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Rodríguez-Candela Mateos M, Carpintero-Fernández P, Freijanes PS, Mosquera J, Nebril BA, Mayán MD. Insights into the role of connexins and specialized intercellular communication pathways in breast cancer: Mechanisms and applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189173. [PMID: 39154967 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189173] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Gap junctions, membrane-based channels comprised of connexin proteins (Cxs), facilitate direct communication among neighbouring cells and between cells and the extracellular space through their hemichannels. The normal human breast expresses various Cxs family proteins, such as Cx43, Cx30, Cx32, Cx46, and Cx26, crucial for proper tissue development and function. These proteins play a significant role in breast cancer development, progression, and therapy response. In primary tumours, there is often a reduction and cytoplasmic mislocalization of Cx43 and Cx26, while metastatic lesions show an upregulation of these and other Cxs. Although existing research predominantly supports the tumour-suppressing role of Cxs in primary carcinomas through channel-dependent and independent functions, controversies persist regarding their involvement in the metastatic process. This review aims to provide an updated perspective on Cxs in human breast cancer, with a specific focus on intrinsic subtypes due to the heterogeneous nature of this disease. Additionally, the manuscript will explore the role of Cxs in immune interactions and novel forms of intercellular communication, such as tunneling nanotubes and extracellular vesicles, within the breast tumour context and tumour microenvironment. Recent findings suggest that Cxs hold potential as therapeutic targets for mitigating metastasis and drug resistance. Furthermore, they may serve as novel biomarkers for cancer prognosis, offering promising avenues for future research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Rodríguez-Candela Mateos
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Paula Carpintero-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain; CellCOM Research Group, Center for Research in Nanomaterials and Biomedicine (CINBIO), Universidade de Vigo, Edificio Olimpia Valencia, Campus Universitario Lagoas Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain; Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS, Spain
| | - Paz Santiago Freijanes
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain; Anatomic Pathology Department, Breast Unit, A Coruña University Hospital, SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Joaquin Mosquera
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain; Surgery Department, Breast Unit, A Coruña University Hospital, SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Benigno Acea Nebril
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain; Surgery Department, Breast Unit, A Coruña University Hospital, SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
| | - María D Mayán
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain; CellCOM Research Group, Center for Research in Nanomaterials and Biomedicine (CINBIO), Universidade de Vigo, Edificio Olimpia Valencia, Campus Universitario Lagoas Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain; Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS, Spain.
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2
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Zhang TQ, Lv QY, Jin WL. The cellular-centered view of hypoxia tumor microenvironment: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189137. [PMID: 38880161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189137] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a profoundly dynamic, heterogeneous and aggressive systemic ailment, with a coordinated evolution of various types of tumor niches. Hypoxia plays an indispensable role in the tumor micro-ecosystem, drastically enhancing the plasticity of cancer cells, fibroblasts and immune cells and orchestrating intercellular communication. Hypoxia-induced signals, particularly hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), drive the reprogramming of genetic, transcriptional, and proteomic profiles. This leads to a spectrum of interconnected processes, including augmented survival of cancer cells, evasion of immune surveillance, metabolic reprogramming, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and the development of resistance to conventional therapeutic modalities like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we summarize the latest research on the multifaceted effects of hypoxia, where a multitude of cellular and non-cellular elements crosstalk with each other and co-evolve in a synergistic manner. Additionally, we investigate therapeutic approaches targeting hypoxic niche, encompassing hypoxia-activated prodrugs, HIF inhibitors, nanomedicines, and combination therapies. Finally, we discuss some of the issues to be addressed and highlight the potential of emerging technologies in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Qi Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Qian-Yu Lv
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Maroli G, Schänzer A, Günther S, Garcia-Gonzalez C, Rupp S, Schlierbach H, Chen Y, Graumann J, Wietelmann A, Kim J, Braun T. Inhibition of autophagy prevents cardiac dysfunction at early stages of cardiomyopathy in Bag3-deficient hearts. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024; 193:53-66. [PMID: 38838815 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2024.06.001] [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] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The HSP70 co-chaperone BAG3 targets unfolded proteins to degradation via chaperone assisted selective autophagy (CASA), thereby playing pivotal roles in the proteostasis of adult cardiomyocytes (CMs). However, the complex functions of BAG3 for regulating autophagy in cardiac disease are not completely understood. Here, we demonstrate that conditional inactivation of Bag3 in murine CMs leads to age-dependent dysregulation of autophagy, associated with progressive cardiomyopathy. Surprisingly, Bag3-deficient CMs show increased canonical and non-canonical autophagic flux in the juvenile period when first signs of cardiac dysfunction appear, but reduced autophagy during later stages of the disease. Juvenile Bag3-deficient CMs are characterized by decreased levels of soluble proteins involved in synchronous contraction of the heart, including the gap junction protein Connexin 43 (CX43). Reiterative administration of chloroquine (CQ), an inhibitor of canonical and non-canonical autophagy, but not inactivation of Atg5, restores normal concentrations of soluble cardiac proteins in juvenile Bag3-deficient CMs without an increase of detergent-insoluble proteins, leading to complete recovery of early-stage cardiac dysfunction in Bag3-deficient mice. We conclude that loss of Bag3 in CMs leads to age-dependent differences in autophagy and cardiac dysfunction. Increased non-canonical autophagic flux in the juvenile period removes soluble proteins involved in cardiac contraction, leading to early-stage cardiomyopathy, which is prevented by reiterative CQ treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Maroli
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany.; Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany..
| | - Anne Schänzer
- Institute of Neuropathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Günther
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bioinformatics and deep sequencing platform, Ludwigstr. 43., 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Claudia Garcia-Gonzalez
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany.; Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Stefan Rupp
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Hannah Schlierbach
- Institute of Neuropathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Yanpu Chen
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Graumann
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany.; The German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main
| | - Astrid Wietelmann
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Group, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Johnny Kim
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Braun
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany.; The German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main..
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Liao C, Yang J, Chen L, Ye Z. Identification of hypoxic-related lncRNAs prognostic model for revealing clinical prognostic and immune infiltration characteristic of cutaneous melanoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:3734-3749. [PMID: 38364250 PMCID: PMC10929800 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205556] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous melanoma (CM) remains a significant threat to human health. There are clues to the potential role of hypoxia in CM progression. However, the role of hypoxia-related lncRNAs (HRLs) in CM has not been clarified. METHODS We obtained hypoxia related genes from MSigDB database and subsequently identified HRLs by applying TCGA database. LASSO-univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to comprehensively analyze the survival characteristics and HRLs expressions, and a novel HRLs-related prognostic risk model was subsequently established for comprehensive analysis. RESULTS The established risk model could evaluate the clinical outcome of CM accurately. The ability of the model-related risk score was also validated as an independent prognostic indicator of CM. Immune infiltration, TMB analysis, drug sensitivity analysis and immunotherapy evaluation were conducted to comprehensively assess the possible causes of the difference in prognosis. The reliability of bioinformatics results was partially verified by RT-qPCR. CONCLUSION We established a new HRLs related risk model and discussed the potential role of hypoxia in the development of CM, which provided a novel basis for CM risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congjuan Liao
- Dermatology and STD Department of The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Longgang District People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Jiabao Yang
- Dermatology and STD Department of The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Longgang District People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Liuting Chen
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Shenzhen Hospital (Long Gang), Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Zhiguang Ye
- Dermatology and STD Department of The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Longgang District People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
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Giansanti M, Theinert T, Boeing SK, Haas D, Schlegel PG, Vacca P, Nazio F, Caruana I. Exploiting autophagy balance in T and NK cells as a new strategy to implement adoptive cell therapies. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:201. [PMID: 38071322 PMCID: PMC10709869 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01893-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an essential cellular homeostasis pathway initiated by multiple stimuli ranging from nutrient deprivation to viral infection, playing a key role in human health and disease. At present, a growing number of evidence suggests a role of autophagy as a primitive innate immune form of defense for eukaryotic cells, interacting with components of innate immune signaling pathways and regulating thymic selection, antigen presentation, cytokine production and T/NK cell homeostasis. In cancer, autophagy is intimately involved in the immunological control of tumor progression and response to therapy. However, very little is known about the role and impact of autophagy in T and NK cells, the main players in the active fight against infections and tumors. Important questions are emerging: what role does autophagy play on T/NK cells? Could its modulation lead to any advantages? Could specific targeting of autophagy on tumor cells (blocking) and T/NK cells (activation) be a new intervention strategy? In this review, we debate preclinical studies that have identified autophagy as a key regulator of immune responses by modulating the functions of different immune cells and discuss the redundancy or diversity among the subpopulations of both T and NK cells in physiologic context and in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Giansanti
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Tobias Theinert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Katharina Boeing
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Haas
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul-Gerhardt Schlegel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paola Vacca
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Nazio
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
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Zhou Y, Cheng L, Liu L, Li X. NK cells are never alone: crosstalk and communication in tumour microenvironments. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:34. [PMID: 36797782 PMCID: PMC9933398 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01737-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune escape is a hallmark of cancer. The dynamic and heterogeneous tumour microenvironment (TME) causes insufficient infiltration and poor efficacy of natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy, which becomes a key factor triggering tumour progression. Understanding the crosstalk between NK cells and the TME provides new insights for optimising NK cell-based immunotherapy. Here, we present new advances in direct or indirect crosstalk between NK cells and 9 specialised TMEs, including immune, metabolic, innervated niche, mechanical, and microbial microenvironments, summarise TME-mediated mechanisms of NK cell function inhibition, and highlight potential targeted therapies for NK-TME crosstalk. Importantly, we discuss novel strategies to overcome the inhibitory TME and provide an attractive outlook for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Zhou
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.412643.60000 0004 1757 2902Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Liu
