1
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Lan YL, Zou S, Qin B, Zhu X. Analysis of the sodium pump subunit ATP1A3 in glioma patients: Potential value in prognostic prediction and immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112045. [PMID: 38615384 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The ATP1A3 gene is associated with the development and progression of neurological diseases. However, the pathological function and therapeutic value of ATP1A3 in glioblastoma (GBM) remains unknown. In this study, we tried to explore the correlation between the ATP1A3 gene expression and immune features in GBM samples. We found that ATP1A3 gene expression levels showed significant negative correlation with immune checkpoints such as PD-L1, CTLA-4 and IDO1. Next, ATP1A3 gene expression levels showed significant negative correlation with the anti-cancer immune cell process, the immune score and stromal score. By grouping ATP1A3 expression levels, we found that that immunomodulator-related genes and tumor-associated immune cell effector gene expression levels were associated with lower ATP1A3 expression. In addition, immunotherapy prediction pathway activity and a majority of the anti-cancer immune cell process activity levels were also showed to be correlated with lower ATP1A3 gene expression. Further, nine prognostic factors were identified by prognostic analysis, and a GBM prognostic model (risk score) was established. We applied the model to the TCGA GBM training set sample and the GSE4412 validation set sample and found that patients in the high risk score subgroup had significantly shorter survival time, demonstrating the prognostic value and prognostic efficacy of the risk score. Furthermore, ATP1A3 overexpression has also been found to sensitize cancer cells to anti-PD-1 therapy. In conclusion, we showed that ATP1A3 is a highly promising treatment target in GBM and the risk score is an independent prognostic factor for cancer and can be used to help guide the prediction of survival time in patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Long Lan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shuang Zou
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangdong Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
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2
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Cordani M, Strippoli R, Trionfetti F, Barzegar Behrooz A, Rumio C, Velasco G, Ghavami S, Marcucci F. Immune checkpoints between epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy: A conflicting triangle. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216661. [PMID: 38309613 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216661] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules are pivotal in inhibiting innate and acquired antitumor immune responses, a mechanism frequently exploited by cancer cells to evade host immunity. These evasion strategies contribute to the complexity of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. For this reason, ICP molecules have become targets for antitumor drugs, particularly monoclonal antibodies, collectively referred to as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), that counteract such cancer-associated immune suppression and restore antitumor immune responses. Over the last decade, however, it has become clear that tumor cell-associated ICPs can also induce tumor cell-intrinsic effects, in particular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy). Both of these processes have profound implications for cancer metastasis and drug responsiveness. This article reviews the positive or negative cross-talk that tumor cell-associated ICPs undergo with autophagy and EMT. We discuss that tumor cell-associated ICPs are upregulated in response to the same stimuli that induce EMT. Moreover, ICPs themselves, when overexpressed, become an EMT-inducing stimulus. As regards the cross-talk with autophagy, ICPs have been shown to either stimulate or inhibit autophagy, while autophagy itself can either up- or downregulate the expression of ICPs. This dynamic equilibrium also extends to the autophagy-apoptosis axis, further emphasizing the complexities of cellular responses. Eventually, we delve into the intricate balance between autophagy and apoptosis, elucidating its role in the broader interplay of cellular dynamics influenced by ICPs. In the final part of this article, we speculate about the driving forces underlying the contradictory outcomes of the reciprocal, inhibitory, or stimulatory effects between ICPs, EMT, and autophagy. A conclusive identification of these driving forces may allow to achieve improved antitumor effects when using combinations of ICIs and compounds acting on EMT and/or autophagy. Prospectively, this may translate into increased and/or broadened therapeutic efficacy compared to what is currently achieved with ICI-based clinical protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L., Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Trionfetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L., Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Amir Barzegar Behrooz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Cristiano Rumio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy
| | - Guillermo Velasco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy.
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3
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Xiong H, Shao S, Yang Y, Wang W, Xiong H, Han Y, Wang Z, Hu X, Zeng L, Yang Z, Su T. Near-infrared-II Ag 2S quantum dot probes targeting podoplanin enhance immunotherapy in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116011. [PMID: 38157644 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT) plays a vital role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cervical lymph node metastasis and tumor immune escape as an immune barrier. However, targeted interventions for pEMT have yet to be established. In this study, we generated an αPDPN-Ag2S probe by modifying a Podoplanin(PDPN) monoclonal antibody on the surface of near infrared (NIR)-II Ag2S quantum dots (QDs) with carboxyl groups through an amide reaction. Then, we evaluated its in vivo targeting ability, therapeutic efficacy of eliminating pEMT using αPDPN-Ag2S-mediated NIR-II photoimmunotherapy (PIT) and biological safety. Here, we found that pEMT is related to CD8 + T-cell infiltration in our human OSCC tissue microarray. Compared with PdpnWT SCC7, the slower growth rate of subcutaneous graft tumors implanted with PdpnKD SCC7 was associated with a change in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) in an immunocompetent C3H/HeJ mouse model. In vitro, αPDPN-Ag2S plus NIR 808 nm laser irradiation induced SCC7 cell death. In vivo, NIR-II imaging results show that the αPDPN-Ag2S probe has a good active-targeting ability in a 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO)-induced C57 mouse OSCC model and C3H/HeJ SCC7 subcutaneous graft tumor model. Elimination of pEMT cells by NIR-II αPDPN-Ag2S probe-mediated PIT significantly reversed the local immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and enhanced PD-1 immunotherapy efficacy. The safety profiles of αPDPN-Ag2S in BALB/c mice were also acceptable. Thus, αPDPN-Ag2S has important clinical translational value in predicting the risk of cervical lymph node metastasis. Importantly, our study proposed a new way to improve the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honggang Xiong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuhui Shao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixin Yang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Weiming Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haofeng Xiong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zijia Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liujun Zeng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhimin Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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4
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA. EMT-induced immune evasion: connecting the dots from mechanisms to therapy. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4265-4287. [PMID: 37966552 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01229-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic program crucial for organismal development and tissue regeneration. Unfortunately, this program is often hijacked by epithelial tumors to facilitate metastasis. Beyond its role in cancer spread, EMT increases cancer cell survival by activating stem cell programs and bypassing apoptotic programs. Importantly, the capacity of EMT to enforce tumor progression by altering the tumor cell phenotype without triggering immune responses opens the intriguing possibility of a mechanistic link between EMT-driven cancers and immune evasion. Indeed, EMT has been acknowledged as a of driver immune evasion, but the mechanisms are still evolving. Here, we review recent insights into the influence of EMT on tumor immune evasion. Specifically, we focus on the mechanistic roles of EMT in immune escape as the basis that may provide a platform for innovative therapeutic approaches in advanced tumors. We summarize promising therapeutic approaches currently in clinical trials and trending preclinical studies aimed at reinvigorating the tumor microenvironment to create immune-permissive conditions that facilitates immune-mediated tumor clearance. We anticipate that this will assist researchers and pharmaceutical companies in understanding how EMT compromises the immune response, potentially paving the way for effective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
| | - Kamoru A Adedokun
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
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5
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Nicolazzo C, Francescangeli F, Magri V, Giuliani A, Zeuner A, Gazzaniga P. Is cancer an intelligent species? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1201-1218. [PMID: 37540301 PMCID: PMC10713722 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10123-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Some relevant emerging properties of intelligent systems are "adaptation to a changing environment," "reaction to unexpected situations," "capacity of problem solving," and "ability to communicate." Single cells have remarkable abilities to adapt, make adequate context-dependent decision, take constructive actions, and communicate, thus theoretically meeting all the above-mentioned requirements. From a biological point of view, cancer can be viewed as an invasive species, composed of cells that move from primary to distant sites, being continuously exposed to changes in the environmental conditions. Blood represents the first hostile habitat that a cancer cell encounters once detached from the primary site, so that cancer cells must rapidly carry out multiple adaptation strategies to survive. The aim of this review was to deepen the adaptation mechanisms of cancer cells in the blood microenvironment, particularly referring to four adaptation strategies typical of animal species (phenotypic adaptation, metabolic adaptation, niche adaptation, and collective adaptation), which together define the broad concept of biological intelligence. We provided evidence that the required adaptations (either structural, metabolic, and related to metastatic niche formation) and "social" behavior are useful principles allowing putting into a coherent frame many features of circulating cancer cells. This interpretative frame is described by the comparison with analog behavioral traits typical of various animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nicolazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Francescangeli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Magri
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Ann Zeuner
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Gazzaniga
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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6
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Yang J, Qiu L, Wang X, Chen X, Cao P, Yang Z, Wen Q. Liquid biopsy biomarkers to guide immunotherapy in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1303491. [PMID: 38077355 PMCID: PMC10701691 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1303491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy has emerged as a promising treatment strategy for breast cancer (BC). However, current reliance on immunohistochemical (IHC) detection of PD-L1 expression alone has limited predictive capability, resulting in suboptimal efficacy of ICIs for some BC patients. Hence, developing novel predictive biomarkers is indispensable to enhance patient selection for immunotherapy. In this context, utilizing liquid biopsy (LB) can provide supplementary or alternative value to PD-L1 IHC testing for identifying patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy and exhibit favorable responses. This review discusses the predictive and prognostic value of LB in breast cancer immunotherapy, as well as its limitations and future directions. We aim to promote the individualization and precision of immunotherapy in BC by elucidating the role of LB in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghan Yang
- Department of Biological Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Liang Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Human Resource, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Pingdong Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhe Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Wen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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7
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Andrikou K, Rossi T, Verlicchi A, Priano I, Cravero P, Burgio MA, Crinò L, Bandini S, Ulivi P, Delmonte A. Circulating Tumour Cells: Detection and Application in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16085. [PMID: 38003273 PMCID: PMC10671094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. Tissue biopsy is the current gold standard for the diagnosis and molecular profiling of NSCLC. However, this approach presents some limitations due to inadequate tissue sampling, and intra- and intertumour heterogenicity. Liquid biopsy is a noninvasive method to determine cancer-related biomarkers in peripheral blood, and can be repeated at multiple timepoints. One of the most studied approaches to liquid biopsies is represented by circulating tumour cells (CTCs). Several studies have evaluated the prognostic and predictive role of CTCs in advanced NSCLC. Despite the limitations of these studies, the results of the majority of studies seem to be concordant regarding the correlation between high CTC count and poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Similarly, the decrease of CTC count during treatment may represent an important predictive marker of sensitivity to therapy in advanced NSCLC. Furthermore, molecular characterization of CTCs can be used to provide information on tumour biology, and on the mechanisms involved in resistance to targeted treatment. This review will discuss the current status of the clinical utility of CTCs in patients with advanced NSCLC, highlighting their potential application to prognosis and to treatment decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Andrikou
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Tania Rossi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (S.B.); (P.U.)
| | - Alberto Verlicchi
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Ilaria Priano
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Paola Cravero
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Marco Angelo Burgio
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Lucio Crinò
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Sara Bandini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (S.B.); (P.U.)
