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Kim SM, Jang YJ. Enzymatic activity of fibroblast activation protein-α is essential for TGF-β1-induced fibroblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells. Exp Cell Res 2024; 442:114230. [PMID: 39222867 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114230] [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: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) contain multipotent postnatal stem cells that can differentiate into PDL fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and cementoblasts. Interaction between the extracellular environment and stem cells is an important factor for differentiation into other progenitor cells. To identify cell surface molecules that induce PDL fibroblastic differentiation, we developed a series of monoclonal antibodies against membrane/ECM molecules. One of these antibodies, an anti-PDL25 antibody, recognizes approximately a 100 kDa protein, and this antigenic molecule accumulates in the periodontal ligament region of tooth roots. By mass spectrometric analysis, we found that the antigenic molecule recognized by the anti-PDL25 antibody is fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα). The expression level of FAPα/PDL25 increased in TGF-β1-induced PDL fibroblasts, and this protein was localized in the cell boundaries and elongated processes of the fibroblastic cells. Ectopic expression of FAPα induced fibroblastic differentiation. In contrast, expression of representative markers for PDL differentiation was decreased by knock down and antibody blocking of FAPα/PDL25. Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase activity by a potent FAPα inhibitor dramatically inhibited PDL fibroblastic marker expression but did not affect in cell proliferation and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Min Kim
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, South Korea
| | - Young-Joo Jang
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, South Korea; Department of Oral Biochemistry, School of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, South Korea.
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2
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Kraxner A, Braun F, Cheng WY, Yang THO, Pipaliya S, Canamero M, Andersson E, Harring SV, Dziadek S, Bröske AME, Ceppi M, Tanos T, Teichgräber V, Charo J. Investigating the complex interplay between fibroblast activation protein α-positive cancer associated fibroblasts and the tumor microenvironment in the context of cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1352632. [PMID: 39035007 PMCID: PMC11258004 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352632] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigates the role of Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP)-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (FAP+CAF) in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment, focusing on its association with immune cell functionality and cytokine expression patterns. Methods Utilizing immunohistochemistry, we observed elevated FAP+CAF density in metastatic versus primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tumors, with higher FAP+CAF correlating with increased T cell infiltration in RCC, a unique phenomenon illustrating the complex interplay between tumor progression, FAP+CAF density, and immune response. Results Analysis of immune cell subsets in FAP+CAF-rich stromal areas further revealed significant correlations between FAP+ stroma and various T cell types, particularly in RCC and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This was complemented by transcriptomic analyses, expanding the range of stromal and immune cell subsets interrogated, as well as to additional tumor types. This enabled evaluating the association of these subsets with tumor infiltration, tumor vascularization and other components of the tumor microenvironment. Our comprehensive study also encompassed cytokine, angiogenesis, and inflammation gene signatures across different cancer types, revealing heterogeneous cellular composition, cytokine expressions and angiogenic profiles. Through cytokine pathway profiling, we explored the relationship between FAP+CAF density and immune cell states, uncovering potential immunosuppressive circuits that limit anti-tumor activity in tumor-resident immune cells. Conclusions These findings underscore the complexity of tumor biology and the necessity for personalized therapeutic and patient enrichment approaches. The insights gathered from FAP+CAF prevalence, immune infiltration, and gene signatures provide valuable perspectives on tumor microenvironments, aiding in future research and clinical strategy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Kraxner
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Braun
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Data and Analytics, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Wei-Yi Cheng
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Data and Analytics, Roche Translational & Clinical Research Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Little Falls, NJ, United States
| | - Tai-Hsien Ou Yang
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Data and Analytics, Roche Translational & Clinical Research Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Little Falls, NJ, United States
| | - Shweta Pipaliya
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Data and Analytics, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Glycart AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Marta Canamero
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Emilia Andersson
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Suzana Vega Harring
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dziadek
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ann-Marie E. Bröske
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Maurizio Ceppi
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tamara Tanos
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Volker Teichgräber
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jehad Charo
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Glycart AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
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3
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Zhang Z, Tao J, Qiu J, Cao Z, Huang H, Xiao J, Zhang T. From basic research to clinical application: targeting fibroblast activation protein for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:361-381. [PMID: 37726505 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00872-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to review the multifaceted roles of a membrane protein named Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) expressed in tumor tissue, including its molecular functionalities, regulatory mechanisms governing its expression, prognostic significance, and its crucial role in cancer diagnosis and treatment. METHODS Articles that have uncovered the regulatory role of FAP in tumor, as well as its potential utility within clinical realms, spanning diagnosis to therapeutic intervention has been screened for a comprehensive review. RESULTS Our review reveals that FAP plays a pivotal role in solid tumor progression by undertaking a multitude of enzymatic and nonenzymatic roles within the tumor stroma. The exclusive presence of FAP within tumor tissues highlights its potential as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. The review also emphasizes the prognostic significance of FAP in predicting tumor progression and patient outcomes. Furthermore, the emerging strategies involving FAPI inhibitor (FAPI) in cancer research and clinical trials for PET/CT diagnosis are discussed. And targeted therapy utilizing FAP including FAPI, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, tumor vaccine, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific T-cell engagers, FAP cleavable prodrugs, and drug delivery system are also introduced. CONCLUSION FAP's intricate interactions with tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment make it a promising target for diagnosis and treatment. Promising strategies such as FAPI offer potential avenues for accurate tumor diagnosis, while multiple therapeutic strategies highlight the prospects of FAP targeting treatments which needs further clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu 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
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jinxin Tao
- 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
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jiangdong Qiu
- 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
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhe Cao
- 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
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hua Huang
- 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
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jianchun Xiao
- 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
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Taiping 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.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Bueno-Urquiza LJ, Godínez-Rubí M, Villegas-Pineda JC, Vega-Magaña AN, Jave-Suárez LF, Puebla-Mora AG, Aguirre-Sandoval GE, Martínez-Silva MG, Ramírez-de-Arellano A, Pereira-Suárez AL. Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts in Cervical Cancer Progression: FAP as a Central Activation Marker. Cells 2024; 13:560. [PMID: 38606999 PMCID: PMC11010959 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070560] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth leading cancer among women and is one of the principal gynecological malignancies. In the tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role during malignant progression, exhibiting a variety of heterogeneous phenotypes. CAFs express phenotypic markers like fibroblast activation protein (FAP), vimentin, S100A4, α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and functional markers such as MMP9. This study aimed to evaluate the protein expression of vimentin, S100A4, αSMA, FAP, and MMP9 in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)-CAF cells, as well as in cervical cancer samples. MSC cells were stimulated with HeLa and SiHa tumor cell supernatants, followed by protein evaluation and cytokine profile to confirm differentiation towards a CAF phenotype. In addition, automated immunohistochemistry (IHQa) was performed to evaluate the expression of these proteins in CC samples at different stages. Our findings revealed a high expression of FAP in stimulated MSC cells, accompanied by the secretion of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines. In the other hand, CC samples were observed to have high expression of FAP, vimentin, αSMA, and MMP9. Most importantly, there was a high expression of their activation proteins αSMA and FAP during the different stages. In the early stages, a myofibroblast-like phenotype (CAFs αSMA+ FAP+), and in the late stages a protumoral phenotype (CAF αSMA- FAP+). In summary, FAP has a crucial role in the activation of CAFs during cervical cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesly Jazmin Bueno-Urquiza
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (L.J.B.-U.); (A.N.V.-M.); (A.R.-d.-A.)
