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Fang Z, Meng Q, Xu J, Wang W, Zhang B, Liu J, Liang C, Hua J, Zhao Y, Yu X, Shi S. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts: recent advances and future perspectives. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 43:3-41. [PMID: 36424360 PMCID: PMC9859735 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Well-known signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Hedgehog (Hh), Notch, Wnt, Hippo, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways, as well as transcription factors, including hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), P53, Snail, and Twist, constitute complex regulatory networks in the TME to modulate the formation, activation, heterogeneity, metabolic characteristics and malignant phenotype of CAFs. Activated CAFs remodel the TME and influence the malignant biological processes of cancer cells by altering the transcriptional and secretory characteristics, and this modulation partially depends on the regulation of signaling cascades. The results of preclinical and clinical trials indicated that therapies targeting signaling pathways in CAFs demonstrated promising efficacy but were also accompanied by some failures (e.g., NCT01130142 and NCT01064622). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the signaling cascades in CAFs might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the development of more efficient and safer stroma-targeted cancer therapies. Here, we review recent advances in studies of signaling pathways in CAFs and briefly discuss some future perspectives on CAF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Fang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
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2
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Katarkar A, Bottoni G, Clocchiatti A, Goruppi S, Bordignon P, Lazzaroni F, Gregnanin I, Ostano P, Neel V, Dotto GP. NOTCH1 gene amplification promotes expansion of Cancer Associated Fibroblast populations in human skin. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5126. [PMID: 33046701 PMCID: PMC7550609 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18919-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the tumor microenvironment. Genomic alterations in these cells remain a point of contention. We report that CAFs from skin squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) display chromosomal alterations, with heterogeneous NOTCH1 gene amplification and overexpression that also occur, to a lesser extent, in dermal fibroblasts of apparently unaffected skin. The fraction of the latter cells harboring NOTCH1 amplification is expanded by chronic UVA exposure, to which CAFs are resistant. The advantage conferred by NOTCH1 amplification and overexpression can be explained by NOTCH1 ability to block the DNA damage response (DDR) and ensuing growth arrest through suppression of ATM-FOXO3a association and downstream signaling cascade. In an orthotopic model of skin SCC, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of NOTCH1 activity suppresses cancer/stromal cells expansion. Here we show that NOTCH1 gene amplification and increased expression in CAFs are an attractive target for stroma-focused anti-cancer intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Katarkar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Bottoni
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Andrea Clocchiatti
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Sandro Goruppi
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Pino Bordignon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Lazzaroni
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Ilaria Gregnanin
- Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Edo and Elvo Tempia Valenta Foundation, Biella, 13900, Italy
| | - Paola Ostano
- Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Edo and Elvo Tempia Valenta Foundation, Biella, 13900, Italy
| | - Victor Neel
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - G Paolo Dotto
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland. .,Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA. .,Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02125, USA. .,International Cancer Prevention Institute, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland.
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3
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Sammons MA, Nguyen TAT, McDade SS, Fischer M. Tumor suppressor p53: from engaging DNA to target gene regulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:8848-8869. [PMID: 32797160 PMCID: PMC7498329 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The p53 transcription factor confers its potent tumor suppressor functions primarily through the regulation of a large network of target genes. The recent explosion of next generation sequencing protocols has enabled the study of the p53 gene regulatory network (GRN) and underlying mechanisms at an unprecedented depth and scale, helping us to understand precisely how p53 controls gene regulation. Here, we discuss our current understanding of where and how p53 binds to DNA and chromatin, its pioneer-like role, and how this affects gene regulation. We provide an overview of the p53 GRN and the direct and indirect mechanisms through which p53 affects gene regulation. In particular, we focus on delineating the ubiquitous and cell type-specific network of regulatory elements that p53 engages; reviewing our understanding of how, where, and when p53 binds to DNA and the mechanisms through which these events regulate transcription. Finally, we discuss the evolution of the p53 GRN and how recent work has revealed remarkable differences between vertebrates, which are of particular importance to cancer researchers using mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A Sammons
- Department of Biological Sciences and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Thuy-Ai T Nguyen
- Genome Integrity & Structural Biology Laboratory and Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Institutes of Health, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Simon S McDade
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Martin Fischer
- Computational Biology Group, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Beutenbergstraße 11, 07745 Jena, Germany
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4
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Bordignon P, Bottoni G, Xu X, Popescu AS, Truan Z, Guenova E, Kofler L, Jafari P, Ostano P, Röcken M, Neel V, Dotto GP. Dualism of FGF and TGF-β Signaling in Heterogeneous Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Activation with ETV1 as a Critical Determinant. Cell Rep 2020; 28:2358-2372.e6. [PMID: 31461652 PMCID: PMC6718812 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can result from activation of distinct signaling pathways. We show that in primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling oppositely modulate multiple CAF effector genes. Genetic abrogation or pharmacological inhibition of either pathway results in induction of genes responsive to the other, with the ETV1 transcription factor mediating the FGF effects. Duality of FGF/TGF-β signaling and differential ETV1 expression occur in multiple CAF strains and fibroblasts of desmoplastic versus non-desmoplastic skin squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Functionally, HDFs with opposite TGF-β versus FGF modulation converge on promoting cancer cell proliferation. However, HDFs with increased TGF-β signaling enhance invasive properties and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of SCC cells, whereas HDFs with increased FGF signaling promote macrophage infiltration. The findings point to a duality of FGF versus TGF-β signaling in distinct CAF populations that promote cancer development through modulation of different processes. FGF and TGF-β signaling exert opposite control over multiple CAF effector genes ETV1 transcription factor mediates FGF effects and suppresses those of TGF-β Modulation of either pathway leads to different tumor-promoting CAF populations TGF-β-activated CAFs promote EMT, but FGF-activated CAFs increase inflammation