- grid.412643.60000 0004 1757 2902Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou, 730000, China. .,Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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Koustas E, Trifylli EM, Sarantis P, Papadopoulos N, Papanikolopoulos K, Aloizos G, Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Garmpi A, Matthaios D, Karamouzis MV. Exploiting Autophagy-Dependent Neoantigen Presentation in Tumor Microenvironment. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:474. [PMID: 36833401 PMCID: PMC9956312 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy constitutes a well-known homeostatic and catabolic process that is responsible for degradation and recycling of cellular components. It is a key regulatory mechanism for several cellular functions, whereas its dysregulation is associated with tumorigenesis, tumor-stroma interactions and resistance to cancer therapy. A growing body of evidence has proven that autophagy affects the tumor microenvironment, while it is also considered a key factor for function of several immune cells, such as APCs, T-cells, and macrophages. Moreover, it is implicated in presentation of neo-antigens of tumor cells in both MHC-I and MHC-II in dendritic cells (DCs) in functional activity of immune cells by creating T-cell memory, as well as in cross-presentation of neo-antigens for MHC-I presentation and the internalization process. Currently, autophagy has a crucial role in immunotherapy. Emergence of cancer immunotherapy has already shown some remarkable results, having changed therapeutic strategy in clinical practice for several cancer types. Despite these promising long-term responses, several patients seem to lack the ability to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, autophagy through neo-antigen presentation is a potential target in order to strengthen or attenuate the effects of immunotherapy against different types of cancer. This review will shed light on the recent advances and future directions of autophagy-dependent neo-antigen presentation and consequently its role in immunotherapy for malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Koustas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni-Myrto Trifylli
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Aloizos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Damaskos
- ‘N.S. Christeas’ Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Renal Transplantation Unit, ‘Laiko’ General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, ‘Laiko’ General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Garmpi
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Michalis V. Karamouzis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Yang T, Zhang Y, Chen J, Sun L. Crosstalk between autophagy and immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1125692. [PMID: 36814780 PMCID: PMC9939467 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1125692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a conserved process for self-degradation and provides cells with a rescue mechanism to respond to circumstances such as stress and starvation. The role of autophagy in cancer is extremely complex and often paradoxical. Most of the related published studies on tumors are always focused on cancer cells. However, present studies gradually noticed the significance of autophagy in the tumor microenvironment. These studies demonstrate that autophagy and immunity work synergistically to affect tumor progression, indicating that autophagy could become a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, it is crucial to clarify the correlation between autophagy and various tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. The context-dependent role of autophagy is critical in the design of therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Tumor immunology. Clin Immunol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818006-8.00003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Oliveira MC, Verswyvel H, Smits E, Cordeiro RM, Bogaerts A, Lin A. The pro- and anti-tumoral properties of gap junctions in cancer and their role in therapeutic strategies. Redox Biol 2022; 57:102503. [PMID: 36228438 PMCID: PMC9557036 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs), essential structures for cell-cell communication, are made of two hemichannels (commonly called connexons), one on each adjacent cell. Found in almost all cells, GJs play a pivotal role in many physiological and cellular processes, and have even been linked to the progression of diseases, such as cancer. Modulation of GJs is under investigation as a therapeutic strategy to kill tumor cells. Furthermore, GJs have also been studied for their key role in activating anti-cancer immunity and propagating radiation- and oxidative stress-induced cell death to neighboring cells, a process known as the bystander effect. While, gap junction (GJ)-based therapeutic strategies are being developed, one major challenge has been the paradoxical role of GJs in both tumor progression and suppression, based on GJ composition, cancer factors, and tumoral context. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of action, regulation, and the dual characteristics of GJs in cancer is critical for developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of GJs structure, function, and paradoxical pro- and anti-tumoral role in cancer. We also discuss the treatment strategies to target these GJs properties for anti-cancer responses, via modulation of GJ function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Oliveira
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados 5001, CEP 09210-580, Santo André, SP, Brazil.
| | - Hanne Verswyvel
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rodrigo M Cordeiro
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados 5001, CEP 09210-580, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Abraham Lin
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
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11
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Zheng A, Zhang L, Yang J, Yin X, Zhang T, Wu X, Ma X. Physical activity prevents tumor metastasis through modulation of immune function. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1034129. [PMID: 36313283 PMCID: PMC9596782 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1034129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is responsible for 90% of deaths in cancer patients. Most patients diagnosed with metastatic cancer will die within 5 years. PA is good for health and has become an emerging adjuvant therapy for cancer survivors. Regular moderate exercise substantially lowers the incidence and recurrence of several cancers, alleviates cancer-related adverse events, enhances the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments, and improves the quality of life of cancer patients. Revealing the mechanisms of PA inhibiting tumor metastasis could upgrade our understanding of cancer biology and help researchers explore new therapeutic strategies to improve survival in cancer patients. However, it remains poorly understood how physical activity prevents metastasis by modulating tumor behavior. The immune system is involved in each step of tumor metastasis. From invasion to colonization, immune cells interact with tumor cells to secret cytokines and proteases to remodel the tumor microenvironment. Substantial studies demonstrated the ability of physical activity to induce antitumor effects of immune cells. This provides the possibility that physical activity can modulate immune cells behavior to attenuate tumor metastasis. The purpose of this review is to discuss and summarize the critical link between immune function and exercise in metastasis prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Zheng
- Division of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Head and Neck Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Chengdu First People’s Hospital & Chengdu Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaqing Yang
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaomeng Yin
- Division of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Division of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Head and Neck Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Head and Neck Oncology Ward, Division of Radiotherapy Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Wu, ; Xuelei Ma,
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Division of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Wu, ; Xuelei Ma,
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Jin Z, Sun X, Wang Y, Zhou C, Yang H, Zhou S. Regulation of autophagy fires up the cold tumor microenvironment to improve cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1018903. [PMID: 36300110 PMCID: PMC9589261 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, have revolutionized the treatment of patients with advanced and metastatic tumors resistant to traditional therapies. However, the immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment (TME) results in a weak response to immunotherapy. Therefore, to realize the full potential of immunotherapy and obstacle barriers, it is essential to explore how to convert cold TME to hot TME. Autophagy is a crucial cellular process that preserves cellular stability in the cellular components of the TME, contributing to the characterization of the immunosuppressive TME. Targeted autophagy ignites immunosuppressive TME by influencing antigen release, antigen presentation, antigen recognition, and immune cell trafficking, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy and overcoming resistance to immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the characteristics and components of TME, explore the mechanisms and functions of autophagy in the characterization and regulation of TME, and discuss autophagy-based therapies as adjuvant enhancers of immunotherapy to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Jin
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuefeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaoyao Wang
- Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College/National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haihua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Suna Zhou, ; HaihuaYang,
| | - Suna Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xi’an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Suna Zhou, ; HaihuaYang,
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13
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Abou Khouzam R, Zaarour RF, Brodaczewska K, Azakir B, Venkatesh GH, Thiery J, Terry S, Chouaib S. The Effect of Hypoxia and Hypoxia-Associated Pathways in the Regulation of Antitumor Response: Friends or Foes? Front Immunol 2022; 13:828875. [PMID: 35211123 PMCID: PMC8861358 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.828875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is an environmental stressor that is instigated by low oxygen availability. It fuels the progression of solid tumors by driving tumor plasticity, heterogeneity, stemness and genomic instability. Hypoxia metabolically reprograms the tumor microenvironment (TME), adding insult to injury to the acidic, nutrient deprived and poorly vascularized conditions that act to dampen immune cell function. Through its impact on key cancer hallmarks and by creating a physical barrier conducive to tumor survival, hypoxia modulates tumor cell escape from the mounted immune response. The tumor cell-immune cell crosstalk in the context of a hypoxic TME tips the balance towards a cold and immunosuppressed microenvironment that is resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Nonetheless, evidence is emerging that could make hypoxia an asset for improving response to ICI. Tackling the tumor immune contexture has taken on an in silico, digitalized approach with an increasing number of studies applying bioinformatics to deconvolute the cellular and non-cellular elements of the TME. Such approaches have additionally been combined with signature-based proxies of hypoxia to further dissect the turbulent hypoxia-immune relationship. In this review we will be highlighting the mechanisms by which hypoxia impacts immune cell functions and how that could translate to predicting response to immunotherapy in an era of machine learning and computational biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Faouzi Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Klaudia Brodaczewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bilal Azakir
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Goutham Hassan Venkatesh
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jerome Thiery
- INSERM U1186, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Stéphane Terry
- INSERM U1186, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Research Department, Inovarion, Paris, France
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.,INSERM U1186, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
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14
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Abd El-Aziz YS, Leck LYW, Jansson PJ, Sahni S. Emerging Role of Autophagy in the Development and Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6152. [PMID: 34944772 PMCID: PMC8699656 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process, which is characterized by degradation of damaged proteins and organelles needed to supply the cell with essential nutrients. At basal levels, autophagy is important to maintain cellular homeostasis and development. It is also a stress responsive process that allows the cells to survive when subjected to stressful conditions such as nutrient deprivation. Autophagy has been implicated in many pathologies including cancer. It is well established that autophagy plays a dual role in different cancer types. There is emerging role of autophagy in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development and progression. This review will focus on the role played by autophagy in relation to different aspects of cancer progression and discuss recent studies exploring the role of autophagy in OSCC. It will further discuss potential therapeutic approaches to target autophagy in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yomna S. Abd El-Aziz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW 2064, Australia
- Oral Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Lionel Y. W. Leck
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW 2064, Australia
- Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J. Jansson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW 2064, Australia
- Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW 2064, Australia
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15
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Tittarelli A. Connexin channels modulation in pathophysiology and treatment of immune and inflammatory disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166258. [PMID: 34450245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Connexin-mediated intercellular communication mechanisms include bidirectional cell-to-cell coupling by gap junctions and release/influx of molecules by hemichannels. These intercellular communications have relevant roles in numerous immune system activities. Here, we review the current knowledge about the function of connexin channels, mainly those formed by connexin-43, on immunity and inflammation. Focusing on those evidence that support the design and development of therapeutic tools to modulate connexin expression and/or channel activities with treatment potential for infections, wounds, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Tittarelli
- Programa Institucional de Fomento a la Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Santiago 8940577, Chile.