| | - Marisol Godínez-Rubí
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
| | - Julio César Villegas-Pineda
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
| | - Alejandra Natali Vega-Magaña
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (L.J.B.-U.); (A.N.V.-M.); (A.R.-d.-A.)
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
| | - Luis Felipe Jave-Suárez
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
| | - Ana Graciela Puebla-Mora
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
| | - Gloria Estefanía Aguirre-Sandoval
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
| | - María Guadalupe Martínez-Silva
- Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
| | - Adrián Ramírez-de-Arellano
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (L.J.B.-U.); (A.N.V.-M.); (A.R.-d.-A.)
| | - Ana Laura Pereira-Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (L.J.B.-U.); (A.N.V.-M.); (A.R.-d.-A.)
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.-R.); (J.C.V.-P.); (A.G.P.-M.); (G.E.A.-S.)
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Glabman RA, Olkowski CP, Minor HA, Bassel LL, Kedei N, Choyke PL, Sato N. Tumor Suppression by Anti-Fibroblast Activation Protein Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:449. [PMID: 38275890 PMCID: PMC10813865 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020449] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute a prominent cellular component of the tumor stroma, with various pro-tumorigenic roles. Numerous attempts to target fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a highly expressed marker in immunosuppressive CAFs, have failed to demonstrate anti-tumor efficacy in human clinical trials. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a highly selective tumor therapy that utilizes an antibody-photo-absorbing conjugate activated by near-infrared light. In this study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of CAF depletion by NIR-PIT in two mouse tumor models. Using CAF-rich syngeneic lung and spontaneous mammary tumors, NIR-PIT against FAP or podoplanin was performed. Anti-FAP NIR-PIT effectively depleted FAP+ CAFs, as well as FAP+ myeloid cells, and suppressed tumor growth, whereas anti-podoplanin NIR-PIT was ineffective. Interferon-gamma production by CD8 T and natural killer cells was induced within hours after anti-FAP NIR-PIT. Additionally, lung metastases were reduced in the treated spontaneous mammary cancer model. Depletion of FAP+ stromal as well as FAP+ myeloid cells effectively suppressed tumor growth in bone marrow chimeras, suggesting that the depletion of both cell types in one treatment is an effective therapeutic approach. These findings highlight a promising therapy for selectively eliminating immunosuppressive FAP+ cells within the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raisa A. Glabman
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.A.G.); (C.P.O.); (H.A.M.); (P.L.C.)
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Colleen P. Olkowski
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.A.G.); (C.P.O.); (H.A.M.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Hannah A. Minor
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.A.G.); (C.P.O.); (H.A.M.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Laura L. Bassel
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21701, USA;
| | - Noemi Kedei
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resources, Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Peter L. Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.A.G.); (C.P.O.); (H.A.M.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Noriko Sato
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.A.G.); (C.P.O.); (H.A.M.); (P.L.C.)
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6
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Gehris J, Ervin C, Hawkins C, Womack S, Churillo AM, Doyle J, Sinusas AJ, Spinale FG. Fibroblast activation protein: Pivoting cancer/chemotherapeutic insight towards heart failure. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115914. [PMID: 37956895 PMCID: PMC10824141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
An important mechanism for cancer progression is degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which is accompanied by the emergence and proliferation of an activated fibroblast, termed the cancer associated fibroblast (CAF). More specifically, an enzyme pathway identified to be amplified with local cancer progression and proliferation of the CAF, is fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The development and progression of heart failure (HF) irrespective of the etiology is associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling and changes in ECM structure and function. As with cancer, HF progression is associated with a change in LV myocardial fibroblast growth and function, and expresses a protein signature not dissimilar to the CAF. The overall goal of this review is to put forward the postulate that scientific discoveries regarding FAP in cancer as well as the development of specific chemotherapeutics could be pivoted to target the emergence of FAP in the activated fibroblast subtype and thus hold translationally relevant diagnostic and therapeutic targets in HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gehris
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Charlie Ervin
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Charlotte Hawkins
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sydney Womack
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Amelia M Churillo
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Jonathan Doyle
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Albert J Sinusas
- Yale University Cardiovascular Imaging Center, New Haven CT, United States
| | - Francis G Spinale
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States.
