1
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Chen Y, Liang Z, Lai M. Targeting the devil: Strategies against cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer. Transl Res 2024; 270:81-93. [PMID: 38614213 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as significant constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a pivotal role in the progression of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this comprehensive review, we presented the origins and activation mechanisms of CAFs in CRC, elaborating on how CAFs drive tumor progression through their interactions with CRC cells, immune cells, vascular endothelial cells, and the extracellular matrix within the TME. We systematically outline the intricate web of interactions among CAFs, tumor cells, and other TME components, and based on this complex interplay, we summarize various therapeutic strategies designed to target CAFs in CRC. It is also essential to recognize that CAFs represent a highly heterogeneous group, encompassing various subtypes such as myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF), inflammatory CAF (iCAF), antigen-presenting CAF (apCAF), vessel-associated CAF (vCAF). Herein, we provide a summary of studies investigating the heterogeneity of CAFs in CRC and the characteristic expression patterns of each subtype. While the majority of CAFs contribute to the exacerbation of CRC malignancy, recent findings have revealed specific subtypes that exert inhibitory effects on CRC progression. Nevertheless, the comprehensive landscape of CAF heterogeneity still awaits exploration. We also highlight pivotal unanswered questions that need to be addressed before CAFs can be recognized as feasible targets for cancer treatment. In conclusion, the aim of our review is to elucidate the significance and challenges of advancing in-depth research on CAFs, while outlining the pathway to uncover the complex roles of CAFs in CRC and underscore their significant potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Chen
- Department of Pathology, and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Research Unit of Intelligence Classification of Tumor Pathology and Precision Therapy of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU042), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Disease, Molecular Pathology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China; Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zhiyong Liang
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Disease, Molecular Pathology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Maode Lai
- Department of Pathology, and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Research Unit of Intelligence Classification of Tumor Pathology and Precision Therapy of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU042), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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2
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McAndrews KM, Mahadevan KK, Kalluri R. Mouse Models to Evaluate the Functional Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression and Therapy Responses. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041411. [PMID: 38191175 PMCID: PMC11216184 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of both cellular and noncellular components that functions to impact the evolution of cancer. Various aspects of the TME have been targeted for the control of cancer; however, TME composition is dynamic, with the overall abundance of immune cells, endothelial cells (ECs), fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as subsets of TME components changing at different stages of progression and in response to therapy. To effectively treat cancer, an understanding of the functional role of the TME is needed. Genetically engineered mouse models have enabled comprehensive insight into the complex interactions within the TME ecosystem that regulate disease progression. Here, we review recent advances in mouse models that have been employed to understand how the TME regulates cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M McAndrews
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Krishnan K Mahadevan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77251, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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3
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McKenzie M, Lian GY, Pennel KA, Quinn JA, Jamieson NB, Edwards J. NFκB signalling in colorectal cancer: Examining the central dogma of IKKα and IKKβ signalling. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32904. [PMID: 38975078 PMCID: PMC11226910 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The NFκB pathway, known as the central regulator of inflammation, has a well-established role in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. Due to the pathway's overarching roles in CRC, there have been efforts to characterise NFκB family members and target the pathway for therapeutic intervention. Initial research illustrated that the canonical NFκB pathway, driven by central kinase IKKβ, was a promising target for drug intervention. However, dose limiting toxicities and specificity concerns have resulted in failure of IKKβ inhibitors in clinical trials. The field has turned to look at targeting the less dominant kinase, IKKα, which along with NFκB inducing kinase (NIK), drives the lesser researched non-canonical NFκB pathway. However prognostic studies of the non-canonical pathway have produced conflicting results. There is emerging evidence that IKKα is involved in other signalling pathways, which lie outside of canonical and non-canonical NFκB signalling. Evidence suggests that some of these alternative pathways involve a truncated form of IKKα, and this may drive poor cancer-specific survival in CRC. This review aims to explore the multiple components of NFκB signalling, highlighting that NIK may be the central kinase for non-canonical NFκB signalling, and that IKKα is involved in novel pathways which promote CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly McKenzie
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Guang-Yu Lian
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Kathryn A.F. Pennel
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Jean A. Quinn
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Nigel B. Jamieson
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Joanne Edwards
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
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4
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Sánchez-Ramírez D, Mendoza-Rodríguez MG, Alemán OR, Candanedo-González FA, Rodríguez-Sosa M, Montesinos-Montesinos JJ, Salcedo M, Brito-Toledo I, Vaca-Paniagua F, Terrazas LI. Impact of STAT-signaling pathway on cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer and its role in immunosuppression. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1705-1724. [PMID: 38764833 PMCID: PMC11099434 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.1705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadliest types of cancer worldwide. CRC displays a desmoplastic reaction (DR) that has been inversely associated with poor prognosis; less DR is associated with a better prognosis. This reaction generates excessive connective tissue, in which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are critical cells that form a part of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs are directly involved in tumorigenesis through different mechanisms. However, their role in immunosuppression in CRC is not well understood, and the precise role of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) in mediating CAF activity in CRC remains unclear. Among the myriad chemical and biological factors that affect CAFs, different cytokines mediate their function by activating STAT signaling pathways. Thus, the harmful effects of CAFs in favoring tumor growth and invasion may be modulated using STAT inhibitors. Here, we analyze the impact of different STATs on CAF activity and their immunoregulatory role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damián Sánchez-Ramírez
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Mónica G Mendoza-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Omar R Alemán
- Department of Biology, Facultad de Quimica, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Fernando A Candanedo-González
- Department of Pathology, National Medical Center Century XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Miriam Rodríguez-Sosa
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Juan José Montesinos-Montesinos
- Laboratorio de Células Troncales Mesenquimales, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas, Hospital de Oncología Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Mauricio Salcedo
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina y Oncologia Genomica, Instituto Mexciano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 07300, Mexico
| | - Ismael Brito-Toledo
- Servicio de Colon y Recto, Hospital de Oncología Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Felipe Vaca-Paniagua
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Luis I Terrazas
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
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5
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Abudukelimu S, de Miranda NFCC, Hawinkels LJAC. Fibroblasts in Orchestrating Colorectal Tumorigenesis and Progression. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:821-826. [PMID: 38307492 PMCID: PMC10966773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an abundant component of the tumor microenvironment and have been shown to possess critical functions in tumor progression. Although their roles predominantly have been described as tumor-promoting, more recent findings have identified subsets of CAFs with tumor-restraining functions. Accumulating evidence underscores large heterogeneity in fibroblast subsets in which distinct subsets differentially impact the initiation, progression, and metastasis of colorectal cancer. In this review, we summarize and discuss the evolving role of CAFs in colorectal cancer, highlighting the ongoing controversies regarding their distinct origins and multifaceted functions. In addition, we explore how CAFs can confer resistance to current therapies and the challenges of developing effective CAF-directed therapies. Taken together, we believe that, in this rapidly evolving field, it is crucial first to understand CAF dynamics comprehensively, and to bridge existing knowledge gaps regarding CAF heterogeneity and plasticity before further exploring the clinical targeting of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subinuer Abudukelimu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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6
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Chalkidi N, Melissari MT, Henriques A, Stavropoulou A, Kollias G, Koliaraki V. Activation and Functions of Col6a1+ Fibroblasts in Colitis-Associated Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:148. [PMID: 38203319 PMCID: PMC10778587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) comprise a group of heterogeneous subpopulations with distinct identities indicative of their diverse origins, activation patterns, and pro-tumorigenic functions. CAFs originate mainly from resident fibroblasts, which are activated upon different stimuli, including growth factors and inflammatory mediators, but the extent to which they also maintain some of their homeostatic properties, at least at the earlier stages of carcinogenesis, is not clear. In response to cytokines, such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), as well as microbial products, CAFs acquire an immunoregulatory phenotype, but its specificity and pathophysiological significance in individual CAF subsets is yet to be determined. In this study, we analyzed the properties of Col6a1-positive fibroblasts in colitis-associated cancer. We found that Col6a1+ cells partly maintain their homeostatic features during adenoma development, while their activation is characterized by the acquisition of a distinct proangiogenic signature associated with their initial perivascular location. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that Col6a1+ cells respond to innate immune stimuli and exert pro-tumorigenic functions. However, Col6a1+-specific inhibition of TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) or IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) signaling does not significantly affect tumorigenesis, suggesting that activation of other subsets acts in a compensatory way or that multiple immune stimuli are necessary to drive the proinflammatory activation of this subset. In conclusion, our results show that adenoma-associated CAF subsets can partly maintain the properties of homeostatic fibroblasts while they become activated to support tumor growth through distinct and compensatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Chalkidi
