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Czekay RP, Higgins CE, Aydin HB, Samarakoon R, Subasi NB, Higgins SP, Lee H, Higgins PJ. SERPINE1: Role in Cholangiocarcinoma Progression and a Therapeutic Target in the Desmoplastic Microenvironment. Cells 2024; 13:796. [PMID: 38786020 PMCID: PMC11119900 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A heterogenous population of inflammatory elements, other immune and nonimmune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are evident in solid malignancies where they coexist with the growing tumor mass. In highly desmoplastic malignancies, CAFs are the prominent mesenchymal cell type in the tumor microenvironment (TME), where their presence and abundance signal a poor prognosis. CAFs play a major role in the progression of various cancers by remodeling the supporting stroma into a dense, fibrotic matrix while secreting factors that promote the maintenance of cancer stem-like characteristics, tumor cell survival, aggressive growth and metastasis and reduced sensitivity to chemotherapeutics. Tumors with high stromal fibrotic signatures are more likely to be associated with drug resistance and eventual relapse. Identifying the molecular underpinnings for such multidirectional crosstalk among the various normal and neoplastic cell types in the TME may provide new targets and novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This review highlights recent concepts regarding the complexity of CAF biology in cholangiocarcinoma, a highly desmoplastic cancer. The discussion focuses on CAF heterogeneity, functionality in drug resistance, contributions to a progressively fibrotic tumor stroma, the involved signaling pathways and the participating genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf-Peter Czekay
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.-P.C.); (C.E.H.); (R.S.); (S.P.H.)
| | - Craig E. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.-P.C.); (C.E.H.); (R.S.); (S.P.H.)
| | - Hasan Basri Aydin
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (H.B.A.); (N.B.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Rohan Samarakoon
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.-P.C.); (C.E.H.); (R.S.); (S.P.H.)
| | - Nusret Bekir Subasi
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (H.B.A.); (N.B.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Stephen P. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.-P.C.); (C.E.H.); (R.S.); (S.P.H.)
| | - Hwajeong Lee
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (H.B.A.); (N.B.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Paul J. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative & Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.-P.C.); (C.E.H.); (R.S.); (S.P.H.)
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Zhang Z, Cheng C, Jiang H, Pan G, Yu Y, Jin G, Zuo C. 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT for the Evaluation of Cholangiocarcinoma : Comparison With 18 F-FDG PET/CT and Abdominal 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MR. Clin Nucl Med 2024; 49:409-418. [PMID: 38465929 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000005112] [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: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we evaluated and compared the diagnostic performances of 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT and 18 F-FDG PET/CT for primary and metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) lesions. We also investigated the performance of PET/MR for visualizing and characterizing CCA and liver metastasis lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-four patients with suspected CCA were recruited and underwent 68 Ga-FAPI-04 and 18 F-FDG PET/CT within 1 week, including 30 patients who underwent simultaneous abdominal 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MR scanning. The findings were confirmed by histopathology or radiographic follow-up. RESULTS Compared with 18 F-FDG PET/CT, 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT showed higher sensitivity (94.3% vs 88.6%) and the same accuracy (86.4% vs 86.4%) in evaluating primary tumors. However, its specificity was lower (55.6% vs 77.8%). 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET was superior to 18 F-FDG PET in both patient-based and lesion-based evaluations except for metastatic lesions in the liver and bone. For intrahepatic CCA, 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT and 18 F-FDG PET/CT (100% vs 100%) had similar detection rates, with similar uptake levels between tracers ( P > 0.05). However, for extrahepatic CCA, 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT had a higher detection rate (89.5% vs 78.9%), and 68 Ga-FAPI-04 had a higher uptake ( P < 0.05). PET/MR was more effective than PET/CT in terms of lesion conspicuity and diagnostic confidence for primary tumors and liver metastases. In addition, multisequence MRI identified more liver metastases than 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT and 18 F-FDG PET/CT. CONCLUSIONS Compared with 18 F-FDG PET/CT, 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT showed a higher sensitivity in detecting primary CCA tumors, involved lymph nodes, and peritoneal metastases. Compared with 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT, PET/MR detected primary and liver metastatic lesions more accurately. For extrahepatic CCA, the combination of 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT and abdominal PET/MRI may replace 18 F-FDG PET/CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Zhang
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine
| | - Chao Cheng
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine
| | | | - Guixia Pan
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine
| | - Yong Yu
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital
| | - Gang Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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3
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Cantallops Vilà P, Ravichandra A, Agirre Lizaso A, Perugorria MJ, Affò S. Heterogeneity, crosstalk, and targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts in cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2024; 79:941-958. [PMID: 37018128 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) comprises diverse tumors of the biliary tree and is characterized by late diagnosis, short-term survival, and chemoresistance. CCAs are mainly classified according to their anatomical location and include diverse molecular subclasses harboring inter-tumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity. Besides the tumor cell component, CCA is also characterized by a complex and dynamic tumor microenvironment where tumor cells and stromal cells crosstalk in an intricate network of interactions. Cancer-associated fibroblasts, one of the most abundant cell types in the tumor stroma of CCA, are actively involved in cholangiocarcinogenesis by participating in multiple aspects of the disease including extracellular matrix remodeling, immunomodulation, neo-angiogenesis, and metastasis. Despite their overall tumor-promoting role, recent evidence indicates the presence of transcriptional and functional heterogeneous CAF subtypes with tumor-promoting and tumor-restricting properties. To elucidate the complexity and potentials of cancer-associated fibroblasts as therapeutic targets in CCA, this review will discuss the origin of cancer-associated fibroblasts, their heterogeneity, crosstalk, and role during tumorigenesis, providing an overall picture of the present and future perspectives toward cancer-associated fibroblasts targeting CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aashreya Ravichandra
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aloña Agirre Lizaso
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maria J Perugorria
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- CIBERehd, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Silvia Affò
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Zhang N, Shu L, Liu Z, Shi A, Zhao L, Huang S, Sheng G, Yan Z, Song Y, Huang F, Tang Y, Zhang Z. The role of extracellular vesicles in cholangiocarcinoma tumor microenvironment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1336685. [PMID: 38269274 PMCID: PMC10805838 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1336685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor that originates from the biliary system. With restricted treatment options at hand, the challenging aspect of early CCA diagnosis leads to a bleak prognosis. Besides the intrinsic characteristics of tumor cells, the generation and progression of CCA are profoundly influenced by the tumor microenvironment, which engages in intricate interactions with cholangiocarcinoma cells. Of notable significance is the role of extracellular vesicles as key carriers in enabling communication between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current research examining the interplay between extracellular vesicles and the tumor microenvironment in the context of CCA. Specifically, we will emphasize the significant contributions of extracellular vesicles in molding the CCA microenvironment and explore their potential applications in the diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and therapeutic strategies for this aggressive malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuoqi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lizhuang Shu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zengli Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Anda Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Liming Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shaohui Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guoli Sheng
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhangdi Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Song
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fan Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yongchang Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zongli Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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5
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Trifylli EM, Kriebardis AG, Koustas E, Papadopoulos N, Vasileiadi S, Fortis SP, Tzounakas VL, Anastasiadi AT, Sarantis P, Papageorgiou EG, Tsagarakis A, Aloizos G, Manolakopoulos S, Deutsch M. The Arising Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Cholangiocarcinoma: A Rundown of the Current Knowledge Regarding Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15563. [PMID: 37958547 PMCID: PMC10649642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) constitute a heterogeneous group of highly malignant epithelial tumors arising from the biliary tree. This cluster of malignant tumors includes three distinct entities, the intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal CCAs, which are characterized by different epidemiological and molecular backgrounds, as well as prognosis and therapeutic approaches. The higher incidence of CCA over the last decades, the late diagnostic time that contributes to a high mortality and poor prognosis, as well as its chemoresistance, intensified the efforts of the scientific community for the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) comprise highly heterogenic, multi-sized, membrane-enclosed nanostructures that are secreted by a large variety of cells via different routes of biogenesis. Their role in intercellular communication via their cargo that potentially contributes to disease development and progression, as well as their prospect as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic tools, has become the focus of interest of several current studies for several diseases, including CCA. The aim of this review is to give a rundown of the current knowledge regarding the emerging role of EVs in cholangiocarcinogenesis and their future perspectives as diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni-Myrto Trifylli
- Laboratory of Reliability and Quality Control in Laboratory Hematology (HemQcR), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Medical Laboratories, School of Health & Caring Sciences, University of West Attica (UniWA), Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (E.-M.T.); (S.P.F.); (E.G.P.)