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7
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Kalaei Z, Manafi-Farid R, Rashidi B, Kiani FK, Zarei A, Fathi M, Jadidi-Niaragh F. The Prognostic and therapeutic value and clinical implications of fibroblast activation protein-α as a novel biomarker in colorectal cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:139. [PMID: 37316886 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of contributing factors leading to the development of Colorectal Cancer (CRC), as the third fatal malignancy, is crucial. Today, the tumor microenvironment has been shown to play a key role in CRC progression. Fibroblast-Activation Protein-α (FAP) is a type II transmembrane cell surface proteinase expressed on the surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor stroma. As an enzyme, FAP has di- and endoprolylpeptidase, endoprotease, and gelatinase/collagenase activities in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME). According to recent reports, FAP overexpression in CRC contributes to adverse clinical outcomes such as increased lymph node metastasis, tumor recurrence, and angiogenesis, as well as decreased overall survival. In this review, studies about the expression level of FAP and its associations with CRC patients' prognosis are reviewed. High expression levels of FAP and its association with clinicopathological factors have made as a potential target. In many studies, FAP has been evaluated as a therapeutic target and diagnostic factor into which the current review tries to provide a comprehensive insight. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Kalaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Manafi-Farid
- Research Center for Nuclear Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bentolhoda Rashidi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fariba Karoon Kiani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asieh Zarei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Fathi
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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8
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Mai W, Liu Q, Li J, Zheng M, Yan F, Liu H, Lei Y, Xu J, Xu J. Comprehensive analysis of the oncogenic and immunological role of FAP and identification of the ceRNA network in human cancers. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:3738-3758. [PMID: 37166418 PMCID: PMC10449273 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204707] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein-alpha (FAP) is a transmembrane serine protease involving in tissue remodeling. Previous studies report that FAP is highly expressed in certain tumors and participated in oncogenesis. However, there is still lack of systematic and in-depth analysis of FAP based on clinical big data. Here, we comprehensively map the FAP expression profile, prognostic outcome, genetic alteration, immune infiltration across over 30 types of human cancers through multiple datasets including TCGA, CPTAC, and cBioPortal. We find that FAP is up-regulated in most cancer types, and increased FAP expression is associated with advanced pathological stages or poor prognosis in several cancers. Furthermore, FAP is significantly correlated with the infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, myeloid dendritic cells, as well as endothelia cells. Immunosuppressive checkpoint proteins or cytokines expression, microsatellite instability and tumor mutational burden analysis also indicate the regulation role of FAP in tumor progression. Gene enrichment analysis demonstrates that ECM-receptor interaction as well as extracellular matrix and structure process are linked to the potential mechanism of FAP in tumor pathogenesis. The ceRNA network is also constructed and identified the involvement of LINC00707/hsa-miR-30e-5p/FAP, LINC02535/hsa-miR-30e-5p/FAP, LINC02535/hsa-miR-30d-5p/FAP, as well as AC026356.1/hsa-miR-30d-5p/FAP axis in tumor progression. In conclusion, our study offers new insights into the oncogenic and immunological role of FAP from a pan-cancer perspective, providing new clues for developing novel targeted anti-tumor strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqian Mai
- School of Medicine, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Qingyou Liu
- School of Medicine, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Jiasheng Li
- School of Medicine, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Mincheng Zheng
- Integrative Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fuman Yan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Medicine, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Yuhe Lei
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518034, China
| | - Jinwen Xu
- Integrative Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiean Xu
- Integrative Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Antonova DV, Gnatenko DA, Kotova ES, Pleshkan VV, Kuzmich AI, Didych DA, Sverdlov ED, Alekseenko IV. Cell-specific expression of the FAP gene is regulated by enhancer elements. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1111511. [PMID: 36825204 PMCID: PMC9941708 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1111511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is an integral membrane serine protease that acts as both dipeptidyl peptidase and collagenase. In recent years, FAP has attracted considerable attention due to its specific upregulation in multiple types of tumor cell populations, including cancer cells in various cancer types, making FAP a potential target for therapy. However, relatively few papers pay attention to the mechanisms driving the cell-specific expression of the FAP gene. We found no correlation between the activities of the two FAP promoter variants (short and long) and the endogenous FAP mRNA expression level in several cell lines with different FAP expression levels. This suggested that other mechanisms may be responsible for specific transcriptional regulation of the FAP gene. We analyzed the distribution of known epigenetic and structural chromatin marks in FAP-positive and FAP-negative cell lines and identified two potential enhancer-like elements (E1 and E2) in the FAP gene locus. We confirmed the specific enrichment of H3K27ac in the putative enhancer regions in FAP-expressing cells. Both the elements exhibited enhancer activity independently of each other in the functional test by increasing the activity of the FAP promoter variants to a greater extent in FAP-expressing cell lines than in FAP-negative cell lines. The transcription factors AP-1, CEBPB, and STAT3 may be involved in FAP activation in the tumors. We hypothesized the existence of a positive feedback loop between FAP and STAT3, which may have implications for developing new approaches in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina V. Antonova
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A. Gnatenko
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena S. Kotova
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, FSBI Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor V. Pleshkan
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia,Gene Oncotherapy Sector, Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey I. Kuzmich
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia,Gene Oncotherapy Sector, Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A. Didych
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia,*Correspondence: Dmitry A. Didych,
| | - Eugene D. Sverdlov
- Kurchatov Center for Genome Research, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V. Alekseenko