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (S.B.); (P.U.)
| | - Angelo Delmonte
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
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8
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Bates M, Mohamed BM, Ward MP, Kelly TE, O'Connor R, Malone V, Brooks R, Brooks D, Selemidis S, Martin C, O'Toole S, O'Leary JJ. Circulating tumour cells: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188863. [PMID: 36796527 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
This review is an overview of the current knowledge regarding circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which are potentially the most lethal type of cancer cell, and may be a key component of the metastatic cascade. The clinical utility of CTCs (the "Good"), includes their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential. Conversely, their complex biology (the "Bad"), including the existence of CD45+/EpCAM+ CTCs, adds insult to injury regarding their isolation and identification, which in turn hampers their clinical translation. CTCs are capable of forming microemboli composed of both non-discrete phenotypic populations such as mesenchymal CTCs and homotypic and heterotypic clusters which are poised to interact with other cells in the circulation, including immune cells and platelets, which may increase their malignant potential. These microemboli (the "Ugly") represent a prognostically important CTC subset, however, phenotypic EMT/MET gradients bring additional complexities to an already challenging situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Bates
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | - Bashir M Mohamed
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Mark P Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Tanya E Kelly
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Roisin O'Connor
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Victoria Malone
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Robert Brooks
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Doug Brooks
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Cara Martin
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Sharon O'Toole
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
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9
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IGF2: A Role in Metastasis and Tumor Evasion from Immune Surveillance? Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010229. [PMID: 36672737 PMCID: PMC9855361 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is upregulated in both childhood and adult malignancies. Its overexpression is associated with resistance to chemotherapy and worse prognosis. However, our understanding of its physiological and pathological role is lagging behind what we know about IGF1. Dysregulation of the expression and function of IGF2 receptors, insulin receptor isoform A (IR-A), insulin growth factor receptor 1 (IGF1R), and their downstream signaling effectors drive cancer initiation and progression. The involvement of IGF2 in carcinogenesis depends on its ability to link high energy intake, increase cell proliferation, and suppress apoptosis to cancer risk, and this is likely the key mechanism bridging insulin resistance to cancer. New aspects are emerging regarding the role of IGF2 in promoting cancer metastasis by promoting evasion from immune destruction. This review provides a perspective on IGF2 and an update on recent research findings. Specifically, we focus on studies providing compelling evidence that IGF2 is not only a major factor in primary tumor development, but it also plays a crucial role in cancer spread, immune evasion, and resistance to therapies. Further studies are needed in order to find new therapeutic approaches to target IGF2 action.
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10
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Ochoa SV, Casas Z, Albarracín SL, Sutachan JJ, Torres YP. Therapeutic potential of TRPM8 channels in cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1098448. [PMID: 37033630 PMCID: PMC10073478 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1098448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial process associated with changes in signaling pathways leading to cell cycle variations and gene expression. The transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel is a non-selective cation channel expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues, where it is involved in several processes, including thermosensation, differentiation, and migration. Cancer is a multifactorial process associated with changes in signaling pathways leading to variations in cell cycle and gene expression. Interestingly, it has been shown that TRPM8 channels also participate in physiological processes related to cancer, such as proliferation, survival, and invasion. For instance, TRPM8 channels have an important role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of prostate cancer. In addition, it has been reported that TRPM8 channels are involved in the progress of pancreatic, breast, bladder, colon, gastric, and skin cancers, glioblastoma, and neuroblastoma. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of TRPM8 channels in cancer progression. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of TRPM8 in carcinogenesis, which has been proposed as a molecular target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara V. Ochoa
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Semillero de Investigación, Biofísica y Fisiología de Canales Iónicos, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Sara V. Ochoa, ; Yolima P. Torres,
| | - Zulma Casas
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sonia L. Albarracín
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jhon Jairo Sutachan
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Yolima P. Torres
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Sara V. Ochoa, ; Yolima P. Torres,
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11
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Forward Genetic Screens as Tools to Investigate Role and Mechanisms of EMT in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235928. [PMID: 36497409 PMCID: PMC9735433 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process of cellular plasticity regulated by complex signaling networks. Under physiological conditions, it plays an important role in wound healing and organ repair. Its importance for human disease is given by its central role in chronic fibroproliferative diseases and cancer, which represent leading causes of death worldwide. In tumors, EMT is involved in primary tumor growth, metastasis and therapy resistance. It is therefore a major requisite to investigate and understand the role of EMT and the mechanisms leading to EMT in order to tackle these diseases therapeutically. Forward genetic screens link genome modifications to phenotypes, and have been successfully employed to identify oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and genes involved in metastasis or therapy resistance. In particular, transposon-based insertional mutagenesis screens and CRISPR-based screens are versatile and easy-to-use tools applied in recent years to discover and identify novel cancer-related mechanisms. Here, we review the contribution of forward genetic screens to our understanding of how EMT is regulated and how it is involved in various aspects of cancer. Based on the current literature, we propose these methods as additional tools to investigate EMT.
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12
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Deng X, Terunuma H. Harnessing NK Cells to Control Metastasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122018. [PMID: 36560427 PMCID: PMC9781233 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, tumor immunotherapy has produced remarkable results in tumor treatment. Nevertheless, its effects are severely limited in patients with low or absent pre-existing T cell immunity. Accordingly, metastasis remains the major cause of tumor-associated death. On the other hand, natural killer (NK) cells have the unique ability to recognize and rapidly act against tumor cells and surveil tumor cell dissemination. The role of NK cells in metastasis prevention is undisputable as an increase in the number of these cells mostly leads to a favorable prognosis. Hence, it is reasonable to consider that successful metastasis involves evasion of NK-cell-mediated immunosurveillance. Therefore, harnessing NK cells to control metastasis is promising. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the seeds for distant metastasis, and the number of CTCs detected in the blood of patients with tumor is associated with a worse prognosis, whereas NK cells can eliminate highly motile CTCs especially in the blood. Here, we review the role of NK cells during metastasis, particularly the specific interactions of NK cells with CTCs, which may provide essential clues on how to harness the power of NK cells against tumor metastasis. As a result, a new way to prevent or treat metastatic tumor may be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Deng
- Biotherapy Institute of Japan Inc., 2-4-8 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0051, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-5632-6080; Fax: +81-3-5632-6083
| | - Hiroshi Terunuma
- Biotherapy Institute of Japan Inc., 2-4-8 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0051, Japan
- N2 Clinic Yotsuya, 5F 2-6 Samon-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0017, Japan
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13
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Phetphoung T, Malla A, Rattanapisit K, Pisuttinusart N, Damrongyot N, Joyjamras K, Chanvorachote P, Phakham T, Wongtangprasert T, Strasser R, Chaotham C, Phoolcharoen W. Expression of plant-produced anti-PD-L1 antibody with anoikis sensitizing activity in human lung cancer cells via., suppression on epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274737. [PMID: 36367857 PMCID: PMC9651560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint antibodies in cancer treatment are receptor-ligand pairs that modulate cancer immunity. PD-1/PD-L1 pathway has emerged as one of the major targets in cancer immunotherapy. Atezolizumab, the first anti-PD-L1 antibody approved for the treatment of metastatic urothelial, non-small cell lung, small cell lung and triple-negative breast cancers, is produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells with several limitations i.e., high-production costs, low-capacity yields, and contamination risks. Due to the rapid scalability and low production costs, the transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves was investigated by co-infiltration of Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 cultures harboring the nucleic acid sequences encoding for Atezolizumab heavy chain and light chain in this study. The transient expression of Atezolizumab in transformed N. benthamiana accumulated up to 86.76 μg/g fresh leaf weight after 6 days of agroinfiltration (OD 600 nm: 0.4) with 1:1 ratio of heavy chain to light chain. The structural and functional characteristics of plant-produced Atezolizumab was compared with commercially available Tecentriq® from CHO cells with similar binding efficacies to PD-L1 receptor. The direct anti-cancer effect of plant-produced anti-PD-L1 was further performed in human lung metastatic cancer cells H460 cultured under detachment condition, demonstrating the activity of anti-PD-L1-antibody on sensitizing anoikis as well as the suppression on anti-apoptosis proteins (Bcl-2 and Mcl-1) and modulation of epithelial to mesenchymal regulating proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail and Slug). In conclusion, this study manifests plants as an alternative cost-effective platform for the production of functional monoclonal antibodies for use in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thareeya Phetphoung
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Nuttapat Pisuttinusart
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Naruechai Damrongyot
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Keerati Joyjamras
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tanapati Phakham
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Excellence Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tossapon Wongtangprasert
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Excellence Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Excellence Chulalongkorn Comprehensive Cancer Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chatchai Chaotham
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (CC); (WP)
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (CC); (WP)