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece;
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue Str., 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.V.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Anastasios G. Kriebardis
- Laboratory of Reliability and Quality Control in Laboratory Hematology (HemQcR), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Medical Laboratories, School of Health & Caring Sciences, University of West Attica (UniWA), Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (E.-M.T.); (S.P.F.); (E.G.P.)
| | - Evangelos Koustas
- Oncology Department, General Hospital Evangelismos, 10676 Athens, Greece;
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, 401 General Military Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Sofia Vasileiadi
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue Str., 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.V.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Sotirios P. Fortis
- Laboratory of Reliability and Quality Control in Laboratory Hematology (HemQcR), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Medical Laboratories, School of Health & Caring Sciences, University of West Attica (UniWA), Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (E.-M.T.); (S.P.F.); (E.G.P.)
| | - Vassilis L. Tzounakas
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (V.L.T.); (A.T.A.)
| | - Alkmini T. Anastasiadi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (V.L.T.); (A.T.A.)
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Effie G. Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Reliability and Quality Control in Laboratory Hematology (HemQcR), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Medical Laboratories, School of Health & Caring Sciences, University of West Attica (UniWA), Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (E.-M.T.); (S.P.F.); (E.G.P.)
| | - Ariadne Tsagarakis
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Georgios Aloizos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - Spilios Manolakopoulos
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue Str., 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.V.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Melanie Deutsch
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue Str., 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.V.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
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Li Z, Chen Z, Li S, Qian X, Zhang L, Long G, Xie J, Huang X, Zheng Z, Pan W, Li H, Zhang D. Circ_0020256 induces fibroblast activation to drive cholangiocarcinoma development via recruitment of EIF4A3 protein to stabilize KLF4 mRNA. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:161. [PMID: 37179359 PMCID: PMC10183031 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01439-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a kind of stromal cells in the cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) microenvironment, playing crucial roles in cancer development. However, the potential mechanisms of the interaction between CCA cells and CAFs remain obscure. This work investigated the role of circ_0020256 in CAFs activation. We proved circ_0020256 was up-regulated in CCA. High circ_0020256 expression facilitated TGF-β1 secretion from CCA cells, which activated CAFs via the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Mechanistically, circ_0020256 recruited EIF4A3 protein to stabilize KLF4 mRNA and upregulate its expression, then KLF4 bound to TGF-β1 promoter and induced its transcription in CCA cells. KLF4 overexpression abrogated the inhibition of circ_0020256 silencing in TGF-β1/Smad2/3-induced CAFs activation. Furthermore, CCA cell growth, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were favored by CAFs-secreted IL-6 via autophagy inhibition. We also found circ_0020256 accelerated CCA tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, circ_0020256 promoted fibroblast activation to facilitate CCA progression via EIF4A3/KLF4 pathway, providing a potential intervention for CCA progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyan Li
- Department of Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Zuxiao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Shiying Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Xiangjun Qian
- Department of Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Guojie Long
- Department of Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Jiancong Xie
- Department of Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Huang
- Department of Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Zheyu Zheng
- Department of Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Pan
- Department of Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Haiyan Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong Province, P.R. China.
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong Province, P.R. China.
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7
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Zhang Y, Xiang G, Jiang AY, Lynch A, Zeng Z, Wang C, Zhang W, Fan J, Kang J, Gu SS, Wan C, Zhang B, Liu XS, Brown M, Meyer CA. MetaTiME integrates single-cell gene expression to characterize the meta-components of the tumor immune microenvironment. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2634. [PMID: 37149682 PMCID: PMC10164163 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38333-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing have shown heterogeneous cell types and gene expression states in the non-cancerous cells in tumors. The integration of multiple scRNA-seq datasets across tumors can indicate common cell types and states in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We develop a data driven framework, MetaTiME, to overcome the limitations in resolution and consistency that result from manual labelling using known gene markers. Using millions of TME single cells, MetaTiME learns meta-components that encode independent components of gene expression observed across cancer types. The meta-components are biologically interpretable as cell types, cell states, and signaling activities. By projecting onto the MetaTiME space, we provide a tool to annotate cell states and signature continuums for TME scRNA-seq data. Leveraging epigenetics data, MetaTiME reveals critical transcriptional regulators for the cell states. Overall, MetaTiME learns data-driven meta-components that depict cellular states and gene regulators for tumor immunity and cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Guanjue Xiang
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Alva Yijia Jiang
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Allen Lynch
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Zexian Zeng
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Chenfei Wang
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Wubing Zhang
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jingyu Fan
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jiajinlong Kang
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Shengqing Stan Gu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Changxin Wan
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Boning Zhang
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - X Shirley Liu
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Myles Brown
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Clifford A Meyer
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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8
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MUG CCArly: A Novel Autologous 3D Cholangiocarcinoma Model Presents an Increased Angiogenic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061757. [PMID: 36980644 PMCID: PMC10046314 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are characterized by their desmoplastic and hypervascularized tumor microenvironment (TME), which is mainly composed of tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs play a pivotal role in general and CCA tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and the development of treatment resistance. To our knowledge, no continuous human in vivo-like co-culture model is available for research. Therefore, we aimed to establish a new model system (called MUG CCArly) that mimics the desmoplastic microenvironment typically seen in CCA. Proteomic data comparing the new CCA tumor cell line with our co-culture tumor model (CCTM) indicated a higher gene expression correlation of the CCTM with physiological CCA characteristics. A pro-angiogenic TME that is typically observed in CCA could also be better simulated in the CCTM group. Further analysis of secreted proteins revealed CAFs to be the main source of these angiogenic factors. Our CCTM MUG CCArly represents a new, reproducible, and easy-to-handle 3D CCA model for preclinical studies focusing on CCA-stromal crosstalk, tumor angiogenesis, and invasion, as well as the immunosuppressive microenvironment and the involvement of CAFs in the way that drug resistance develops.