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Affiliation(s)
- Pino Bordignon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Bottoni
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland; Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Xiaoying Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland
| | - Alma S Popescu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland
| | - Zinnia Truan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuella Guenova
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Kofler
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Paris Jafari
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland; Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA; International Cancer Prevention Institute, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland
| | - Paola Ostano
- Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Edo and Elvo Tempia Valenta Foundation, Biella 13900, Italy
| | - Martin Röcken
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Victor Neel
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - G Paolo Dotto
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland; Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA; International Cancer Prevention Institute, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.
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5
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Zhao K, Wang D, Zhao X, Wang C, Gao Y, Liu K, Wang F, Wu X, Wang X, Sun L, Zang J, Mei Y. WDR63 inhibits Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization and mediates the function of p53 in suppressing metastasis. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e49269. [PMID: 32128961 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that p53 plays a suppressive role in cancer metastasis, yet the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. Regulation of actin dynamics is essential for the control of cell migration, which is an important step in metastasis. The Arp2/3 complex is a major nucleation factor to initiate branched actin polymerization that drives cell migration. However, it is unknown whether p53 could suppress metastasis through modulating Arp2/3 function. Here, we report that WDR63 is transcriptionally upregulated by p53. We show with migration assays and mouse xenograft models that WDR63 negatively regulates cell migration, invasion, and metastasis downstream of p53. Mechanistically, WDR63 interacts with the Arp2/3 complex and inhibits Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization. Furthermore, WDR63 overexpression is sufficient to dampen the increase in cell migration, invasion, and metastasis induced by p53 depletion. Together, these findings suggest that WDR63 is an important player in the regulation of Arp2/3 function and also implicate WDR63 as a critical mediator of p53 in suppressing metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailiang Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Division of Lifesciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Decai Wang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chenfeng Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Division of Lifesciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yongxiang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kaiyue Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Division of Lifesciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fang Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Division of Lifesciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xianning Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xuejuan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Linfeng Sun
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianye Zang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yide Mei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Division of Lifesciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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6
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Goruppi S, Jo SH, Laszlo C, Clocchiatti A, Neel V, Dotto GP. Autophagy Controls CSL/RBPJκ Stability through a p62/SQSTM1-Dependent Mechanism. Cell Rep 2019; 24:3108-3114.e4. [PMID: 30231994 PMCID: PMC6200139 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.08.043] [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: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important at all tumor stages. CSL/RBPJκ suppresses the gene expression program leading to CAF activation and associated metabolic reprogramming, as well as autophagy. Little is known about CSL protein turnover, especially in the tumor microenvironment. We report that, in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), conditions inducing autophagy—often found in tumor stroma—down-regulate CSL protein levels but do not affect its mRNA levels. Genetic or pharmacologic targeting of the autophagic machinery blocks CSL down-modulation. Mechanistically, endogenous CSL associates with the autophagy and signaling adaptor p62/SQSTM1, which is required for CSL down-modulation by autophagy. This is functionally significant, because both CSL and p62 levels are lower in skin cancer-derived CAFs, in which autophagy is increased. Increasing cellular CSL levels stabilizes p62 and down-modulates the autophagic process. We reveal here an autophagy-initiated mechanism for CSL down-modulation, which could be targeted for stroma-focused cancer prevention and treatment. Autophagic conditions are often found in the tumor stroma, where CSL/RBPJκ levels are down-modulated. Goruppi et al. identify a key role for autophagy in the degradation of CSL through a direct interaction with the p62 adaptor. This induces CSL-repressed genes involved in CAF activation and autophagy, linking the two processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Goruppi
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 Bldg. 13(th) St. Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Seung-Hee Jo
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 Bldg. 13(th) St. Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Csaba Laszlo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 155 Chemin des Boveresses, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Clocchiatti
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 Bldg. 13(th) St. Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Victor Neel
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - G Paolo Dotto
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 Bldg. 13(th) St. Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 155 Chemin des Boveresses, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.