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Effects of hsa-miR-28-5p on Adriamycin Sensitivity in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4290994. [PMID: 35873635 PMCID: PMC9300279 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4290994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Adriamycin (doxorubicin) is an important traditional drug that exhibits cytotoxicity in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). Doxorubicin affects the DLBCL cells at all stages of their cell cycle. Combined with our previous results, this study discovered that the overexpression of hsa-miR-28-5p inhibited the proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and triggered cell cycle arrest at the S-phase in DLBCL cells. However, the effect of (Homo sapiens, hsa)-microRNA (miR)-28-5p on doxorubicin sensitivity in DLBCL has not been investigated. This study aims to reveal the effects of hsa-miR-28-5p on doxorubicin sensitivity at the level of DLBCL cells. Methods To determine the optimal concentration of doxorubicin, different concentrations of doxorubicin were used to treat DLBCL cells. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation of DLBCL cells. The hsa-miR-28-5p-mimic NC and hsa-miR-28-5p mimic were transfected to doxorubicin-mediated DLBCL cells. Simultaneously, blank control groups were set up. The cells were cultured and transfected for 24 h. Next, each group was administered with different concentrations of doxorubicin and cultured again for 24 h to observe the effects of hsa-miR-28-5p on doxorubicin sensitivity at different times. The proliferation, early apoptosis, and late apoptosis in DLBCL cells were determined using soft agar colony-forming assay, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, and caspase-3 activity assay, respectively. The apoptosis and cell cycle were explored using Annexin V-PE/7-AAD and PI/RNase staining buffer, respectively. We speculated that PD-L1 might be involved in the effect of hsa-miR-28-5p on the sensitivity of adriamycin (doxorubicin) in the DLBCL cells. Hence, we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine PD-L1 expression within formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from 52 DLBCL cases. Results The optimal concentration of doxorubicin targeting DLBCL cells was found to be 3.028 μmol/l. The effect of doxorubicin on DLBCL cells was time- and concentration-dependent. hsa-miR-28-5p mimic + doxorubicin remarkably decreased proliferation of DLBCL. DLBCL cell apoptosis rate was the highest in hsa-miR-28-5p mimic + doxorubicin group. Apart from that, hsa-miR-28-5p mimic plus doxorubicin had the best effect in promoting DLBCL cell apoptosis. After the intervention of hsa-miR-28-5p mimic + doxorubicin on DLBCL cells, the cell cycle was arrested in the S-phase and DNA synthesis was blocked. hsa-miR-28-5p mimic + doxorubicin could regulate the cycle of DLBCL cells. As a result, overexpression of hsa-miR-28-5p combined with doxorubicin is possibly involved in the development of DLBCL by affecting the proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle of DLBCL cells. PD-L1 showed an association with the prognosis of DLBCL patients. Combining with the literature, this suggested hsa-miR-28-5p may influence DLBCL occurrence and therapeutic effect by regulating the PD-L1 level. Conclusion The combination of hsa-miR-28-5p mimic and doxorubicin may be considered more effective in inhibiting growth, arresting the cell cycle, and promoting cell apoptosis of DLBCL cells compared to using doxorubicin alone. The effects of doxorubicin on DLBCL cells were found to be time- and concentration-dependent. The overexpression of hsa-miR-28-5p enhanced the effect of doxorubicin on DLBCL cells, which may be attributed to the regulation of PD-L1 levels.
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15
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Tao J, Zhu L, Yakoub M, Reißfelder C, Loges S, Schölch S. Cell-Cell Interactions Drive Metastasis of Circulating Tumor Microemboli. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2661-2671. [PMID: 35856896 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-0906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells are the cellular mediators of distant metastasis in solid malignancies. Their metastatic potential can be augmented by clustering with other tumor cells or nonmalignant cells, forming circulating tumor microemboli (CTM). Cell-cell interactions are key regulators within CTM that convey enhanced metastatic properties, including improved cell survival, immune evasion, and effective extravasation into distant organs. However, the cellular and molecular mechanism of CTM formation, as well as the biology of interactions between tumor cells and immune cells, platelets, and stromal cells in the circulation, remains to be determined. Here, we review the current literature on cell-cell interactions in homotypic and heterotypic CTM and provide perspectives on therapeutic strategies to attenuate CTM-mediated metastasis by targeting cell-cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Tao
- JCCU Translational Surgical Oncology (A430), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lei Zhu
- JCCU Translational Surgical Oncology (A430), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mina Yakoub
- JCCU Translational Surgical Oncology (A430), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christoph Reißfelder
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sonja Loges
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Division of Personalized Medical Oncology (A420), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Personalized Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schölch
- JCCU Translational Surgical Oncology (A430), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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16
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Mullins R, Pal A, Barrett TF, Neal MEH, Puram SV. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Tumor Immune Evasion. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2329-2343. [PMID: 35363853 PMCID: PMC9256788 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-4370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process that occurs during embryogenesis and tissue repair. However, EMT can be hijacked by malignant cells, where it may promote immune evasion and metastasis. Classically considered a dichotomous transition, EMT in cancer has recently been considered a plastic process whereby malignant cells display and interconvert among hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) states. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and associated hybrid E/M states are divergent from classical EMT, with unique immunomodulatory effects. Here, we review recent insights into the EMP-immune cross-talk, highlighting possible mechanisms of immune evasion conferred by hybrid E/M states and roles of immune cells in EMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley Mullins
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Ananya Pal
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Thomas F Barrett
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Molly E Heft Neal
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Sidharth V Puram
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.,Corresponding author: Sidharth V. Puram, MD PhD, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Campus Box 8115, St. Louis, MO 63110, (314) 362-7509,
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17
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Bai R, Zhang J, He F, Li Y, Dai P, Huang Z, Han L, Wang Z, Gong Y, Xie C. GPR87 promotes tumor cell invasion and mediates the immunogenomic landscape of lung adenocarcinoma. Commun Biol 2022; 5:663. [PMID: 35790819 PMCID: PMC9256611 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03506-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the association between G protein-coupled receptor 87 (GPR87) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) metastasis and immune infiltration. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets extract clinical data. According to the TCGA database, increased GPR87 expression predicts poor overall survival, progression-free interval, and disease-specific survival in LUAD patients. The meta-analysis also reveals a significant association between high GPR87 expression and poor overall survival. Moreover, functional experiments demonstrate that GPR87 silencing reduces LUAD cell invasion and migration. Immunoblotting shows that GPR87 knockdown decreased Vimentin and N-cadherin expression and increased E-cadherin expression in LUAD cells. GPR87 expression in LUAD is positively correlated with immune infiltration. In addition, GPR87 expression is associated with immune and chemotherapy resistance in LUAD patients. Our findings indicate that GPR87 promotes tumor progression and is correlated with immune infiltration, suggesting GPR87 as a possible biomarker for prognosis prediction in LUAD. GPR87 is reported as a central player in lung adenocarcinoma and in resistance to immunotherapy, by promoting tumor cell invasion and mediating the immunogenomic landscape.
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18
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Wang WM, Shen H, Liu ZN, Chen YY, Hou LJ, Ding Y. Interaction between tumor microenvironment, autophagy, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tumor progression. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2022; 32:100592. [PMID: 35728404 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) is the ecosystem surrounding a tumor to influence tumor cells' growth, metastasis and immunological battlefield, in which the tumor systems fight against the body system. TME has been considered as the essential link between the tumorigenesis and development of neoplasm. Both nutrients intake and tumor progression to malignancy require the participation of components in TME. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the metastasis of tumor cells. Cells that lost polarity and acquired migration ability are prone to metastasize. Autophagy is an important self-protective mechanism in tumor cells and a necessity for the tumor cells to respond to harmful stress. Protective autophagy benefits tumor cells while abnormal autophagy leads to cell injury or death. EMT and autophagy are directly regulated by TME. To date, there are numerous studies on TME, autophagy and EMT separately, but few on their complex interrelationships. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the existing mechanisms and convincing evidence so far to seek novel therapeutic strategies and research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ming Wang
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, China
| | - Hua Shen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Zi-Ning Liu
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Chen
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, China
| | - Li-Jun Hou
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, China.
| | - Yi Ding
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, China; Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, China.
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19
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Genenger B, Perry JR, Ashford B, Ranson M. A tEMTing target? Clinical and experimental evidence for epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (a scoping systematic review). Discov Oncol 2022; 13:42. [PMID: 35666359 PMCID: PMC9170863 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00510-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a disease with globally rising incidence and poor prognosis for patients with advanced or metastatic disease. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a driver of metastasis in many carcinomas, and cSCC is no exception. We aimed to provide a systematic overview of the clinical and experimental evidence for EMT in cSCC, with critical appraisal of type and quality of the methodology used. We then used this information as rationale for potential drug targets against advanced and metastatic cSCC. All primary literature encompassing clinical and cell-based or xenograft experimental studies reporting on the role of EMT markers or related signalling pathways in the progression of cSCC were considered. A screen of 3443 search results yielded 86 eligible studies comprising 44 experimental studies, 22 clinical studies, and 20 studies integrating both. From the clinical studies a timeline illustrating the alteration of EMT markers and related signalling was evident based on clinical progression of the disease. The experimental studies reveal connections of EMT with a multitude of factors such as genetic disorders, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and matrix remodelling via matrix metalloproteinases and urokinase plasminogen activator. Additionally, EMT was found to be closely tied to environmental factors as well as to stemness in cSCC via NFκB and β-catenin. We conclude that the canonical EGFR, canonical TGF-βR, PI3K/AKT and NFκB signalling are the four signalling pillars that induce EMT in cSCC and could be valuable therapeutic targets. Despite the complexity, EMT markers and pathways are desirable biomarkers and drug targets for the treatment of advanced or metastatic cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Genenger
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jay R Perry
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Bruce Ashford
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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20
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Wang T, Denman D, Bacot SM, Feldman GM. Challenges and the Evolving Landscape of Assessing Blood-Based PD-L1 Expression as a Biomarker for Anti-PD-(L)1 Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1181. [PMID: 35625917 PMCID: PMC9138337 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While promising, PD-L1 expression on tumor tissues as assessed by immunohistochemistry has been shown to be an imperfect biomarker that only applies to a limited number of cancers, whereas many patients with PD-L1-negative tumors still respond to anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy. Recent studies using patient blood samples to assess immunotherapeutic responsiveness suggests a promising approach to the identification of novel and/or improved biomarkers for anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the advances in our evolving understanding of the regulation and function of PD-L1 expression, which is the foundation for developing blood-based PD-L1 as a biomarker for anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy. We further discuss current knowledge and clinical study results for biomarker identification using PD-L1 expression on tumor and immune cells, exosomes, and soluble forms of PD-L1 in the peripheral blood. Finally, we discuss key challenges for the successful development of the potential use of blood-based PD-L1 as a biomarker for anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (D.D.); (S.M.B.); (G.M.F.)
