1
|
Zhang D, Zhao F, Liu H, Guo P, Li Z, Li S. FABP6 serves as a new therapeutic target in esophageal tumor. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:1640-1662. [PMID: 38277205 PMCID: PMC10866426 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors with high incidence and mortality rates. Despite the continuous development of treatment options, the prognosis for esophageal cancer patients remains poor. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new diagnostic and therapeutic targets in clinical practice to improve the survival of patients with esophageal cancer. METHODS In this study, we conducted a comprehensive scRNA-seq analysis of the tumor microenvironment in primary esophageal tumors to elucidate cell composition and heterogeneity. Using Seurat, we identified eight clusters, encompassing non-immune cells (fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, and epithelial cells) and immunocytes (myeloid-derived cells, T cells, B cells, and plasma cells). Compared to normal tissues, tumors exhibited an increased proportion of epithelial cells and alterations in immune cell infiltration. Analysis of epithelial cells revealed a cluster (cluster 0) with a high differentiation score and early distribution, suggesting its importance as a precursor cell. RESULTS Cluster 0 was characterized by high expression of FABP6, indicating a potential role in fatty acid metabolism and tumor growth. T cell analysis revealed shifts in the balance between Treg and CD8+ effector T cells in tumor tissues. Cellular communication analysis identified increased interactions between FABP6+ tumor cells and T cells, with the involvement of the MIF-related pathway and the CD74-CD44 interaction. This study provides insights into the cellular landscape and immune interactions within esophageal tumors, contributing to a better understanding of tumor heterogeneity and potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dengfeng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Fangchao Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010031, China
| | - Pengfei Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Zhirong Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Shujun Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tiucă RA, Tiucă OM, Pașcanu IM. The Role of Genetic Polymorphisms in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A 2023 Update. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041075. [PMID: 37189693 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with an increasing trend in the past decades. It has a variety of different histological subtypes, the most frequent one being differentiated thyroid cancer, which refers to papillary carcinoma, the most common histological type, followed by follicular carcinoma. Associations between genetic polymorphisms and thyroid cancer have been investigated over the years and are an intriguing topic for the scientific world. To date, the results of associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms, the most common genetic variations in the genome, with thyroid cancer have been inconsistent, but many promising results could potentially influence future research toward developing new targeted therapies and new prognostic biomarkers, thus consolidating a more personalized management for these patients. This review focuses on emphasizing the existing literature data regarding genetic polymorphisms investigated for their potential association with differentiated thyroid cancer and highlights the opportunity of using genetic variations as biomarkers of diagnosis and prognosis for thyroid cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Aurelian Tiucă
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Department of Endocrinology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Compartment of Endocrinology, Mures County Clinical Hospital, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Oana Mirela Tiucă
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Dermatology Clinic, Mures County Clinical Hospital, 540015 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Ionela Maria Pașcanu
- Department of Endocrinology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Compartment of Endocrinology, Mures County Clinical Hospital, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
KYRODIMOS EFTHYMIOS, CHRYSOVERGIS ARISTEIDIS, MASTRONIKOLIS NICHOLAS, PAPANASTASIOU GEORGE, TSIAMBAS EVANGELOS, SPYROPOULOU DESPOINA, KATSINIS SPYROS, MANOLI AREZINA, PAPOULIAKOS SOTIRIOS, PANTOS PAVLOS, RAGOS VASILEIOS, PESCHOS DIMITRIOS, PAPANIKOLAOU VASILEIOS. The Landscape of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. CANCER DIAGNOSIS & PROGNOSIS 2023; 3:26-30. [PMID: 36632585 PMCID: PMC9801452 DOI: 10.21873/cdp.10175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma represents a leading malignancy among those derived from human endocrine systems. It comprises a variety of different histological subtypes, including mainly papillary carcinoma, follicular carcinoma, anaplastic carcinoma, and medullar carcinoma. A broad spectrum of genetic imbalances, comprising gross chromosomal (polysomy/aneuploidy) and specific gene (mutations, amplifications, deletions) alterations, has been reported. Interestingly, the role of isolated, specific gene polymorphisms, especially of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) type, in thyroid carcinoma is under investigation. SNPs are the most common genetic variations in the genome. The current molecular review focuses on the impact of specific SNPs on the biological behavior of papillary thyroid carcinoma in their carriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- EFTHYMIOS KYRODIMOS
- First ENT Department, Hippocration Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - GEORGE PAPANASTASIOU
- Department of Maxillofacial, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - EVANGELOS TSIAMBAS
- Department of Cytology, 417 Veterans Army Hospital (NIMTS), Athens, Greece
| | - DESPOINA SPYROPOULOU
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - SPYROS KATSINIS
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece
| | - AREZINA MANOLI
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria, Athens, Greece
| | | | - PAVLOS PANTOS
- First ENT Department, Hippocration Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - VASILEIOS RAGOS
- Department of Maxillofacial, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - DIMITRIOS PESCHOS