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Xue C, Zhou Q, Xi H, Zhou J. Radiomics: A review of current applications and possibilities in the assessment of tumor microenvironment. Diagn Interv Imaging 2023; 104:113-122. [PMID: 36283933 DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
With the recent success in the application of immunotherapy for treating various advanced cancers, the tumor microenvironment has rapidly become an important field of research. The tumor microenvironment is complex and its characteristics strongly influence disease biology and potentially responses to systemic therapy. Accurate preoperative assessment of tumor microenvironment is of great significance for the formulation of an immunotherapy strategy and evaluation of patient prognosis. As a research hotspot in medical image analysis technology, radiomics has been applied in the auxiliary diagnosis of the tumor microenvironment. This article reviews the current status of radiomics in the elective application on tumor microenvironment and discusses potential prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiqiang Xue
- Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Huaze Xi
- Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Junlin Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
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10
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Spatiotemporal regulation of cholangiocarcinoma growth and dissemination by peritumoral myofibroblasts in a Vcam1-dependent manner. Oncogene 2023; 42:1196-1208. [PMID: 36828890 PMCID: PMC10079548 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02639-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is characterized by its highly desmoplastic stroma. Myofibroblasts (MFs) are present both within the tumor mass (intratumoral MFs, iMFs) and at the tumor border (peritumoral MFs, pMFs). Using a spheroid-based coculture system, we show that the initial iCCA-pMF contact is growth suppressive to the tumor cells. However, prolonged iCCA-pMF interaction elicits significant tumor cell invasion and dissemination. We find that vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (Vcam1) level is elevated in tumor cells in contact with pMFs but low in disseminated tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. A gene regulatory network analysis of mouse and patient iCCA tumors and Vcam1 knockout (Vcam1KO) demonstrate a heavy involvement of Vcam1 in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. While Vcam1KO has only a limited impact on tumor cell growth in their monoculture, Vcam1KO spheroids exhibit instant dissemination and a severe growth defect when cocultured with pMFs. When transplanted into the liver, Vcam1KO iCCA cells show a similar increase in dissemination but a significant defect in establishing primary and metastatic tumors. Incomplete blocking of Vcam1 in vivo reduces the size but increase the number of metastatic lesions. Overall, our study shows a spatiotemporal regulation of iCCA growth and dissemination by pMFs in a Vcam1-dependent manner.
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11
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Hu K, Yu H, Liu S, Liao D, Zhang Y. Systematic pan-cancer analysis on the expression and role of regulator of chromatin condensation 1/small nucleolar RNA host gene 3/small nucleolar RNA host gene 12. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:946507. [PMID: 36148010 PMCID: PMC9486007 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.946507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulator of chromatin condensation 1 (RCC1) is the major guanine nucleotide exchange factor of RAN GTPase, which plays a key role in various biological processes such as cell cycle and DNA damage repair. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) and small nucleolar RNA host gene12 are long-stranded non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and are located on chromatin very close to the sequence of Regulator of chromatin condensation 1. Many studies have shown that they are aberrantly expressed in tumor tissues and can affect the proliferation and viability of cancer cells. Although the effects of Regulator of chromatin condensation 1/small nucleolar RNA host gene 3/small nucleolar RNA host gene12 on cellular activity have been reported, respectively, their overall analysis on the pan-cancer level has not been performed. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of Regulator of chromatin condensation 1/small nucleolar RNA host gene 3/small nucleolar RNA host gene12 in 33 cancers through the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Database. The results showed that Regulator of chromatin condensation 1/small nucleolar RNA host gene 3/small nucleolar RNA host gene12 were highly expressed in a variety of tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. The expression of Regulator of chromatin condensation 1/small nucleolar RNA host gene 3/small nucleolar RNA host gene12 in BRCA, LGG and LIHC was associated with TP53 mutations. In addition, Regulator of chromatin condensation 1/small nucleolar RNA host gene 3/small nucleolar RNA host gene12 expression was closely associated with the prognosis of patients with multiple tumors. Immunocorrelation analysis indicated that Regulator of chromatin condensation 1/small nucleolar RNA host gene 3/small nucleolar RNA host gene12 showed a correlation with multiple immune cell infiltration. The results of enrichment analysis suggested that Regulator of chromatin condensation 1/small nucleolar RNA host gene 3/small nucleolar RNA host gene12 was involved in the regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis and other pathways. We found that these effects were mainly mediated by Regulator of chromatin condensation 1, while the trend of small nucleolar RNA host gene 3/small nucleolar RNA host gene12 regulation was also consistent with regulator of chromatin condensation 1. The important role played by Regulator of chromatin condensation 1 in tumor diseases was further corroborated by the study of adjacent lncRNAs.These findings provide new and comprehensive insights into the role of Regulator of chromatin condensation 1/small nucleolar RNA host gene 3/small nucleolar RNA host gene12 in tumor development and show their potential as clinical monitoring and therapy.
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12
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Isidan A, Yenigun A, Soma D, Aksu E, Lopez K, Park Y, Cross-Najafi A, Li P, Kundu D, House MG, Chakraborty S, Glaser S, Kennedy L, Francis H, Zhang W, Alpini G, Ekser B. Development and Characterization of Human Primary Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Lines. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:1200-1217. [PMID: 35640676 PMCID: PMC9472155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver tumor and is associated with late diagnosis, limited treatment options, and a 5-year survival rate of around 30%. CCA cell lines were first established in 1971, and since then, only 70 to 80 CCA cell lines have been established. These cell lines have been essential in basic and translational research to understand and identify novel mechanistic pathways, biomarkers, and disease-specific genes. Each CCA cell line has unique characteristics, reflecting a specific genotype, sex-related properties, and patient-related signatures, making them scientifically and commercially valuable. CCA cell lines are crucial in the use of novel technologies, such as three-dimensional organoid models, which help to model the tumor microenvironment and cell-to-cell crosstalk between tumor-neighboring cells. This review highlights crucial information on CCA cell lines, including: i) type of CCA (eg, intra- or extrahepatic), ii) isolation source (eg, primary tumor or xenograft), iii) chemical digestion method (eg, trypsin or collagenase), iv) cell-sorting method (colony isolation or removal of fibroblasts), v) maintenance-medium choice (eg, RPMI or Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium), vi) cell morphology (eg, spindle or polygonal shape), and vii) doubling time of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkadir Isidan
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Ali Yenigun
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of General Surgery, Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Daiki Soma
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Transplantation & Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Eric Aksu
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Kevin Lopez
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Yujin Park
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Arthur Cross-Najafi
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Ping Li
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Michael G House
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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13
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Loosen SH, Ulmer TF, Labuhn S, Bednarsch J, Lang SA, Alizai PH, Schneider AT, Vucur M, Neumann UP, Luedde T, Roderburg C. Serum Levels of CXCL13 Are an Independent Predictor of Survival Following Resection of Biliary Tract Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174073. [PMID: 36077611 PMCID: PMC9454558 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a primary liver malignancy with poor outcome. The identification of the ideal surgical candidates is often challenging and stratification algorithms comprising the parameters of individual tumor biology are missing. Here, we investigated a potential role of circulating CXCL1, CXCL10 and CXCL13 in patients with resectable BTC as novel biomarkers and could show that elevated levels of CXCL13 both before and after tumor resection identified a subgroup of patients with significantly impaired outcomes following tumor resection. Thus, the present study supports a fundamental role of the CXC chemokine family in BTC and identifies circulating levels of CXCL13 as a previously unrecognized marker for predicting outcomes following the resection of BTC. Abstract Background: The prognosis of biliary tract cancer (BTC) has remained very poor. Although tumor resection represents a potentially curative therapy for selected patients, tumor recurrence is common, and 5-year survival rates have remained below 50%. As stratification algorithms comprising the parameters of individual tumor biology are missing, the identification of ideal patients for extensive tumor surgery is often challenging. The CXC chemokine family exerts decisive functions in cell–cell interactions and has only recently been associated with cancer, but little is known about their function in BTC. Here, we aim to evaluate a potential role of circulating CXCL1, CXCL10 and CXCL13 in patients with resectable BTC. Methods: Serum levels of CXCL1, CXCL10 and CXCL13 were measured by multiplex immunoassay in a cohort of 119 BTC patients undergoing tumor resection and 50 control samples. Results: Circulating levels of CXCL1, CXCL10 and CXCL13 were all significantly elevated in BTC patients compared to healthy controls and increased the diagnostic power of established tumor markers such as CA19-9 when used in combination. Importantly, elevated levels of CXCL13 both before and after tumor resection identified a subgroup of patients with significantly impaired outcomes following tumor resection. As such, BTC patients with initial CXCL13 levels above the ideal prognostic cut-off value (25.01 pg/mL) had a median overall survival (OS) of 290 days compared to 969 days for patients with low initial CXCL13 levels. The prognostic value of circulating CXCL13 was further confirmed by uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Finally, the individual kinetics of CXCL13 before and after tumor resection were also indicative of patient outcomes. Conclusion: Our data support a fundamental role of the CXC chemokine family in BTC and identified circulating levels of CXCL13 as a previously unrecognized marker for predicting outcomes following the resection of BTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven H. Loosen
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.H.L.); (T.L.); Tel.: +49-211-81-16630 (S.H.L. & T.L.); Fax: +49-211-81-04489 (S.H.L. & T.L.)