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21
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STAT1/IFIT2 signaling pathway is involved in PD-L1-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human esophageal cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:927-940. [PMID: 35107757 PMCID: PMC9013325 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background We have previously reported significant change of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype of Eca-109 cells upon PD-L1 operation, and the cytoplasmic domain of PD-L1 played an essential role in promoting EMT of esophageal cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanism of how PD-L1 regulated EMT in esophageal cancer remained unclear. Methods The overexpression and knockdown expression models of PD-L1 and IFIT2 were established by using lenti-virus transfection and RNAi method. Western blotting, qRT-PCR, CCK8 assay, transwell assay and wound healing assay were chosen to investigate their impact on the cells. The expression levels of IFIT2 and EMT markers in esophageal cancer tissues were examined by immunohistochemical staining. The rescue experiments were further applied to investigate the role of STAT1/IFIT2 signal pathway in the PD-L1-mediated EMT. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to examine the IFIT2 promoter activities upon knockdown expression of PD-L1 to identify the putative targeted region of IFIT2 promoter. Results The STAT1/IFIT2 signal pathway was activated when PD-L1 was knockdown in human esophageal cancer cells. Decreased IFIT2 expression significantly increased the cellular abilities of viability, invasion and migration by using RNAi method in human esophageal cancer cells. Decreased IFIT2 expression in esophageal cancer tissues significantly correlated with EMT status, and could be used as an independent prognostic predictor for the patients. Rescue experiments in PD-L1 knockdown cells further confirmed that STAT1/IFIT2 pathway was involved in the PD-L1 mediated EMT of esophageal cancer cells. Moreover, the luciferase reporter assay also confirmed that in esophageal cancer cells, the promoter region of IFIT2 (-3K~-1K) remains more active in PD-L1 knockdown expression cells compared with controls. Conclusion Our present work reveals a novel mechanism of how PD-L1 regulates EMT of cancer cells, namely STAT1/IFIT2 signal pathway is required in PD-L1 mediated EMT in human esophageal cancer.
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22
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Kapeleris J, Ebrahimi Warkiani M, Kulasinghe A, Vela I, Kenny L, Ladwa R, O’Byrne K, Punyadeera C. Clinical Applications of Circulating Tumour Cells and Circulating Tumour DNA in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer-An Update. Front Oncol 2022; 12:859152. [PMID: 35372000 PMCID: PMC8965052 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.859152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite efforts to improve earlier diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), most patients present with advanced stage disease, which is often associated with poor survival outcomes with only 15% surviving for 5 years from their diagnosis. Tumour tissue biopsy is the current mainstream for cancer diagnosis and prognosis in many parts of the world. However, due to tumour heterogeneity and accessibility issues, liquid biopsy is emerging as a game changer for both cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Liquid biopsy is the analysis of tumour-derived biomarkers in body fluids, which has remarkable advantages over the use of traditional tumour biopsy. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) are two main derivatives of liquid biopsy. CTC enumeration and molecular analysis enable monitoring of cancer progression, recurrence, and treatment response earlier than traditional biopsy through a minimally invasive liquid biopsy approach. CTC-derived ex-vivo cultures are essential to understanding CTC biology and their role in metastasis, provide a means for personalized drug testing, and guide treatment selection. Just like CTCs, ctDNA provides opportunity for screening, monitoring, treatment evaluation, and disease surveillance. We present an updated review highlighting the prognostic and therapeutic significance of CTCs and ctDNA in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kapeleris
- Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, The Centre for Biomedical Technologies, The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian Vela
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Liz Kenny
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Central Integrated Regional Cancer Service, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rahul Ladwa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Kenneth O’Byrne
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Chamindie Punyadeera
- Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, The Centre for Biomedical Technologies, The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
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Sequential Isolation and Characterization of Single CTCs and Large CTC Clusters in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246362. [PMID: 34944983 PMCID: PMC8699456 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The presence of cancer cells clusters is a frequent event capable of increasing their aptitude to survive in the bloodstream. Consistently, clusters ranging from 2–50 cancer cells are detected in about 50% of patients with metastatic cancers, including colorectal carcinoma. Although a deepened analysis of clusters might certainly offer new insights into the complexity of metastatic cascade, research in this field has come to a halt, since most circulating tumor cells isolation techniques are not compatible with large-sized clusters isolation. In the present study, we describe a sequential method to simultaneously isolate single and clustered circulating tumor cells from a single blood draw, opening new scenarios for an ever more precise characterization of colorectal cancer metastatic cascade. Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detach from a primary tumor or its metastases and circulate in the bloodstream. The vast majority of CTCs are deemed to die into the bloodstream, with only few cells representing viable metastatic precursors. Particularly, single epithelial CTCs do not survive long in the circulation due to the loss of adhesion-dependent survival signals. In metastatic colorectal cancer, the generation of large CTC clusters is a very frequent occurrence, able to increase the aptitude of CTCs to survive in the bloodstream. Although a deepened analysis of large-sized CTC clusters might certainly offer new insights into the complexity of the metastatic cascade, most CTC isolation techniques are unfortunately not compatible with large-sized CTC clusters isolation. The inappropriateness of standard CTC isolation devices for large clusters isolation and the scarce availability of detection methods able to specifically isolate and characterize both single CTCs and CTC clusters finally prevented in-depth studies on the prognostic and predictive value of clusters in clinical practice, unlike that which has been described for single CTCs. In the present study, we validated a new sequential filtration method for the simultaneous isolation of large CTC clusters and single CTCs in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer at failure of first-line treatments. The new method might allow differential downstream analyses for single and clustered CTCs starting from a single blood draw, opening new scenarios for an ever more precise characterization of colorectal cancer metastatic cascade.
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Bravaccini S, Bronte G, Petracci E, Puccetti M, D'Arcangelo M, Ravaioli S, Tumedei MM, Maltoni R, Delmonte A, Cappuzzo F, Crinò L. The Expression of Programmed Death Ligand 1 and Vimentin in Resected Non-Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Interplay and Prognostic Effects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:772216. [PMID: 34917615 PMCID: PMC8669606 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.772216] [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: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an immune checkpoint with a role in cancer-related immune evasion. It is a target for cancer immunotherapy and its expression is detected for the use of some immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC). Vimentin is a key component of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotype. Its expression has negative prognostic effects in NSCLC. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated PD-L1 and vimentin expression in tumor cells, immune infiltrate and PD-L1 positive immune infiltrate via immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from resected non-metastatic NSCLC patients. We explored the interplay between PD-L1 and vimentin expression through Spearman’s correlation test. We performed univariate analysis through the Cox models for demographic and clinico-pathological variables, and also for dichotomized biomarkers, i.e., PD-L1 and vimentin in tumor cells, both with 1 and 50% cutoffs. We used Kaplan-Meier method to estimate the overall survival, comparing both vimentin and PD-L1 positive patients with all the others. We found a weak positive correlation between PD-L1 and vimentin expressions in tumor cells (r = 0.25; p = 0.001). We also observed a statistically not significant trend towards a shorter overall survival in patients with both PD-L1 and vimentin expression >1% (HR = 1.36; 95% CI: 0.96–1.93, p = 0.087). In conclusion, these findings suggest that interplay between PD-L1 and vimentin may exist in non-metastatic NSCLC patients and the positivity of both markers in tumor tissue is associated with a trend towards a worse prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bravaccini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bronte
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Petracci
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | | | | | - Sara Ravaioli
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Tumedei
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Roberta Maltoni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Angelo Delmonte
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | | | - Lucio Crinò
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
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Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) in NSCLC: From Prognosis to Therapy Design. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111879. [PMID: 34834295 PMCID: PMC8619417 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Designing optimal (neo)adjuvant therapy is a crucial aspect of the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Standard methods of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy represent effective strategies for treatment. However, in some cases with high metastatic activity and high levels of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), the efficacy of standard treatment methods is insufficient and results in treatment failure and reduced patient survival. CTCs are seen not only as an isolated phenomenon but also a key inherent part of the formation of metastasis and a key factor in cancer death. This review discusses the impact of NSCLC therapy strategies based on a meta-analysis of clinical studies. In addition, possible therapeutic strategies for repression when standard methods fail, such as the administration of low-toxicity natural anticancer agents targeting these phenomena (curcumin and flavonoids), are also discussed. These strategies are presented in the context of key mechanisms of tumour biology with a strong influence on CTC spread and metastasis (mechanisms related to tumour-associated and -infiltrating cells, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and migration of cancer cells).