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Maria-Theodora Melissari
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Ana Henriques
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Athanasia Stavropoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - George Kollias
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Koliaraki
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Vari, Greece
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7
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Zefferino R, Conese M. A Vaccine against Cancer: Can There Be a Possible Strategy to Face the Challenge? Possible Targets and Paradoxical Effects. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1701. [PMID: 38006033 PMCID: PMC10674257 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Is it possible to have an available vaccine that eradicates cancer? Starting from this question, this article tries to verify the state of the art, proposing a different approach to the issue. The variety of cancers and different and often unknown causes of cancer impede, except in some cited cases, the creation of a classical vaccine directed at the causative agent. The efforts of the scientific community are oriented toward stimulating the immune systems of patients, thereby preventing immune evasion, and heightening chemotherapeutic agents effects against cancer. However, the results are not decisive, because without any warning signs, metastasis often occurs. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on a vaccine that must be administered to a patient in order to prevent metastasis; metastasis is an event that leads to death, and thus, preventing it could transform cancer into a chronic disease. We underline the fact that the field has not been studied in depth, and that the complexity of metastatic processes should not be underestimated. Then, with the aim of identifying the target of a cancer vaccine, we draw attention to the presence of the paradoxical actions of different mechanisms, pathways, molecules, and immune and non-immune cells characteristic of the tumor microenvironment at the primary site and pre-metastatic niche in order to exclude possible vaccine candidates that have opposite effects/behaviors; after a meticulous evaluation, we propose possible targets to develop a metastasis-targeting vaccine. We conclude that a change in the current concept of a cancer vaccine is needed, and the efforts of the scientific community should be redirected toward a metastasis-targeting vaccine, with the increasing hope of eradicating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Zefferino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
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8
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Li J, Ji Y, Chen N, Dai L, Deng H. Colitis-associated carcinogenesis: crosstalk between tumors, immune cells and gut microbiota. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:194. [PMID: 37875976 PMCID: PMC10594787 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01139-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. One of the main causes of colorectal cancer is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), intestinal mesenchymal cells (IMCs), immune cells, and gut microbiota construct the main body of the colon and maintain colon homeostasis. In the development of colitis and colitis-associated carcinogenesis, the damage, disorder or excessive recruitment of different cells such as IECs, IMCs, immune cells and intestinal microbiota play different roles during these processes. This review aims to discuss the various roles of different cells and the crosstalk of these cells in transforming intestinal inflammation to cancer, which provides new therapeutic methods for chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and microbial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junshu Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Ke Yuan Road 4, No. 1 Gao Peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yanhong Ji
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Ke Yuan Road 4, No. 1 Gao Peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Na Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Ke Yuan Road 4, No. 1 Gao Peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lei Dai
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Ke Yuan Road 4, No. 1 Gao Peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Hongxin Deng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Ke Yuan Road 4, No. 1 Gao Peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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9
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Mariant CL, Bacola G, Van Landeghem L. Mini-Review: Enteric glia of the tumor microenvironment: An affair of corruption. Neurosci Lett 2023; 814:137416. [PMID: 37572875 PMCID: PMC10967235 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment corresponds to a complex mixture of bioactive products released by local and recruited cells whose normal functions have been "corrupted" by cues originating from the tumor, mostly to favor cancer growth, dissemination and resistance to therapies. While the immune and the mesenchymal cellular components of the tumor microenvironment in colon cancer have been under intense scrutiny over the last two decades, the influence of the resident neural cells of the gut on colon carcinogenesis has only very recently begun to draw attention. The vast majority of the resident neural cells of the gastrointestinal tract belong to the enteric nervous system and correspond to enteric neurons and enteric glial cells, both of which have been understudied in the context of colon cancer development and progression. In this review, we especially discuss available evidence on enteric glia impact on colon carcinogenesis. To highlight "corrupted" functioning in enteric glial cells of the tumor microenvironment and its repercussion on tumorigenesis, we first review the main regulatory effects of enteric glial cells on the intestinal epithelium in homeostatic conditions and we next present current knowledge on enteric glia influence on colon tumorigenesis. We particularly examine how enteric glial cell heterogeneity and plasticity require further appreciation to better understand the distinct regulatory interactions enteric glial cell subtypes engage with the various cell types of the tumor, and to identify novel biological targets to block enteric glia pro-carcinogenic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe L Mariant
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Gregory Bacola
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Laurianne Van Landeghem
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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10
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Xu Y, Li W, Lin S, Liu B, Wu P, Li L. Fibroblast diversity and plasticity in the tumor microenvironment: roles in immunity and relevant therapies. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:234. [PMID: 37723510 PMCID: PMC10506315 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), enriched in the tumor stroma, have received increasing attention because of their multifaceted effects on tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, and treatment resistance in malignancies. CAFs contributed to suppressive microenvironment via different mechanisms, while CAFs also exerted some antitumor effects. Therefore, CAFs have been considered promising therapeutic targets for their remarkable roles in malignant tumors. However, patients with malignancies failed to benefit from current CAFs-targeted drugs in many clinical trials, which suggests that further in-depth investigation into CAFs is necessary. Here, we summarize and outline the heterogeneity and plasticity of CAFs mainly by exploring their origin and activation, highlighting the regulation of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment during tumor evolution, as well as the critical roles performed by CAFs in tumor immunity. In addition, we summarize the current immunotherapies targeting CAFs, and conclude with a brief overview of some prospects for the future of CAFs research in the end. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shitong Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Binghan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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11
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Chhabra Y, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in cancer: Unity in heterogeneity. Cell 2023; 186:1580-1609. [PMID: 37059066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells do not exist in isolation in vivo, and carcinogenesis depends on the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of a myriad of cell types and biophysical and biochemical components. Fibroblasts are integral in maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, even before a tumor develops, pro-tumorigenic fibroblasts in close proximity can provide the fertile 'soil' to the cancer 'seed' and are known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In response to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, CAFs reorganize the TME enabling metastasis, therapeutic resistance, dormancy and reactivation by secreting cellular and acellular factors. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries on CAF-mediated cancer progression with a particular focus on fibroblast heterogeneity and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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12
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Niu N, Ye J, Hu Z, Zhang J, Wang Y. Regulative Roles of Metabolic Plasticity Caused by Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation and Glycolysis on the Initiation and Progression of Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087076. [PMID: 37108242 PMCID: PMC10139088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
One important feature of tumour development is the regulatory role of metabolic plasticity in maintaining the balance of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in cancer cells. In recent years, the transition and/or function of metabolic phenotypes between mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in tumour cells have been extensively studied. In this review, we aimed to elucidate the characteristics of metabolic plasticity (emphasizing their effects, such as immune escape, angiogenesis migration, invasiveness, heterogeneity, adhesion, and phenotypic properties of cancers, among others) on tumour progression, including the initiation and progression phases. Thus, this article provides an overall understanding of the influence of abnormal metabolic remodeling on malignant proliferation and pathophysiological changes in carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Niu
- Shenzhen Engineering Labortaory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Canghai Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jinfeng Ye
- Shenzhen Engineering Labortaory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhangli Hu
- Shenzhen Engineering Labortaory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Junbin Zhang
- Shenzhen Engineering Labortaory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Shenzhen Engineering Labortaory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
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13
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Wieder R. Fibroblasts as Turned Agents in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072014. [PMID: 37046676 PMCID: PMC10093070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated epithelial cells reside in the homeostatic microenvironment of the native organ stroma. The stroma supports their normal function, their G0 differentiated state, and their expansion/contraction through the various stages of the life cycle and physiologic functions of the host. When malignant transformation begins, the microenvironment tries to suppress and eliminate the transformed cells, while cancer cells, in turn, try to resist these suppressive efforts. The tumor microenvironment encompasses a large variety of cell types recruited by the tumor to perform different functions, among which fibroblasts are the most abundant. The dynamics of the mutual relationship change as the sides undertake an epic battle for control of the other. In the process, the cancer “wounds” the microenvironment through a variety of mechanisms and attracts distant mesenchymal stem cells to change their function from one attempting to suppress the cancer, to one that supports its growth, survival, and metastasis. Analogous reciprocal interactions occur as well between disseminated cancer cells and the metastatic microenvironment, where the microenvironment attempts to eliminate cancer cells or suppress their proliferation. However, the altered microenvironmental cells acquire novel characteristics that support malignant progression. Investigations have attempted to use these traits as targets of novel therapeutic approaches.
