1
|
Zhang H, Yang Y, Cao Y, Guan J. Effects of chronic stress on cancer development and the therapeutic prospects of adrenergic signaling regulation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116609. [PMID: 38678960 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116609] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term chronic stress is an important factor in the poor prognosis of cancer patients. Chronic stress reduces the tissue infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by continuously activating the adrenergic signaling, inhibits antitumor immune response and tumor cell apoptosis while also inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor angiogenesis, promoting tumor invasion and metastasis. This review first summarizes how adrenergic signaling activates intracellular signaling by binding different adrenergic receptor (AR) heterodimers. Then, we focused on reviewing adrenergic signaling to regulate multiple functions of immune cells, including cell differentiation, migration, and cytokine secretion. In addition, the article discusses the mechanisms by which adrenergic signaling exerts pro-tumorigenic effects by acting directly on the tumor itself. It also highlights the use of adrenergic receptor modulators in cancer therapy, with particular emphasis on their potential role in immunotherapy. Finally, the article reviews the beneficial effects of stress intervention measures on cancer treatment. We think that enhancing the body's antitumor response by adjusting adrenergic signaling can enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China; Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Yuwei Yang
- College of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of OTIR, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Yan Cao
- College of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of OTIR, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Jingzhi Guan
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Amato R, Lucchesi M, Marracci S, Filippi L, Dal Monte M. β-Adrenoceptors in Cancer: Old Players and New Perspectives. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 37982890 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Distress, or negative stress, is known to considerably increase the incidence of several diseases, including cancer. There is indeed evidence from pre-clinical models that distress causes a catecholaminergic overdrive that, mainly through the activation of β-adrenoceptors (β-ARs), results in cancer cell growth and cancer progression. In addition, clinical studies have evidenced a role of negative stress in cancer progression. Moreover, plenty of data demonstrates that β-blockers have positive effects in reducing the pro-tumorigenic activity of catecholamines, correlating with better outcomes in some type of cancers as evidenced by several clinical trials. Among β-ARs, β2-AR seems to be the main β-AR subtype involved in tumor development and progression. However, there are data indicating that also β1-AR and β3-AR may be involved in certain tumors. In this chapter, we will review current knowledge on the role of the three β-AR isoforms in carcinogenesis as well as in cancer growth and progression, with particular emphasis on recent studies that are opening new avenues in the use of β-ARs as therapeutic targets in treating tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang F, Cheng F, Zheng F. Bioinformatic-based genetic characterizations of neural regulation in skin cutaneous melanoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1166373. [PMID: 37404751 PMCID: PMC10315675 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1166373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent discoveries uncovered the complex cancer-nerve interactions in several cancer types including skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). However, the genetic characterization of neural regulation in SKCM is unclear. Methods Transcriptomic expression data were collected from the TCGA and GTEx portal, and the differences in cancer-nerve crosstalk-associated gene expressions between normal skin and SKCM tissues were analyzed. The cBioPortal dataset was utilized to implement the gene mutation analysis. PPI analysis was performed using the STRING database. Functional enrichment analysis was analyzed by the R package clusterProfiler. K-M plotter, univariate, multivariate, and LASSO regression were used for prognostic analysis and verification. The GEPIA dataset was performed to analyze the association of gene expression with SKCM clinical stage. ssGSEA and GSCA datasets were used for immune cell infiltration analysis. GSEA was used to elucidate the significant function and pathway differences. Results A total of 66 cancer-nerve crosstalk-associated genes were identified, 60 of which were up- or downregulated in SKCM and KEGG analysis suggested that they are mainly enriched in the calcium signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and so on. A gene prognostic model including eight genes (GRIN3A, CCR2, CHRNA4, CSF1, NTN1, ADRB1, CHRNB4, and CHRNG) was built and verified by independent cohorts GSE59455 and GSE19234. A nomogram was constructed containing clinical characteristics and the above eight genes, and the AUCs of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year ROC were 0.850, 0.811, and 0.792, respectively. Expression of CCR2, GRIN3A, and CSF1 was associated with SKCM clinical stages. There existed broad and strong correlations of the prognostic gene set with immune infiltration and immune checkpoint genes. CHRNA4 and CHRNG were independent poor prognostic genes, and multiple metabolic pathways were enriched in high CHRNA4 expression cells. Conclusion Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of cancer-nerve crosstalk-associated genes in SKCM was performed, and an effective prognostic model was constructed based on clinical characteristics and eight genes (GRIN3A, CCR2, CHRNA4, CSF1, NTN1, ADRB1, CHRNB4, and CHRNG), which were widely related to clinical stages and immunological features. Our work may be helpful for further investigation in the molecular mechanisms correlated with neural regulation in SKCM, and in searching new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengdi Wang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fanjun Cheng