| | - Tom F. Ulmer
- Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Simon Labuhn
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Bednarsch
- Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sven A. Lang
- Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Patrick H. Alizai
- Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Anne T. Schneider
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mihael Vucur
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulf P. Neumann
- Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Tom Luedde
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.H.L.); (T.L.); Tel.: +49-211-81-16630 (S.H.L. & T.L.); Fax: +49-211-81-04489 (S.H.L. & T.L.)
| | - Christoph Roderburg
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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14
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Carloni R, Rizzo A, Ricci AD, Federico AD, De Luca R, Guven DC, Yalcin S, Brandi G. Targeting tumor microenvironment for cholangiocarcinoma: Opportunities for precision medicine. Transl Oncol 2022; 25:101514. [PMID: 35977458 PMCID: PMC9396390 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
CCA has a dismal prognosis, and it is usually diagnosed in advanced stage for which available treatments have limited efficacy. CCA TME presents an abundant desmoplastic stroma and exhibits a high heterogeneity. TME plays a central role in cancer development and in the resistance to treatments. Treatments targeting the TME in association with cytotoxic agents could represent a promising therapeutic strategy.
Systemic treatments (e.g., chemotherapy and targeted therapies) have limited efficacy for patients with locally advanced – unresectable – and metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), with an overall survival of less than a year. Tumor microenvironment (TME) represents the ecosystem surrounding the tumor which comprises immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and a wide range of soluble factors. CCA TME is characterized by an abundant desmoplastic stroma, exhibits a high heterogeneity and it plays a central role in cancer onset and progression. There is growing evidence suggesting that it is possible to target TME in association with other treatment modalities, such as cytotoxic chemotherapy or targeted therapies, paving the way to possible combination strategies with a synergistic effect. Herein, we describe the components of CCA TME – such as cancer-associated fibroblasts and other cells of pivotal importance - with their most relevant interactions, focusing on the preclinical rationale for the development of effective anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Carloni
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, Bologna 40138, Italy; Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico "Don Tonino Bello", I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, Bari 70124, Italy.
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Federico
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, Bologna 40138, Italy; Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Luca
- Department of Surgical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori " Giovanni Paolo ", Bari, Italy
| | - Deniz Can Guven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Suayib Yalcin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, Bologna 40138, Italy; Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, Bologna 40138, Italy
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15
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Gundlach JP, Kerber J, Hendricks A, Bernsmeier A, Halske C, Röder C, Becker T, Röcken C, Braun F, Sebens S, Heits N. Paracrine Interaction of Cholangiocellular Carcinoma with Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Schwann Cells Impact Cell Migration. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102785. [PMID: 35628911 PMCID: PMC9145811 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is enriched in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), treatment with the multityrosine kinase-inhibitor Sorafenib is disappointing. While cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are known to contribute to treatment resistance in CCA, knowledge is lacking for Schwann cells (SC). We investigated the impact of stromal cells on CCA cells and whether this is affected by Sorafenib. Immunohistochemistry revealed elevated expression of CAF and SC markers significantly correlating with reduced tumor-free survival. In co-culture with CAF, CCA cells mostly migrated, which could be diminished by Sorafenib, while in SC co-cultures, SC predominantly migrated towards CCA cells, unaffected by Sorafenib. Moreover, increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines MCP-1, CXCL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 was determined in CAF mono- and co-cultures, which could be reduced by Sorafenib. Corresponding to migration results, an increased expression of phospho-AKT was measured in CAF co-cultured HuCCT-1 cells, although was unaffected by Sorafenib. Intriguingly, CAF co-cultured TFK-1 cells showed increased activation of STAT3, JNK, ERK and AKT pathways, which was partly reduced by Sorafenib. This study indicates that CAF and SC differentially impact CCA cells and Sorafenib partially reverts these stroma-mediated effects. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the paracrine interplay of CAF and SC with CCA cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Paul Gundlach
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.R.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jannik Kerber
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Alexander Hendricks
- Department of General, Visceral-, Vascular-, and Transplantation Surgery, Medical University Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Alexander Bernsmeier
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
| | - Christine Halske
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U33, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Christian Röder
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Thomas Becker
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
| | - Christoph Röcken
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U33, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Felix Braun
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Nils Heits
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
- Gesundheitszentrum Kiel-Mitte, Prüner Gang 15, 24103 Kiel, Germany
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16
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Impact of Liver Fibrosis on Survival of Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Receiving Gemcitabine-Based Chemotherapy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11072057. [PMID: 35407665 PMCID: PMC8999345 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11072057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is the most frequent subtype of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and the incidence has globally increased in recent years. In contrast to surgically treated iCCA, data on the impact of fibrosis on survival in patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy are missing. We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 70 patients diagnosed with iCCA between 2007 and 2020 in our tertiary hospital. Histopathological assessment of fibrosis was performed by an expert hepatobiliary pathologist. Additionally, the fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) was calculated as a non-invasive surrogate marker for liver fibrosis. For overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox-regression analyses were performed. Subgroup analyses revealed a median OS of 21 months (95% CI = 16.7-25.2 months) and 16 months (95% CI = 7.6-24.4 months) for low and high fibrosis, respectively (p = 0.152). In non-cirrhotic patients, the median OS was 21.8 months (95% CI = 17.1-26.4 months), compared with 9.5 months (95% CI = 4.6-14.3 months) in cirrhotic patients (p = 0.007). In conclusion, patients with iCCA and cirrhosis receiving palliative chemotherapy have decreased OS rates, while fibrosis has no significant impact on OS or PFS. These patients should not be prevented from state-of-the-art first-line chemotherapy.