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26
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Wu T, Tang C, Tao R, Yong X, Jiang Q, Feng C. PD-L1-Mediated Immunosuppression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Relationship With Macrophage Infiltration and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Markers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:693881. [PMID: 34552581 PMCID: PMC8450501 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.693881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs), particularly inhibitors of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and PD ligand-1 (PD-L1) have become prominent in cancer treatment and also improved life expectancy of cancer patients. As key regulators of PD-1/PD-L1 axis, the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) enhances aggressive and invasive properties of tumors in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The aims of the study were first to characterize the critical links among PD-L1, TME and EMT process and, further, to explore the sensitivity of different chemical agents to different PD-L1 expression groups. Bioinformatical analysis revealed that PD-L1 was highly expressed in OSCC and higher PD-L1 expression correlated with worse survival in patients. Notably, PD-L1 was positively correlated with macrophages infiltration and EMT markers gene expression. Moreover, patients in the PD-L1high group were at a significant chance of benefiting from ICI treatment and they also showed higher sensitivity to the chemical drugs (olaparib, paclitaxel, docetaxel, and pazopanib). These findings implicate PD-L1 could serve as a novel target for prognostic and therapeutic approaches in OSCC patients; PD-L1-mediated immune evasion might be attributable to the infiltration of macrophages, resulting EMT progress; Chemical agents in combination with PD-L1 inhibitor could be served as personalized treatment plan for OSCC patients so as to maximize patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Wu
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment for Oral Infectious Diseases, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Caijin Tang
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment for Oral Infectious Diseases, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Renchuan Tao
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment for Oral Infectious Diseases, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiangzhi Yong
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment for Oral Infectious Diseases, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China
| | - Qiaozhi Jiang
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment for Oral Infectious Diseases, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Cong Feng
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment for Oral Infectious Diseases, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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27
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Gu YM, Zhuo Y, Chen LQ, Yuan Y. The Clinical Application of Neoantigens in Esophageal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:703517. [PMID: 34386424 PMCID: PMC8353328 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.703517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common malignant tumor with poor prognosis, and current treatments for patients with advanced EC remain unsatisfactory. Recently, immunotherapy has been recognized as a new and promising approach for various tumors. EC cells present a high tumor mutation burden and harbor abundant tumor antigens, including tumor-associated antigens and tumor-specific antigens. The latter, also referred to as neoantigens, are immunogenic mutated peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. While current genomics and bioinformatics technologies have greatly facilitated the identification of tumor neoantigens, identifying individual neoantigens systematically for successful therapies remains a challenging problem. Owing to the initiation of strong, specific tumor-killing cytotoxic T cell responses, neoantigens are emerging as promising targets to develop personalized treatment and have triggered the development of cancer vaccines, adoptive T cell therapies, and combination therapies. This review aims to give a current understanding of the clinical application of neoantigens in EC and provide direction for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Min Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Zhuo
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Long-Qi Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Liao C, Wang Q, An J, Long Q, Wang H, Xiang M, Xiang M, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Liu J, Guan X. Partial EMT in Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Snapshot. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3036-3047. [PMID: 34421348 PMCID: PMC8375241 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.61566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the process of cancer EMT, some subgroups of cancer cells simultaneously exhibit both mesenchymal and epithelial characteristics, a phenomenon termed partial EMT (pEMT). pEMT is a plastic state in which cells coexpress epithelial and mesenchymal markers. In squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), pEMT is regulated, and the phenotype is maintained via the HIPPO pathway, NOTCH pathway and TGF-β pathways and by microRNAs, lncRNAs and the cancer microenvironment (CME); thus, SCC exhibits aggressive tumorigenic properties and high stemness, which leads collective migration and therapy resistance. Few studies have reported therapeutic interventions to address cells that have undergone pEMT, and this approach may be an effective way to inhibit the plasticity, drug resistance and metastatic potential of SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Liao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
- Microbial Resources and Drug Development Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, Life Sciences Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Jiaxing An
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Qian Long
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Meiling Xiang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Mingli Xiang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Yulin Liu
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Xiaoyan Guan
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
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Rzhevskiy A, Kapitannikova A, Malinina P, Volovetsky A, Aboulkheyr Es H, Kulasinghe A, Thiery JP, Maslennikova A, Zvyagin AV, Ebrahimi Warkiani M. Emerging role of circulating tumor cells in immunotherapy. Theranostics 2021; 11:8057-8075. [PMID: 34335980 PMCID: PMC8315079 DOI: 10.7150/thno.59677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, immunotherapy, in particular, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, has revolutionized the treatment of several types of cancer. At the same time, the uptake in clinical oncology has been slow owing to the high cost of treatment, associated toxicity profiles and variability of the response to treatment between patients. In response, personalized approaches based on predictive biomarkers have emerged as new tools for patient stratification to achieve effective immunotherapy. Recently, the enumeration and molecular analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been highlighted as prognostic biomarkers for the management of cancer patients during chemotherapy and for targeted therapy in a personalized manner. The expression of immune checkpoints on CTCs has been reported in a number of solid tumor types and has provided new insight into cancer immunotherapy management. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the identification of immune checkpoints using CTCs and shed light on the potential applications of CTCs towards the identification of predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Rzhevskiy
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Alina Kapitannikova
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina Malinina
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1, Minini Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Arthur Volovetsky
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina Avenue 23, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | | | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Anna Maslennikova
- Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina Avenue 23, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- The Chair of Cancer, Radiotherapy and Radiologic Diagnostics, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhniy Novgorod. Russia 603005
| | - Andrei V. Zvyagin
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- IBCh - Shemyakin Ovchinnikov Institute of BioOrganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho Maklai Street, 16, Moscow, Russia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 2007 Sydney, Australia
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Tan J, Guo W, Yang S, Han D, Li H. The multiple roles and therapeutic potential of clusterin in non-small-cell lung cancer: a narrative review. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2021; 10:2683-2697. [PMID: 34295670 PMCID: PMC8264340 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-1298] [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: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, lung cancer is the most common form of cancer, with an estimated 2.09 million new cases and 1.76 million of death cause in 2018. It is categorized into two subtypes, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although platinum-based chemotherapy or molecular targeted drugs is recommended for advanced stages of NSCLC patients, however, resistance to drug and chemotherapy are hindrances for patients to fully beneficial from these treatments. Clusterin (CLU), also known as apolipoprotein J, is a versatile chaperone molecule which produced by a wide array of tissues and found in most biologic fluids. There are studies reported high expression of CLU confers resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in different lung cancer cell lines. By silencing CLU using Custirsen (OGX-011), a second-generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that inhibits CLU production, not only could sensitized cells to chemo- and radiotherapy, also could decreased their metastatic potential. We will review here the extensive literature linking CLU to NSCLC, update the current state of research on CLU for better understanding of this unique protein and the development of more effective anti- CLU treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juofang Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Su Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dingpei Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hecheng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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31
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Bornes L, Belthier G, van Rheenen J. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in the Light of Plasticity and Hybrid E/M States. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112403. [PMID: 34072345 PMCID: PMC8197992 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular program which leads to cells losing epithelial features, including cell polarity, cell-cell adhesion and attachment to the basement membrane, while gaining mesenchymal characteristics, such as invasive properties and stemness. This program is involved in embryogenesis, wound healing and cancer progression. Over the years, the role of EMT in cancer progression has been heavily debated, and the requirement of this process in metastasis even has been disputed. In this review, we discuss previous discrepancies in the light of recent findings on EMT, plasticity and hybrid E/M states. Moreover, we highlight various tumor microenvironmental cues and cell intrinsic signaling pathways that induce and sustain EMT programs, plasticity and hybrid E/M states. Lastly, we discuss how recent findings on plasticity, especially on those that enable cells to switch between hybrid E/M states, have changed our understanding on the role of EMT in cancer metastasis, stemness and therapy resistance.
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De Las Rivas J, Brozovic A, Izraely S, Casas-Pais A, Witz IP, Figueroa A. Cancer drug resistance induced by EMT: novel therapeutic strategies. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2279-2297. [PMID: 34003341 PMCID: PMC8241801 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03063-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, important clinical benefits have been achieved in cancer patients by using drug-targeting strategies. Nevertheless, drug resistance is still a major problem in most cancer therapies. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and tumour microenvironment have been described as limiting factors for effective treatment in many cancer types. Moreover, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has also been associated with therapy resistance in many different preclinical models, although limited evidence has been obtained from clinical studies and clinical samples. In this review, we particularly deepen into the mechanisms of which intermediate epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) states and its interconnection to microenvironment influence therapy resistance. We also describe how the use of bioinformatics and pharmacogenomics will help to figure out the biological impact of the EMT on drug resistance and to develop novel pharmacological approaches in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier De Las Rivas
- Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics Group, Cancer Research Center (CiC-IBMCC, CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Salamanca (USAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Anamaria Brozovic
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sivan Izraely
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alba Casas-Pais
- Epithelial Plasticity and Metastasis Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Spain.,Universidade da Coruña (UDC), Coruña, Spain
| | - Isaac P Witz
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Angélica Figueroa
- Epithelial Plasticity and Metastasis Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Spain. .,Universidade da Coruña (UDC), Coruña, Spain.