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16
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Understanding the Role of Autophagy in Cancer Formation and Progression Is a Real Opportunity to Treat and Cure Human Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225622. [PMID: 34830777 PMCID: PMC8616104 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The modulation of autophagy represents a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer. More than one hundred clinical trials have been conducted or are ongoing to explore the efficacy of autophagy modulators to reduce the tumor growth and potentiate the anti-cancer effects of conventional therapy. Despite this, the effective role of autophagy during tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis remains not well understood. Depending on the cancer type and stage of cancer, autophagy may have tumor suppressor properties as well as help cancer cells to proliferate and evade cancer therapy. The current review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the autophagy implications in cancer and report the therapeutic opportunities based on the modulation of the autophagy process. Abstract The malignant transformation of a cell produces the accumulation of several cellular adaptions. These changes determine variations in biological processes that are necessary for a cancerous cell to survive during stressful conditions. Autophagy is the main nutrient recycling and metabolic adaptor mechanism in eukaryotic cells, represents a continuous source of energy and biomolecules, and is fundamental to preserve the correct cellular homeostasis during unfavorable conditions. In recent decades, several findings demonstrate a close relationship between autophagy, malignant transformation, and cancer progression. The evidence suggests that autophagy in the cancer context has a bipolar role (it may act as a tumor suppressor and as a mechanism of cell survival for established tumors) and demonstrates that the targeting of autophagy may represent novel therapeutic opportunities. Accordingly, the modulation of autophagy has important clinical benefits in patients affected by diverse cancer types. Currently, about 30 clinical trials are actively investigating the efficacy of autophagy modulators to enhance the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy treatments. A deeper understanding of the molecular pathways regulating autophagy in the cancer context will provide new ways to target autophagy for improving the therapeutic benefits. Herein, we describe how autophagy participates during malignant transformation and cancer progression, and we report the ultimate efforts to translate this knowledge into specific therapeutic approaches to treat and cure human cancers.
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17
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Han XJ, Zhang WF, Wang Q, Li M, Zhang CB, Yang ZJ, Tan RJ, Gan LJ, Zhang LL, Lan XM, Zhang FL, Hong T, Jiang LP. HIF-1α promotes the proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells via activation of Cx43. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10663-10673. [PMID: 34698450 PMCID: PMC8581339 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is an important cause of pulmonary vascular remodelling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). However, its underlying mechanism has not been well elucidated. Connexin 43 (Cx43) plays crucial roles in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in various cardiovascular diseases. Here, the male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to hypoxia (10% O2 ) for 21 days to induce rat HPH model. PASMCs were treated with CoCl2 (200 µM) for 24 h to establish the HPH cell model. It was found that hypoxia up-regulated the expression of Cx43 and phosphorylation of Cx43 at Ser 368 in rat pulmonary arteries and PASMCs, and stimulated the proliferation and migration of PASMCs. HIF-1α inhibitor echinomycin attenuated the CoCl2 -induced Cx43 expression and phosphorylation of Cx43 at Ser 368 in PASMCs. The interaction between HIF-1α and Cx43 promotor was also identified using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Moreover, Cx43 specific blocker (37,43 Gap27) or knockdown of Cx43 efficiently alleviated the proliferation and migration of PASMCs under chemically induced hypoxia. Therefore, the results above suggest that HIF-1α, as an upstream regulator, promotes the expression of Cx43, and the HIF-1α/Cx43 axis regulates the proliferation and migration of PASMCs in HPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jian Han
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Geriatrics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei-Fang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chun-Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhang-Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ren-Jie Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-Jun Gan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Le-Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xue-Mei Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fang-Lin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-Ping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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18
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Klionsky DJ, Petroni G, Amaravadi RK, Baehrecke EH, Ballabio A, Boya P, Bravo‐San Pedro JM, Cadwell K, Cecconi F, Choi AMK, Choi ME, Chu CT, Codogno P, Colombo M, Cuervo AM, Deretic V, Dikic I, Elazar Z, Eskelinen E, Fimia GM, Gewirtz DA, Green DR, Hansen M, Jäättelä M, Johansen T, Juhász G, Karantza V, Kraft C, Kroemer G, Ktistakis NT, Kumar S, Lopez‐Otin C, Macleod KF, Madeo F, Martinez J, Meléndez A, Mizushima N, Münz C, Penninger JM, Perera R, Piacentini M, Reggiori F, Rubinsztein DC, Ryan K, Sadoshima J, Santambrogio L, Scorrano L, Simon H, Simon AK, Simonsen A, Stolz A, Tavernarakis N, Tooze SA, Yoshimori T, Yuan J, Yue Z, Zhong Q, Galluzzi L, Pietrocola F. Autophagy in major human diseases. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108863. [PMID: 34459017 PMCID: PMC8488577 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 700] [Impact Index Per Article: 233.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a core molecular pathway for the preservation of cellular and organismal homeostasis. Pharmacological and genetic interventions impairing autophagy responses promote or aggravate disease in a plethora of experimental models. Consistently, mutations in autophagy-related processes cause severe human pathologies. Here, we review and discuss preclinical data linking autophagy dysfunction to the pathogenesis of major human disorders including cancer as well as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, pulmonary, renal, infectious, musculoskeletal, and ocular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Petroni
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ravi K Amaravadi
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Abramson Cancer CenterUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Eric H Baehrecke
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and MedicinePozzuoliItaly
- Department of Translational Medical SciencesSection of PediatricsFederico II UniversityNaplesItaly
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of Medicine, and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research InstituteTexas Children HospitalHoustonTXUSA
| | - Patricia Boya
- Margarita Salas Center for Biological ResearchSpanish National Research CouncilMadridSpain
| | - José Manuel Bravo‐San Pedro
- Faculty of MedicineDepartment Section of PhysiologyComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
| | - Ken Cadwell
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball InstituteNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of MicrobiologyNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineNew York University Langone HealthNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- Cell Stress and Survival UnitCenter for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD)Danish Cancer Society Research CenterCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Pediatric Onco‐Hematology and Cell and Gene TherapyIRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's HospitalRomeItaly
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’RomeItaly
| | - Augustine M K Choi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineJoan and Sanford I. Weill Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- New York‐Presbyterian HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Mary E Choi
- New York‐Presbyterian HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Division of Nephrology and HypertensionJoan and Sanford I. Weill Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Charleen T Chu
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Patrice Codogno
- Institut Necker‐Enfants MaladesINSERM U1151‐CNRS UMR 8253ParisFrance
- Université de ParisParisFrance
| | - Maria Isabel Colombo
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares Implicados en el Tráfico Vesicular y la Autofagia‐Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM)‐Universidad Nacional de CuyoCONICET‐ Facultad de Ciencias MédicasMendozaArgentina
| | - Ana Maria Cuervo
- Department of Developmental and Molecular BiologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
- Institute for Aging StudiesAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
| | - Vojo Deretic
- Autophagy Inflammation and Metabolism (AIMCenter of Biomedical Research ExcellenceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences CenterAlbuquerqueNMUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences CenterAlbuquerqueNMUSA
| | - Ivan Dikic
- Institute of Biochemistry IISchool of MedicineGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life SciencesGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Zvulun Elazar
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesThe Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | | | - Gian Maria Fimia
- Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
- Department of EpidemiologyPreclinical Research, and Advanced DiagnosticsNational Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘L. Spallanzani’ IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - David A Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologySchool of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVAUSA
| | - Douglas R Green
- Department of ImmunologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Malene Hansen
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery InstituteProgram of DevelopmentAging, and RegenerationLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Marja Jäättelä
- Cell Death and MetabolismCenter for Autophagy, Recycling & DiseaseDanish Cancer Society Research CenterCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Terje Johansen
- Department of Medical BiologyMolecular Cancer Research GroupUniversity of Tromsø—The Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Institute of GeneticsBiological Research CenterSzegedHungary
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental BiologyEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | | | - Claudine Kraft
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyZBMZFaculty of MedicineUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- CIBSS ‐ Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling StudiesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des CordeliersEquipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le CancerUniversité de ParisSorbonne UniversitéInserm U1138Institut Universitaire de FranceParisFrance
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology PlatformsInstitut Gustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
- Pôle de BiologieHôpital Européen Georges PompidouAP‐HPParisFrance
- Suzhou Institute for Systems MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesSuzhouChina
- Karolinska InstituteDepartment of Women's and Children's HealthKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | | | - Sharad Kumar
- Centre for Cancer BiologyUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Carlos Lopez‐Otin
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología MolecularFacultad de MedicinaInstituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA)Universidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC)MadridSpain
| | - Kay F Macleod
- The Ben May Department for Cancer ResearchThe Gordon Center for Integrative SciencesW‐338The University of ChicagoChicagoILUSA
- The University of ChicagoChicagoILUSA
| | - Frank Madeo
- Institute of Molecular BiosciencesNAWI GrazUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
- BioTechMed‐GrazGrazAustria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth – University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Jennifer Martinez
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease LaboratoryNational Institute of Environmental Health SciencesNIHResearch Triangle ParkNCUSA
| | - Alicia Meléndez
- Biology Department, Queens CollegeCity University of New YorkFlushingNYUSA
- The Graduate Center Biology and Biochemistry PhD Programs of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Noboru Mizushima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral ImmunobiologyInstitute of Experimental ImmunologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA)Vienna BioCenter (VBC)ViennaAustria
- Department of Medical GeneticsLife Sciences InstituteUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Rushika M Perera
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome “Tor Vergata”RomeItaly
- Laboratory of Molecular MedicineInstitute of Cytology Russian Academy of ScienceSaint PetersburgRussia