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14
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Kennel KB, Bozlar M, De Valk AF, Greten FR. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Inflammation and Antitumor Immunity. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1009-1016. [PMID: 36399325 PMCID: PMC10011884 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated inflammation (TAI) is a feature of essentially all cancers and can confer both tumor-promoting and -suppressive functions. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) comprise one very heterogeneous cellular component of the tumor microenvironment characterized by a high degree of plasticity. Recent single-cell sequencing analyses revealed distinct CAF populations in various human cancers and helped to define key CAF subtypes, such as myofibroblastic, inflammatory, and antigen-presenting CAFs, with the first two being present in virtually all tumors. Importantly, these three CAF populations are involved in and modulate the positive and negative consequences of TAI. The remarkable plasticity of CAFs allows them to shift phenotypically and functionally in response to environmental changes. In this review, we describe how CAFs nurture tumor-promoting inflammation and suppress adaptive immunity. We also summarize the recently emerging evidence pertaining to tumor-suppressive CAF functions in the context of TAI. Finally, we summarize therapeutic concepts that aim at modulating CAF functions or depleting immunosuppressive CAFs to synergize with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian B Kennel
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Müge Bozlar
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Adalbert F De Valk
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Florian R Greten
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Villegas-Pineda JC, Ramírez-de-Arellano A, Bueno-Urquiza LJ, Lizarazo-Taborda MDR, Pereira-Suárez AL. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in gynecological malignancies: are they really allies of the enemy? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1106757. [PMID: 37168385 PMCID: PMC10164963 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1106757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular and cellular components of the tumor microenvironment are essential for cancer progression. The cellular element comprises cancer cells and heterogeneous populations of non-cancer cells that satisfy tumor needs. Immune, vascular, and mesenchymal cells provide the necessary factors to feed the tumor mass, promote its development, and favor the spread of cancer cells from the primary site to adjacent and distant anatomical sites. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are mesenchymal cells that promote carcinogenesis and progression of various malignant neoplasms. CAFs act through the secretion of metalloproteinases, growth factors, cytokines, mitochondrial DNA, and non-coding RNAs, among other molecules. Over the last few years, the evidence on the leading role of CAFs in gynecological cancers has notably increased, placing them as the cornerstone of neoplastic processes. In this review, the recently reported findings regarding the promoting role that CAFs play in gynecological cancers, their potential use as therapeutic targets, and the new evidence suggesting that they could act as tumor suppressors are analyzed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio César Villegas-Pineda
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Adrián Ramírez-de-Arellano
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Lesly Jazmín Bueno-Urquiza
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Departamento de Fisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | | | - Ana Laura Pereira-Suárez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Ana Laura Pereira-Suárez,
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16
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Tumor-derived exosomes elicit cancer-associated fibroblasts shaping inflammatory tumor microenvironment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2023; 136:106270. [PMID: 36462328 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.106270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exosome-mediated reciprocal crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells plays a crucial role in tumor development and progression. This study investigated whether exosomes released from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumor cells can convert normal fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF)-like cells and further analyzed the functional characterization of fibroblasts educated by tumor-derived exosomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Exosomes secreted from HNSCC cell lines were isolated and normal fibroblasts were established from normal oropharyngeal mucosa. The effects of the exosomes on fibroblasts were examined by proliferation and migration assays, and exosome-educated fibroblasts were analyzed for the expression of eight genes (IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, TGFB1, ACTA2, FAP, CD274, and PDCD1LG2) by RT-qPCR. Moreover, T cells or CD14-positive cells were co-cultured with culture supernatants from exosome-educated fibroblasts. T-cell proliferation and macrophage polarization were examined using flow cytometry. Then, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of exosome-educated fibroblasts and the corresponding control fibroblasts was performed. RESULTS Tumor-derived exosomes enhanced fibroblast proliferation and migration. Moreover, gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoregulatory genes, and activated fibroblast marker genes. The culture supernatants of tumor-derived exosome-educated fibroblasts suppressed T cell proliferation and the induction of protumoral macrophages compared with those of control fibroblasts. Next, comprehensive RNA-seq analysis data revealed the activation of 11 signaling pathways, including IL-6- and IL-17-related signaling. CONCLUSION These results indicate that HNSCC tumor cells induce and/or differentiate into CAFs through exosome-based cell-to-cell communication to create an inflammatory tumor microenvironment.
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17
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Zhou J, Schwenk-Zieger S, Kranz G, Walz C, Klauschen F, Dhawan S, Canis M, Gires O, Haubner F, Baumeister P, Kohlbauer V. Isolation and characterization of head and neck cancer-derived peritumoral and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Front Oncol 2022; 12:984138. [PMID: 36544698 PMCID: PMC9760815 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.984138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are characterized by strong cellular and molecular heterogeneity and treatment resistance entailing poor survival. Besides cell-intrinsic properties, carcinoma cells receive important cues from non-malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the TME that impact on the molecular make-up of malignant cells and have a decisive function in tumor progression. However, the potential functionality of fibroblasts within tumor-adjacent, macroscopically normal tissue remains poorly explored. Methods Here, we isolated primary peritumoral fibroblasts (PtFs) from macroscopically normal tissue in vicinity of primary human papillomavirus-negative and -positive oropharyngeal HNSCC and compared their phenotype and functionality with matched CAFs (n = 5 pairs) and with human oral fibroblasts (hOFs). Results Expression patterns of CD90, CD73, CD105, smooth muscle actin, Vimentin, and S100A4 were comparable in PtFs, CAFs, and hOFs. Cell proliferation and doubling times of CAFs and PtFs were heterogeneous across patients (n =2 PtF>CAF; n = 1 CAF>PtF; n = 2 CAF=PtF) and reflected inferior growth than hOFs. Furthermore, PtFs displayed an reduced heterogeneity in cell size compared to matched CAFs, which were characterized by the presence of single large cells. Overall, conditioned supernatants from CAFs had more frequently growth-promoting effects on a panel of carcinoma cell lines of the upper aerodigestive tract carcinoma cell lines (Cal27, Cal33, FaDu, and Kyse30), whereas significant differences in migration-inducing effects demonstrated a higher potential of PtFs. Except for Kyse30, CAFs were significantly superior to hOFs in promoting proliferation, while PtFs induced stronger migration than hOFs in all carcinoma lines tested. Analysis of soluble factors demonstrated significantly increased VEGF-A production in CAFs (except in pat.8), and significantly increased PDGF-BB production in PtFs of two patients. Tube formation assays confirmed a significantly enhanced angiogenic potential of conditioned supernatants from CAFs compared to hOFs on human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Discussion Hence, matched CAFs and PtFs present in HNSCC patients are heterogeneous in their proliferation-, migration-, and angiogenesis-promoting capacity. Despite this heterogeneity, CAFs induced stronger carcinoma cell proliferation and HUVEC tube formation overall, whereas PtFs promoted migration of tumor cells more strongly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiefu Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Schwenk-Zieger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Walz
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frederik Klauschen
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sharduli Dhawan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany,Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer”, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany,Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer”, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Frank Haubner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany,Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer”, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Vera Kohlbauer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Vera Kohlbauer,
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18
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Fang Z, Meng Q, Xu J, Wang W, Zhang B, Liu J, Liang C, Hua J, Zhao Y, Yu X, Shi S. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts: recent advances and future perspectives. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 43:3-41. [PMID: 36424360 PMCID: PMC9859735 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Well-known signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Hedgehog (Hh), Notch, Wnt, Hippo, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways, as well as transcription factors, including hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), P53, Snail, and Twist, constitute complex regulatory networks in the TME to modulate the formation, activation, heterogeneity, metabolic characteristics and malignant phenotype of CAFs. Activated CAFs remodel the TME and influence the malignant biological processes of cancer cells by altering the transcriptional and secretory characteristics, and this modulation partially depends on the regulation of signaling cascades. The results of preclinical and clinical trials indicated that therapies targeting signaling pathways in CAFs demonstrated promising efficacy but were also accompanied by some failures (e.g., NCT01130142 and NCT01064622). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the signaling cascades in CAFs might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the development of more efficient and safer stroma-targeted cancer therapies. Here, we review recent advances in studies of signaling pathways in CAFs and briefly discuss some future perspectives on CAF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Fang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
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Colon tumour cell death causes mTOR dependence by paracrine P2X4 stimulation. Nature 2022; 612:347-353. [PMID: 36385525 PMCID: PMC7613947 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05426-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Solid cancers exhibit a dynamic balance between cell death and proliferation ensuring continuous tumour maintenance and growth1,2. Increasing evidence links enhanced cancer cell apoptosis to paracrine activation of cells in the tumour microenvironment initiating tissue repair programs that support tumour growth3,4, yet the direct effects of dying cancer cells on neighbouring tumour epithelia and how this paracrine effect potentially contributes to therapy resistance are unclear. Here we demonstrate that chemotherapy-induced tumour cell death in patient-derived colorectal tumour organoids causes ATP release triggering P2X4 (also known as P2RX4) to mediate an mTOR-dependent pro-survival program in neighbouring cancer cells, which renders surviving tumour epithelia sensitive to mTOR inhibition. The induced mTOR addiction in persisting epithelial cells is due to elevated production of reactive oxygen species and subsequent increased DNA damage in response to the death of neighbouring cells. Accordingly, inhibition of the P2X4 receptor or direct mTOR blockade prevents induction of S6 phosphorylation and synergizes with chemotherapy to cause massive cell death induced by reactive oxygen species and marked tumour regression that is not seen when individually applied. Conversely, scavenging of reactive oxygen species prevents cancer cells from becoming reliant on mTOR activation. Collectively, our findings show that dying cancer cells establish a new dependency on anti-apoptotic programs in their surviving neighbours, thereby creating an opportunity for combination therapy in P2X4-expressing epithelial tumours.