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7
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Liao Z, Tan ZW, Zhu P, Tan NS. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor microenvironment – Accomplices in tumor malignancy. Cell Immunol 2019; 343:103729. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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8
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CSL controls telomere maintenance and genome stability in human dermal fibroblasts. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3884. [PMID: 31467287 PMCID: PMC6715699 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11785-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer. Whether it also occurs in Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) remains to be carefully investigated. Loss of CSL/RBP-Jκ, the effector of canonical NOTCH signaling with intrinsic transcription repressive function, causes conversion of dermal fibroblasts into CAFs. Here, we find that CSL down-modulation triggers DNA damage, telomere loss and chromosome end fusions that also occur in skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)-associated CAFs, in which CSL is decreased. Separately from its role in transcription, we show that CSL is part of a multiprotein telomere protective complex, binding directly and with high affinity to telomeric DNA as well as to UPF1 and Ku70/Ku80 proteins and being required for their telomere association. Taken together, the findings point to a central role of CSL in telomere homeostasis with important implications for genomic instability of cancer stromal cells and beyond. Conversion of dermal fibroblasts into Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) can play an important role in keratinocyte tumour development. Here the authors reveal that CSL plays a role in maintenance of telomeres and genomic integrity in both dermal fibroblasts and CAFs.
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9
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Stress responses in stromal cells and tumor homeostasis. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 200:55-68. [PMID: 30998941 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In most (if not all) solid tumors, malignant cells are outnumbered by their non-malignant counterparts, including immune, endothelial and stromal cells. However, while the mechanisms whereby cancer cells adapt to microenvironmental perturbations have been studied in great detail, relatively little is known on stress responses in non-malignant compartments of the tumor microenvironment. Here, we discuss the mechanisms whereby cancer-associated fibroblasts and other cellular components of the tumor stroma react to stress in the context of an intimate crosstalk with malignant, endothelial and immune cells, and how such crosstalk influences disease progression and response to treatment.
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10
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Sosa Iglesias V, Giuranno L, Dubois LJ, Theys J, Vooijs M. Drug Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Potential for NOTCH Targeting? Front Oncol 2018; 8:267. [PMID: 30087852 PMCID: PMC6066509 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major cause for therapeutic failure in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) leading to tumor recurrence and disease progression. Cell intrinsic mechanisms of resistance include changes in the expression of drug transporters, activation of pro-survival, and anti-apoptotic pathways, as well as non-intrinsic influences of the tumor microenvironment. It has become evident that tumors are composed of a heterogeneous population of cells with different genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic characteristics that result in diverse responses to therapy, and underlies the emergence of resistant clones. This tumor heterogeneity is driven by subpopulations of tumor cells termed cancer stem cells (CSCs) that have tumor-initiating capabilities, are highly self-renewing, and retain the ability for multi-lineage differentiation. CSCs have been identified in NSCLC and have been associated with chemo- and radiotherapy resistance. Stem cell pathways are frequently deregulated in cancer and are implicated in recurrence after treatment. Here, we focus on the NOTCH signaling pathway, which has a role in stem cell maintenance in non-squamous non-small lung cancer, and we critically assess the potential for targeting the NOTCH pathway to overcome resistance to chemotherapeutic and targeted agents using both preclinical and clinical evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venus Sosa Iglesias
- Department of Radiation Oncology, GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lorena Giuranno
- Department of Radiation Oncology, GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- Department of Radiation Oncology, GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- Department of Radiation Oncology, GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marc Vooijs
- Department of Radiation Oncology, GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands
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11