| | - Fulvio Reggiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & SystemsMolecular Cell Biology SectionUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical GeneticsCambridge Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- UK Dementia Research InstituteUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Kevin M Ryan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Junichi Sadoshima
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular MedicineCardiovascular Research InstituteRutgers New Jersey Medical SchoolNewarkNJUSA
| | - Laura Santambrogio
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Luca Scorrano
- Istituto Veneto di Medicina MolecolarePadovaItaly
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Hans‐Uwe Simon
- Institute of PharmacologyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergologySechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
- Laboratory of Molecular ImmunologyInstitute of Fundamental Medicine and BiologyKazan Federal UniversityKazanRussia
| | | | - Anne Simonsen
- Department of Molecular MedicineInstitute of Basic Medical SciencesUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Centre for Cancer Cell ReprogrammingInstitute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of Molecular Cell BiologyInstitute for Cancer ResearchOslo University Hospital MontebelloOsloNorway
| | - Alexandra Stolz
- Institute of Biochemistry IISchool of MedicineGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life SciencesGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyFoundation for Research and Technology‐HellasHeraklion, CreteGreece
- Department of Basic SciencesSchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklion, CreteGreece
| | - Sharon A Tooze
- Molecular Cell Biology of AutophagyThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Tamotsu Yoshimori
- Department of GeneticsGraduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Department of Intracellular Membrane DynamicsGraduate School of Frontier BiosciencesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science DivisionInstitute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI)Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Junying Yuan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- Department of Cell BiologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Zhenyu Yue
- Department of NeurologyFriedman Brain InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Qing Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationDepartment of PathophysiologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTU‐SM)ShanghaiChina
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of DermatologyYale School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
- Université de ParisParisFrance
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19
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Orellana VP, Tittarelli A, Retamal MA. Connexins in melanoma: Potential role of Cx46 in its aggressiveness. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:853-868. [PMID: 33140904 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer, and in metastatic advanced states, it is completely refractory to chemotherapy. Therefore, it is relevant to understand the molecular bases that rule their aggressiveness. Connexins (Cxs) are proteins that under normal physiological conditions participate in intercellular communication, via the exchange of signaling molecules between the cytoplasm and extracellular milieu and the exchange of ions/second messengers between the cytoplasm of contacting cells. These proteins have shown important roles in cancer progression, chemo- and radiotherapy resistance, and metastasis. Accordingly, Cx26 and Cx43 seem to play important roles in melanoma progression and metastasis. On the other hand, Cx46 is typically expressed in the eye lens, where it seems to be associated with oxidative stress protection in fiber lens cells. However, in the last decade, Cx46 expression has been associated with breast and brain cancers, due to its role in potentiation of both extracellular vesicle release and cancer stem cell-like properties. In this review, we analyzed a potential role of Cx46 as a new biomarker and therapeutic target in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana P Orellana
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Clinica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Clínica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Tittarelli
- Programa Institucional de Fomento a la Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (PIDi), Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana (UTEM), Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Clinica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Clínica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
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20
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Carvajal L, Gutiérrez J, Morselli E, Leiva A. Autophagy Process in Trophoblast Cells Invasion and Differentiation: Similitude and Differences With Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:637594. [PMID: 33937039 PMCID: PMC8082112 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.637594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early human placental development begins with blastocyst implantation, then the trophoblast differentiates and originates the cells required for a proper fetal nutrition and placental implantation. Among them, extravillous trophoblast corresponds to a non-proliferating trophoblast highly invasive that allows the vascular remodeling which is essential for appropriate placental perfusion and to maintain the adequate fetal growth. This process involves different placental cell types as well as molecules that allow cell growth, cellular adhesion, tissular remodeling, and immune tolerance. Remarkably, some of the cellular processes required for proper placentation are common between placental and cancer cells to finally support tumor growth. Indeed, as in placentation trophoblasts invade and migrate, cancer cells invade and migrate to promote tumor metastasis. However, while these processes respond to a controlled program in trophoblasts, in cancer cells this regulation is lost. Interestingly, it has been shown that autophagy, a process responsible for the degradation of damaged proteins and organelles to maintain cellular homeostasis, is required for invasion of trophoblast cells and for vascular remodeling during placentation. In cancer cells, autophagy has a dual role, as it has been shown both as tumor promoter and inhibitor, depending on the stage and tumor considered. In this review, we summarized the similarities and differences between trophoblast cell invasion and cancer cell metastasis specifically evaluating the role of autophagy in both processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Carvajal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jaime Gutiérrez
- School of Medical Technology, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eugenia Morselli
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Autophagy Research Center, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Leiva
- School of Medical Technology, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile
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21
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Hypoxia and Extracellular Acidification as Drivers of Melanoma Progression and Drug Resistance. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040862. [PMID: 33918883 PMCID: PMC8070386 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia and elevated extracellular acidification are prevalent features of solid tumors and they are often shown to facilitate cancer progression and drug resistance. In this review, we have compiled recent and most relevant research pertaining to the role of hypoxia and acidification in melanoma growth, invasiveness, and response to therapy. Melanoma represents a highly aggressive and heterogeneous type of skin cancer. Currently employed treatments, including BRAF V600E inhibitors and immune therapy, often are not effective due to a rapidly developing drug resistance. A variety of intracellular mechanisms impeding the treatment were discovered. However, the tumor microenvironment encompassing stromal and immune cells, extracellular matrix, and physicochemical conditions such as oxygen level or acidity, may also influence the therapy effectiveness. Hypoxia and acidification are able to reprogram the metabolism of melanoma cells, enhance their survival and invasiveness, as well as promote the immunosuppressive environment. For this reason, these physicochemical features of the melanoma niche and signaling pathways related to them emerge as potential therapeutic targets.
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22
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Jiang T, Chen X, Ren X, Yang JM, Cheng Y. Emerging role of autophagy in anti-tumor immunity: Implications for the modulation of immunotherapy resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 56:100752. [PMID: 33765484 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies such as CAR-T cell transfer and antibody-targeted therapy have produced promising clinical outcomes in patients with advanced and metastatic cancer that are resistant to conventional therapies. However, with increasing use of cancer immunotherapy in clinical treatment, multiple therapy-resistance mechanisms have gradually emerged. The tumor microenvironment (TME), an integral component of cancer, can significantly influence the therapeutic response. Thus, it is worth exploring the potential of TME in modulating therapy resistance, in the hope to devise novel strategies to reinforcing anti-cancer treatments such as immunotherapy. As a crucial recycling process in the complex TME, the role of autophagy in tumor immunity has been increasingly appreciated. Firstly, autophagy in tumor cells can affect their immune response through modulating MHC-I-antigen complexes, thus modulating immunogenic tumor cell death, changing functions of immune cells via secretory autophagy, reducing the NK- and CTL-mediated cell lysis and degradation of immune checkpoint proteins. Secondly, autophagy is critical for the differentiation, maturation and survival of immune cells in the TME and can significantly affect the immune function of these cells, thereby regulating the anti-tumor immune response. Thirdly, alteration of autophagic activity in stromal cells, especially in fibroblasts, can reconstruct the three-dimensional stromal environment and metabolic reprogramming in the TME. A number of studies have demonstrated that optimal induction or inhibition of autophagy may lead to effective therapeutic regimens when combined with immunotherapy. This review discusses the important roles of autophagy in tumor cells, immune cells and stromal cells in the context of tumor immunity, and the potential of combining the autophagy-based therapy with immunotherapy as novel therapeutic approaches against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xisha Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xingcong Ren
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pharmacology, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Jin-Ming Yang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pharmacology, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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23
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Zefferino R, Piccoli C, Di Gioia S, Capitanio N, Conese M. How Cells Communicate with Each Other in the Tumor Microenvironment: Suggestions to Design Novel Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052550. [PMID: 33806300 PMCID: PMC7961918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin- and pannexin (Panx)-formed hemichannels (HCs) and gap junctions (GJs) operate an interaction with the extracellular matrix and GJ intercellular communication (GJIC), and on account of this they are involved in cancer onset and progression towards invasiveness and metastatization. When we deal with cancer, it is not correct to omit the immune system, as well as neglecting its role in resisting or succumbing to formation and progression of incipient neoplasia until the formation of micrometastasis, nevertheless what really occurs in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are the main players and which are the tumor or body allies, is still unclear. The goal of this article is to discuss how the pivotal players act, which can enhance or contrast cancer progression during two important process: "Activating Invasion and Metastasis" and the "Avoiding Immune Destruction", with a particular emphasis on the interplay among GJIC, Panx-HCs, and the purinergic system in the TME without disregarding the inflammasome and cytokines thereof derived. In particular, the complex and contrasting roles of Panx1/P2X7R signalosome in tumor facilitation and/or inhibition is discussed in regard to the early/late phases of the carcinogenesis. Finally, considering this complex interplay in the TME between cancer cells, stromal cells, immune cells, and focusing on their means of communication, we should be capable of revealing harmful messages that help the cancer growth and transform them in body allies, thus designing novel therapeutic strategies to fight cancer in a personalized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Zefferino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.D.G.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0881-884673
| | - Claudia Piccoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (C.P.); (N.C.)
| | - Sante Di Gioia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.D.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Nazzareno Capitanio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (C.P.); (N.C.)