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17
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Bête Noire of Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy: CAF-Mediated Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061519. [PMID: 35326670 PMCID: PMC8946545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor cells struggle to survive following treatment. The struggle ends in either of two ways. The drug combination used for the treatment blocks the proliferation of tumor cells and initiates apoptosis of cells, which is a win for the patient, or tumor cells resist the effect of the drug combination used for the treatment and continue to evade the effect of anti-tumor drugs, which is a bête noire of therapy. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are the most abundant non-transformed element of the microenvironment in solid tumors. Tumor cells play a direct role in establishing the cancer-associated fibroblasts’ population in its microenvironment. Since cancer-associated fibroblasts are activated by tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts show unconditional servitude to tumor cells in their effort to resist treatment. Thus, cancer-associated fibroblasts, as the critical or indispensable component of resistance to the treatment, are one of the most logical targets within tumors that eventually progress despite therapy. We evaluate the participatory role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the development of drug resistance in solid tumors. In the future, we will establish the specific mode of action of cancer-associated fibroblasts in solid tumors, paving the way for cancer-associated-fibroblast-inclusive personalized therapy. Abstract In tumor cells’ struggle for survival following therapy, they resist treatment. Resistance to therapy is the outcome of well-planned, highly efficient adaptive strategies initiated and utilized by these transformed tumor cells. Cancer cells undergo several reprogramming events towards adapting this opportunistic behavior, leading them to gain specific survival advantages. The strategy involves changes within the transformed tumors cells as well as in their neighboring non-transformed extra-tumoral support system, the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the components of the TME that is used by tumor cells to achieve resistance to therapy. CAFs are diverse in origin and are the most abundant non-transformed element of the microenvironment in solid tumors. Cells of an established tumor initially play a direct role in the establishment of the CAF population for its own microenvironment. Like their origin, CAFs are also diverse in their functions in catering to the pro-tumor microenvironment. Once instituted, CAFs interact in unison with both tumor cells and all other components of the TME towards the progression of the disease and the worst outcome. One of the many functions of CAFs in influencing the outcome of the disease is their participation in the development of resistance to treatment. CAFs resist therapy in solid tumors. A tumor–CAF relationship is initiated by tumor cells to exploit host stroma in favor of tumor progression. CAFs in concert with tumor cells and other components of the TME are abettors of resistance to treatment. Thus, this liaison between CAFs and tumor cells is a bête noire of therapy. Here, we portray a comprehensive picture of the modes and functions of CAFs in conjunction with their role in orchestrating the development of resistance to different chemotherapies and targeted therapies in solid tumors. We investigate the various functions of CAFs in various solid tumors in light of their dialogue with tumor cells and the two components of the TME, the immune component, and the vascular component. Acknowledgment of the irrefutable role of CAFs in the development of treatment resistance will impact our future strategies and ability to design improved therapies inclusive of CAFs. Finally, we discuss the future implications of this understanding from a therapeutic standpoint and in light of currently ongoing and completed CAF-based NIH clinical trials.
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Cadamuro M, Strazzabosco M. Inflammatory pathways and cholangiocarcinoma risk mechanisms and prevention. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:39-73. [PMID: 35961707 PMCID: PMC10916841 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.02.001] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a neoplasm burdened by a poor prognosis and currently lacking adequate therapeutic treatments, can originate at different levels of the biliary tree, in the intrahepatic, hilar, or extrahepatic area. The main risk factors for the development of CCA are the presence of chronic cholangiopathies of various etiology. To date, the most studied prodromal diseases of CCA are primary sclerosing cholangitis, Caroli's disease and fluke infestations, but other conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity, are emerging as associated with an increased risk of CCA development. In this review, we focused on the analysis of the pro-inflammatory mechanisms that induce the development of CCA and on the role of cells of the immune response in cholangiocarcinogenesis. In very recent times, these cellular mechanisms have been the subject of emerging studies aimed at verifying how the modulation of the inflammatory and immunological responses can have a therapeutic significance and how these can be used as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- Liver Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.
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19
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Matricellular proteins in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:249-281. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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20
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Ravichandra A, Bhattacharjee S, Affò S. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression and therapeutic resistance. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:201-226. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Wang J, Loeuillard E, Gores GJ, Ilyas SI. Cholangiocarcinoma: what are the most valuable therapeutic targets - cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, or beyond T cells? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:835-845. [PMID: 34806500 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.2010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION CCAs are dense and desmoplastic tumors with an abundant tumor microenviroment (TME). The evolving TME is characterized by reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and their environment and is essential in facilitating tumor progression. The TME has nonimmune and immune components. Nonimmune cell types include cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and endothelial cells accompanying tumor angiogenesis. Immune cell types include elements of the innate and adaptive immune response, and can have pro-tumor or antitumor roles. The TME can shape treatment response and resistance. Therefore, elements of the TME are attractive therapeutic targets. TME targeting therapies have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies but only a small subset of patients has a meaningful response. AREAS COVERED We discuss the TME components and potential TME targeting strategies. Literature search was performed on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov until October 2021. EXPERT OPINION Elucidating the CCA TME is essential for developing effective treatment strategies. Preclinical models that recapitulate the disease (such as organoids) are important tools in uncovering the intricate cross talk in the CCA TME. Characterization of patient-derived specimens using multi-omic and single-omic technologies can dissect the cellular interplay in the CCA TME, which can guide development of effective treatment strategies and identify biomarkers for patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Emilien Loeuillard
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sumera I Ilyas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Jayaraman PS, Gaston K. Targeting protein kinase CK2 in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2021; 2:434-447. [PMID: 36045705 PMCID: PMC9400764 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2021.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a disease with a very poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Although targeted therapies directed towards specific mutations found in CCA are becoming available and are showing great potential, many tumors do not carry actionable mutations and, in those that do, the emergence of drug resistance is a likely consequence of treatment. Therapeutic targeting of enzymes and other proteins that show elevated activity in CCA cells but which are not altered by mutation is a potential strategy for the treatment of target negative and drug-resistant disease. Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) is a ubiquitously expressed kinase that has increased expression and increased activity in a variety of cancer types including CCA. Several potent CK2 inhibitors are in pre-clinical development or under assessment in a variety of clinical trials often in combination with drugs that induce DNA damage. This review outlines the importance of CK2 in CCA and assesses the progress that has been made in the evaluation of CK2 inhibition as a treatment strategy in this disease. Targeting CK2 based on the expression levels or activity of this protein and/or in combination with drugs that induce DNA damage or inhibit cell cycle progression, could be a viable option for tumors that lack actionable mutations, or for tumors that develop resistance to targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma-Sheela Jayaraman
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Division of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Kevin Gaston
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Division of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
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De P, Aske J, Dey N. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Functions as a Road-Block in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5246. [PMID: 34680395 PMCID: PMC8534063 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The journey of a normal resident fibroblast belonging to the tumor microenvironment (TME) from being a tumor pacifier to a tumor patron is fascinating. We introduce cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) as a crucial component of the TME. Activated-CAF partners with tumor cells and all components of TME in an established solid tumor. We briefly overview the origin, activation, markers, and overall functions of CAF with a particular reference to how different functions of CAF in an established tumor are functionally connected to the development of resistance to cancer therapy in solid tumors. We interrogate the role of CAF in mediating resistance to different modes of therapies. Functional diversity of CAF in orchestrating treatment resistance in solid tumors portrays CAF as a common orchestrator of treatment resistance; a roadblock in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nandini Dey
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Avera Cancer Institute, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA; (P.D.); (J.A.)