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang K, Li Y, Kong X, Lei C, Yang H, Wang N, Wang Z, Chang H, Xuan L. AGR2: a secreted protein worthy of attention in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1195885. [PMID: 37197416 PMCID: PMC10183570 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1195885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AGR2 is a secreted protein widely existing in breast. In precancerous lesions, primary tumors and metastatic tumors, the expression of AGR2 is increased, which has aroused our interest. This review introduces the gene and protein structure of AGR2. Its endoplasmic reticulum retention sequence, protein disulfide isomerase active site and multiple protein binding sequences endow AGR2 with diverse functions inside and outside breast cancer cells. This review also enumerates the role of AGR2 in the progress and prognosis of breast cancer, and emphasizes that AGR2 can be a promising biomarker and a target for immunotherapy of breast cancer, providing new ideas for early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chuqi Lei
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huaiyu Yang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nianchang Wang
- Department of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongzhao Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongzhao Wang, ; Hu Chang, ; Lixue Xuan,
| | - Hu Chang
- Administration Office, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongzhao Wang, ; Hu Chang, ; Lixue Xuan,
| | - Lixue Xuan
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongzhao Wang, ; Hu Chang, ; Lixue Xuan,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Identification of AGR2 Gene-Specific Expression Patterns Associated with Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810845. [PMID: 36142758 PMCID: PMC9504245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β signaling pathway is involved in numerous cellular processes, and its deregulation may result in cancer development. One of the key processes in tumor progression and metastasis is epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), in which TGF-β signaling plays important roles. Recently, AGR2 was identified as a crucial component of the cellular machinery responsible for maintaining the epithelial phenotype, thereby interfering with the induction of mesenchymal phenotype cells by TGF-β effects in cancer. Here, we performed transcriptomic profiling of A549 lung cancer cells with CRISPR-Cas9 mediated AGR2 knockout with and without TGF-β treatment. We identified significant changes in transcripts associated with focal adhesion and eicosanoid production, in particular arachidonic acid metabolism. Changes in transcripts associated with the focal adhesion pathway were validated by RT-qPCR of COL4A1, COL4A2, FLNA, VAV3, VEGFA, and VINC mRNAs. In addition, immunofluorescence showed the formation of stress fibers and vinculin foci in cells without AGR2 and in response to TGF-β treatment, with synergistic effects observed. These findings imply that both AGR2 downregulation and TGF-β have a role in focal adhesion formation and cancer cell migration and invasion. Transcripts associated with arachidonic acid metabolism were downregulated after both AGR2 knockout and TGF-β treatment and were validated by RT-qPCR of GPX2, PTGS2, and PLA2G4A. Since PGE2 is a product of arachidonic acid metabolism, its lowered concentration in media from AGR2-knockout cells was confirmed by ELISA. Together, our results demonstrate that AGR2 downregulation and TGF-β have an essential role in focal adhesion formation; moreover, we have identified AGR2 as an important component of the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway.
Collapse
|
6
|
Boisteau E, Posseme C, Di Modugno F, Edeline J, Coulouarn C, Hrstka R, Martisova A, Delom F, Treton X, Eriksson LA, Chevet E, Lièvre A, Ogier-Denis E. Anterior gradient proteins in gastrointestinal cancers: from cell biology to pathophysiology. Oncogene 2022; 41:4673-4685. [PMID: 36068336 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02452-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Most of the organs of the digestive tract comprise secretory epithelia that require specialized molecular machines to achieve their functions. As such anterior gradient (AGR) proteins, which comprise AGR1, AGR2, and AGR3, belong to the protein disulfide isomerase family, and are involved in secretory and transmembrane protein biogenesis in the endoplasmic reticulum. They are generally expressed in epithelial cells with high levels in most of the digestive tract epithelia. To date, the vast majority of the reports concern AGR2, which has been shown to exhibit various subcellular localizations and exert pro-oncogenic functions. AGR2 overexpression has recently been associated with a poor prognosis in digestive cancers. AGR2 is also involved in epithelial homeostasis. Its deletion in mice results in severe diffuse gut inflammation, whereas in inflammatory bowel diseases, the secretion of AGR2 in the extracellular milieu participates in the reshaping of the cellular microenvironment. AGR2 thus plays a key role in inflammation and oncogenesis and may represent a therapeutic target of interest. In this review, we summarize the already known roles and mechanisms of action of the AGR family proteins in digestive diseases, their expression in the healthy digestive tract, and in digestive oncology. At last, we discuss the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications underlying the biology of AGR proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emeric Boisteau
- INSERM U1242, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Pontchaillou, University of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Céline Posseme
- INSERM U1242, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Federico Di Modugno
- INSERM U1242, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Julien Edeline
- INSERM U1242, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | | | - Roman Hrstka
- Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Martisova
- Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic.,National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Xavier Treton
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University of Paris, Clichy, France
| | - Leif A Eriksson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Eric Chevet
- INSERM U1242, University of Rennes, Rennes, France. .,Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France.
| | - Astrid Lièvre
- INSERM U1242, University of Rennes, Rennes, France. .,Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Pontchaillou, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.
| | - Eric Ogier-Denis
- INSERM U1242, University of Rennes, Rennes, France. .,Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France.
| |
Collapse
|