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.D.G.); (M.C.)
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24
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Targeting the stress support network regulated by autophagy and senescence for cancer treatment. Adv Cancer Res 2021; 150:75-112. [PMID: 33858601 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy and cellular senescence are two potent tumor suppressive mechanisms activated by various cellular stresses, including the expression of activated oncogenes. However, emerging evidence has also indicated their pro-tumorigenic activities, strengthening the case for the complexity of tumorigenesis. More specifically, tumorigenesis is a systemic process emanating from the combined accumulation of changes in the tumor support pathways, many of which cannot cause cancer on their own but might still provide excellent therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the dual roles of autophagy and senescence during tumorigenesis, with a specific focus on the stress support networks in cancer cells modulated by these processes. A deeper understanding of such context-dependent roles may help to enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies targeting autophagy and senescence, while limiting their potential side effects. This will steer and accelerate the pace of research and drug development for cancer treatment.
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25
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Luo X, Qiu Y, Dinesh P, Gong W, Jiang L, Feng X, Li J, Jiang Y, Lei YL, Chen Q. The functions of autophagy at the tumour-immune interface. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:2333-2341. [PMID: 33605033 PMCID: PMC7933948 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is frequently induced in the hypoxic tumour microenvironment. Accumulating evidence reveals important functions of autophagy at the tumour-immune interface. Herein, we propose an update on the roles of autophagy in modulating tumour immunity. Autophagy promotes adaptive resistance of established tumours to the cytotoxic effects of natural killer cells (NKs), macrophages and effector T cells. Increased autophagic flux in tumours dampen their immunogenicity and inhibits the expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) by suppressing the activation of STING type I interferon signalling (IFN-I) innate immune sensing pathway. Autophagy in suppressive tumour-infiltrating immune subsets maintains their survival through metabolic remodelling. On the other hand, autophagy is involved in the antigen processing and presentation process, which is essential for anti-tumour immune responses. Genetic deletion of autophagy induces spontaneous tumours in some models. Thus, the role of autophagy is context-dependent. In summary, our review has revealed the dichotomous roles of autophagy in modulating tumour immunity. Broad targeting of autophagy may not yield maximal benefits. The characterization of specific genes regulating tumour immunogenicity and innovation in targeted delivery of autophagy inhibitors into certain tumours are among the most urgent tasks to sensitize cold cancers to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Qiu
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Palani Dinesh
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rogel Cancer Center, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rogel Cancer Center, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuchen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu L Lei
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rogel Cancer Center, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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26
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Yamazaki T, Bravo-San Pedro JM, Galluzzi L, Kroemer G, Pietrocola F. Autophagy in the cancer-immunity dialogue. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 169:40-50. [PMID: 33301821 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is quintessential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis in all eukaryotic cells, explaining why both normal and malignant cells benefit from proficient autophagic responses. Moreover, autophagy is intimately involved in the immunological control of malignant transformation, tumor progression and response to therapy. However, the net effect of autophagy activation or inhibition on the natural growth or therapeutic response of tumors evolving in immunocompetent hosts exhibits a considerable degree of context dependency. Here, we discuss the complex cross-talk between autophagy and immuno-oncology as delineated by genetic and pharmacological approaches in mouse models of cancer.
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27
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Role of Hypoxia-Mediated Autophagy in Tumor Cell Death and Survival. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030533. [PMID: 33573362 PMCID: PMC7866864 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death or type I apoptosis has been extensively studied and its contribution to the pathogenesis of disease is well established. However, autophagy functions together with apoptosis to determine the overall fate of the cell. The cross talk between this active self-destruction process and apoptosis is quite complex and contradictory as well, but it is unquestionably decisive for cell survival or cell death. Autophagy can promote tumor suppression but also tumor growth by inducing cancer-cell development and proliferation. In this review, we will discuss how autophagy reprograms tumor cells in the context of tumor hypoxic stress. We will illustrate how autophagy acts as both a suppressor and a driver of tumorigenesis through tuning survival in a context dependent manner. We also shed light on the relationship between autophagy and immune response in this complex regulation. A better understanding of the autophagy mechanisms and pathways will undoubtedly ameliorate the design of therapeutics aimed at targeting autophagy for future cancer immunotherapies.
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28
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Abstract
Autophagy is deregulated in many cancers and represents an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. However, the precise contributions of autophagy to metastatic progression, the principle cause of cancer-related mortality, is only now being uncovered. While autophagy promotes primary tumor growth, metabolic adaptation and resistance to therapy, recent studies have unexpectedly revealed that autophagy suppresses the proliferative outgrowth of disseminated tumor cells into overt and lethal macrometastases. These studies suggest autophagy plays unexpected and complex roles in the initiation and progression of metastases, which will undoubtedly impact therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Here, we discuss the intricacies of autophagy in metastatic progression, highlighting and integrating the pleiotropic roles of autophagy on diverse cell biological processes involved in metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Marsh
- Department of Pathology and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Bhairavi Tolani
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115 USA
| | - Jayanta Debnath
- Department of Pathology and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
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29
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Tittarelli A, Navarrete M, Lizana M, Hofmann-Vega F, Salazar-Onfray F. Hypoxic Melanoma Cells Deliver microRNAs to Dendritic Cells and Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes through Connexin-43 Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207567. [PMID: 33066331 PMCID: PMC7589225 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in microRNA (miRNA) profiles, induced by tumor microenvironment stressors, like hypoxia, allow cancer cells to acquire immune-resistance phenotypes. Indeed, hypoxia-induced miRNAs have been implicated in cancer progression through numerous cancer cell non-autonomous mechanisms, including the direct transfer of hypoxia-responsive miRNA from cancer to immune cells via extracellular vesicles. Connexin-43 (Cx43)-constituted gap junctions (GJs) have also been involved in miRNA intercellular mobilization, in other biological processes. In this report, we aimed to evaluate the involvement of Cx43-GJs in the shift of miRNAs induced by hypoxia, from hypoxic melanoma cells to dendritic cells and melanoma-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Using qRT-PCR arrays, we identified that miR-192-5p was strongly induced in hypoxic melanoma cells. Immune cells acquired this miRNA after co-culture with hypoxic melanoma cells. The transfer of miR-192-5p was inhibited when hypoxic melanoma cells expressed a dominant negative Cx43 mutant or when Cx43 expression was silenced using specific short-hairpin RNAs. Interestingly, miR-192-5p levels on CTLs after co-culture with hypoxic melanoma cells were inversely correlated with the cytotoxic activity of T cells and with ZEB2 mRNA expression, a validated immune-related target of miR-192-5p, which is also observed in vivo. Altogether, our data suggest that hypoxic melanoma cells may suppress CTLs cytotoxic activity by transferring hypoxia-induced miR-192-5p through a Cx43-GJs driven mechanism, constituting a resistance strategy for immunological tumor escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Tittarelli
- Programa Institucional de Fomento a la Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (PIDi), Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana (UTEM), Santiago 8940577, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-2-2787-7903
| | - Mariela Navarrete
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (M.N.); (M.L.); (F.H.-V.); (F.S.-O.)
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Marcelo Lizana
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (M.N.); (M.L.); (F.H.-V.); (F.S.-O.)
| | - Francisca Hofmann-Vega
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (M.N.); (M.L.); (F.H.-V.); (F.S.-O.)
| | - Flavio Salazar-Onfray
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (M.N.); (M.L.); (F.H.-V.); (F.S.-O.)