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia,Gene Oncotherapy Sector, Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia,Laboratory of Epigenetics, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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10
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Juillerat-Jeanneret L, Tafelmeyer P, Golshayan D. Regulation of Fibroblast Activation Protein-α Expression: Focus on Intracellular Protein Interactions. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14028-14045. [PMID: 34523930 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The prolyl-specific peptidase fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α) is expressed at very low or undetectable levels in nondiseased human tissues but is selectively induced in activated (myo)fibroblasts at sites of tissue remodeling in fibrogenic processes. In normal regenerative processes involving transient fibrosis FAP-α+(myo)fibroblasts disappear from injured tissues, replaced by cells with a normal FAP-α- phenotype. In chronic uncontrolled pathological fibrosis FAP-α+(myo)fibroblasts permanently replace normal tissues. The mechanisms of regulation and elimination of FAP-α expression in(myo)fibroblasts are unknown. According to a yeast two-hybrid screen and protein databanks search, we propose that the intracellular (co)-chaperone BAG6/BAT3 can interact with FAP-α, mediated by the BAG6/BAT3 Pro-rich domain, inducing proteosomal degradation of FAP-α protein under tissue homeostasis. In this Perspective, we discuss our findings in the context of current knowledge on the regulation of FAP-α expression and comment potential therapeutic strategies for uncontrolled fibrosis, including small molecule degraders (PROTACs)-modified FAP-α targeted inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucienne Juillerat-Jeanneret
- Transplantation Center and Transplantation Immunopathology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), CH1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.,University Institute of Pathology, CHUV and UNIL, CH1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Petra Tafelmeyer
- Hybrigenics Services, Laboratories and Headquarters-Paris, 1 rue Pierre Fontaine, 91000 Evry, France.,Hybrigenics Corporation, Cambridge Innovation Center, 50 Milk Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Dela Golshayan
- Transplantation Center and Transplantation Immunopathology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), CH1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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11
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Antonova DV, Zinovyeva MV, Kondratyeva LG, Sass AV, Alekseenko IV, Pleshkan VV. Possibility for Transcriptional Targeting of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts-Limitations and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073298. [PMID: 33804861 PMCID: PMC8038081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are attractive therapeutic targets in the tumor microenvironment. The possibility of using CAFs as a source of therapeutic molecules is a challenging approach in gene therapy. This requires transcriptional targeting of transgene expression by cis-regulatory elements (CRE). Little is known about which CREs can provide selective transgene expression in CAFs. We hypothesized that the promoters of FAP, CXCL12, IGFBP2, CTGF, JAG1, SNAI1, and SPARC genes, the expression of whose is increased in CAFs, could be used for transcriptional targeting. Analysis of the transcription of the corresponding genes revealed that unique transcription in model CAFs was characteristic for the CXCL12 and FAP genes. However, none of the promoters in luciferase reporter constructs show selective activity in these fibroblasts. The CTGF, IGFBP2, JAG1, and SPARC promoters can provide higher transgene expression in fibroblasts than in cancer cells, but the nonspecific viral promoters CMV, SV40, and the recently studied universal PCNA promoter have the same features. The patterns of changes in activity of various promoters relative to each other observed for human cell lines were similar to the patterns of activity for the same promoters both in vivo and in vitro in mouse models. Our results reveal restrictions and features for CAF transcriptional targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina V. Antonova
- Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.A.); (M.V.Z.); (L.G.K.); (A.V.S.); (I.V.A.)
| | - Marina V. Zinovyeva
- Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.A.); (M.V.Z.); (L.G.K.); (A.V.S.); (I.V.A.)
| | - Liya G. Kondratyeva
- Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.A.); (M.V.Z.); (L.G.K.); (A.V.S.); (I.V.A.)
| | - Alexander V. Sass
- Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.A.); (M.V.Z.); (L.G.K.); (A.V.S.); (I.V.A.)
| | - Irina V. Alekseenko
- Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.A.); (M.V.Z.); (L.G.K.); (A.V.S.); (I.V.A.)
- Gene Oncotherapy Sector, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Oncogynecology and Mammology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor V. Pleshkan
- Department of Genomics and Postgenomic Technologies, Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.A.); (M.V.Z.); (L.G.K.); (A.V.S.); (I.V.A.)
- Gene Oncotherapy Sector, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
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12
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Krepela E, Vanickova Z, Hrabal P, Zubal M, Chmielova B, Balaziova E, Vymola P, Matrasova I, Busek P, Sedo A. Regulation of Fibroblast Activation Protein by Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 in Glioblastoma Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031046. [PMID: 33494271 PMCID: PMC7864518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The proline-specific serine protease fibroblast activation protein (FAP) can participate in the progression of malignant tumors and represents a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target. Recently, we demonstrated an increased expression of FAP in glioblastomas, particularly those of the mesenchymal subtype. Factors controlling FAP expression in glioblastomas are unknown, but evidence suggests that transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) can trigger mesenchymal changes in these tumors. Here, we investigated whether TGFbeta promotes FAP expression in transformed and stromal cells constituting the glioblastoma microenvironment. We found that both FAP and TGFbeta-1 are upregulated in glioblastomas and display a significant positive correlation. We detected TGFbeta-1 immunopositivity broadly in glioblastoma tissues, including tumor parenchyma regions in the immediate vicinity of FAP-immunopositive perivascular stromal cells. Wedemonstrate for the first time that TGFbeta-1 induces expression of FAP in non-stem glioma cells, pericytes, and glioblastoma-derived endothelial and FAP+ mesenchymal cells, but not in glioma stem-like cells. In glioma cells, this effect is mediated by the TGFbeta type I receptor and canonical Smad signaling and involves activation of FAP gene transcription. We further present evidence of FAP regulation by TGFbeta-1 secreted by glioma cells. Our results provide insight into the previously unrecognized regulation of FAP expression by autocrine and paracrine TGFbeta-1 signaling in a broad spectrum of cell types present in the glioblastoma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evzen Krepela
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 53 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (E.K.); (Z.V.); (M.Z.); (B.C.); (E.B.); (P.V.); (I.M.)
| | - Zdislava Vanickova
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 53 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (E.K.); (Z.V.); (M.Z.); (B.C.); (E.B.); (P.V.); (I.M.)