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20
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Liu L, Hou Y, Deng C, Tao Z, Chen Z, Hu J, Chen K. Single cell sequencing reveals that CD39 inhibition mediates changes to the tumor microenvironment. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6740. [PMID: 36347860 PMCID: PMC9643495 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing technologies have noteworthily improved our understanding of the genetic map and molecular characteristics of bladder cancer (BC). Here we identify CD39 as a potential therapeutic target for BC via single-cell transcriptome analysis. In a subcutaneous tumor model and orthotopic bladder cancer model, inhibition of CD39 (CD39i) by sodium polyoxotungstate is able to limit the growth of BC and improve the overall survival of tumor-bearing mice. Via single cell RNA sequencing, we find that CD39i increase the intratumor NK cells, conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) and CD8 + T cells and decrease the Treg abundance. The antitumor effect and reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment are blockaded in both the NK cells depletion model and the cDC1-deficient Batf3-/- model. In addition, a significant synergistic effect is observed between CD39i and cisplatin, but the CD39i + anti-PD-L1 (or anti-PD1) strategy does not show any synergistic effects in the BC model. Our results confirm that CD39 is a potential target for the immune therapy of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilong Liu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaxin Hou
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Changqi Deng
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Tao
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Radiation Oncology and Cyberknife Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer institute & Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaohui Chen
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junyi Hu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Chen
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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21
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Gál P, Brábek J, Holub M, Jakubek M, Šedo A, Lacina L, Strnadová K, Dubový P, Hornychová H, Ryška A, Smetana K. Autoimmunity, cancer and COVID-19 abnormally activate wound healing pathways: critical role of inflammation. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:415-434. [PMID: 35867145 PMCID: PMC9305064 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02140-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that targeting IL-6 provides broad therapeutic approaches to several diseases. In patients with cancer, autoimmune diseases, severe respiratory infections [e.g. coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] and wound healing, IL-6 plays a critical role in modulating the systemic and local microenvironment. Elevated serum levels of IL-6 interfere with the systemic immune response and are associated with disease progression and prognosis. As already noted, monoclonal antibodies blocking either IL-6 or binding of IL-6 to receptors have been used/tested successfully in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, many cancer types, and COVID-19. Therefore, in the present review, we compare the impact of IL-6 and anti-IL-6 therapy to demonstrate common (pathological) features of the studied diseases such as formation of granulation tissue with the presence of myofibroblasts and deposition of new extracellular matrix. We also discuss abnormal activation of other wound-healing-related pathways that have been implicated in autoimmune disorders, cancer or COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Gál
- Department of Pharmacology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department of Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Košice, Slovak Republic
- Prague Burn Centre, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Brábek
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Holub
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Faculty of Medicine, Military University Hospital Prague and Charles University, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jakubek
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Aleksi Šedo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 120 00 Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Lacina
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
- Department of Dermatovenereology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Karolína Strnadová
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Dubový
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Hornychová
- The Fingerland Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Hradec Králové, Charles University, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Ryška
- The Fingerland Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Hradec Králové, Charles University, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Smetana
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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22
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Chalkidi N, Paraskeva C, Koliaraki V. Fibroblasts in intestinal homeostasis, damage, and repair. Front Immunol 2022; 13:924866. [PMID: 36032088 PMCID: PMC9399414 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.924866] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian intestine is a self-renewing tissue that ensures nutrient absorption while acting as a barrier against environmental insults. This is achieved by mature intestinal epithelial cells, the renewing capacity of intestinal stem cells at the base of the crypts, the development of immune tolerance, and the regulatory functions of stromal cells. Upon intestinal injury or inflammation, this tightly regulated mucosal homeostasis is disrupted and is followed by a series of events that lead to tissue repair and the restoration of organ function. It is now well established that fibroblasts play significant roles both in the maintenance of epithelial and immune homeostasis in the intestine and the response to tissue damage mainly through the secretion of a variety of soluble mediators and ligands and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix. In addition, recent advances in single-cell transcriptomics have revealed an unexpected heterogeneity of fibroblasts that comprise distinct cell subsets in normal and inflammatory conditions, indicative of diverse functions. However, there is still little consensus on the number, terminology, and functional properties of these subsets. Moreover, it is still unclear how individual fibroblast subsets can regulate intestinal repair processes and what is their impact on the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. In this mini-review, we aim to provide a concise overview of recent advances in the field, that we believe will help clarify current concepts on fibroblast heterogeneity and functions and advance our understanding of the contribution of fibroblasts in intestinal damage and repair.
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23
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Shin M, Chan IL, Cao Y, Gruntman AM, Lee J, Sousa J, Rodríguez TC, Echeverria D, Devi G, Debacker AJ, Moazami MP, Krishnamurthy PM, Rembetsy-Brown JM, Kelly K, Yukselen O, Donnard E, Parsons TJ, Khvorova A, Sontheimer EJ, Maehr R, Garber M, Watts JK. Intratracheally administered LNA gapmer antisense oligonucleotides induce robust gene silencing in mouse lung fibroblasts. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:8418-8430. [PMID: 35920332 PMCID: PMC9410908 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The lung is a complex organ with various cell types having distinct roles. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have been studied in the lung, but it has been challenging to determine their effectiveness in each cell type due to the lack of appropriate analytical methods. We employed three distinct approaches to study silencing efficacy within different cell types. First, we used lineage markers to identify cell types in flow cytometry, and simultaneously measured ASO-induced silencing of cell-surface proteins CD47 or CD98. Second, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to measure silencing efficacy in distinct cell types; to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time scRNA-seq has been applied to measure the efficacy of oligonucleotide therapeutics. In both approaches, fibroblasts were the most susceptible to locally delivered ASOs, with significant silencing also in endothelial cells. Third, we confirmed that the robust silencing in fibroblasts is broadly applicable by silencing two targets expressed mainly in fibroblasts, Mfap4 and Adam33. Across independent approaches, we demonstrate that intratracheally administered LNA gapmer ASOs robustly induce gene silencing in lung fibroblasts. ASO-induced gene silencing in fibroblasts was durable, lasting 4-8 weeks after a single dose. Thus, lung fibroblasts are well aligned with ASOs as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwook Shin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Io Long Chan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yuming Cao
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Alisha M Gruntman
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, N. Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Tomás C Rodríguez
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gitali Devi
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Alexandre J Debacker
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Michael P Moazami
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | | | - Julia M Rembetsy-Brown
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Onur Yukselen
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Elisa Donnard
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Teagan J Parsons
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - René Maehr
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Manuel Garber
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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24
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Dynamic Co-Evolution of Cancer Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Role in Right- and Left-Sided Colon Cancer Progression and Its Clinical Relevance. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11071014. [PMID: 36101394 PMCID: PMC9312176 DOI: 10.3390/biology11071014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The versatile crosstalk between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of the tumour microenvironment (TME) drives colorectal carcinogenesis and heterogeneity. Colorectal cancer (CRC) can be classified by the anatomical sites from which the cancer arises, either from the right or left colon. Although the cancer cell–CAF interaction is being widely studied, its role in the progression of cancer in the right and left colon and cancer heterogeneity are still yet to be elucidated. Further insight into the complex interaction between different cellular components in the cancer niche, their evolutionary process and their influence on cancer progression would propel the discovery of effective targeted CRC therapy. Abstract Cancer is a result of a dynamic evolutionary process. It is composed of cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment (TME). One of the major cellular constituents of TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are known to interact with cancer cells and promote colorectal carcinogenesis. The accumulation of these activated fibroblasts is linked to poor diagnosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and recurrence of the disease. However, the interplay between cancer cells and CAFs is yet to be described, especially in relation to the sidedness of colorectal carcinogenesis. CRC, which is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, can be classified according to the anatomical region from which they originate: left-sided (LCRC) and right-sided CRC (RCR). Both cancers differ in many aspects, including in histology, evolution, and molecular signatures. Despite occurring at lower frequency, RCRC is often associated with worse diagnosis compared to LCRC. The differences in molecular profiles between RCRC and LCRC also influence the mode of treatment that can be used to specifically target these cancer entities. A better understanding of the cancer cell–CAF interplay and its association with RCRC and LRCR progression will provide better insight into potential translational aspects of targeted treatment for CRC.