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Bronte G, Puccetti M, Petracci E, Landi L, Cravero P, Scodes S, Ulivi P, Ravaioli S, Tumedei MM, Burgio MA, Cappuzzo F, Delmonte A, Crinò L, Bravaccini S. The Interplay Between Programmed Death Ligand 1 and Vimentin in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:669839. [PMID: 34017688 PMCID: PMC8130554 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.669839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) frequently includes immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) positivity is mandatory for its use in this setting. Vimentin plays a role in carcinogenesis through the activation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Its prognostic impact in NSCLC has been investigated in numerous studies but little data are available on its relation with PD-L1 expression. Patients and Methods We retrospectively retrieved data on patients with advanced NSCLC consecutively enrolled in a clinical trial at our institute. PD-L1 and vimentin expression were determined by immunohistochemistry. Correlations between variables were assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall survival (OS) and the Log-rank test was used to compare survival curves. The association between demographic, clinical and biomarker information and survival was investigated with the Cox model. Results Fifty-three patients were included in the study. A weak positive correlation was observed between the PD-L1 and vimentin (ρ=0.41, P=0.003). Patients with PD-L1 values <1% showed a slightly better OS than those with higher values (HR=2.07; 95% CI: 0.92-4.65), but the difference was not significant (P=0.080). No difference in overall survival (OS) was observed on the basis of vimentin expression (HR=1.25; 95% CI: 0.59-2.66; P=0.554). Patients harboring both vimentin and PD-L1 negative expression (<1%) showed a trend towards better survival than those with ≥1% expression (HR=2.31; 95% CI: 0.87-6.17, P=0.093). No significant associations were observed between gender, age at diagnosis, stage at diagnosis, histology, KRAS or EGFR status, radical surgery or immunotherapy and OS. Conclusions The weak positive association between PD-L1 and vimentin suggests a potential interplay between these biomarkers. Further research is warranted to evaluate EMT and immune escape as two components of the same process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bronte
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Maurizio Puccetti
- Pathology Unit, Azienda Unitá Sanitaria Locale (AUSL) Imola, Imola, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Petracci
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Lorenza Landi
- AUSL Romagna, Ospedale Santa Maria delle Croci, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Paola Cravero
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Simona Scodes
- AUSL Romagna, Ospedale Santa Maria delle Croci, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Ravaioli
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Tumedei
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Marco Angelo Burgio
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Delmonte
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Lucio Crinò
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Bravaccini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
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Clinical Relevance of Mesenchymal- and Stem-Associated Phenotypes in Circulating Tumor Cells Isolated from Lung Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092158. [PMID: 33947159 PMCID: PMC8124761 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lung cancer is the most frequent malignancy in the world. Most lung cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. To make matters worse, the survival of patients is very poor. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), albeit rare, have been portrayed as essential players in the progression of lung cancer. It is definitely not easy being a CTC. First, they escape from the primary tumor, then they travel in the bloodstream, have to survive really harsh conditions, and finally, they form metastases. The adoption of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as well as cancer stem cell features has been suggested to allow CTCs to survive and metastasize. This review will focus on how these features can be used to estimate the prognosis of lung cancer patients. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Among the types of lung cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is more common, while small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less frequent yet more aggressive. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), albeit rare, have been portrayed as essential players in the progression of lung cancer. CTCs are considered to adopt an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs). This EMT (or partial) phenotype affords these cells the ability to escape from the primary tumor, travel into the bloodstream, and survive extremely adverse conditions, before colonizing distant foci. Acquisition of CSC features, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and migratory potential, further reflect CTCs’ invasive potential. CSCs have been identified in lung cancer, and expression of EMT markers has previously been correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Thus far, a vast majority of studies have concentrated on CTC detection and enumeration as a prognostic tools of patients’ survival or for monitoring treatment efficacy. In this review, we highlight EMT and CSC markers in CTCs and focus on the clinical significance of these phenotypes in the progression of both non-small- and small-cell lung cancer.
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35
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Chen C, Li S, Xue J, Qi M, Liu X, Huang Y, Hu J, Dong H, Ling K. PD-L1 tumor-intrinsic signaling and its therapeutic implication in triple-negative breast cancer. JCI Insight 2021; 6:131458. [PMID: 33884962 PMCID: PMC8119208 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.131458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the immune checkpoint role of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been established and targeted in cancer immunotherapy, the tumor-intrinsic role of PD-L1 is less appreciated in tumor biology and therapeutics development, partly because of the incomplete mechanistic understanding. Here we demonstrate a potentially novel mechanism by which PD-L1 promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells by suppressing the destruction of the EMT transcription factor Snail. PD-L1 directly binds to and inhibits the tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B, thus preserving p38-MAPK activity that phosphorylates and inhibits glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Via this mechanism, PD-L1 prevents the GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and degradation of Snail and consequently promotes the EMT and metastatic potential of TNBC. Significantly, PD-L1 antibodies that confine the tumor-intrinsic PD-L1/Snail pathway restricted TNBC progression in immunodeficient mice. More importantly, targeting both tumor-intrinsic and tumor-extrinsic functions of PD-L1 showed strong synergistic tumor suppression effect in an immunocompetent TNBC mouse model. Our findings support that PD-L1 intrinsically facilitates TNBC progression by promoting the EMT, and this potentially novel PD-L1 signaling pathway could be targeted for better clinical management of PD-L1–overexpressing TNBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Shiheng Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Junli Xue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Manlong Qi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Xin Liu
- Departments of Urology and Immunology, and
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.,Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jinghua Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.,Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Kun Ling
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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36
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Menju T, Date H. Lung cancer and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2021; 69:781-789. [PMID: 33754237 DOI: 10.1007/s11748-021-01595-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-known phenomenon that promotes the invasive and metastatic capabilities of LC. Especially, EMT is assumed to be a pivotal mechanism for tumor cell invasion and metastasis, thereby limiting the efficacy of surgery and medical treatments, resulting in poor patient prognoses. Thus, the elucidation and reversal of EMT could provide changes in therapeutic strategies for LC. To overcome the limitations of currents treatment regimens for LC, it is important for surgeons to be familiar with this complex tumor characteristic. In this review, the activating signaling pathways underlying EMT and the associated tumor phenotypes are briefly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshi Menju
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54, Shogoin Kawara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Date
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54, Shogoin Kawara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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37
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Marcucci F, Rumio C. The tumor-promoting effects of the adaptive immune system: a cause of hyperprogressive disease in cancer? Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:853-865. [PMID: 32940721 PMCID: PMC11072297 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03606-8] [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: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive antitumor immune responses, either cellular or humoral, aim at eliminating tumor cells expressing the cognate antigens. There are some instances, however, where these same immune responses have tumor-promoting effects. These effects can lead to the expansion of antigen-negative tumor cells, tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth, metastatic dissemination, resistance to antitumor therapy and apoptotic stimuli, acquisition of tumor-initiating potential and activation of various forms of survival mechanisms. We describe the basic mechanisms that underlie tumor-promoting adaptive immune responses and try to identify the variables that induce the switching of a tumor-inhibitory, cellular or humoral immune response, into a tumor-promoting one. We suggest that tumor-promoting adaptive immune responses may be at the origin of at least a fraction of hyperprogressive diseases (HPD) that are observed in cancer patients during therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and, less frequently, with single-agent chemotherapy. We also propose the use of non-invasive biomarkers allowing to predict which patients may undergo HPD during ICI and other forms of antitumor therapy. Eventually, we suggest possibilities of therapeutic intervention allowing to inhibit tumor-promoting adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Trentacoste 2, Milan, Italy.
| | - Cristiano Rumio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Trentacoste 2, Milan, Italy
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Aggarwal V, Montoya CA, Donnenberg VS, Sant S. Interplay between tumor microenvironment and partial EMT as the driver of tumor progression. iScience 2021; 24:102113. [PMID: 33659878 PMCID: PMC7892926 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an evolutionary conserved phenomenon, has been extensively studied to address the unresolved variable treatment response across therapeutic regimes in cancer subtypes. EMT has long been envisaged to regulate tumor invasion, migration, and therapeutic resistance during tumorigenesis. However, recently it has been highlighted that EMT involves an intermediate partial EMT (pEMT) phenotype, defined by incomplete loss of epithelial markers and incomplete gain of mesenchymal markers. It has been further emphasized that pEMT transition involves a spectrum of intermediate hybrid states on either side of pEMT spectrum. Emerging evidence underlines bi-directional crosstalk between tumor cells and surrounding microenvironment in acquisition of pEMT phenotype. Although much work is still ongoing to gain mechanistic insights into regulation of pEMT phenotype, it is evident that pEMT plays a critical role in tumor aggressiveness, invasion, migration, and metastasis along with therapeutic resistance. In this review, we focus on important role of tumor-intrinsic factors and tumor microenvironment in driving pEMT and emphasize that engineered controlled microenvironments are instrumental to provide mechanistic insights into pEMT biology. We also discuss the significance of pEMT in regulating hallmarks of tumor progression i.e. cell cycle regulation, collective migration, and therapeutic resistance. Although constantly evolving, current progress and momentum in the pEMT field holds promise to unravel new therapeutic targets to halt tumor progression at early stages as well as tackle the complex therapeutic resistance observed across many cancer types. Partial EMT phenotype drives key hallmarks of tumor progression Role of tumor microenvironment in pEMT phenotype via cellular signaling pathways Engineering 3D in vitro models to study pEMT phenotype Opportunities and challenges in understanding pEMT phenotype
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Catalina Ardila Montoya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Vera S Donnenberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Shilpa Sant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, 700 Technology Drive, Room 4307, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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Ntzifa A, Strati A, Kallergi G, Kotsakis A, Georgoulias V, Lianidou E. Gene expression in circulating tumor cells reveals a dynamic role of EMT and PD-L1 during osimertinib treatment in NSCLC patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2313. [PMID: 33504904 PMCID: PMC7840727 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy is a tool to unveil resistance mechanisms in NSCLC. We studied changes in gene expression in CTC-enriched fractions of EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients under osimertinib. Peripheral blood from 30 NSCLC patients before, after 1 cycle of osimertinib and at progression of disease (PD) was analyzed by size-based CTC enrichment combined with RT-qPCR for gene expression of epithelial (CK-8, CK-18, CK-19), mesenchymal/EMT (VIM, TWIST-1, AXL), stem cell (ALDH-1) markers, PD-L1 and PIM-1. CTCs were also analyzed by triple immunofluorescence for 45 identical blood samples. Epithelial and stem cell profile (p = 0.043) and mesenchymal/EMT and stem cell profile (p = 0.014) at PD were correlated. There was a strong positive correlation of VIM expression with PIM-1 expression at baseline and increased PD-L1 expression levels at PD. AXL overexpression varied among patients and high levels of PIM-1 transcripts were detected. PD-L1 expression was significantly increased at PD compared to baseline (p = 0.016). The high prevalence of VIM positive CTCs suggest a dynamic role of EMT during osimertinib treatment, while increased expression of PD-L1 at PD suggests a theoretical background for immunotherapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients that develop resistance to osimertinib. This observation merits to be further evaluated in a prospective immunotherapy trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliki Ntzifa
- grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Areti Strati
- grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Galatea Kallergi
- grid.11047.330000 0004 0576 5395Division of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Athanasios Kotsakis
- grid.411299.6Department of Medical Oncology, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Evi Lianidou
- grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
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Polioudaki H, Mala A, Gkimprixi E, Papadaki MA, Chantziou A, Tzardi M, Mavroudis D, Agelaki S, Theodoropoulos PA. Epithelial/Mesenchymal Characteristics and PD-L1 Co-Expression in CTCs of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Eribulin: Correlation with Clinical Outcome. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123735. [PMID: 33322610 PMCID: PMC7764288 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the co-expression of PD-L1 and epithelial-mesenchymal markers in CTCs from metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients and to determine if there is any relationship with patients' outcome after eribulin treatment. Using cytospin preparations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MBC patients treated with eribulin and a combination of immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence, we quantified PD-L1, keratins and vimentin in single and cluster CTCs on days 1 and 8 of the first-treatment cycle. CTCs (n = 173) were found in 31 out of 38 patients. At baseline, the presence of cluster CTCs (p = 0.048), cluster mesenchymal CTCs (mCTCs) (p = 0.0003) or cluster PD-L1+mCTCs (p = 0.006) was associated with shorter overall survival (OS). In multivariate cox regression analysis, the detection of cluster mCTCs was the only parameter associated with increased risk of death (p = 0.024). On day 8 post-eribulin administration, PD-L1+mCTCs and especially single PD-L1+mCTCs decreased in 75% and 89% of patients, respectively. The detection of single PD-L1+mCTCs after eribulin treatment was correlated with shorter PFS (p = 0.047) and OS (p = 0.020). In conclusion, our study identified for the first time that cluster and single PD-L1+mCTCs subpopulations are of clinical significance in patients with MBC and highlighted the importance of CTC phenotyping during treatment with eribulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hara Polioudaki
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (H.P.); (E.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Anastasia Mala
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (A.M.); (D.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Eleni Gkimprixi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (H.P.); (E.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Maria A. Papadaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Amanda Chantziou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (H.P.); (E.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Maria Tzardi
- Department of Pathology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Dimitris Mavroudis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (A.M.); (D.M.); (S.A.)
