represents a poor prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Anca Târtea
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihai Petrescu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ion Udriștoiu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Victor Gheorman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Viorel Biciușcă
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Ana-Maria Ciurea
- Department of Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Cristin Constantin Vere
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Abstract
The nervous system regulates tissue stem and precursor populations throughout life. Parallel to roles in development, the nervous system is emerging as a critical regulator of cancer, from oncogenesis to malignant growth and metastatic spread. Various preclinical models in a range of malignancies have demonstrated that nervous system activity can control cancer initiation and powerfully influence cancer progression and metastasis. Just as the nervous system can regulate cancer progression, cancer also remodels and hijacks nervous system structure and function. Interactions between the nervous system and cancer occur both in the local tumour microenvironment and systemically. Neurons and glial cells communicate directly with malignant cells in the tumour microenvironment through paracrine factors and, in some cases, through neuron-to-cancer cell synapses. Additionally, indirect interactions occur at a distance through circulating signals and through influences on immune cell trafficking and function. Such cross-talk among the nervous system, immune system and cancer-both systemically and in the local tumour microenvironment-regulates pro-tumour inflammation and anti-cancer immunity. Elucidating the neuroscience of cancer, which calls for interdisciplinary collaboration among the fields of neuroscience, developmental biology, immunology and cancer biology, may advance effective therapies for many of the most difficult to treat malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Mancusi
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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46
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Xiao L, Li X, Fang C, Yu J, Chen T. Neurotransmitters: promising immune modulators in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1118637. [PMID: 37215113 PMCID: PMC10196476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1118637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is modified by its cellular or acellular components throughout the whole period of tumor development. The dynamic modulation can reprogram tumor initiation, growth, invasion, metastasis, and response to therapies. Hence, the focus of cancer research and intervention has gradually shifted to TME components and their interactions. Accumulated evidence indicates neural and immune factors play a distinct role in modulating TME synergistically. Among the complicated interactions, neurotransmitters, the traditional neural regulators, mediate some crucial regulatory functions. Nevertheless, knowledge of the exact mechanisms is still scarce. Meanwhile, therapies targeting the TME remain unsatisfactory. It holds a great prospect to reveal the molecular mechanism by which the interplay between the nervous and immune systems regulate cancer progression for laying a vivid landscape of tumor development and improving clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxi Xiao
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xunjun Li
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuanfa Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiang Yu
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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47
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Pinkert-Leetsch D, Frohn J, Ströbel P, Alves F, Salditt T, Missbach-Guentner J. Three-dimensional analysis of human pancreatic cancer specimens by phase-contrast based X-ray tomography - the next dimension of diagnosis. Cancer Imaging 2023; 23:43. [PMID: 37131262 PMCID: PMC10152799 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-023-00559-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The worldwide increase of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which still has one of the lowest survival rates, requires novel imaging tools to improve early detection and to refine diagnosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of propagation-based phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography of already paraffin-embedded and unlabeled human pancreatic tumor tissue to achieve a detailed three-dimensional (3D) view of the tumor sample in its entirety. METHODS Punch biopsies of areas of particular interest were taken from paraffin blocks after initial histological analysis of hematoxylin and eosin stained tumor sections. To cover the entire 3.5 mm diameter of the punch biopsy, nine individual tomograms with overlapping regions were acquired in a synchrotron parallel beam configuration and stitched together after data reconstruction. Due to the intrinsic contrast based on electron density differences of tissue components and a voxel size of 1.3 μm achieved PDAC and its precursors were clearly identified. RESULTS Characteristic tissue structures for PDAC and its precursors, such as dilated pancreatic ducts, altered ductal epithelium, diffuse immune cell infiltrations, increased occurrence of tumor stroma and perineural invasion were clearly identified. Certain structures of interest were visualized in three dimensions throughout the tissue punch. Pancreatic duct ectasia of different caliber and atypical shape as well as perineural infiltration could be contiguously traced by viewing serial tomographic slices and by applying semi-automatic segmentation. Histological validation of corresponding sections confirmed the former identified PDAC features. CONCLUSION In conclusion, virtual 3D histology via phase-contrast X-ray tomography visualizes diagnostically relevant tissue structures of PDAC in their entirety, preserving tissue integrity in label-free, paraffin embedded tissue biopsies. In the future, this will not only enable a more comprehensive diagnosis but also a possible identification of new 3D imaging tumor markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pinkert-Leetsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Jasper Frohn
- Institute for X-ray Physics, Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Frauke Alves
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Tim Salditt