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25
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Zhang S, Harada M, Kimura T, Ashida N. Deletion of IKKβ in activated fibroblasts promotes tumor progression in melanoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 621:46-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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26
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Xu Z, Chu M. Advances in Immunosuppressive Agents Based on Signal Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:917162. [PMID: 35694243 PMCID: PMC9178660 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.917162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune abnormality involves in various diseases, such as infection, allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, as well as transplantation. Several signal pathways have been demonstrated to play a central role in the immune response, including JAK/STAT, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT-mTOR, MAPK, and Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, in which multiple targets have been used to develop immunosuppressive agents. In recent years, varieties of immunosuppressive agents have been approved for clinical use, such as the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib and the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, which have shown good therapeutic effects. Additionally, many immunosuppressive agents are still in clinical trials or preclinical studies. In this review, we classified the immunosuppressive agents according to the immunopharmacological mechanisms, and summarized the phase of immunosuppressive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Xu
- Department of Immunology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Immunology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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27
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Qi J, Sun H, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Xun Z, Li Z, Ding X, Bao R, Hong L, Jia W, Fang F, Liu H, Chen L, Zhong J, Zou D, Liu L, Han L, Ginhoux F, Liu Y, Ye Y, Su B. Single-cell and spatial analysis reveal interaction of FAP + fibroblasts and SPP1 + macrophages in colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1742. [PMID: 35365629 PMCID: PMC8976074 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29366-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 114.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common malignancies with limited treatments other than surgery. The tumor microenvironment (TME) profiling enables the discovery of potential therapeutic targets. Here, we profile 54,103 cells from tumor and adjacent tissues to characterize cellular composition and elucidate the potential origin and regulation of tumor-enriched cell types in CRC. We demonstrate that the tumor-specific FAP+ fibroblasts and SPP1+ macrophages were positively correlated in 14 independent CRC cohorts containing 2550 samples and validate their close localization by immuno-fluorescent staining and spatial transcriptomics. This interaction might be regulated by chemerin, TGF-β, and interleukin-1, which would stimulate the formation of immune-excluded desmoplasic structure and limit the T cell infiltration. Furthermore, we find patients with high FAP or SPP1 expression achieved less therapeutic benefit from an anti-PD-L1 therapy cohort. Our results provide a potential therapeutic strategy by disrupting FAP+ fibroblasts and SPP1+ macrophages interaction to improve immunotherapy. Tumour microenvironment profiling during colorectal cancer progression may enable the discovery of therapeutic targets. Here, single cell and spatial RNA sequencing of tumour and adjacent normal tissues reveals an interaction between FAP+ fibroblasts and SPP1+ macrophages that could be disrupted as an immunotherapy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Qi
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Yale Institute for Immune Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongxiang Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Yale Institute for Immune Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Immune-related Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengting Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Immune-related Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenzhen Xun
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rujuan Bao
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liwen Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Immune-related Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqing Jia
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Fang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhi Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Yale Institute for Immune Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Immune-related Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Duowu Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Immune-related Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Leng Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR, 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos Building, Level 3 and 4, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Yingbin Liu
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Youqiong Ye
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Yale Institute for Immune Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Immune-related Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bing Su
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Yale Institute for Immune Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Immune-related Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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28
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[Research Status of Tumor-associated Fibroblasts Regulating Immune Cells]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2022; 25:207-213. [PMID: 35340164 PMCID: PMC8976201 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2022.101.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-infiltrating immune cells are the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). They communicate with each other in tumor microenvironment and play a critical role in tumorigenesis and development. CAFs are very heterogeneous and different subtypes of CAFs display different functions. At the same time, it can contribute to the regulation of the function of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and eventually result in the carcinogenesis, tumor progression, invasion, metastasis and other biological behaviors of tumors by producting various growth factors and cytokines etc. Based on the current research results at home and abroad, this paper reviews the recent research progress on the regulation of CAFs on infiltrating immune cells in tumor microenvironment.
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29
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Targeting STAT3 Signaling in COL1+ Fibroblasts Controls Colitis-Associated Cancer in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061472. [PMID: 35326623 PMCID: PMC8946800 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061472] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common disease and has limited treatment options. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CRC has been increasingly recognized. However, the role of CAF subsets in CRC is hardly understood and opposing functions of type I (COL1+) vs. type VI (COL6+) collagen-expressing subsets were reported before with respect to NFκB-related signaling. Here, we have focused on COL1+ fibroblasts, which represent a frequent CAF population in CRC and studied their role upon STAT3 activation in vivo. Using a dual strategy with a conditional gain-of-function and a conditional loss-of-function approach in an in vivo model of colitis-associated cancer, tumor development was evaluated by different readouts, including advanced imaging methodologies, e.g., light sheet microscopy and CT-scan. Our data demonstrate that the inhibition of STAT3 activation in COL1+ fibroblasts reduces tumor burden, whereas the constitutive activation of STAT3 promotes the development of inflammation-driven CRC. In addition, our work characterizes the co-expression and distribution of type I and type VI collagen by CAFs in inflammation-associated colorectal cancer using reporter mice. This work indicates a critical contribution of STAT3 signaling in COL1+ CAFs, suggesting that the blockade of STAT3 activation in type I collagen-expressing fibroblasts could serve as promising therapeutic targets in colitis-associated CRC. In combination with previous work by others and us, our current findings highlight the context-dependent roles of COL1+ CAFs and COL6+ CAFs that might be variable according to the specific pathway activated.
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30
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Nicolas AM, Pesic M, Engel E, Ziegler PK, Diefenhardt M, Kennel KB, Buettner F, Conche C, Petrocelli V, Elwakeel E, Weigert A, Zinoveva A, Fleischmann M, Häupl B, Karakütük C, Bohnenberger H, Mosa MH, Kaderali L, Gaedcke J, Ghadimi M, Rödel F, Arkan MC, Oellerich T, Rödel C, Fokas E, Greten FR. Inflammatory fibroblasts mediate resistance to neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:168-184.e13. [PMID: 35120600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Standard cancer therapy targets tumor cells without considering possible damage on the tumor microenvironment that could impair therapy response. In rectal cancer patients we find that inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs) are associated with poor chemoradiotherapy response. Employing a murine rectal cancer model or patient-derived tumor organoids and primary stroma cells, we show that, upon irradiation, interleukin-1α (IL-1α) not only polarizes cancer-associated fibroblasts toward the inflammatory phenotype but also triggers oxidative DNA damage, thereby predisposing iCAFs to p53-mediated therapy-induced senescence, which in turn results in chemoradiotherapy resistance and disease progression. Consistently, IL-1 inhibition, prevention of iCAFs senescence, or senolytic therapy sensitizes mice to irradiation, while lower IL-1 receptor antagonist serum levels in rectal patients correlate with poor prognosis. Collectively, we unravel a critical role for iCAFs in rectal cancer therapy resistance and identify IL-1 signaling as an attractive target for stroma-repolarization and prevention of cancer-associated fibroblasts senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele M Nicolas
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Marina Pesic
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Esther Engel
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Paul K Ziegler
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Markus Diefenhardt
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt Marburg (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Kilian B Kennel
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Florian Buettner
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Claire Conche
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Valentina Petrocelli
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Eiman Elwakeel
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Anna Zinoveva
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Maximilian Fleischmann
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt Marburg (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Björn Häupl
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Cem Karakütük
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Mohammed H Mosa
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Lars Kaderali
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jochen Gaedcke
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Ghadimi
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Franz Rödel
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt Marburg (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Melek C Arkan
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Oellerich
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Claus Rödel
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt Marburg (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emmanouil Fokas
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt Marburg (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian R Greten
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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31
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Wang W, Cheng B, Yu Q. Cancer-associated fibroblasts as accomplices to confer therapeutic resistance in cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:889-901. [PMID: 36627901 PMCID: PMC9771752 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The "seed and soil" concept has reformed paradigms for cancer treatment in the past decade. Accumulating evidence indicates that the intimate crosstalk between cancer cells and stromal cells plays a tremendous role in tumor progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the largest population of stroma cells, influence therapeutic effects through diverse mechanisms. Herein, we summarize the recent advances in the versatile functions of CAFs regarding their heterogeneity, and we mainly discuss the pro-tumorigenic functions of CAFs which promote tumorigenesis and confer therapeutic resistance to tumors. Targeting CAFs is emerging as one of the most appealing strategies in anticancer therapies. The endeavors to target or reprogram the specific subtypes of CAFs provide great cancer treatment opportunities, which may provide a better clinical benefit to cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong, China
- Cancer Precision Medicine, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Biopolis, Singapore 138672, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Correspondence to: Prof. Qiang Yu, Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore. E-mail:
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32
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Hu H, Piotrowska Z, Hare PJ, Chen H, Mulvey HE, Mayfield A, Noeen S, Kattermann K, Greenberg M, Williams A, Riley AK, Wilson JJ, Mao YQ, Huang RP, Banwait MK, Ho J, Crowther GS, Hariri LP, Heist RS, Kodack DP, Pinello L, Shaw AT, Mino-Kenudson M, Hata AN, Sequist LV, Benes CH, Niederst MJ, Engelman JA. Three subtypes of lung cancer fibroblasts define distinct therapeutic paradigms. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:1531-1547.e10. [PMID: 34624218 PMCID: PMC8578451 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are highly heterogeneous. With the lack of a comprehensive understanding of CAFs' functional distinctions, it remains unclear how cancer treatments could be personalized based on CAFs in a patient's tumor. We have established a living biobank of CAFs derived from biopsies of patients' non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) that encompasses a broad molecular spectrum of CAFs in clinical NSCLC. By functionally interrogating CAF heterogeneity using the same therapeutics received by patients, we identify three functional subtypes: (1) robustly protective of cancers and highly expressing HGF and FGF7; (2) moderately protective of cancers and highly expressing FGF7; and (3) those providing minimal protection. These functional differences among CAFs are governed by their intrinsic TGF-β signaling, which suppresses HGF and FGF7 expression. This CAF functional classification correlates with patients' clinical response to targeted therapies and also associates with the tumor immune microenvironment, therefore providing an avenue to guide personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichuan Hu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Zofia Piotrowska