| | - Petr Hrabal
- Department of Pathology, Military University Hospital Prague, 169 02 Prague 6, Czech Republic;
| | - Michal Zubal
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 53 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (E.K.); (Z.V.); (M.Z.); (B.C.); (E.B.); (P.V.); (I.M.)
| | - Barbora Chmielova
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 53 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (E.K.); (Z.V.); (M.Z.); (B.C.); (E.B.); (P.V.); (I.M.)
| | - Eva Balaziova
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 53 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (E.K.); (Z.V.); (M.Z.); (B.C.); (E.B.); (P.V.); (I.M.)
| | - Petr Vymola
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 53 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (E.K.); (Z.V.); (M.Z.); (B.C.); (E.B.); (P.V.); (I.M.)
| | - Ivana Matrasova
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 53 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (E.K.); (Z.V.); (M.Z.); (B.C.); (E.B.); (P.V.); (I.M.)
| | - Petr Busek
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 53 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (E.K.); (Z.V.); (M.Z.); (B.C.); (E.B.); (P.V.); (I.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (A.S.); Tel.: +420-22496-5825 (P.B.); +420-22496-5735 (A.S.)
| | - Aleksi Sedo
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 53 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (E.K.); (Z.V.); (M.Z.); (B.C.); (E.B.); (P.V.); (I.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (A.S.); Tel.: +420-22496-5825 (P.B.); +420-22496-5735 (A.S.)
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13
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Driesen RB, Hilkens P, Smisdom N, Vangansewinkel T, Dillen Y, Ratajczak J, Wolfs E, Gervois P, Ameloot M, Bronckaers A, Lambrichts I. Dental Tissue and Stem Cells Revisited: New Insights From the Expression of Fibroblast Activation Protein-Alpha. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 7:389. [PMID: 32039205 PMCID: PMC6985075 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAPα) is a membrane protein with dipeptidyl-peptidase and type I collagenase activity and is expressed during fetal growth. At the age of adolescence, FAPα expression is greatly reduced, only emerging in pathologies associated with extracellular matrix remodeling. We determined whether FAPα is expressed in human dental tissue involved in root maturation i.e., dental follicle and apical papilla and in dental pulp tissue. The dental follicle revealed a high concentration of FAPα and vimentin-positive cells within the stromal tissue. A similar observation was made in cell culture and FACS analysis confirmed these as dental follicle stem cells. Within the remnants of the Hertwigs’ epithelial root sheath, we observed FAPα staining in the E-cadherin positive and vimentin-negative epithelial islands. FAPα- and vimentin-positive cells were encountered at the periphery of the islands suggesting an epithelial mesenchymal transition process. Analysis of the apical papilla revealed two novel histological regions; the periphery with dense and parallel aligned collagen type I defined as cortex fibrosa and the inner stromal tissue composed of less compacted collagen defined as medulla. FAPα expression was highly present within the medulla suggesting a role in extracellular matrix remodeling. Dental pulp tissue uncovered a heterogeneous FAPα staining but strong staining was noted within odontoblasts. In vitro studies confirmed the presence of FAPα expression in stem cells of the apical papilla and dental pulp. This study identified the expression of FAPα expression in dental stem cells which could open new perspectives in understanding dental root maturation and odontoblast function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald B Driesen
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Petra Hilkens
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nick Smisdom
- Department of Biophysics, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim Vangansewinkel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Yörg Dillen
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jessica Ratajczak
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Esther Wolfs
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Pascal Gervois
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Marcel Ameloot
- Department of Biophysics, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Morphology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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14
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Puré E, Blomberg R. Pro-tumorigenic roles of fibroblast activation protein in cancer: back to the basics. Oncogene 2018; 37:4343-4357. [PMID: 29720723 PMCID: PMC6092565 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0275-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a cell-surface serine protease that acts on various hormones and extracellular matrix components. FAP is highly upregulated in a wide variety of cancers, and is often used as a marker for pro-tumorigenic stroma. It has also been proposed as a molecular target of cancer therapies, and, especially in recent years, a great deal of research has gone into design and testing of diverse FAP-targeted treatments. Yet despite this growing field of research, our knowledge of FAP's basic biology and functional roles in various cancers has lagged behind its use as a tumor-stromal marker. In this review, we summarize and analyze recent advances in understanding the functions of FAP in cancer, most notably its prognostic value in various tumor types, cellular effects on various cell types, and potential as a therapeutic target. We highlight outstanding questions in the field, the answers to which could shape preclinical and clinical studies of FAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Puré
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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15
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Wilhelm I, Fazakas C, Molnár K, Végh AG, Haskó J, Krizbai IA. Foe or friend? Janus-faces of the neurovascular unit in the formation of brain metastases. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2018; 38:563-587. [PMID: 28920514 PMCID: PMC5888855 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17732025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential obstacle represented by the blood-brain barrier for extravasating malignant cells, metastases are more frequent than primary tumors in the central nervous system. Not only tightly interconnected endothelial cells can hinder metastasis formation, other cells of the brain microenvironment (like astrocytes and microglia) can also be very hostile, destroying the large majority of metastatic cells. However, malignant cells that are able to overcome these harmful mechanisms may benefit from the shielding and even support provided by cerebral endothelial cells, astrocytes and microglia, rendering the brain a sanctuary site against anti-tumor strategies. Thus, cells of the neurovascular unit have a Janus-faced attitude towards brain metastatic cells, being both destructive and protective. In this review, we present the main mechanisms of brain metastasis formation, including those involved in extravasation through the brain vasculature and survival in the cerebral environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila G Végh
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Haskó
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István A Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
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16
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Yi Y, Wang Z, Sun Y, Chen J, Zhang B, Wu M, Li T, Hu L, Zeng J. The EMT-related transcription factor snail up-regulates FAPα in malignant melanoma cells. Exp Cell Res 2018; 364:160-167. [PMID: 29410133 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
FAPα is a cell surface serine protease, mainly expressed in tumor stromal fibroblasts in more than 90% of human epithelial carcinomas. Due to its almost no expression in normal tissues and its tumor-promoting effects, FAPα has been studied as a novel potential target for antitumor therapy. However, the regulation mechanism on FAPα expression is poorly understood. In this study, we found that overexpression of snail significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of FAPα in malignant melanoma B16 and SK-MEL-28 cells. Overexpression of snail increased FAPα promoter activity remarkably. Snail could directly bind to FAPα promoter to regulate FAPα expression. Moreover, snail expression was positively correlated to FAPα expression in human cutaneous malignant melanoma. Furthermore, knockdown of FAPα markedly reduced snail-induced cell migration. Overall, our findings provide a novel regulation mechanism on FAPα expression and highlight the role of snail/FAPα axis as a novel target for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Yi
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhaotong Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanqin Sun
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhu Chen
- Department of Biological Products Surveillance and Evaluation, Institute of Biological Products and Materia Medica, Guangzhou 510440, Guangdong, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, Guangdong, China
| | - Minhua Wu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Surgery, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Hu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, Guangdong, China.