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
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30
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Yang HZ, Zhou XH. Mechanism for hypoxia inducible factor-1α to promote immune escape and therapeutic tolerance in hepatocellular carcinoma under hypoxic microenvironment. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2020; 28:904-913. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v28.i18.904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the largest immune organ in the body, and immunologic tolerance and escape mechanisms play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. HCC has a complex tumor microenvironment (TME), and it is necessary to study the mechanism that causes HCC cells to escape the body immune surveillance and produce therapeutic resistance in HCC clinical treatment. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that contains α subunits regulated by hypoxia. Tumor cells highly express HIF-1α in a hypoxic environment, which participates in the processes of tumor cell proliferation and metastasis, microvascular production, immune escape, and therapeutic tolerance, ultimately promoting tumorigenesis and development. In this paper, we will elaborate on the mechanisms by which HCC cells activate HIF-1α expression to promote hypoxic adaptation in cancer cells and regulate immune escape and treatment tolerance in hypoxic TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Zhen Yang
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xi-Han Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical College Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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31
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Morand S, Stanbery L, Walter A, Rocconi RP, Nemunaitis J. BRCA1/2 Mutation Status Impact on Autophagy and Immune Response: Unheralded Target. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2020; 4:pkaa077. [PMID: 33409454 PMCID: PMC7771003 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkaa077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BRCA1 and possibly BRCA2 proteins may relate to the regulation of autophagy. Autophagy plays a key role in immune response from both a tumor and immune effector cell standpoint. In cells with BRCA mutations, increased autophagy leads to elevated expression of major histocompatibility complex class II but may cause subclonal neoantigen presentation, which may impair the immune response related to clonal neoantigen visibility. We review evidence of BRCA1/2 regulation of autophagy, immune response, and antigen presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Morand
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Rodney P Rocconi
- University of South Alabama - Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, AL, USA
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32
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Camuzard O, Santucci-Darmanin S, Carle GF, Pierrefite-Carle V. Autophagy in the crosstalk between tumor and microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2020; 490:143-153. [PMID: 32634449 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is the major catabolic process in eukaryotic cells for the degradation and recycling of damaged macromolecules and organelles. It plays a crucial role in cell quality control and nutrient supply under stress conditions. Although autophagy is classically described as a degradative mechanism, it can also be involved in some secretion pathways, leading to the extracellular release of proteins, aggregates, or organelles. The role of autophagy in cancer is complex and depends on tumor development stage. While autophagy limits cancer development in the early stages of tumorigenesis, it can also have a protumoral role in more advanced cancers, promoting primary tumor growth and metastatic spread. In addition to its pro-survival role in established tumors, autophagy recently emerged as an active player in the crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells. The aim of this review is to analyze the impact of tumoral autophagy on the microenvironment and conversely the effect of stromal cell autophagy on tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Camuzard
- UMR E-4320 TIRO-MATOs CEA/DRF/Institut des sciences du vivant Frédéric Joliot, Université Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, Nice, France; Service de Chirurgie Réparatrice et de la Main, CHU de Nice, Nice, France
| | - Sabine Santucci-Darmanin
- UMR E-4320 TIRO-MATOs CEA/DRF/Institut des sciences du vivant Frédéric Joliot, Université Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, Nice, France
| | - Georges F Carle
- UMR E-4320 TIRO-MATOs CEA/DRF/Institut des sciences du vivant Frédéric Joliot, Université Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, Nice, France
| | - Valérie Pierrefite-Carle
- UMR E-4320 TIRO-MATOs CEA/DRF/Institut des sciences du vivant Frédéric Joliot, Université Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, Nice, France.
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33
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Sordo-Bahamonde C, Lorenzo-Herrero S, Payer ÁR, Gonzalez S, López-Soto A. Mechanisms of Apoptosis Resistance to NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103726. [PMID: 32466293 PMCID: PMC7279491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are major contributors to immunosurveillance and control of tumor development by inducing apoptosis of malignant cells. Among the main mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, the death receptor pathway and the release of granules containing perforin/granzymes stand out due to their efficacy in eliminating tumor cells. However, accumulated evidence suggest a profound immune suppression in the context of tumor progression affecting effector cells, such as NK cells, leading to decreased cytotoxicity. This diminished capability, together with the development of resistance to apoptosis by cancer cells, favor the loss of immunogenicity and promote immunosuppression, thus partially inducing NK cell-mediated killing resistance. Altered expression patterns of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins along with genetic background comprise the main mechanisms of resistance to NK cell-related apoptosis. Herein, we summarize the main effector cytotoxic mechanisms against tumor cells, as well as the major resistance strategies acquired by tumor cells that hamper the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways related to NK cell-mediated killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sordo-Bahamonde
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.-B.); (A.L.-S.)
| | - Seila Lorenzo-Herrero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ángel R. Payer
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandro López-Soto
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.-B.); (A.L.-S.)
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Connexin-Mediated Signaling at the Immunological Synapse. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103736. [PMID: 32466338 PMCID: PMC7279457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunological synapse (IS) is an intercellular communication platform, organized at the contact site of two adjacent cells, where at least one is an immune cell. Functional IS formation is fundamental for the modulation of the most relevant immune system activities, such as T cell activation by antigen presenting cells and T cell/natural killer (NK) cell-mediated target cell (infected or cancer) killing. Extensive evidence suggests that connexins, in particular connexin-43 (Cx43) hemichannels and/or gap junctions, regulate signaling events in different types of IS. Although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, the current evidence suggests that Cx43 channels could act as facilitators for calcium ions, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and/or adenosine triphosphate uptake and/or release at the interface of interacting cells. These second messengers have relevant roles in the IS signaling during dendritic cell-mediated T and NK cell activation, regulatory T cell-mediated immune suppression, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte or NK cell-mediated target tumor cell killing. Additionally, as the cytoplasmic C-terminus domain of Cx43 interacts with a plethora of proteins, Cx43 may act as scaffolds for integration of various regulatory proteins at the IS, as suggested by the high number of Cx43-interacting proteins that translocate at these cell-cell interface domains. In this review, we provide an updated overview and analysis on the role and possible underlying mechanisms of Cx43 in IS signaling.
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Varela-Vázquez A, Guitián-Caamaño A, Carpintero-Fernandez P, Fonseca E, Sayedyahossein S, Aasen T, Penuela S, Mayán MD. Emerging functions and clinical prospects of connexins and pannexins in melanoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188380. [PMID: 32461135 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cellular communication through gap junctions and hemichannels formed by connexins and through channels made by pannexins allows for metabolic cooperation and control of cellular activity and signalling. These channel proteins have been described to be tumour suppressors that regulate features such as cell death, proliferation and differentiation. However, they display cancer type-dependent and stage-dependent functions and may facilitate tumour progression through junctional and non-junctional pathways. The accumulated knowledge and emerging strategies to target connexins and pannexins are providing novel clinical opportunities for the treatment of cancer. Here, we provide an updated overview of the role of connexins and pannexins in malignant melanoma. We discuss how targeting of these channel proteins may be used to potentiate antitumour effects in therapeutic settings, including through improved immune-mediated tumour elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Varela-Vázquez
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Amanda Guitián-Caamaño
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Paula Carpintero-Fernandez
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fonseca
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain; Dermatology Deparment, University Hospital of A Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Samar Sayedyahossein
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - María D Mayán
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain.
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Tan HX, Yang SL, Li MQ, Wang HY. Autophagy suppression of trophoblast cells induces pregnancy loss by activating decidual NK cytotoxicity and inhibiting trophoblast invasion. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:73. [PMID: 32398034 PMCID: PMC7218578 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00579-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The crosstalk between trophoblast cells and decidual NK cells plays an important role in the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. Recent studies reported that autophagy can induce immune tolerance at the maternal fetal interface, while the mechanism remains unclear. METHODS Autophagy levels in the villi of normal and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients were detected by transmission electron microscopy. After co-cultured with trophoblast cells pretreated with 3-MA or rapamycin, NK cells were collected and the expression of killer receptors was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The invasiveness of trophoblasts was tested by Cell invasion assay. RESULTS Compared with elective pregnancy termination patients, the level of autophagy in the villi of RSA patients was significantly decreased. Inducing the autophagy level in trophoblast cells with rapamycin could significantly inhibit the cytotoxicity of NK cells in the co-culture system, and supplement of IGF-2 could rectify this effect. Meanwhile, autophagy suppression of trophoblasts reduced the level of Paternally Expressed Gene 10 (PEG10), leading to the impairment of trophoblast cell invasion. In addition, NK cells educated by autophagy-inhibited trophoblasts further decreased the proliferation and invasiveness of trophoblasts. In pregnant mice model, injection with 3-MA promoted the cytotoxicity of uterine NK cells, and increased the embryo absorption rate. CONCLUSION Autophagy suppression of trophoblasts increase the cytotoxicity of NK cells and damage the trophoblasts invasion possibly by targeting IGF-2 and PEG10, respectively, which ultimately leads to miscarriage. Video Abstarct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Xia Tan
- Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shen Yang Road 128, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Liang Yang
- Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shen Yang Road 128, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hai-Yan Wang
- Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shen Yang Road 128, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
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Wu Y, Li J, Jabbarzadeh Kaboli P, Shen J, Wu X, Zhao Y, Ji H, Du F, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Zhang H, Yin J, Wen Q, Cho CH, Li M, Xiao Z. Natural killer cells as a double-edged sword in cancer immunotherapy: A comprehensive review from cytokine therapy to adoptive cell immunotherapy. Pharmacol Res 2020; 155:104691. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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38
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Görgülü K, Diakopoulos KN, Kaya-Aksoy E, Ciecielski KJ, Ai J, Lesina M, Algül H. The Role of Autophagy in Pancreatic Cancer: From Bench to the Dark Bedside. Cells 2020; 9:E1063. [PMID: 32344698 PMCID: PMC7226443 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancer types urgently requiring effective therapeutic strategies. Autophagy occurs in several compartments of pancreatic cancer tissue including cancer cells, cancer associated fibroblasts, and immune cells where it can be subjected to a multitude of stimulatory and inhibitory signals fine-tuning its activity. Therefore, the effects of autophagy on pancreatic carcinogenesis and progression differ in a stage and context dependent manner. In the initiation stage autophagy hinders development of preneoplastic lesions; in the progression stage however, autophagy promotes tumor growth. This double-edged action of autophagy makes it a hard therapeutic target. Indeed, autophagy inhibitors have not yet shown survival improvements in clinical trials, indicating a need for better evaluation of existing results and smarter targeting techniques. Clearly, the role of autophagy in pancreatic cancer is complex and many aspects have to be considered when moving from the bench to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kıvanç Görgülü
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; (K.N.D.); (E.K.-A.); (K.J.C.); (J.A.); (M.L.)
| | - Kalliope N. Diakopoulos
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; (K.N.D.); (E.K.-A.); (K.J.C.); (J.A.); (M.L.)
| | - Ezgi Kaya-Aksoy
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; (K.N.D.); (E.K.-A.); (K.J.C.); (J.A.); (M.L.)
| | - Katrin J. Ciecielski
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; (K.N.D.); (E.K.-A.); (K.J.C.); (J.A.); (M.L.)
| | - Jiaoyu Ai
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; (K.N.D.); (E.K.-A.); (K.J.C.); (J.A.); (M.L.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Marina Lesina
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; (K.N.D.); (E.K.-A.); (K.J.C.); (J.A.); (M.L.)
| | - Hana Algül
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; (K.N.D.); (E.K.-A.); (K.J.C.); (J.A.); (M.L.)