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Patricia J Hare
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Huidong Chen
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Molecular Pathology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Hillary E Mulvey
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Aislinn Mayfield
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sundus Noeen
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Krystina Kattermann
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Max Greenberg
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - August Williams
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Amanda K Riley
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | - Ying-Qing Mao
- RayBiotech Inc, Norcross, GA 30092, USA; RayBiotech Inc, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Ruo-Pan Huang
- RayBiotech Inc, Norcross, GA 30092, USA; RayBiotech Inc, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China; Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510095, China
| | - Mandeep K Banwait
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jeffrey Ho
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Giovanna S Crowther
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lida P Hariri
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rebecca S Heist
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David P Kodack
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Luca Pinello
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Molecular Pathology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Alice T Shaw
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mari Mino-Kenudson
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Aaron N Hata
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lecia V Sequist
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Cyril H Benes
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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33
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Takahashi M, Kobayashi H, Mizutani Y, Hara A, Iida T, Miyai Y, Asai N, Enomoto A. Roles of the Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Marker Meflin/Islr in Cancer Fibrosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:749924. [PMID: 34676218 PMCID: PMC8523999 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.749924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts synthesise the extracellular matrix (ECM) such as collagen and elastin, the excessive accumulation of which can lead to fibrosis and organ dysfunction under pathological conditions. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are major constituents of the tumour microenvironment (TME) that accompany the desmoplastic reaction responsible for anti-cancer treatment resistance. Thus, it is important to dissect the roles of CAFs in the TME to develop new therapeutic strategies for refractory cancers. Recent progress in the studies of CAF biology suggests that the functions of CAFs are complicated and that they are composed of functionally distinct populations, including cancer-promoting CAFs (pCAFs) and cancer-restraining CAFs (rCAFs). We recently identified a new cell surface marker for rCAFs in pancreatic and colon cancers, designated as Meflin (mesenchymal stromal cell- and fibroblast-expressing Linx paralogue)/Islr (immunoglobulin super family containing leucine-rich repeat). Based on the distribution of Meflin/Islr-positive cells, we also considered it a specific candidate marker for mesenchymal stroma/stem cells. Meflin/Islr-positive CAFs have been shown to suppress cancer progression by being involved in regulating collagen structures and BMP signalling in the TME. This review describes the function of Meflin/Islr in cancer fibrosis as well as in cardiac and lung fibrosis and its potential in the development of new cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahide Takahashi
- International Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kobayashi
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Mizutani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Hara
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tadashi Iida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuki Miyai
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoya Asai
- Department of Pathology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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34
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Deng L, Jiang N, Zeng J, Wang Y, Cui H. The Versatile Roles of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Colorectal Cancer and Therapeutic Implications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:733270. [PMID: 34660589 PMCID: PMC8517274 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.733270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is populated by abundant cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that radically influence the disease progression across many cancers, including the colorectal cancer (CRC). In theory, targeting CAFs holds great potential in optimizing CRC treatment. However, attempts to translate the therapeutic benefit of CAFs into clinic practice face many obstacles, largely due to our limited understanding of the heterogeneity in their origins, functions, and mechanisms. In recent years, accumulating evidence has uncovered some cellular precursors and molecular markers of CAFs and also revealed their versatility in impacting various hallmarks of CRC, together helping us to better define the population of CAFs and also paving the way toward their future therapeutic targeting for CRC treatment. In this review, we outline the emerging concept of CAFs in CRC, with an emphasis on their origins, biomarkers, prognostic significance, as well as their functional roles and underlying mechanisms in CRC biology. At last, we discuss the prospect of harnessing CAFs as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Deng
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nianfen Jiang
- Health Management Center, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Department of General Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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35
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Mao X, Xu J, Wang W, Liang C, Hua J, Liu J, Zhang B, Meng Q, Yu X, Shi S. Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment: new findings and future perspectives. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:131. [PMID: 34635121 PMCID: PMC8504100 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 759] [Impact Index Per Article: 253.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a stromal cell population with cell-of-origin, phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, are the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Through multiple pathways, activated CAFs can promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, along with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and even chemoresistance. Numerous previous studies have confirmed the critical role of the interaction between CAFs and tumor cells in tumorigenesis and development. However, recently, the mutual effects of CAFs and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) have been identified as another key factor in promoting tumor progression. The TIME mainly consists of distinct immune cell populations in tumor islets and is highly associated with the antitumor immunological state in the TME. CAFs interact with tumor-infiltrating immune cells as well as other immune components within the TIME via the secretion of various cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, exosomes and other effector molecules, consequently shaping an immunosuppressive TME that enables cancer cells to evade surveillance of the immune system. In-depth studies of CAFs and immune microenvironment interactions, particularly the complicated mechanisms connecting CAFs with immune cells, might provide novel strategies for subsequent targeted immunotherapies. Herein, we shed light on recent advances regarding the direct and indirect crosstalk between CAFs and infiltrating immune cells and further summarize the possible immunoinhibitory mechanisms induced by CAFs in the TME. In addition, we present current related CAF-targeting immunotherapies and briefly describe some future perspectives on CAF research in the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Mao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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36
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Yu S, Lu Y, Su A, Chen J, Li J, Zhou B, Liu X, Xia Q, Li Y, Li J, Huang M, Ye Y, Zhao Q, Jiang S, Yan X, Wang X, Di C, Pan J, Su S. A CD10-OGP Membrane Peptolytic Signaling Axis in Fibroblasts Regulates Lipid Metabolism of Cancer Stem Cells via SCD1. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2101848. [PMID: 34363355 PMCID: PMC8498877 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) consist of heterogeneous subpopulations that play a critical role in the dynamics of the tumor microenvironment. The extracellular signals of CAFs have been attributed to the extracellular matrix, cytokines, cell surface checkpoints, and exosomes. In the present study, it is demonstrated that the CD10 transmembrane hydrolase expressed on a subset of CAFs supports tumor stemness and induces chemoresistance. Mechanistically, CD10 degenerates an antitumoral peptide termed osteogenic growth peptide (OGP). OGP restrains the expression of rate-limiting desaturase SCD1 and inhibits lipid desaturation, which is required for cancer stem cells (CSCs). Targeting CD10 significantly improves the efficacy of chemotherapy in vivo. Clinically, CD10-OGP signals are associated with the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. The collective data suggest that a nexus between the niche and lipid metabolism in CSCs is a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubin Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Yiwen Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - An Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Jianing Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Jiang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Boxuan Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Xinwei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Qidong Xia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Yihong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Jiaqian Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Min Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Yingying Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Qiyi Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseasesthe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Researchthe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat‐sen University)Ministry of EducationGuangzhouGuangdong510080China
| | - Sushi Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Xiaoqing Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Can Di
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Jiayao Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Shicheng Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationMedical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Breast Tumor CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
- Department of Infectious Diseasesthe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Department of ImmunologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
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37
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Zarin B, Rafiee L, Daneshpajouhnejad P, Haghjooy Javanmard S. A review on the role of CAFs and CAF-derived exosomes in progression and metastasis of digestive system cancers. Tumour Biol 2021; 43:141-157. [PMID: 34420992 DOI: 10.3233/tub-200075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers evolve as a result of the accelerated proliferation of cancer cells in a complicated, enriched, and active microenvironment. Tumor microenvironment (TME) components are the master regulators of any step of cancer development. The tumor microenvironment is composed of many cellular and noncellular components that contribute to the evolution of cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated fibroblasts in the TME that implicate in tumor progression and metastasis dissemination through secretion of oncogenic factors which are carried to the secondary metastatic sites through exosomes. In this review, we aimed to assess the role of CAF-derived exosomes in TME construction and pre-metastatic niche formation in different cancers of the digestive system in order to better understand some important mechanisms of metastasis and provide possible targets for clinical intervention. This review article is divided into two thematic parts explaining the general mechanisms of pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis and the role of CAF-derived exosomes in different digestive system cancers including colorectal, gastric, esophageal, pancreatic, and liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Zarin
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafiee
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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38