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Song X, Xu H, Wang P, Wang J, Affo S, Wang H, Xu M, Liang B, Che L, Qiu W, Schwabe RF, Chang TT, Vogl M, Pes GM, Ribback S, Evert M, Chen X, Calvisi DF. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) promotes cholangiocarcinoma development and progression via YAP activation. J Hepatol 2021; 75:888-899. [PMID: 34052254 PMCID: PMC8453055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that is upregulated in many tumor types and is a promising target for cancer therapy. Herein, we elucidated the functional role of FAK in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) development and progression. METHODS Expression levels and activation status of FAK were determined in human iCCA samples. The functional contribution of FAK to Akt/YAP murine iCCA initiation and progression was investigated using conditional Fak knockout mice and constitutive Cre or inducible Cre mice, respectively. The oncogenic potential of FAK was further examined via overexpression of FAK in mice. In vitro cell line studies and in vivo drug treatment were applied to address the therapeutic potential of targeting FAK for iCCA treatment. RESULTS FAK was ubiquitously upregulated and activated in iCCA lesions. Ablation of FAK strongly delayed Akt/YAP-driven mouse iCCA initiation. FAK overexpression synergized with activated AKT to promote iCCA development and accelerated Akt/Jag1-driven cholangiocarcinogenesis. Mechanistically, FAK was required for YAP(Y357) phosphorylation, supporting the role of FAK as a central YAP regulator in iCCA. Significantly, ablation of FAK after Akt/YAP-dependent iCCA formation strongly suppressed tumor progression in mice. Furthermore, a remarkable iCCA growth reduction was achieved when a FAK inhibitor and palbociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, were administered simultaneously in human iCCA cell lines and Akt/YAP mice. CONCLUSIONS FAK activation contributes to the initiation and progression of iCCA by inducing the YAP proto-oncogene. Targeting FAK, either alone or in combination with anti-CDK4/6 inhibitors, may be an effective strategy for iCCA treatment. LAY SUMMARY We found that the protein FAK (focal adhesion kinase) is upregulated and activated in human and mouse intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma samples. FAK promotes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma development, whereas deletion of FAK strongly suppresses its initiation and progression. Combined FAK and CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment had a strong anti-cancer effect in in vitro and in vivo models. This combination therapy might represent a valuable and novel treatment against human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhua Song
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA,Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA,Collaborative Innovation Center for Agricultural Product Processing and Nutrition & Health, Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxiao Wang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Silvia Affo
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA,Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, PR China
| | - Binyong Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Che
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | | | - Tammy T Chang
- Department of Surgery and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marion Vogl
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Giovanni M. Pes
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Vaquero J, Keitel V. Deciphering FAK in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A novel therapeutic target? J Hepatol 2021; 75:765-767. [PMID: 34252516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Vaquero
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Verena Keitel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany.
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Brindley PJ, Bachini M, Ilyas SI, Khan SA, Loukas A, Sirica AE, Teh BT, Wongkham S, Gores GJ. Cholangiocarcinoma. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2021; 7:65. [PMID: 34504109 PMCID: PMC9246479 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-021-00300-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly lethal adenocarcinoma of the hepatobiliary system, which can be classified as intrahepatic, perihilar and distal. Each anatomic subtype has distinct genetic aberrations, clinical presentations and therapeutic approaches. In endemic regions, liver fluke infection is associated with CCA, owing to the oncogenic effect of the associated chronic biliary tract inflammation. In other regions, CCA can be associated with chronic biliary tract inflammation owing to choledocholithiasis, cholelithiasis, or primary sclerosing cholangitis, but most CCAs have no identifiable cause. Administration of the anthelmintic drug praziquantel decreases the risk of CCA from liver flukes, but reinfection is common and future vaccination strategies may be more effective. Some patients with CCA are eligible for potentially curative surgical options, such as resection or liver transplantation. Genetic studies have provided new insights into the pathogenesis of CCA, and two aberrations that drive the pathogenesis of non-fluke-associated intrahepatic CCA, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 fusions and isocitrate dehydrogenase gain-of-function mutations, can be therapeutically targeted. CCA is a highly desmoplastic cancer and targeting the tumour immune microenvironment might be a promising therapeutic approach. CCA remains a highly lethal disease and further scientific and clinical insights are needed to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Sumera I. Ilyas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shahid A. Khan
- Liver Unit, Division of Digestive Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alphonse E. Sirica
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Bin Tean Teh
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenome, Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sopit Wongkham
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Gregory J. Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA,
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Zhou M, Wang C, Lu S, Xu Y, Li Z, Jiang H, Ma Y. Tumor-associated macrophages in cholangiocarcinoma: complex interplay and potential therapeutic target. EBioMedicine 2021; 67:103375. [PMID: 33993051 PMCID: PMC8134032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive and multifactorial malignancy of the biliary tract. The carcinogenesis of CCA is associated with genomic and epigenetic abnormalities, as well as environmental effects. However, early clinical diagnosis and reliable treatment strategies of CCA remain unsatisfactory. Multiple compartments of the tumor microenvironment significantly affect the progression of CCA. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a type of plastic immune cells that are recruited and activated in the CCA microenvironment, especially at the tumor invasive front and perivascular sites. TAMs create a favorable environment that benefits CCA growth by closely interacting with CCA cells and other stromal cells via releasing multiple protumor factors. In addition, TAMs exert immunosuppressive and antichemotherapeutic effects, thus intensifying the malignancy. Targeting TAMs may provide an improved understanding of, and novel therapeutic approaches for, CCA. This review focuses on revealing the interplay between TAMs and CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghua Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Shounan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Zihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Hongchi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Yong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of Hepatic Minimal Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
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Thongchot S, Vidoni C, Ferraresi A, Loilome W, Khuntikeo N, Sangkhamanon S, Titapun A, Isidoro C, Namwat N. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Derived IL-6 Determines Unfavorable Prognosis in Cholangiocarcinoma by Affecting Autophagy-Associated Chemoresponse. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092134. [PMID: 33925189 PMCID: PMC8124468 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We aimed to validate with clinical and molecular data the hypothesis that CAF infiltration and release of IL-6 predict poor prognosis in CCA patients following dysregulation of autophagy in cancer cells. Stromal IL-6 and cancer-cell-associated autophagy proteins were assayed by Tissue MicroArray immunohistochemistry and their expression correlated with overall survival (OS) in a cohort of 70 CCA patients. We found that patients bearing a CCA with low stromal IL-6 and active autophagy flux in the cancer cells have the best prognosis and this correlates with a more effective response to post-operative chemotherapy. A similar trend was observed in CCA patients from the TCGA database. In vitro experiments with primary CAFs isolated from human CCA showed that IL-6 impairs the autophagy-associated apoptotic response to 5-FU in human CCA cells. Stromal IL-6 inhibition of autophagy in cancer cells was confirmed in an animal model of CCA. Our data support a therapeutic strategy that includes drugs limiting the stromal inflammation and enhancing autophagy to improve the survival of CCA patients. Abstract Background: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) released by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) has been shown to associate with the malignant behavior of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Here, we aimed to validate with clinical and molecular data the hypothesis that CAF infiltration and release of IL-6 predict poor prognosis in CCA patients following dysregulation of autophagy in cancer cells. Methods: Stromal IL-6 and cancer-cell-associated autophagy proteins LC3 and p62 were assayed by Tissue MicroArray immunohistochemistry and their expression correlated with overall survival (OS) in a cohort of 70 CCA patients. The 5-FU cytotoxicity and autophagy were determined in CCA cells cultured with CAF-conditioned medium. Results: We show that patients bearing a CCA with low production of stromal IL-6 and active autophagy flux in the cancer cells have the best prognosis and this correlates with a more effective response to post-operative chemotherapy. A similar trend was observed in CCA patients from the TCGA database. In vitro genetic manipulation of IL-6 production by primary CAFs isolated from human CCA showed that IL-6 impairs the autophagy-associated apoptotic response to 5-FU in human CCA cells. Stromal IL-6 inhibition of autophagy in cancer cells was confirmed in an animal model of CCA. Conclusion: Our data support a therapeutic strategy that includes autophagy-enhancing drugs along with adjuvants limiting the stromal inflammation (i.e., the secretion of IL-6) to improve the survival of CCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyanee Thongchot
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Highway, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.T.); (W.L.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.V.); (A.F.)