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17
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Dvořáková P, Bušek P, Knedlík T, Schimer J, Etrych T, Kostka L, Stollinová Šromová L, Šubr V, Šácha P, Šedo A, Konvalinka J. Inhibitor-Decorated Polymer Conjugates Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein. J Med Chem 2017; 60:8385-8393. [PMID: 28953383 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteases are directly involved in cancer pathogenesis. Expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is upregulated in stromal fibroblasts in more than 90% of epithelial cancers and is associated with tumor progression. FAP expression is minimal or absent in most normal adult tissues, suggesting its promise as a target for the diagnosis or treatment of various cancers. Here, we report preparation of a polymer conjugate (an iBody) containing a FAP-specific inhibitor as the targeting ligand. The iBody inhibits both human and mouse FAP with low nanomolar inhibition constants but does not inhibit close FAP homologues dipeptidyl peptidase IV, dipeptidyl peptidase 9, and prolyl oligopeptidase. We demonstrate the applicability of this iBody for the isolation of FAP from cell lysates and blood serum as well as for its detection by ELISA, Western blot, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. Our results show the iBody is a useful tool for FAP targeting in vitro and potentially also for specific anticancer drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Dvořáková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of The Czech Academy of Sciences , Flemingovo nám 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University , Viničná 7, 12843 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Bušek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University , U Nemocnice 5, 12853 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Knedlík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of The Czech Academy of Sciences , Flemingovo nám 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University , Hlavova 8, 12843 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Schimer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of The Czech Academy of Sciences , Flemingovo nám 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University , Hlavova 8, 12843 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Etrych
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences , Heyrovského nám 2, 16206 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Kostka
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences , Heyrovského nám 2, 16206 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Stollinová Šromová
- Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University , U Nemocnice 5, 12853 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Šubr
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences , Heyrovského nám 2, 16206 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Šácha
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of The Czech Academy of Sciences , Flemingovo nám 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University , Hlavova 8, 12843 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Aleksi Šedo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University , U Nemocnice 5, 12853 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Konvalinka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of The Czech Academy of Sciences , Flemingovo nám 2, 16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University , Hlavova 8, 12843 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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18
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UV radiation promotes melanoma dissemination mediated by the sequential reaction axis of cathepsins-TGF-β1-FAP-α. Br J Cancer 2017; 117:535-544. [PMID: 28697174 PMCID: PMC5558678 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the major risk factor for development of malignant melanoma. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-α is a serine protease expressed on the surface of activated fibroblasts, promoting tumour invasion through extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. The signalling mechanism behind the upregulation of FAP-α is not yet completely revealed. METHODS Expression of FAP-α was analysed after UVR exposure in in vitro co-culture systems, gene expression arrays and artificial skin constructs. Cell migration and invasion was studied in relation to cathepsin activity and secretion of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. RESULTS Fibroblast activation protein-α expression was induced by UVR in melanocytes of human skin. The FAP-α expression was regulated by UVR-induced release of TGF-β1 and cathepsin inhibitors prevented such secretion. In melanoma cell culture models and in a xenograft tumour model of zebrafish embryos, FAP-α mediated ECM degradation and facilitated tumour cell dissemination. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence for a sequential reaction axis from UVR via cathepsins, TGF-β1 and FAP-α expression, promoting cancer cell dissemination and melanoma metastatic spread.