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Gao L, Yu Q, Zhang H, Wang Z, Zhang T, Xiang J, Yu S, Zhang S, Wu H, Xu Y, Wang Z, Shen L, Shu G, Chen YG, Liu H, Shen L, Li B. A resident stromal cell population actively restrains innate immune response in the propagation phase of colitis pathogenesis in mice. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/603/eabb5071. [PMID: 34290057 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abb5071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects 0.3% of the global population, yet the etiology remains poorly understood. Anti-inflammation therapy has shown great success, but only 60% of patients with IBD benefit from it, indicating that new targets are needed. Here, we report the discovery of an intrinsic counter regulatory mechanism in colitis pathogenesis that may be targeted for IBD treatment. In response to microbial invasion, resident Vimentin+ stromal cells, connective tissue cells genetically marked by Twist2, are activated during the propagation phase of the disease, but not during initiation and resolution phases, and become a primary source of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 induction requires a nuclear factor κB-independent, TLR4-p38MAPK-Cox2 pathway activation. Ablation of each of the pathway genes, but not Rela or Tgfb1, in Twist2 cells enhanced M1 macrophage polarization and granulocyte/T helper 1 (TH1)/TH17 infiltration and aggravated colitis development. PGE2 administration ameliorated colitis in mouse models with defective PGE2 production but not in animals with normal PGE2 induction. Analysis of clinical samples and public domain data revealed increased expression of Cox2, the rate-limiting enzyme of PGE2 biosynthesis, in inflamed tissues, and especially in colon Vimentin+Twist2+ stromal cells, in about 60% of patients with active Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Moreover, Cox2 protein expression was negatively correlated with disease severity, suggesting an involvement of stromal cells in IBD pathogenesis. Thus, the study uncovers an active immune pathway in colitic inflammation that may be targeted to treat patients with IBD with defects in PGE2 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Gao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qian Yu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Huasheng Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhengting Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jinnan Xiang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Shuxiang Yu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Shaoyang Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hongguang Wu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yizhou Xu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Gang Shu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ye-Guang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Lei Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Baojie Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China. .,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
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Lu W, Meng Z, Hernandez R, Zhou C. Fibroblast-specific IKKβ deficiency ameliorates angiotensin II-induced adverse cardiac remodeling in mice. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e150161. [PMID: 34324438 PMCID: PMC8492299 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.150161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac inflammation and fibrosis contribute significantly to hypertension-related adverse cardiac remodeling. IκB kinase β (IKK-β), a central coordinator of inflammation through activation of NF-κB, has been demonstrated as a key molecular link between inflammation and cardiovascular disease. However, the cell-specific contribution of IKK-β signaling toward adverse cardiac remodeling remains elusive. Cardiac fibroblasts are one of the most populous nonmyocyte cell types in the heart that play a key role in mediating cardiac fibrosis and remodeling. To investigate the function of fibroblast IKK-β, we generated inducible fibroblast-specific IKK-β–deficient mice. Here, we report an important role of IKK-β in the regulation of fibroblast functions and cardiac remodeling. Fibroblast-specific IKK-β–deficient male mice were protected from angiotensin II–induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and macrophage infiltration. Ablation of fibroblast IKK-β inhibited angiotensin II–stimulated fibroblast proinflammatory and profibrogenic responses, leading to ameliorated cardiac remodeling and improved cardiac function in IKK-β–deficient mice. Findings from this study establish fibroblast IKK-β as a key factor regulating cardiac fibrosis and function in hypertension-related cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States of America
| | - Zhaojie Meng
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Hernandez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, United States of America
| | - Changcheng Zhou
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, United States of America
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Chan DKH, Buczacki SJA. Tumour heterogeneity and evolutionary dynamics in colorectal cancer. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:53. [PMID: 34272358 PMCID: PMC8285471 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00342-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a global burden of disease. Our current understanding of CRC has progressed from initial discoveries which focused on the stepwise accumulation of key driver mutations, as encapsulated in the Vogelstein model, to one in which marked heterogeneity leads to a complex interplay between clonal populations. Current evidence suggests that an initial explosion, or “Big Bang”, of genetic diversity is followed by a period of neutral dynamics. A thorough understanding of this interplay between clonal populations during neutral evolution gives insights into the roles in which driver genes may participate in the progress from normal colonic epithelium to adenoma and carcinoma. Recent advances have focused not only on genetics, transcriptomics, and proteomics but have also investigated the ecological and evolutionary processes which transform normal cells into cancer. This review first describes the role which driver mutations play in the Vogelstein model and subsequently demonstrates the evidence which supports a more complex model. This article also aims to underscore the significance of tumour heterogeneity and diverse clonal populations in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dedrick Kok Hong Chan
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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41
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Inflammasomes as therapeutic targets in human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:247. [PMID: 34210954 PMCID: PMC8249422 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes are protein complexes of the innate immune system that initiate inflammation in response to either exogenous pathogens or endogenous danger signals. Inflammasome multiprotein complexes are composed of three parts: a sensor protein, an adaptor, and pro-caspase-1. Activation of the inflammasome leads to the activation of caspase-1, which cleaves pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18, leading to pyroptosis. Effectors of the inflammasome not only provide protection against infectious pathogens, but also mediate control over sterile insults. Aberrant inflammasome signaling has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review the role of the inflammasome as a double-edged sword in various diseases, and the outcomes can be either good or bad depending on the disease, as well as the genetic background. We highlight inflammasome memory and the two-shot activation process. We also propose the M- and N-type inflammation model, and discuss how the inflammasome pathway may be targeted for the development of novel therapy.
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42
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Wu F, Yang J, Liu J, Wang Y, Mu J, Zeng Q, Deng S, Zhou H. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts and targeted therapy for cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:218. [PMID: 34108441 PMCID: PMC8190181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To flourish, cancers greatly depend on their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in TME are critical for cancer occurrence and progression because of their versatile roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, maintenance of stemness, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, immune response, and promotion of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. CAFs are highly heterogeneous stromal cells and their crosstalk with cancer cells is mediated by a complex and intricate signaling network consisting of transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, epidermal growth factor receptor, Hippo, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, etc., signaling pathways. These signals in CAFs exhibit their own special characteristics during the cancer progression and have the potential to be targeted for anticancer therapy. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these signaling cascades in interactions between cancer cells and CAFs is necessary to fully realize the pivotal roles of CAFs in cancers. Herein, in this review, we will summarize the enormous amounts of findings on the signals mediating crosstalk of CAFs with cancer cells and its related targets or trials. Further, we hypothesize three potential targeting strategies, including, namely, epithelial-mesenchymal common targets, sequential target perturbation, and crosstalk-directed signaling targets, paving the way for CAF-directed or host cell-directed antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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43
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Lichtenberger BM, Kasper M. Cellular heterogeneity and microenvironmental control of skin cancer. J Intern Med 2021; 289:614-628. [PMID: 32976658 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Healthy tissues harbour a surprisingly high number of cells that carry well-known cancer-causing mutations without impacting their physiological function. In recent years, strong evidence accumulated that the immediate environment of mutant cells profoundly impact their prospect of malignant progression. In this review, focusing on the skin, we investigate potential key mechanisms that ensure tissue homeostasis despite the presence of mutant cells, as well as critical factors that may nudge the balance from homeostasis to tumour formation. Functional in vivo studies and single-cell transcriptome analyses have revealed a tremendous cellular heterogeneity and plasticity within epidermal (stem) cells and their respective niches, revealing for example wild-type epithelial cells, fibroblasts or immune-cell subsets as critical in preventing cancer formation and malignant progression. It's the same cells, however, that can drive carcinogenesis. Therefore, understanding the abundance and molecular variation of cell types in health and disease, and how they interact and modulate the local signalling environment will thus be key for new therapeutic avenues in our battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Lichtenberger
- From the, Skin and Endothelium Research Division, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Kasper
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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44
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Wang Z, Yang Q, Tan Y, Tang Y, Ye J, Yuan B, Yu W. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Suppress Cancer Development: The Other Side of the Coin. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:613534. [PMID: 33614646 PMCID: PMC7890026 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.613534] [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: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main stromal components of cancer, representing a group of heterogeneous cells. Many studies indicate that CAFs promote tumor development. Besides, evidence of the tumor suppression effects of CAFs keeps on merging. In the tumor microenvironment, multiple stimuli can activate fibroblasts. Notably, this does not necessarily mean the activated CAFs become strong tumor promoters immediately. The varying degree of CAFs activation makes quiescent CAFs, tumor-restraining CAFs, and tumor-promoting CAFs. Quiescent CAFs and tumor-restraining CAFs are more present in early-stage cancer, while comparatively, more tumor-promoting CAFs present in advanced-stage cancer. The underlying mechanism that balances tumor promotion or tumor inhibition effects of CAFs is mostly unknown. This review focus on the inhibitory effects of CAFs on cancer development. We describe the heterogeneous origin, markers, and metabolism in the CAFs population. Transgenetic mouse models that deplete CAFs or deplete CAFs activation signaling in the tumor stroma present direct evidence of CAFs protective effects against cancer. Moreover, we outline CAFs subpopulation and CAFs derived soluble factors that act as a tumor suppressor. Single-cell RNA-sequencing on CAFs population provides us new insight to classify CAFs subsets. Understanding the full picture of CAFs will help translate CAFs biology from bench to bedside and develop new strategies to improve precision cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanhuai Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinuo Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Fibroblast Subsets in Intestinal Homeostasis, Carcinogenesis, Tumor Progression, and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020183. [PMID: 33430285 PMCID: PMC7825703 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer often develops via the adenoma–carcinoma sequence, a process which is accompanied by (epi) genetic alterations in epithelial cells and gradual phenotypic changes in fibroblast populations. Recent studies have made it clear that these fibroblast populations which, in the context of invasive cancers are termed cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), play an important role in intestinal tumor progression. This review provides an overview on the emerging role of fibroblasts in various stages of colorectal cancer development, ranging from adenoma initiation to metastatic spread of tumor cells. As fibroblasts show considerable heterogeneity in subsets and phenotypes during cancer development, a better functional understanding of stage-specific (alterations in) fibroblast/CAF populations is key to increase the effectiveness of fibroblast-based prognosticators and therapies. Abstract In intestinal homeostasis, continuous renewal of the epithelium is crucial to withstand the plethora of stimuli which can damage the structural integrity of the intestines. Fibroblasts contribute to this renewal by facilitating epithelial cell differentiation as well as providing the structural framework in which epithelial cells can regenerate. Upon dysregulation of intestinal homeostasis, (pre-) malignant neoplasms develop, a process which is accompanied by (epi) genetic alterations in epithelial cells as well as phenotypic changes in fibroblast populations. In the context of invasive carcinomas, these fibroblast populations are termed cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs are the most abundant cell type in the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer (CRC) and consist of various functionally heterogeneous subsets which can promote or restrain cancer progression. Although most previous research has focused on the biology of epithelial cells, accumulating evidence shows that certain fibroblast subsets can also importantly contribute to tumor initiation and progression, thereby possibly providing avenues for improvement of clinical care for CRC patients. In this review, we summarized the current literature on the emerging role of fibroblasts in various stages of CRC development, ranging from adenoma initiation to the metastatic spread of cancer cells. In addition, we highlighted translational and therapeutic perspectives of fibroblasts in the different stages of intestinal tumor progression.