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chiara Vidoni
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.V.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessandra Ferraresi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.V.); (A.F.)
| | - Watcharin Loilome
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Highway, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.T.); (W.L.)
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Highway, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (N.K.); (S.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Narong Khuntikeo
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Highway, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (N.K.); (S.S.); (A.T.)
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Highway, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sakkarn Sangkhamanon
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Highway, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (N.K.); (S.S.); (A.T.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Highway, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Attapol Titapun
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Highway, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (N.K.); (S.S.); (A.T.)
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Highway, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.V.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence: (C.I.); (N.N.); Tel.: +39-(0321)-660507 (C.I.); +66-6-3635-2491 (N.N.)
| | - Nisana Namwat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Highway, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.T.); (W.L.)
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Highway, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (N.K.); (S.S.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence: (C.I.); (N.N.); Tel.: +39-(0321)-660507 (C.I.); +66-6-3635-2491 (N.N.)
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The Emerging Role of Immunotherapy in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9050422. [PMID: 33922362 PMCID: PMC8146949 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancer, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCC) in particular, represents a rather uncommon, highly aggressive malignancy with unfavorable prognosis. Therapeutic options remain scarce, with platinum-based chemotherapy is being considered as the gold standard for the management of advanced disease. Comprehensive molecular profiling of tumor tissue biopsies, utilizing multi-omics approaches, enabled the identification of iCC’s intratumor heterogeneity and paved the way for the introduction of novel targeted therapies under the scope of precision medicine. Yet, the unmet need for optimal care of patients with chemo-refractory disease or without targetable mutations still exists. Immunotherapy has provided a paradigm shift in cancer care over the past decade. Currently, immunotherapeutic strategies for the management of iCC are under intense research. Intrinsic factors of the tumor, including programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and mismatch repair (MMR) status, are simply the tip of the proverbial iceberg with regard to resistance to immunotherapy. Acknowledging the significance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in both cancer growth and drug response, we broadly discuss about its diverse immune components. We further review the emerging role of immunotherapy in this rare disease, summarizing the results of completed and ongoing phase I–III clinical trials, expounding current challenges and future directions.
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Guo K, Feng Y, Zheng X, Sun L, Wasan HS, Ruan S, Shen M. Resveratrol and Its Analogs: Potent Agents to Reverse Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Tumors. Front Oncol 2021; 11:644134. [PMID: 33937049 PMCID: PMC8085503 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.644134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a complicated program through which polarized epithelial cells acquire motile mesothelial traits, is regulated by tumor microenvironment. EMT is involved in tumor progression, invasion and metastasis via reconstructing the cytoskeleton and degrading the tumor basement membrane. Accumulating evidence shows that resveratrol, as a non-flavonoid polyphenol, can reverse EMT and inhibit invasion and migration of human tumors via diverse mechanisms and signaling pathways. In the present review, we will summarize the detailed mechanisms and pathways by which resveratrol and its analogs (e.g. Triacetyl resveratrol, 3,5,4'-Trimethoxystilbene) might regulate the EMT process in cancer cells to better understand their potential as novel anti-tumor agents. Resveratrol can also reverse chemoresistance via EMT inhibition and improvement of the antiproliferative effects of conventional treatments. Therefore, resveratrol and its analogs have the potential to become novel adjunctive agents to inhibit cancer metastasis, which might be partly related to their blocking of the EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaibo Guo
- The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqian Feng
- The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueer Zheng
- The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Leitao Sun
- The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Harpreet S. Wasan
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shanming Ruan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minhe Shen
- The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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31
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Wang J, Ilyas S. Targeting the tumor microenvironment in cholangiocarcinoma: implications for therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:429-438. [PMID: 33322977 PMCID: PMC8096665 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1865308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are biliary epithelial tumors with rising incidence over the past 3 decades. Early diagnosis of CCAs remains a significant challenge and the majority of patients present at an advanced stage. CCAs are heterogeneous tumors and currently available standard systemic therapy options are of limited effectiveness. Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has transformed cancer therapy across a spectrum of malignancies. However, the response rate to ICI has been relatively disappointing in CCAs owing to its desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME).Areas covered: Tumor microenvironment of CCAs consists of innate and adaptive cells, stromal cells, and extracellular components (cytokines, chemokines, exosomes, etc.). This intricate microenvironment has multiple immunosuppressive elements that promote tumor cell survival and therapeutic resistance. Accordingly, there is a need for the development of effective therapeutic strategies that target the TME. Herein, we review the components of the CCA TME, and potential therapies targeting the CCA TME.Expert opinion: CCAs are desmoplastic tumors with a dense tumor microenvironment. An enhanced understanding of the various components of the CCA TME is essential in the effort to develop novel biomarkers for patient stratification as well as combination therapeutic strategies that target the tumor plus the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Sumera Ilyas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Joshi RS, Kanugula SS, Sudhir S, Pereira MP, Jain S, Aghi MK. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061399. [PMID: 33808627 PMCID: PMC8003545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the era of genomic medicine, cancer treatment has become more personalized as novel therapeutic targets and pathways are identified. Research over the past decade has shown the increasing importance of how the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is a major structural component of the TME, regulate oncogenic functions including tumor progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, therapy resistance, and immune cell modulation, amongst others. Within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been identified in several systemic cancers as critical regulators of the malignant cancer phenotype. This review of the literature comprehensively profiles the roles of CAFs implicated in gastrointestinal, endocrine, head and neck, skin, genitourinary, lung, and breast cancers. The ubiquitous presence of CAFs highlights their significance as modulators of cancer progression and has led to the subsequent characterization of potential therapeutic targets, which may help advance the cancer treatment paradigm to determine the next generation of cancer therapy. The aim of this review is to provide a detailed overview of the key roles that CAFs play in the scope of systemic disease, the mechanisms by which they enhance protumoral effects, and the primary CAF-related markers that may offer potential targets for novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushikesh S. Joshi
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92092, USA;
| | | | - Sweta Sudhir
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Matheus P. Pereira
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Saket Jain
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Manish K. Aghi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-415-514-9820
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33
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Louis C, Edeline J, Coulouarn C. Targeting the tumor microenvironment in cholangiocarcinoma: implications for therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:153-162. [PMID: 33502260 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1882998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare, deadly cancer that is characterized by an abundant desmoplastic stroma. Late diagnoses and limited available effective treatments are major problems with this malignancy. Targeting of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy.Areas covered: In this review, we describe the role of the various compartments of the TME in CCA and focus on the preclinical rationale for the development of innovative therapies. Relevant literature was identified by a PubMed search covering the last decade (2010-2020).Expert opinion: Low efficacy of surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy emphasizes the need for new therapeutic strategies and companion biomarkers. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the stroma is yielding a critical functional characterization of TME in CCA and is paving the way for immunotherapies and cancer-associated fibroblast and extracellular matrix-oriented treatments. We believe that the development of treatments targeting the components of the TME will produce the best results if in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Biomarkers should be developed to define the patient population of interest for each combination strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corentin Louis