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Sofia Agelaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (A.M.); (D.M.); (S.A.)
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Panayiotis A. Theodoropoulos
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (H.P.); (E.G.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Okabe T, Togo S, Fujimoto Y, Watanabe J, Sumiyoshi I, Orimo A, Takahashi K. Mesenchymal Characteristics and Predictive Biomarkers on Circulating Tumor Cells for Therapeutic Strategy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3588. [PMID: 33266262 PMCID: PMC7761066 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis-related events are the primary cause of cancer-related deaths, and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have a pivotal role in metastatic relapse. CTCs include a variety of subtypes with different functional characteristics. Interestingly, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers expressed in CTCs are strongly associated with poor clinical outcome and related to the acquisition of circulating tumor stem cell (CTSC) features. Recent studies have revealed the existence of CTC clusters, also called circulating tumor microemboli (CTM), which have a high metastatic potential. In this review, we present current opinions regarding the clinical significance of CTCs and CTM with a mesenchymal phenotype as clinical surrogate markers, and we summarize the therapeutic strategy according to phenotype characterization of CTCs in various types of cancers for future precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Okabe
- Leading Center for the Development and Research of Cancer Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan;
| | - Shinsaku Togo
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine & Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (I.S.); (K.T.)
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Ages, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yuichi Fujimoto
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine & Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (I.S.); (K.T.)
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Ages, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Junko Watanabe
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine & Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (I.S.); (K.T.)
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Ages, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Issei Sumiyoshi
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine & Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (I.S.); (K.T.)
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Ages, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Akira Orimo
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan;
| | - Kazuhisa Takahashi
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine & Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (Y.F.); (J.W.); (I.S.); (K.T.)
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Ages, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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Keup C, Kimmig R, Kasimir-Bauer S. Liquid Biopsies to Evaluate Immunogenicity of Gynecological/Breast Tumors: On the Way to Blood-Based Biomarkers for Immunotherapies. Breast Care (Basel) 2020; 15:470-480. [PMID: 33223990 PMCID: PMC7650128 DOI: 10.1159/000510509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the assumption of breast cancer (BC) as a cold, non-immunogenic tumor, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is favorable for a subgroup of patients. Immunohistochemical assessment of the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is the only approved companion diagnostic for anti-PD-L1 therapy in metastatic triple-negative BC; however, challenges regarding the standardization of PD-L1 scoring in tumor tissue still remain. Consequently, to select patients most likely to respond to ICI, blood-based biomarkers are urgently needed. SUMMARY AND KEY MESSAGES Liquid biopsy, comprising circulating immune cells, circulating tumor cells and extracellular vesicles, as well as their surface proteins, is of high potential, and these analytes were already shown to be molecular correlates or regulators of the evasion from antitumoral immune reaction. Liquid biopsy, also enabling the evaluation of tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability, and the T-cell receptor repertoire, allows serial sampling for monitoring purposes and reflects intra-tumoral heterogeneity which qualifies as marker for immunogenicity. Only a very few studies have already elucidated the potential of these analytes as biomarkers under ICI therapy. Nonetheless, the topic is of growing interest and has high relevance for the future. However, for clinical implementation, these multifarious analytes first need to pass robust standardization and validation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Raimondi L, Raimondi FM, Di Benedetto L, Cimino G, Spinelli GP. PD-L1 Expression on Circulating Tumour Cells May Be Predictive of Response to Regorafenib in Patients Diagnosed with Chemorefractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186907. [PMID: 32962309 PMCID: PMC7555209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Regorafenib, targeting a broad range of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), is an oral multikinase inhibitor which improves the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients diagnosed with chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), making an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. The correlation between PD-1/PD-L1 expression and RTKs inhibition has been studied in several tumour types but has not been analyzed extensively in mCRC in the era of regorafenib. In this study, using liquid biopsy, we evaluated the opportunity to reveal if PD-L1 expression on circulating tumour cells (CTCs) could serve as a predictive biomarker of response and clinical benefit in patients treated with regorafenib as the third line of treatment. We analyzed a cohort of forty chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients, of whom twenty-six KRAS mutated, treated with regorafenib, all as the third line of treatment. Blood samples were collected from patients prior to treatment and longitudinally four and eight weeks after initiation of therapy. CTCs were identified using multiparametric flow cytometry; therefore, PD-L1 expression was evaluated. Objective responses were defined following the RECIST criteria v.1.1. Moreover, focusing on peripheral blood biomarkers, we found that high platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was an independent prognostic indicator of poor OS. For the first time, our study showed the usefulness of sequential assessments of CTCs as a non-invasive real-time biopsy to evaluate PD-L1 expression in patients diagnosed with mCRC and treated with regorafenib. Our analysis suggests that by assessing PD-L1 expression on CTCs, we could predict who will benefit from regorafenib, offering highly individualized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Raimondi
- UOC Territorial Oncology of Aprilia, AUSL Latina, University of Rome Sapienza, 04011 Aprilia, Italy; (L.R.); (G.C.)