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Huang Z, Lin S, Long C, Zhou X, Fan Y, Kuang X, He J, Ning J, Zhang H, Zhang Q, Shen H. Notch signaling pathway mediates Doxorubicin-driven apoptosis in cancers. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:1439-1448. [PMID: 29922088 PMCID: PMC5997178 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s160315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Doxorubicin is a widely used chemotherapy drug for the treatment of a variety of cancers, however it also has serious side effects such as anaphylaxis and heart damage. Therefore, it's very important to understand the downstream molecular pathways that are essential for Doxorubicin function in cancer treatment. Methods HeLa S3 cells were treated with different concentrations of Doxorubicin for 24 hours. Then, the mRNA levels of Notch pathway components in the Doxorubicin treated cells were determined by Real-Time qRT-PCR. Lentiviral transfection was used to up-regulate and down-regulate HES1 expression. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured with MTT assay and flow cytometry. Finally, immunofluorescence was used to detect protein subcellular location. Result Doxorubicin treatment strongly increases the expression of multiple Notch pathway components in cancer cells. The Notch target HES1 is activated by Doxorubicin and is required for the Doxorubicin driven apoptosis. In addition, over-expression of HES1 can further enhances Doxorubicin's role in promoting apoptosis. Mechanistically, HES1 activates PARP1 and regulates the subcellular location of AIF to mediate the apoptosis response under Doxorubicin treatment. Conclusion Our results provided novel insights into the downstream molecular pathways underlying Doxorubicin treatment and suggested that manipulation of Notch signaling pathway could have synergistic effect with Doxorubicin for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chongde Long
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xielan Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Biobank of Eye, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingjiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huangxuan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Biobank of Eye, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Al Labban D, Jo SH, Ostano P, Saglietti C, Bongiovanni M, Panizzon R, Dotto GP. Notch-effector CSL promotes squamous cell carcinoma by repressing histone demethylase KDM6B. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:2581-2599. [PMID: 29757189 DOI: 10.1172/jci96915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch 1/2 genes play tumor-suppressing functions in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a very common malignancy in skin and internal organs. In contrast with Notch, we show that the transcription factor CSL (also known as RBP-Jκ), a key effector of canonical Notch signaling endowed with intrinsic transcription-repressive functions, plays a tumor-promoting function in SCC development. Expression of this gene decreased in upper epidermal layers and human keratinocytes (HKCs) undergoing differentiation, while it increased in premalignant and malignant SCC lesions from skin, head/neck, and lung. Increased CSL levels enhanced the proliferative potential of HKCs and SCC cells, while silencing of CSL induced growth arrest and apoptosis. In vivo, SCC cells with increased CSL levels gave rise to rapidly expanding tumors, while cells with silenced CSL formed smaller and more differentiated tumors with enhanced inflammatory infiltrate. Global transcriptomic analysis of HKCs and SCC cells with silenced CSL revealed major modulation of apoptotic, cell-cycle, and proinflammatory genes. We also show that the histone demethylase KDM6B is a direct CSL-negative target, with inverse roles of CSL in HKC and SCC proliferative capacity, tumorigenesis, and tumor-associated inflammatory reaction. CSL/KDM6B protein expression could be used as a biomarker of SCC development and indicator of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania Al Labban
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Seung-Hee Jo
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paola Ostano
- Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Edo and Elvo Tempia Valenta Foundation, Biella, Italy
| | | | | | - Renato Panizzon
- Department of Dermatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - G Paolo Dotto
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
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13
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Goruppi S, Procopio MG, Jo S, Clocchiatti A, Neel V, Dotto GP. The ULK3 Kinase Is Critical for Convergent Control of Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Activation by CSL and GLI. Cell Rep 2018; 20:2468-2479. [PMID: 28877478 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The connection between signaling pathways activating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) remains to be determined. Metabolic alterations linked to autophagy have also been implicated in CAF activation. CSL/RBPJ, a transcriptional repressor that mediates Notch signaling, suppresses the gene expression program(s), leading to stromal senescence and CAF activation. Deregulated GLI signaling can also contribute to CAF conversion. Here, we report that compromised CSL function depends on GLI activation for conversion of human dermal fibroblasts into CAFs, separately from cellular senescence. Decreased CSL upregulates the expression of the ULK3 kinase, which binds and activates GLI2. Increased ULK3 also induces autophagy, which is unlinked from GLI and CAF activation. ULK3 upregulation occurs in the CAFs of several tumor types, and ULK3 silencing suppresses the tumor-enhancing properties of these cells. Thus, ULK3 links two key signaling pathways involved in CAF conversion and is an attractive target for stroma-focused anti-cancer intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Goruppi
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 Bldg., 13th St. Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Maria-Giuseppina Procopio
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 155 Chemin des Boveresses, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland
| | - Seunghee Jo
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 Bldg., 13th St. Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Andrea Clocchiatti
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 Bldg., 13th St. Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Victor Neel
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - G Paolo Dotto
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 Bldg., 13th St. Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 155 Chemin des Boveresses, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.