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19
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Cantelli G, Crosas-Molist E, Georgouli M, Sanz-Moreno V. TGFΒ-induced transcription in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 42:60-69. [PMID: 27586372 PMCID: PMC6137079 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGFβ) pathway mediates a broad spectrum of cellular processes and is involved in several diseases, including cancer. TGFβ has a dual role in tumours, acting as a tumour suppressor in the early phase of tumorigenesis and as a tumour promoter in more advanced stages. In this review, we discuss the effects of TGFβ-driven transcription on all stages of tumour progression, with special focus on lung cancer. Since some TGFβ target genes are specifically involved in promoting metastasis, we speculate that these genes might be good targets to block tumour progression without compromising the tumour suppressor effects of the TGFβ pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Cantelli
- Tumour Plasticity Laboratory, Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Eva Crosas-Molist
- Tumour Plasticity Laboratory, Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Mirella Georgouli
- Tumour Plasticity Laboratory, Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- Tumour Plasticity Laboratory, Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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20
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Pleshkan VV, Alekseenko IV, Tyulkina DV, Kyzmich AI, Zinovyeva MV, Sverdlov ED. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as a possible target of an antitumor strategy. MOLECULAR GENETICS MICROBIOLOGY AND VIROLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.3103/s0891416816030083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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21
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Rivas S, Armisén R, Rojas DA, Maldonado E, Huerta H, Tapia JC, Espinoza J, Colombo A, Michea L, Hayman MJ, Marcelain K. The Ski Protein is Involved in the Transformation Pathway of Aurora Kinase A. J Cell Biochem 2016; 117:334-43. [PMID: 26138431 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic kinase Aurora A (AURKA) has been found to be overexpresed in several tumors including colorectal, breast, and hematological cancers. Overexpression of AURKA induces centrosome amplification and aneuploidy and it is related with cancer progression and poor prognosis. Here we show that AURKA phosphorylates in vitro the transcripcional co-repressor Ski on aminoacids Ser326 and Ser383. Phosphorylations on these aminoacids decreased Ski protein half-life. Reduced levels of Ski resulted in centrosomes amplification and multipolar spindles formation, same as AURKA overexpressing cells. Importantly, overexpression of Ski wild type, but not S326D and S383D mutants inhibited centrosome amplification and cellular transformation induced by AURKA. Altogether, these results suggest that the Ski protein is a target in the transformation pathway mediated by the AURKA oncogene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Rivas
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Armisén
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Investigación y Tratamiento del Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego A Rojas
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - Edio Maldonado
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hernán Huerta
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - Julio C Tapia
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Investigación y Tratamiento del Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jaime Espinoza
- Department of Pathology, UC-Center for Investigational Oncology (CITO), School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile 8330034, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alicia Colombo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Investigación y Tratamiento del Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Michea
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Investigación y Tratamiento del Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Millenium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Michael J Hayman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Katherine Marcelain
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Investigación y Tratamiento del Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile
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22
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Zhang K, Liu X, Hao F, Dong A, Chen D. Targeting TGF-β1 inhibits invasion of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell through SMAD2-dependent S100A4-MMP-2/9 signalling. Am J Transl Res 2016; 8:2196-2209. [PMID: 27347327 PMCID: PMC4891432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most lethal human malignancies. However, the molecular mechanisms of ATC invasion are poorly understood. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays a critical role in promoting tumor metastasis. TGF-β1 was found to be overexpressed in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). We therefore tested our hypothesis that targeted down-regulation of TGF-β1 inhibits invasion of ATC cells. METHODS Effects of TGF-β1 stimulation or TGF-β1 sliencing by small interfering RNA (TGF-β1 siRNA) on invasion in 8505C and SW1736 cells in vitro was detected. Using siRNAs and inhibitors to examine the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. RESULTS TGF-β1 siRNA inhibits cell migration and invasion in vitro, followed by inactivation of pSMAD2, S100A4 and MMP-2/9. TGF-β stimulation activated pSMAD2-dependent S100A4 and MMP-2/9 expression, and increased cell migration and invasion. The depletion of pSMAD2 or S100A4 or MMP-2/9 expression inhibited TGF-β signaling pathway. Moreover, it significantly weakened the proinvasive effects of TGF-β on ATC cells. CONCLUSIONS Therapies targeting the TGF-β1 inhibits invasion of ATC cells by impeding the SMAD2-dependent S100A4-MMP-2/9 signalling in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Zhang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The People’s Hospital of ZhangqiuJinan 250200, China
| | - Fengyun Hao
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao 266003, China
| | - Anbing Dong
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao 266003, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao 266003, China
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23
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Wang X, Zhao F, He X, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Ni Y, Sun J, Wang X, Dou J. Combining TGF-β1 knockdown and miR200c administration to optimize antitumor efficacy of B16F10/GPI-IL-21 vaccine. Oncotarget 2016; 6:12493-504. [PMID: 25895132 PMCID: PMC4494953 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β1 secreted abundantly by tumors cells as well as present in the local microenvironment promotes neoplasm invasion and metastasis by triggering the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). MiR200c has been shown to suppress EMT and to regulate the cellular epithelial and interstitial state conversion, whereas the tumor vaccines are intended to specifically initiate or amplify a host response against evolving tumor cells. Our study aimed at optimizing the antitumor effects of the B16F10/glycosylphosphatidylinositol-interleukin 21 (B16F10/GPI-IL-21) tumor vaccine on melanoma bearing mice by combining the TGF-β1 knockdown and the administration of miR200c agomir. The mice were subcutaneously vaccinated with inactivated B16F10/GPI-IL-21 vaccine and challenged by B16F10 cells transfected with shTGF-β1 (B16F10/shTGF-β1 cells) or B16F10/shTGF-β1 cells with the administration of miR200c agomir. The later combination showed that, when compared with the mice in the control group that received no vaccination, vaccinated mice significantly increased NK and CTL activities, enhanced levels of IFN-γ, and reduced expression of TGF-β1, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Gli1/2, P-Smad2/3 and others involved in promoting expression of EMT-related molecules in tumor areas, and inhibited the melanoma metastasis in lungs and lymph nodes. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that this synergistic anti-cancer regimen effectively induces strong immune response and diminishes the melanoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengshu Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangfeng He
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongyi Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaoyao Ni
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianan Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- Department of Center for Experiment Animal, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Dou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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24