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Bouvard C, Genet N, Phan C, Rode B, Thuillet R, Tu L, Robillard P, Campagnac M, Soleti R, Dumas De La Roque E, Delcambre F, Cronier L, Parpaite T, Maurat E, Berger P, Savineau JP, Marthan R, Guignabert C, Freund-Michel V, Guibert C. Connexin-43 is a promising target for pulmonary hypertension due to hypoxaemic lung disease. Eur Respir J 2020; 55:13993003.00169-2019. [PMID: 31862763 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00169-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying pulmonary hypertension (PH) are complex and multifactorial, and involve different cell types that are interconnected through gap junctional channels. Although connexin (Cx)-43 is the most abundant gap junction protein in the heart and lungs, and critically governs intercellular signalling communication, its contribution to PH remains unknown. The focus of the present study is thus to evaluate Cx43 as a potential new target in PH.Expressions of Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43 were studied in lung specimens from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) or PH associated with chronic hypoxaemic lung diseases (chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (CH-PH)). Heterozygous Cx43 knockdown CD1 (Cx43+/-) and wild-type littermate (Cx43+/+) mice at 12 weeks of age were randomly divided into two groups, one of which was maintained in room air and the other exposed to hypoxia (10% oxygen) for 3 weeks. We evaluated pulmonary haemodynamics, remodelling processes in cardiac tissues and pulmonary arteries (PAs), lung inflammation and PA vasoreactivity.Cx43 levels were increased in PAs from CH-PH patients and decreased in PAs from IPAH patients; however, no difference in Cx37 or Cx40 levels was noted. Upon hypoxia treatment, the Cx43+/- mice were partially protected against CH-PH when compared to Cx43+/+ mice, with reduced pulmonary arterial muscularisation and inflammatory infiltration. Interestingly, the adaptive changes in cardiac remodelling in Cx43+/- mice were not affected. PA contraction due to endothelin-1 (ET-1) was increased in Cx43+/- mice under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.Taken together, these results indicate that targeting Cx43 may have beneficial therapeutic effects in PH without affecting compensatory cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Bouvard
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nafiisha Genet
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Carole Phan
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Baptiste Rode
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Raphaël Thuillet
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Ly Tu
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Paul Robillard
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marilyne Campagnac
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Eric Dumas De La Roque
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | | | - Laurent Cronier
- Laboratoire Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires, CNRS ERL 7003, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Thibaud Parpaite
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Elise Maurat
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Patrick Berger
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Savineau
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Roger Marthan
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Christophe Guignabert
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Véronique Freund-Michel
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christelle Guibert
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France .,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
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40
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Flow Cytometry Evaluation of Gap Junction-Mediated Intercellular Communication Between Cytotoxic T Cells and Target Tumor Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2346:225-236. [PMID: 33029747 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2020_326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are clusters of intercellular connexin-formed channels found at the plasma membrane that allow direct communication between the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. Numerous reports have described GJs as modulators of key immunological processes, including in anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we described a simple flow cytometry method to test in vitro antigen-dependent GJ-mediated cell-to-cell coupling between cytotoxic T cells and target melanoma cells.
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41
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Chollat-Namy M, Ben Safta-Saadoun T, Haferssas D, Meurice G, Chouaib S, Thiery J. The pharmalogical reactivation of p53 function improves breast tumor cell lysis by granzyme B and NK cells through induction of autophagy. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:695. [PMID: 31541080 PMCID: PMC6754511 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1950-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer cells (NK)-mediated elimination of tumor cells is mostly dependent on Granzyme B apoptotic pathway, which is regulated by the wild type (wt) p53 protein. Because TP53 inactivating mutations, frequently found in human tumors, could interfere with Granzyme B-mediated cell death, the use of small molecules developed to reactivate wtp53 function in p53-mutated tumor cells could optimize their lysis by CTL or NK cells. Here, we show that the pharmalogical reactivation of a wt-like p53 function in p53-mutated breast cancer cells using the small molecule CP-31398 increases their sensitivity to NK-mediated lysis. This potentiation is dependent on p53-mediated induction of autophagy via the sestrin-AMPK-mTOR pathway and the ULK axis. This CP31398-induced autophagy sequestrates in autophagosomes several anti-apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-XL and XIAP, facilitating Granzyme B-mediated mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, caspase-3 activation and Granzyme B- or NK cell-induced apoptosis. Together, our results define a new way to increase cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated lysis of p53-mutated breast cancer cell, through a p53-dependent autophagy induction, with potential applications in combined immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Chollat-Namy
- INSERM U1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,University Paris Sud, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Thouraya Ben Safta-Saadoun
- INSERM U1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,University Paris Sud, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Djazia Haferssas
- INSERM U1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,University Paris Sud, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Guillaume Meurice
- Bioinformatic Core Facility, INSERM US23/CNRS UMS3655, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Salem Chouaib
- INSERM U1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,University Paris Sud, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Thumbay Research Institute of Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jerome Thiery
- INSERM U1186, Villejuif, France. .,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France. .,University Paris Sud, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
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Song SY, Yoo J, Go S, Hong J, Sohn HS, Lee JR, Kang M, Jeong GJ, Ryu S, Kim SHL, Hwang NS, Char K, Kim BS. Cardiac-mimetic cell-culture system for direct cardiac reprogramming. Theranostics 2019; 9:6734-6744. [PMID: 31660065 PMCID: PMC6815967 DOI: 10.7150/thno.35574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Cardiovascular diseases often cause substantial heart damage and even heart failure due to the limited regenerative capacity of adult cardiomyocytes. The direct cardiac reprogramming of fibroblasts could be a promising therapeutic option for these patients. Although exogenous transcriptional factors can induce direct cardiac reprogramming, the reprogramming efficiency is too low to be used clinically. Herein, we introduce a cardiac-mimetic cell-culture system that resembles the microenvironment in the heart and provides interactions with cardiomyocytes and electrical cues to the cultured fibroblasts for direct cardiac reprogramming. Methods: Nano-thin and nano-porous membranes and heart like electric stimulus were used in the cardiac-mimetic cell-culture system. The human neonatal dermal fibroblasts containing cardiac transcription factors were plated on the membrane and cultured with the murine cardiomyocyte in the presence of the electric stimulus. The reprogramming efficiency was evaluated by qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Results: Nano-thin and nano-porous membranes in the culture system facilitated interactions between fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes in coculture. The cellular interactions and electric stimulation supplied by the culture system dramatically enhanced the cardiac reprogramming efficiency of cardiac-specific transcriptional factor-transfected fibroblasts. Conclusion: The cardiac-mimetic culture system may serve as an effective tool for producing a feasible number of reprogrammed cardiomyocytes from fibroblasts.
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43
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Hofmann F, Navarrete M, Álvarez J, Guerrero I, Gleisner MA, Tittarelli A, Salazar-Onfray F. Cx43-Gap Junctions Accumulate at the Cytotoxic Immunological Synapse Enabling Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Melanoma Cell Killing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184509. [PMID: 31547237 PMCID: PMC6769613 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon tumor antigen recognition, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and target cells form specialized supramolecular structures, called cytotoxic immunological synapses, which are required for polarized delivery of cytotoxic granules. In previous reports, we described the accumulation of connexin 43 (Cx43)-formed gap junctions (GJs) at natural killer (NK) cell–tumor cell cytotoxic immunological synapse. In this report, we demonstrate the functional role of Cx43-GJs at the cytotoxic immunological synapse established between CTLs and melanoma cells during cytotoxicity. Using confocal microscopy, we evaluated Cx43 polarization to the contact site between CTLs isolated from pMEL-1 mice and B16F10 melanoma cells. We knocked down Cx43 expression in B16F10 cells and evaluated its role in the formation of functional GJs and the cytotoxic activity of CTLs, by calcein transfer and granzyme B activity assays, respectively. We found that Cx43 localizes at CTL/B16F10 intercellular contact sites via an antigen-dependent process. We also found that pMEL-1 CTLs but not wild-type naïve CD8+ T cells established functional GJs with B16F10 cells. Interestingly, we observed that Cx43-GJs were required for an efficient granzyme B activity in target B16F10 cells. Using an HLA-A2-restricted/MART-1-specific CD8+ T-cell clone, we confirmed these observations in human cells. Our results suggest that Cx43-channels are relevant components of cytotoxic immunological synapses and potentiate CTL-mediated tumor cell killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Hofmann
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
| | - Mariela Navarrete
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
| | - Javiera Álvarez
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
| | - Israel Guerrero
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
| | - María Alejandra Gleisner
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
| | - Andrés Tittarelli
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
| | - Flavio Salazar-Onfray
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 8380453 Santiago, Chile.