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Biffi G, Tuveson DA. Diversity and Biology of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Physiol Rev 2021; 101:147-176. [PMID: 32466724 PMCID: PMC7864232 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00048.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 526] [Impact Index Per Article: 175.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to develop anti-cancer therapies have largely focused on targeting the epithelial compartment, despite the presence of non-neoplastic stromal components that substantially contribute to the progression of the tumor. Indeed, cancer cell survival, growth, migration, and even dormancy are influenced by the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been shown to play several roles in the development of a tumor. They secrete growth factors, inflammatory ligands, and extracellular matrix proteins that promote cancer cell proliferation, therapy resistance, and immune exclusion. However, recent work indicates that CAFs may also restrain tumor progression in some circumstances. In this review, we summarize the body of work on CAFs, with a particular focus on the most recent discoveries about fibroblast heterogeneity, plasticity, and functions. We also highlight the commonalities of fibroblasts present across different cancer types, and in normal and inflammatory states. Finally, we present the latest advances regarding therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs that are undergoing preclinical and clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Biffi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; and Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David A Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; and Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Inducible mouse models of colon cancer for the analysis of sporadic and inflammation-driven tumor progression and lymph node metastasis. Nat Protoc 2020; 16:61-85. [PMID: 33318692 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-00412-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the detection and therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC) in recent years, CRC has remained a major challenge in clinical practice. Although alternative methods for modeling CRC have been developed, animal models of CRC remain helpful when analyzing molecular aspects of pathogenesis and are often used to perform preclinical in vivo studies of potential therapeutics. This protocol updates our protocol published in 2007, which provided an azoxymethane (AOM)-based setup for investigations into sporadic (Step 5A) and, when combined with dextran sodium sulfate (Step 5B), inflammation-associated tumor growth. This update also extends the applications beyond those of the original protocol by including an option in which AOM is serially applied to mice with p53 deficiency in the intestinal epithelium (Step 5C). In this model, the combination of p53 deficiency and AOM promotes tumor development, including growth of invasive cancers and lymph node metastasis. It also provides details on analysis of colorectal tumor growth and metastasis, including analysis of partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cell isolation and co-culture studies, high-resolution mini-endoscopy, light-sheet fluorescence microscopy and micro-CT imaging in mice. The target audience for our protocol is researchers who plan in vivo studies to address mechanisms influencing sporadic or inflammation-driven tumor development, including the analysis of local invasiveness and lymph node metastasis. It is suitable for preclinical in vivo testing of novel drugs and other interventional strategies for clinical translation, plus the evaluation of emerging imaging devices/modalities. It can be completed within 24 weeks (using Step 5A/C) or 10 weeks (using Step 5B).
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48
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Louault K, Li RR, DeClerck YA. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Understanding Their Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113108. [PMID: 33114328 PMCID: PMC7690906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important contributory role in the microenvironment of tumors. They originate from different cells, have multiple pro-and anti-tumorigenic functions in tumors and their presence is variable among cancer types. Recently, there has been evidence that CAFs represent a highly heterogeneous group of cells that can now be characterized and identified at the single cell level. This review article summarizes our recent understanding of the highly heterogeneous nature of the origin, phenotype and function of CAFs and how such understanding will lead to a more precise approach to target or use CAFs and their precursor cells in the treatment of cancer. Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in tumor progression. Among its multiple components are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that are the main suppliers of extracellular matrix molecules and important contributors to inflammation. As a source of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and other regulatory molecules, they participate in cancer progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune cell reprogramming and therapeutic resistance. Nevertheless, their role is not fully understood, and is sometimes controversial due to their heterogeneity. CAFs are heterogeneous in their origin, phenotype, function and presence within tumors. As a result, strategies to target CAFs in cancer therapy have been hampered by the difficulties in better defining the various populations of CAFs and by the lack of clear recognition of their specific function in cancer progression. This review discusses how a greater understanding of the heterogeneous nature of CAFs could lead to better approaches aimed at their use or at their targeting in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Louault
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Correspondence: or (K.L); (Y.A.D.); Tel.: +1-323-361-5649 (Y.A.D.); Fax: +1-323-361-4902 (Y.A.D.)
| | - Rong-Rong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
| | - Yves A. DeClerck
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Correspondence: or (K.L); (Y.A.D.); Tel.: +1-323-361-5649 (Y.A.D.); Fax: +1-323-361-4902 (Y.A.D.)
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Mukaida N, Zhang D, Sasaki SI. Emergence of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts as an Indispensable Cellular Player in Bone Metastasis Process. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2896. [PMID: 33050237 PMCID: PMC7600711 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone metastasis is frequently complicated in patients with advanced solid cancers such as breast, prostate and lung cancers, and impairs patients' quality of life and prognosis. At the first step of bone metastasis, cancer cells adhere to the endothelium in bone marrow and survive in a dormant state by utilizing hematopoietic niches present therein. Once a dormant stage is disturbed, cancer cells grow through the interaction with various bone marrow resident cells, particularly osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Consequently, osteoclast activation is a hallmark of bone metastasis. As a consequence, the drugs targeting osteoclast activation are frequently used to treat bone metastasis but are not effective to inhibit cancer cell growth in bone marrow. Thus, additional types of resident cells are presumed to contribute to cancer cell growth in bone metastasis sites. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are fibroblasts that accumulate in cancer tissues and can have diverse roles in cancer progression and metastasis. Given the presence of CAFs in bone metastasis sites, CAFs are emerging as an important cellular player in bone metastasis. Hence, in this review, we will discuss the potential roles of CAFs in tumor progression, particularly bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naofumi Mukaida
- Division of Molecular Bioregulation, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan; (D.Z.); (S.S.)
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Njunge LW, Estania AP, Guo Y, Liu W, Yang L. Tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2) in tumor-promoting Inflammation, Tumorigenesis and Tumor Immunity. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:8343-8364. [PMID: 32724474 PMCID: PMC7381748 DOI: 10.7150/thno.45848] [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: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the years, tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2) has been identified as an essential modulator of immune responses that conveys inflammatory signals to downstream effectors, subsequently modulating the generation and function of inflammatory cells. TPL2 is also differentially expressed and activated in several cancers, where it is associated with increased inflammation, malignant transformation, angiogenesis, metastasis, poor prognosis and therapy resistance. However, the relationship between TPL2-driven inflammation, tumorigenesis and tumor immunity has not been addressed. Here, we reconcile the function of TPL2-driven inflammation to oncogenic functions such as inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis, metastasis, immunosuppression and immune evasion. We also address the controversies reported on TPL2 function in tumor-promoting inflammation and tumorigenesis, and highlight the potential role of the TPL2 adaptor function in regulating the mechanisms leading to pro-tumorigenic inflammation and tumor progression. We discuss the therapeutic implications and limitations of targeting TPL2 for cancer treatment. The ideas presented here provide some new insight into cancer pathophysiology that might contribute to the development of more integrative and specific anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapeutics.
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