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Cimino
- UOC Territorial Oncology of Aprilia, AUSL Latina, University of Rome Sapienza, 04011 Aprilia, Italy; (L.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Gian Paolo Spinelli
- UOC Territorial Oncology of Aprilia, AUSL Latina, University of Rome Sapienza, 04011 Aprilia, Italy; (L.R.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-9286-34377
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Kelley SO, Pantel K. A New Era in Liquid Biopsy: From Genotype to Phenotype. Clin Chem 2020; 66:89-96. [PMID: 31811003 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2019.303339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liquid biopsy, in which tumor cells and tumor-derived biomolecules are collected from the circulation, is an attractive strategy for the management of cancer that allows the serial monitoring of patients during treatment. The analysis of circulating DNA produced by tumors provides a means to collect genotypic information about the molecular profile of a patient's cancer. Phenotypic information, which may be highly relevant for therapeutic selection, is ideally derived from intact cells, necessitating the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CONTENT Recent advances in profiling CTCs at the single-cell level are providing new ways to collect critical phenotypic information. Analysis of secreted proteins, surface proteins, and intracellular RNAs for CTCs at the single-cell level is now possible and provides a means to quantify molecular markers that are involved with the mechanism of action of the newest therapeutics. We review the latest technological advances in this area along with related breakthroughs in high-purity CTC capture and in vivo profiling approaches, and we also present a perspective on how genotypic and phenotypic information collected via liquid biopsies is being used in the clinic. SUMMARY Over the past 5 years, the use of liquid biopsy has been adopted in clinical medicine, representing a major paradigm shift in how molecular testing is used in cancer management. The first tests to be used are genotypic measurements of tumor mutations that affect therapeutic effectiveness. Phenotypic information is also clinically relevant and essential for monitoring proteins and RNA sequences that are involved in therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana O Kelley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Gaponova AV, Rodin S, Mazina AA, Volchkov PV. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: Role in Cancer Progression and the Perspectives of Antitumor Treatment. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:4-23. [PMID: 33173593 PMCID: PMC7604894 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
About 90% of all malignant tumors are of epithelial nature. The epithelial tissue is characterized by a close interconnection between cells through cell-cell interactions, as well as a tight connection with the basement membrane, which is responsible for cell polarity. These interactions strictly determine the location of epithelial cells within the body and are seemingly in conflict with the metastatic potential that many cancers possess (the main criteria for highly malignant tumors). Tumor dissemination into vital organs is one of the primary causes of death in patients with cancer. Tumor dissemination is based on the so-called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process when epithelial cells are transformed into mesenchymal cells possessing high mobility and migration potential. More and more studies elucidating the role of the EMT in metastasis and other aspects of tumor progression are published each year, thus forming a promising field of cancer research. In this review, we examine the most recent data on the intracellular and extracellular molecular mechanisms that activate EMT and the role they play in various aspects of tumor progression, such as metastasis, apoptotic resistance, and immune evasion, aspects that have usually been attributed exclusively to cancer stem cells (CSCs). In conclusion, we provide a detailed review of the approved and promising drugs for cancer therapy that target the components of the EMT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. V. Gaponova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701 Russia
| | - S. Rodin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177 Sweden
| | - A. A. Mazina
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701 Russia
| | - P. V. Volchkov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701 Russia
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Genna A, Vanwynsberghe AM, Villard AV, Pottier C, Ancel J, Polette M, Gilles C. EMT-Associated Heterogeneity in Circulating Tumor Cells: Sticky Friends on the Road to Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1632. [PMID: 32575608 PMCID: PMC7352430 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) generate hybrid phenotypes with an enhanced ability to adapt to diverse microenvironments encountered during the metastatic spread. Accordingly, EMTs play a crucial role in the biology of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and contribute to their heterogeneity. Here, we review major EMT-driven properties that may help hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal CTCs to survive in the bloodstream and accomplish early phases of metastatic colonization. We then discuss how interrogating EMT in CTCs as a companion biomarker could help refine cancer patient management, further supporting the relevance of CTCs in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Genna
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Aline M. Vanwynsberghe
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Amélie V. Villard
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Charles Pottier
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Julien Ancel
- CHU (Centre Hopitalier Universitaire) de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Service de Pneumologie, 51092 Reims, France;
- INSERM, UMR (Unité Mixte de Recherche)-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51097 Reims, France;
| | - Myriam Polette
- INSERM, UMR (Unité Mixte de Recherche)-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51097 Reims, France;
- CHU de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Laboratoire de Pathologie, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Christine Gilles
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
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Optimal PD-L1-high cutoff for association with overall survival in patients with urothelial cancer treated with durvalumab monotherapy. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231936. [PMID: 32339189 PMCID: PMC7185603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have indicated that programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression may have utility as a predictive biomarker in patients with advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). Different immunohistochemical (IHC) assays are in development to assess PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (TCs) and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (ICs). Methods In this post hoc analysis of the single-arm, phase 1/2 Study 1108 (NCT01693562), PD-L1 expression was evaluated from tumor samples obtained prior to second-line treatment with durvalumab in patients with advanced/metastatic UC using the VENTANA (SP263) IHC Assay. The primary objective was to determine whether the TC ≥ 25%/IC ≥ 25% algorithm (i.e., cutoff of ≥ 25% TC or ≥ 25% IC with PD-L1 staining at any intensity above background) was optimal for predicting response to durvalumab. PD-L1 expression data were available from 188 patients. Results After a median follow-up of 15.8 and 14.6 months, higher PD-L1 expression was associated with longer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), respectively, with significant separation in survival curves for PD-L1–high and–low expressing patients for the TC ≥ 25%/IC ≥ 25% cutoff (median OS: 19.8 vs 4.8 months; hazard ratio: 0.46; 90% confidence interval: 0.33, 0.639). OS was also prolonged for PD-L1–high compared with–low patients when samples were categorized using TC/IC combined positive score ≥ 10 and IC≥ 5% cutoffs. In multivariate analysis, IC but not TC PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with OS, PFS, and objective response rate (P < 0.001 for each), although interaction analysis showed similar directionality of benefit for ICs and TCs. Conclusions These findings support the utility of a combined TC/IC algorithm for predicting response to durvalumab in patients with UC, with the TC≥ 25%/IC≥ 25% cutoff optimal when used with the VENTANA (SP263) IHC Assay.
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Bergmann S, Coym A, Ott L, Soave A, Rink M, Janning M, Stoupiec M, Coith C, Peine S, von Amsberg G, Pantel K, Riethdorf S. Evaluation of PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC). Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1738798. [PMID: 32391189 PMCID: PMC7199812 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1738798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis shows durable responses in a subset of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). However, PD-L1 expression in tumor biopsies does not necessarily correlate with response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Thus, a reliable predictive biomarker is urgently needed. Here, the expression of PD-L1 on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood from patients with advanced UC was analyzed. For this purpose, an assay to test PD-L1 expression on CTCs using the CellSearch® system was established using cells of five UC cell lines spiked into blood samples from healthy donors and applied to a heterogeneous cohort of UC patients. Enumeration of CTCs was performed in blood samples from 49 patients with advanced UC. PD-L1 expression in ≥1 CTC was found in 10 of 16 CTC-positive samples (63%). Both intra- and inter-patient heterogeneity regarding PD-L1 expression of CTCs were observed. Furthermore, vimentin-expressing CTCs were detected in 4 of 15 CTC-positive samples (27%), independently of PD-L1 analysis. Both CTC detection and presence of CTCs with moderate or strong PD-L1 expression correlated with worse overall survival. Analyses during disease course of three individual patients receiving ICI suggest that apart from CTC numbers also PD-L1 expression on CTCs might potentially indicate disease progression. This is the first study demonstrating the feasibility to detect CTC-PD-L1 expression in patients with advanced UC using the CellSearch® system. This assay is readily available for clinical application and could be implemented in future clinical trials to evaluate its relevance for predicting and monitoring response to ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Bergmann
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anja Coym
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leonie Ott
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Armin Soave
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Rink
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Janning
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Stoupiec
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Coith
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Peine
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunhild von Amsberg
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Riethdorf
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Sudo S, Kajiya H, Okano S, Sasaki M, Katsumata Y, Ohno J, Ikebe T, Hiraki A, Okabe K. Cisplatin-induced programmed cell death ligand-2 expression is associated with metastasis ability in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:1113-1123. [PMID: 32012401 PMCID: PMC7156784 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death ligands (PD‐Ls) are expressed in tumor cells where they bind to programmed cell death‐1, an immunocyte co–receptor, resulting in tumor cell evasion from the immune system. Chemotherapeutic drugs have been recently reported to induce the expression of PD‐L, such as PD‐L1, in some cancer cells. However, little is known regarding PD‐L2 expression and its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this study, we examined the effect of cisplatin on the expression and regulation of PD‐L2 in OSCC cell lines and analyzed malignant behavior in PD‐L2‐expressing cells using colony, transwell and transformation assays. In addition, we examined PD‐L2 expression in the tumor tissues of OSCC patients using cytology and tissue microarray methods. In OSCC cell lines, cisplatin treatment upregulated PD‐L2 expression, along with that of the drug efflux transporter ABCG2, via signal transducers and activator of transcription (STAT) 1/3 activation. Moreover, PD‐L2‐positive or PD‐L2‐overexpressing cells demonstrated upregulation in both invasion and transformation ability but not in proliferation compared with PD‐L2‐negative or PD‐L2‐silencing cells. PD‐L2 expression was also observed in OSCC cells of cytology samples and tissue from OSCC patients. The intensity of PD‐L2 expression was correlated with more malignant morphological features in the histological appearance and an invasive pattern. Our findings indicate that cisplatin‐upregulated PD‐L2 expression in OSCC via STAT1/3 activation and the expression of PD‐L2 are likely to be associated with malignancy in OSCC. The PD‐L2 expression in cisplatin‐resistant OSCC cells may be a critical factor in prognosis of advanced OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunichi Sudo
- Department of Physiological Science and Molecular Biology, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kajiya
- Department of Physiological Science and Molecular Biology, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan.,Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shinji Okano
- Department of Morphological Biology, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mina Sasaki
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuri Katsumata
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jun Ohno
- Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Ikebe
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akimitsu Hiraki
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koji Okabe
- Department of Physiological Science and Molecular Biology, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
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50
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Yousefi M, Ghaffari P, Nosrati R, Dehghani S, Salmaninejad A, Abarghan YJ, Ghaffari SH. Prognostic and therapeutic significance of circulating tumor cells in patients with lung cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019; 43:31-49. [PMID: 31828552 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-019-00470-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the main cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In spite of various efforts that have been made to facilitate the early diagnosis of lung cancer, most patients are diagnosed when the disease is already in stage IV, which is generally associated with the occurrence of distant metastases and a poor survival. Moreover, a large proportion of these patients will relapse after treatment, heralding the need for the stratification of lung cancer patients in addition to identifying those who are at a higher risk of relapse and, thus, require alternative and/or additional therapies. Recently, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been considered as valuable markers for the early diagnosis, prognosis and risk stratification of cancer patients, and they have been found to be able to predict the survival of patients with various types of cancer, including lung cancer. Additionally, the characterization of CTCs has recently provided fascinating insights into the heterogeneity of tumors, which may be instrumental for the development of novel targeted therapies. CONCLUSIONS Here we review our current understanding of the significance of CTCs in lung cancer metastasis. We also discuss prominent studies reporting the utility of enumeration and characterization of CTCs in lung cancer patients as prognostic and pharmacodynamic biomarkers for those who are at a higher risk of metastasis and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Yousefi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Parisa Ghaffari
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahim Nosrati
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sadegh Dehghani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Arash Salmaninejad
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yousef Jafari Abarghan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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