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Das CK, Banerjee I, Mandal M. Pro-survival autophagy: An emerging candidate of tumor progression through maintaining hallmarks of cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 66:59-74. [PMID: 31430557 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved catabolic process that regulates the cellular homeostasis by targeting damaged cellular contents and organelles for lysosomal degradation and sustains genomic integrity, cellular metabolism, and cell survival during diverse stress and adverse conditions. Recently, the role of autophagy is extremely debated in the regulation of cancer initiation and progression. Although autophagy has a dichotomous role in the regulation of cancer, growing numbers of studies largely indicate the pro-survival role of autophagy in cancer progression and metastasis. In this review, we discuss the detailed mechanisms of autophagy, the role of pro-survival autophagy that positively drives several classical as well as emerging hallmarks of cancer for tumorigenic progression, and also we address various autophagy inhibitors that could be harnessed against pro-survival autophagy for effective cancer therapeutics. Finally, we highlight some outstanding problems that need to be deciphered extensively in the future to unravel the role of autophagy in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Kanta Das
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Indranil Banerjee
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Mahitosh Mandal
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India.
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Riera-Domingo C, Audigé A, Granja S, Cheng WC, Ho PC, Baltazar F, Stockmann C, Mazzone M. Immunity, Hypoxia, and Metabolism-the Ménage à Trois of Cancer: Implications for Immunotherapy. Physiol Rev 2019; 100:1-102. [PMID: 31414610 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00018.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that metabolism is able to shape the immune response. Only recently we are gaining awareness that the metabolic crosstalk between different tumor compartments strongly contributes to the harsh tumor microenvironment (TME) and ultimately impairs immune cell fitness and effector functions. The major aims of this review are to provide an overview on the immune system in cancer; to position oxygen shortage and metabolic competition as the ground of a restrictive TME and as important players in the anti-tumor immune response; to define how immunotherapies affect hypoxia/oxygen delivery and the metabolic landscape of the tumor; and vice versa, how oxygen and metabolites within the TME impinge on the success of immunotherapies. By analyzing preclinical and clinical endeavors, we will discuss how a metabolic characterization of the TME can identify novel targets and signatures that could be exploited in combination with standard immunotherapies and can help to predict the benefit of new and traditional immunotherapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Riera-Domingo
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; and Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Annette Audigé
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; and Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Sara Granja
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; and Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Wan-Chen Cheng
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; and Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Ping-Chih Ho
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; and Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Fátima Baltazar
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; and Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Christian Stockmann
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; and Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; and Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, Epalinges, Switzerland
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Gap Junction Intercellular Communication in the Carcinogenesis Hallmarks: Is This a Phenomenon or Epiphenomenon? Cells 2019; 8:cells8080896. [PMID: 31416286 PMCID: PMC6721698 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
If occupational tumors are excluded, cancer causes are largely unknown. Therefore, it appeared useful to work out a theory explaining the complexity of this disease. More than fifty years ago the first demonstration that cells communicate with each other by exchanging ions or small molecules through the participation of connexins (Cxs) forming Gap Junctions (GJs) occurred. Then the involvement of GJ Intercellular Communication (GJIC) in numerous physiological cellular functions, especially in proliferation control, was proven and accounts for the growing attention elicited in the field of carcinogenesis. The aim of the present paper is to verify and discuss the role of Cxs, GJs, and GJIC in cancer hallmarks, pointing on the different involved mechanisms in the context of the multi-step theory of carcinogenesis. Functional GJIC acts both as a tumor suppressor and as a tumor enhancer in the metastatic stage. On the contrary, lost or non-functional GJs allow the uncontrolled proliferation of stem/progenitor initiated cells. Thus, GJIC plays a key role in many biological phenomena or epiphenomena related to cancer. Depending on this complexity, GJIC can be considered a tumor suppressor in controlling cell proliferation or a cancer ally, with possible preventive or therapeutic implications in both cases.
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Abstract
The molecular mechanisms regulating sympathetic innervation of the heart during embryogenesis and its importance for cardiac development and function remain to be fully elucidated. We generated mice in which conditional knockout (CKO) of the Hif1a gene encoding the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is mediated by an Islet1-Cre transgene expressed in the cardiac outflow tract, right ventricle and atrium, pharyngeal mesoderm, peripheral neurons, and hindlimbs. These Hif1aCKO mice demonstrate significantly decreased perinatal survival and impaired left ventricular function. The absence of HIF-1α impaired the survival and proliferation of preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic system, respectively. These defects resulted in hypoplasia of the sympathetic ganglion chain and decreased sympathetic innervation of the Hif1aCKO heart, which was associated with decreased cardiac contractility. The number of chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla was also decreased, indicating a broad dependence on HIF-1α for development of the sympathetic nervous system.
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Aasen T, Leithe E, Graham SV, Kameritsch P, Mayán MD, Mesnil M, Pogoda K, Tabernero A. Connexins in cancer: bridging the gap to the clinic. Oncogene 2019; 38:4429-4451. [PMID: 30814684 PMCID: PMC6555763 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0741-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions comprise arrays of intercellular channels formed by connexin proteins and provide for the direct communication between adjacent cells. This type of intercellular communication permits the coordination of cellular activities and plays key roles in the control of cell growth and differentiation and in the maintenance of tissue homoeostasis. After more than 50 years, deciphering the links among connexins, gap junctions and cancer, researchers are now beginning to translate this knowledge to the clinic. The emergence of new strategies for connexin targeting, combined with an improved understanding of the molecular bases underlying the dysregulation of connexins during cancer development, offers novel opportunities for clinical applications. However, different connexin isoforms have diverse channel-dependent and -independent functions that are tissue and stage specific. This can elicit both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects that engender significant challenges in the path towards personalised medicine. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of connexins and gap junctions in cancer, with particular focus on the recent progress made in determining their prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Edward Leithe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and K.G. Jebsen Colorectal Cancer Research Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sheila V Graham
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Petra Kameritsch
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - María D Mayán
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Marc Mesnil
- STIM Laboratory, Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Kristin Pogoda
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - Arantxa Tabernero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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The role of autophagy in colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2018; 3:31. [PMID: 30510778 PMCID: PMC6265276 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-018-0031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process that eliminates harmful components through lysosomal degradation. In addition to its role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, autophagy is critical to pathological processes, such as inflammation and cancer. Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) is a specific type of colorectal cancer that develops from long-standing colitis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Accumulating evidence indicates that autophagy of microenvironmental cells plays different but vital roles during tumorigenesis and CAC development. Herein, after summarizing the recent advances in understanding the role of autophagy in regulating the tumor microenvironment during different CAC stages, we draw the following conclusions: autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells inhibits colitis and CAC initiation but promotes CAC progression; autophagy in macrophages inhibits colitis, but its function on CAC is currently unclear; autophagy in neutrophils and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promotes both colitis and CAC; autophagy in dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells represses both colitis and CAC; autophagy in natural killer cells (NKs) inhibits colitis, but promotes CAC; and autophagy in endothelial cells plays a controversial role in colitis and CAC. Understanding the role of autophagy in specific compartments of the tumor microenvironment during different stages of CAC may provide insight into malignant transformation, tumor progression, and combination therapy strategies for CAC.
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50
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Liu PF, Chang HW, Cheng JS, Lee HP, Yen CY, Tsai WL, Cheng JT, Li YJ, Huang WC, Lee CH, Ger LP, Shu CW. Map1lc3b and Sqstm1 Modulated Autophagy for Tumorigenesis and Prognosis in Certain Subsites of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2018; 7:jcm7120478. [PMID: 30477228 PMCID: PMC6306869 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7120478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancer types worldwide and can be divided into three major subsites: buccal mucosal SCC (BMSCC), tongue SCC (TSCC), and lip SCC (LSCC). The autophagy marker microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (MAP1LC3B) and adaptor sequestosome 1(SQSTM1) are widely used proteins to evaluate autophagy in tumor tissues. However, the role of MAP1LC3B and SQSTM1 in OSCC is not fully understood, particularly in certain subsites. With a tissue microarray comprised of 498 OSCC patients, including 181 BMSCC, 244 TSCC, and 73 LSCC patients, we found that the expression levels of MAP1LC3B and cytoplasmic SQSTM1 were elevated in the tumor tissues of three subsites compared with those in adjacent normal tissues. MAP1LC3B was associated with a poor prognosis only in TSCC. SQSTM1 was associated with poor differentiation in three subsites, while the association with lymph node invasion was only observed in BMSCC. Interestingly, MAP1LC3B was positively correlated with SQSTM1 in the tumor tissues of BMSCC, whereas it showed no correlation with SQSTM1 in adjacent normal tissue. The coexpression of higher MAP1LC3B and SQSTM1 demonstrated a significantly worse disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with BMSCC and LSCC, but not TSCC. The knockdown of MAP1LC3B and SQSTM1 reduced autophagy, cell proliferation, invasion and tumorspheres of BMSCC cells. Additionally, silencing both MAP1LC3B and SQSTM1 enhanced the cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel in the tumorspheres of BMSCC cells. Taken together, MAP1LC3B and SQSTM1 might modulate autophagy to facilitate tumorigenesis and chemoresistance in OSCC, particularly in BMSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Feng Liu
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan.
- Department of Optometry, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 82144, Taiwan.
| | - Hsueh-Wei Chang
- Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Jin-Shiung Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan.
| | - Huai-Pao Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan.
- Department of Nursing, Meiho University, Pingtung 91202, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Yu Yen
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Section, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan.
- Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Lun Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Jiin-Tsuey Cheng
- Department of Biological Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Jing Li
- Department of Biological Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Chieh Huang
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Hsin Lee
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan.
| | - Luo-Pin Ger
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Wen Shu
- School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
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