- Inserm, Univ Rennes 1, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), UMR_S 1242, Centre De Lutte Contre Le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Julien Edeline
- Inserm, Univ Rennes 1, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), UMR_S 1242, Centre De Lutte Contre Le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- Inserm, Univ Rennes 1, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), UMR_S 1242, Centre De Lutte Contre Le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
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34
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Sirica AE, Strazzabosco M, Cadamuro M. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Morpho-molecular pathology, tumor reactive microenvironment, and malignant progression. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 149:321-387. [PMID: 33579427 PMCID: PMC8800451 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a relatively rare, but highly lethal and biologically complex primary biliary epithelial cancer arising within liver. After hepatocellular carcinoma, iCCA is the second most common primary liver cancer, accounting for approximately 10-20% of all primary hepatic malignancies. Over the last 10-20 years, iCCA has become the focus of increasing concern largely due to its rising incidence and high mortality rates in various parts of the world, including the United States. The challenges posed by iCCA are daunting and despite recent progress in the standard of care and management options for iCCA, the prognosis for this cancer continues to be dismal. In an effort to provide a framework for advancing our understanding of iCCA malignant aggressiveness and therapy resistance, this review will highlight key etiological, biological, molecular, and microenvironmental factors hindering more effective management of this hepatobiliary cancer. Particular focus will be on critically reviewing the cell origins and morpho-molecular heterogeneity of iCCAs, providing mechanistic insights into high risk fibroinflammatory cholangiopathies associated with iCCA development, and notably discussing the deleterious role played by the tumor reactive desmoplastic stroma in regulating iCCA malignant progression, lymphangiogenesis, and tumor immunobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphonse E Sirica
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- Liver Center and Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Chatchawal P, Wongwattanakul M, Tippayawat P, Jearanaikoon N, Jumniansong A, Boonmars T, Jearanaikoon P, Wood BR. Monitoring the Progression of Liver Fluke-Induced Cholangiocarcinoma in a Hamster Model Using Synchrotron FTIR Microspectroscopy and Focal Plane Array Infrared Imaging. Anal Chem 2020; 92:15361-15369. [PMID: 33170647 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c02656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a bile duct cancer that originates in the bile duct epithelium. Northeastern Thailand has the highest incidence of CCA, and there is a direct correlation with liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini) infection. The high mortality rate of CCA is a consequence of delayed diagnosis. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique that detects the absorbance of molecular vibrations and is perfectly suited for the interrogation of biological samples. In this study, we applied synchrotron radiation-FTIR (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy and focal plane array (FPA-FTIR) microspectroscopy to characterize periductal fibrosis and bile duct cells progressing to CCA induced by inoculating O. viverrini metacercariae into hamsters. SR-FTIR and FPA-FTIR measurements were performed in liver sections harvested from 1-, 2-, 3-, and 6-month post-infected hamsters compared to uninfected liver tissues. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the tissue samples showed a clear discrimination among uninfected and early-stage (1 and 2 months) and cancerous-stage (3 and 6 months) tissues. The discrimination is based on intensity changes in the phosphodiester band (1081 cm-1), amino acid residue (∼1396 cm-1), and C═O stretching carboxylic esters (1745 cm-1). Infected tissues also show definitive bands at ∼1280, 1234, and 1201 cm-1 characteristic of the collagen triplet and indicative of fibrosis. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed on the FPA data and showed a classification into specific cell types. Hepatocyte, fibrotic lesion, and bile duct (cancer) were classified and HCA mapping showed similar cellular distribution pattern compared to Sirius red staining. This study was also extended to less invasive sample analysis using attenuated total reflectance-FTIR (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Sera from O. viverrini-infected and uninfected hamsters were analyzed using multivariate analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). PCA was able to classify spectra of normal, early-stage CCA, and CCA, while the PLS-DA gave 100% accuracy for the validation. The model was established from 17 samples (11 normal, 6 cancer) in the calibration set and 9 samples in the validation set (4 normal, 2 cancer, 3 precancerous). These results indicate that FTIR-based technology is a potential tool to detect the progression of CCA, especially in the early stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patutong Chatchawal
- Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.,Center for Research and Development of Medical Diagnosis Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen40002, Thailand
| | - Molin Wongwattanakul
- Center for Research and Development of Medical Diagnosis Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen40002, Thailand
| | - Patcharaporn Tippayawat
- Center for Research and Development of Medical Diagnosis Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | | | - Amonrat Jumniansong
- Center for Research and Development of Medical Diagnosis Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Thidarat Boonmars
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen40002, Thailand.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Patcharee Jearanaikoon
- Center for Research and Development of Medical Diagnosis Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen40002, Thailand
| | - Bayden R Wood
- Center for Biospectroscopy, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
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36
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Bai M, Fu W, Su G, Cao J, Gao L, Huang C, Ma H, Zhang J, Yue P, Bai B, Lin Y, Meng W, Li X. The role of extracellular vesicles in cholangiocarcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2020. [PMCID: PMC7709354 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01526-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractCholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare tumor that arises from cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells of the bile duct. The tumor is characterized by insidious onset, high degree of malignancy, poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. Due to the lack of specific biomarkers, it is difficult to diagnose CCA early and evaluate prognosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which include apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and exosomes, have emerged as having important roles in cell-to-cell communication in both normal physiology and pathological conditions. Some research has found that EVs play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of CCA. EVs can carry specific molecular substances such as nucleic acids and proteins, which have potential for the diagnosis and therapy of CCA. This article reviews the current knowledge on the role of EVs in CCA. We highlight EVs and their functions in the physiology and pathophysiology of CCA, and discuss their therapeutic potential and their role as biomarkers.
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37
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Malenica I, Donadon M, Lleo A. Molecular and Immunological Characterization of Biliary Tract Cancers: A Paradigm Shift Towards a Personalized Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2190. [PMID: 32781527 PMCID: PMC7464597 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are a group of rare cancers that account for up to 3-5% of cancer patients worldwide. BTCs include cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), gallbladder cancer (GBC), and ampulla of Vater cancer (AVC). They are frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage when the disease is often found disseminated. A late diagnosis highly compromises surgery, the only potentially curative option. Current treatment regimens include a combination of chemotherapeutic drugs gemcitabine with cisplatin that have a limited efficiency since more than 50% of patients relapse in the first year. More recently, an inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) was approved as a second-line treatment, based on the promising results from the NCT02924376 clinical trial. However, novel secondary treatment options are urgently needed. Recent molecular characterization of CCA and GBC highlighted the molecular heterogeneity, etiology, and epidemiology in BTC development and lead to the classification of the extrahepatic CCA into four types: metabolic, proliferating, mesenchymal, and immune type. Differences in the immune infiltration and tumor microenvironment (TME) have been described as well, showing that only a small subset of BTCs could be classified as an immune "hot" and targeted with the immunotherapeutic drugs. This recent evidence has opened a way to new clinical trials for BTCs, and new drug approvals are highly expected by the medical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Malenica
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Italy;
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, 20089 Rozzano, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
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