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Gasparics Á, Rosivall L, Krizbai IA, Sebe A. When the endothelium scores an own goal: endothelial cells actively augment metastatic extravasation through endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 310:H1055-63. [PMID: 26993222 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00042.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important mechanism during organ development and in certain pathological conditions. For example, EndMT contributes to myofibroblast formation during organ fibrosis, and it has been identified as an important source of cancer-associated fibroblasts, facilitating tumor progression. Recently, EndMT was proposed to modulate endothelial function during intravasation and extravasation of metastatic tumor cells. Evidence suggests that endothelial cells are not passive actors during transendothelial migration (TEM) of cancer cells, as there are profound changes in endothelial junctional protein expression, signaling, permeability, and contractility. This review describes these alterations in endothelial characteristics during TEM of metastatic tumor cells and discusses them in the context of EndMT. EndMT could play an important role during metastatic intravasation and extravasation, a novel hypothesis that may lead to new therapeutic approaches to tackle metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ákos Gasparics
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Rosivall
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István A Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary; Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania; and
| | - Attila Sebe
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
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25
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Pleshkan VV, Alekseenko IV, Tyulkina DV, Kyzmich AI, Zinovyeva MV, Sverdlov ED. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as a possible target of the antitumor strategy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.18821/0208-0613-2016-34-3-90-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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26
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Schuster L, Seifert O, Vollmer S, Kontermann RE, Schlosshauer B, Hartmann H. Immunoliposomes for Targeted Delivery of an Antifibrotic Drug. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:3146-57. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Liane Schuster
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstr. 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Seifert
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Stefanie Vollmer
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstr. 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Roland E. Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Burkhard Schlosshauer
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstr. 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Hanna Hartmann
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstr. 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
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27
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Treatment monitoring of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer using invasive circulating tumor cells (iCTCs). Gynecol Oncol 2015; 137:229-38. [PMID: 25769657 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
GOALS Contemporary management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) uses biomarkers to monitor response to therapy. This study evaluates the role of invasive circulating tumor cells (iCTCs) in monitoring EOC treatment in comparison with serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125). METHODS Molecular and microscopic analyses were used to identify seprase and CD44 as tumor progenitor (TP) markers. The iCTC flow cytometry assay was optimized using blood donated by 64 healthy donors, 49 patients with benign abdominal diseases and 123 EOC patients. Serial changes in iCTCs and CA125 were measured in 129 blood and 169 serum samples, respectively, from 31 EOC patients to assess their concordance during therapy and their relationship with risk of progressive disease (PD). RESULTS The assay had 97% specificity and 83% sensitivity for detecting iCTCs in blood of EOC patients. iCTCs were detected in each monitoring patient (31/31, 100%) and in 110 of the 129 blood samples (85.3%). The concordance between changes in iCTCs/CA125 levels and changes in the intervals associated with no evidence of disease (NED) were markedly stronger (specificity: CA125 93.8%; iCTCs 90.6%), whereas increases in iCTCs (79.5%) were more sensitive than increases in CA125 (67.6%) to predict PD or relapse. Among the six patients who had greater than 6 measurements, iCTCs but not CA125 antedated changes in clinical status from PD to NED during and after chemotherapy and predated relapse. CONCLUSION Serial measurements of iCTCs could predict therapeutic responsiveness in 31 EOC patients who underwent standard taxol/carboplatin therapy.
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28
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Krizbai IA, Gasparics Á, Nagyőszi P, Fazakas C, Molnár J, Wilhelm I, Bencs R, Rosivall L, Sebe A. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition of brain endothelial cells: possible role during metastatic extravasation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119655. [PMID: 25742314 PMCID: PMC4350839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression towards metastasis follows a defined sequence of events described as the metastatic cascade. For extravasation and transendothelial migration metastatic cells interact first with endothelial cells. Yet the role of endothelial cells during the process of metastasis formation and extravasation is still unclear, and the interaction between metastatic and endothelial cells during transendothelial migration is poorly understood. Since tumor cells are well known to express TGF-β, and the compact endothelial layer undergoes a series of changes during metastatic extravasation (cell contact disruption, cytoskeletal reorganization, enhanced contractility), we hypothesized that an EndMT may be necessary for metastatic extravasation. We demonstrate that primary cultured rat brain endothelial cells (BEC) undergo EndMT upon TGF-β1 treatment, characterized by the loss of tight and adherens junction proteins, expression of fibronectin, β1-integrin, calponin and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). B16/F10 cell line conditioned and activated medium (ACM) had similar effects: claudin-5 down-regulation, fibronectin and SMA expression. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling during B16/F10 ACM stimulation using SB-431542 maintained claudin-5 levels and mitigated fibronectin and SMA expression. B16/F10 ACM stimulation of BECs led to phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. SB-431542 prevented SMA up-regulation upon stimulation of BECs with A2058, MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 ACM as well. Moreover, B16/F10 ACM caused a reduction in transendothelial electrical resistance, enhanced the number of melanoma cells adhering to and transmigrating through the endothelial layer, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. These effects were not confined to BECs: HUVECs showed TGF-β-dependent SMA expression when stimulated with breast cancer cell line ACM. Our results indicate that an EndMT may be necessary for metastatic transendothelial migration, and this transition may be one of the potential mechanisms occurring during the complex phenomenon known as metastatic extravasation.
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Affiliation(s)
- István A. Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Liviu Rebreanu Str. 86, 310414, Arad, Romania
| | - Ákos Gasparics
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad Square 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Nagyőszi
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Judit Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Rita Bencs
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad Square 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Rosivall
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad Square 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary
- Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad Square 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Sebe
- Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad Square 4, 1089, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail:
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29
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Nestin depletion induces melanoma matrix metalloproteinases and invasion. J Transl Med 2014; 94:1382-95. [PMID: 25365206 PMCID: PMC4419570 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2014.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key biological mediators of processes as diverse as wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer progression. Although MMPs may be induced through multiple signaling pathways, the precise mechanisms for their regulation in cancer are incompletely understood. Because cytoskeletal changes are known to accompany MMP expression, we sought to examine the potential role of the poorly understood cytoskeletal protein, nestin, in modulating melanoma MMPs. Nestin knockdown (KD) upregulated the expression of specific MMPs and MMP-dependent invasion both through extracellular matrix barriers in vitro and in peritumoral connective tissue of xenografts in vivo. The development of three-dimensional melanospheres that in vitro partially recapitulate noninvasive tumorigenic melanoma growth was inhibited by nestin KD, although ECM invasion by aberrant melanospheres that did form was enhanced. Mechanistically, nestin KD-dependent melanoma invasion was associated with intracellular redistribution of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase and increased melanoma cell responsiveness to transforming growth factor-beta, both implicated in pathways of melanoma invasion. The results suggest that the heretofore poorly understood intermediate filament, nestin, may serve as a novel mediator of MMPs critical to melanoma virulence.
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