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14
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Majidinia M, Darband SG, Kaviani M, Nabavi SM, Jahanban-Esfahlan R, Yousefi B. Cross-regulation between Notch signaling pathway and miRNA machinery in cancer. DNA Repair (Amst) 2018; 66-67:30-41. [PMID: 29723707 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite their simple structure, the Notch family of receptors regulates a wide-spectrum of key cellular processes including development, tissue patterning, cell-fate determination, proliferation, differentiation and, cell death. On the other hand, accumulating date pinpointed the role of non-coding microRNAs, namely miRNAs in cancer initiation/progression via regulating the expression of multiple oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, as such the Notch signaling. It is now documented that these two partners are in one or in the opposite directions and rule together the cancer fate. Here, we review the current knowledge relevant to this tricky interplay between different miRNAs and components of Notch signaling pathway. Further, we discuss the implication of this crosstalk in cancer progression/regression in the context of cancer stem cells, tumor angiogenesis, metastasis and emergence of multi-drug resistance. Understanding the molecular cues and mechanisms that occur at the interface of miRNA and Notch signaling would open new avenues for development of novel and effective strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Saber Ghazizadeh Darband
- Danesh Pey Hadi Co., Health Technology Development Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Kaviani
- School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rana Jahanban-Esfahlan
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Students Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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15
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor microenvironment - Accomplices in tumor malignancy. Cell Immunol 2018; 343:103729. [PMID: 29397066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is much cellular heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment. The tumor epithelia and stromal cells co-evolve, and this reciprocal relationship dictates almost every step of cancer development and progression. Despite this, many anticancer therapies are designed around druggable features of tumor epithelia, ignoring the supportive role of stromal cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the dominant cell type within the reactive stroma of many tumor types. Numerous previous studies have highlighted a pro-tumorigenic role for CAFs via secretion of various growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and the degradation of extracellular matrix. Recent works showed that CAFs secrete H2O2 to effect stromal-mediated field cancerization, transform primary epithelial cells, and aggravate cancer cell aggressiveness, in addition to inflammatory and mitogenic factors. Molecular characterization of CAFs also underscores the importance of Notch and specific nuclear receptor signaling in the activation of CAFs. This review consolidates recent findings of CAFs and highlights areas for future investigations.
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16
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Kim DE, Procopio MG, Ghosh S, Jo SH, Goruppi S, Magliozzi F, Bordignon P, Neel V, Angelino P, Dotto GP. Convergent roles of ATF3 and CSL in chromatin control of cancer-associated fibroblast activation. J Exp Med 2017; 214:2349-2368. [PMID: 28684431 PMCID: PMC5551580 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20170724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promotes tumorigenesis. Kim et al. show that ATF3 and CSL converge in negative regulation of CAF activation through long-distance chromatin control. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitors counteract the effects of ATF3 and CSL loss in CAF activation and cancer–stromal cell expansion. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important for tumor initiation and promotion. CSL, a transcriptional repressor and Notch mediator, suppresses CAF activation. Like CSL, ATF3, a stress-responsive transcriptional repressor, is down-modulated in skin cancer stromal cells, and Atf3 knockout mice develop aggressive chemically induced skin tumors with enhanced CAF activation. Even at low basal levels, ATF3 converges with CSL in global chromatin control, binding to few genomic sites at a large distance from target genes. Consistent with this mode of regulation, deletion of one such site 2 Mb upstream of IL6 induces expression of the gene. Observed changes are of translational significance, as bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitors, unlinking activated chromatin from basic transcription, counteract the effects of ATF3 or CSL loss on global gene expression and suppress CAF tumor-promoting properties in an in vivo model of squamous cancer–stromal cell expansion. Thus, ATF3 converges with CSL in negative control of CAF activation with epigenetic changes amenable to cancer- and stroma-focused intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Eun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Épalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Soumitra Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Épalinges, Switzerland
| | - Seung-Hee Jo
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
| | - Sandro Goruppi
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
| | | | - Pino Bordignon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Épalinges, Switzerland
| | - Victor Neel
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Paolo Angelino
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - G Paolo Dotto
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Épalinges, Switzerland .,Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
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