- Institute for X-ray Physics, Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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Winkler F, Venkatesh HS, Amit M, Batchelor T, Demir IE, Deneen B, Gutmann DH, Hervey-Jumper S, Kuner T, Mabbott D, Platten M, Rolls A, Sloan EK, Wang TC, Wick W, Venkataramani V, Monje M. Cancer neuroscience: State of the field, emerging directions. Cell 2023; 186:1689-1707. [PMID: 37059069 PMCID: PMC10107403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system governs both ontogeny and oncology. Regulating organogenesis during development, maintaining homeostasis, and promoting plasticity throughout life, the nervous system plays parallel roles in the regulation of cancers. Foundational discoveries have elucidated direct paracrine and electrochemical communication between neurons and cancer cells, as well as indirect interactions through neural effects on the immune system and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment in a wide range of malignancies. Nervous system-cancer interactions can regulate oncogenesis, growth, invasion and metastatic spread, treatment resistance, stimulation of tumor-promoting inflammation, and impairment of anti-cancer immunity. Progress in cancer neuroscience may create an important new pillar of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg and Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Humsa S Venkatesh
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center and The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tracy Batchelor
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Surgery, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shawn Hervey-Jumper
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Donald Mabbott
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto and Neuroscience & Mental Health Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Platten
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Asya Rolls
- Department of Immunology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Erica K Sloan
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg and Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Varun Venkataramani
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg and Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Abstract
The recently uncovered key role of the peripheral and central nervous systems in controlling tumorigenesis and metastasis has opened a new area of research to identify innovative approaches against cancer. Although the 'neural addiction' of cancer is only partially understood, in this Perspective we discuss the current knowledge and perspectives on peripheral and central nerve circuitries and brain areas that can support tumorigenesis and metastasis and the possible reciprocal influence that the brain and peripheral tumours exert on one another. Tumours can build up local autonomic and sensory nerve networks and are able to develop a long-distance relationship with the brain through circulating adipokines, inflammatory cytokines, neurotrophic factors or afferent nerve inputs, to promote cancer initiation, growth and dissemination. In turn, the central nervous system can affect tumour development and metastasis through the activation or dysregulation of specific central neural areas or circuits, as well as neuroendocrine, neuroimmune or neurovascular systems. Studying neural circuitries in the brain and tumours, as well as understanding how the brain communicates with the tumour or how intratumour nerves interplay with the tumour microenvironment, can reveal unrecognized mechanisms that promote cancer development and progression and open up opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting the dysregulated peripheral and central nervous systems might represent a novel strategy for next-generation cancer treatment that could, in part, be achieved through the repurposing of neuropsychiatric drugs in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Magnon
- Laboratory of Cancer and Microenvironment-National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Institute of Biology François Jacob-Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), University of Paris Cité, University of Paris-Saclay, Paris, France.
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Hunter Medical Research Institute, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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50
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Nevler A, Khalilieh S, Lavu H, Bowne W, Yeo CJ. Hypercapnic Tissue Gene Expression and Survival in Early-Stage Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. J Am Coll Surg 2023; 236:913-922. [PMID: 36728372 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive and lethal cancer. Hypercapnic tumor microenvironments were previously shown to promote cancer chemoresistance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of tissue hypercapnia on PDAC prognosis. STUDY DESIGN PDAC cancer-cell lines were cultured in normocapnic (5% CO 2 ) and hypercapnic conditions (10% CO 2 ). RNA was extracted, and whole-exome transcriptome was sequenced. Differentially expressed genes were identified and used to construct a "hypercapnic gene set." PDAC transcriptomic patient data from the Tumor Cancer Genome Atlas was used to calculate single-sample gene set enrichment scores based on each patient's tissue expression of the hypercapnic gene set. Tissue hypercapnic scores (HSs) in PDAC patients (TMN stages Ia-IIb) were determined and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and overall survival. RESULTS A cohort of 135 resected stage I-II PDAC patients were assessed in this study. The average age was 65 ± 11.0 years, and the male:female ratio was 74:61. Median overall survival was 19.5 ± 1.4 months. High HSs were associated with increased tumor stage (p < 0.05) and higher lymph-node ratio (p < 0.05). In active smokers, high HS also correlated with smoking pack-years (p < 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed high HS to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 2.66, p = 0.004), along with lymph-node ratio (HR 4.2, p = 0.002) and age at diagnosis (HR 2.63, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The pancreatic tumor microenvironment plays an integral role in tumor aggressiveness, and our previous in vitro data suggest that hypercapnia promotes an aggressive, more resistant phenotype. Herein, we show that in early-stage pancreatic cancer, hypercapnic tissue signatures corresponded with a worse overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinoam Nevler
- From the Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary, and Related Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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