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fang Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhu J, Naulaerts S, Boudhan L, Martin M, Gatto L, Van den Eynde BJ. Tumour immune rejection triggered by activation of α2-adrenergic receptors. Nature 2023:10.1038/s41586-023-06110-8. [PMID: 37286594 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06110-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy based on immunecheckpoint blockade (ICB) using antibodies induces rejection of tumours and brings clinical benefit in patients with various cancer types1. However, tumours often resist immune rejection. Ongoing efforts trying to increase tumour response rates are based on combinations of ICB with compounds that aim to reduce immunosuppression in the tumour microenvironment but usually have little effect when used as monotherapies2,3. Here we show that agonists of α2-adrenergic receptors (α2-AR) have very strong anti-tumour activity when used as monotherapies in multiple immunocompetent tumour models, including ICB-resistant models, but not in immunodeficient models. We also observed marked effects in human tumour xenografts implanted in mice reconstituted with human lymphocytes. The anti-tumour effects of α2-AR agonists were reverted by α2-AR antagonists, and were absent in Adra2a-knockout (encoding α2a-AR) mice, demonstrating on-target action exerted on host cells, not tumour cells. Tumours from treated mice contained increased infiltrating T lymphocytes and reduced myeloid suppressor cells, which were more apoptotic. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed upregulation of innate and adaptive immune response pathways in macrophages and T cells. To exert their anti-tumour effects, α2-AR agonists required CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes and macrophages. Reconstitution studies in Adra2a-knockout mice indicated that the agonists acted directly on macrophages, increasing their ability to stimulate T lymphocytes. Our results indicate that α2-AR agonists, some of which are available clinically, could substantially improve the clinical efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium.
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Stefan Naulaerts
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Loubna Boudhan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Manon Martin
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurent Gatto
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoit J Van den Eynde
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Obrador E, Salvador-Palmer R, López-Blanch R, Oriol-Caballo M, Moreno-Murciano P, Estrela JM. Survival Mechanisms of Metastatic Melanoma Cells: The Link between Glucocorticoids and the Nrf2-Dependent Antioxidant Defense System. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030418. [PMID: 36766760 PMCID: PMC9913432 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating glucocorticoids increase during stress. Chronic stress, characterized by a sustained increase in serum levels of cortisol, has been associated in different cases with an increased risk of cancer and a worse prognosis. Glucocorticoids can promote gluconeogenesis, mobilization of amino acids, fat breakdown, and impair the body's immune response. Therefore, conditions that may favor cancer growth and the acquisition of radio- and chemo-resistance. We found that glucocorticoid receptor knockdown diminishes the antioxidant protection of murine B16-F10 (highly metastatic) melanoma cells, thus leading to a drastic decrease in their survival during interaction with the vascular endothelium. The BRAFV600E mutation is the most commonly observed in melanoma patients. Recent studies revealed that VMF/PLX40-32 (vemurafenib, a selective inhibitor of mutant BRAFV600E) increases mitochondrial respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in BRAFV600E human melanoma cell lines. Early-stage cancer cells lacking Nrf2 generate high ROS levels and exhibit a senescence-like growth arrest. Thus, it is likely that a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (RU486) could increase the efficacy of BRAF-related therapy in BRAFV600E-mutated melanoma. In fact, during early progression of skin melanoma metastases, RU486 and VMF induced metastases regression. However, treatment at an advanced stage of growth found resistance to RU486 and VMF. This resistance was mechanistically linked to overexpression of proteins of the Bcl-2 family (Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 in different human models). Moreover, melanoma resistance was decreased if AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways were blocked. These findings highlight mechanisms by which metastatic melanoma cells adapt to survive and could help in the development of most effective therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Obrador
- Cell Pathophysiology Unit (UFC), Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.O.); (J.M.E.); Tel.: +34-963864646 (J.M.E.)
| | - Rosario Salvador-Palmer
- Cell Pathophysiology Unit (UFC), Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael López-Blanch
- Cell Pathophysiology Unit (UFC), Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Oriol-Caballo
- Cell Pathophysiology Unit (UFC), Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - José M. Estrela
- Cell Pathophysiology Unit (UFC), Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.O.); (J.M.E.); Tel.: +34-963864646 (J.M.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Crosstalk between β2- and α2-Adrenergic Receptors in the Regulation of B16F10 Melanoma Cell Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094634. [PMID: 35563024 PMCID: PMC9100920 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenergic receptors (AR) belong to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily and regulate migration and proliferation in various cell types. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether β-AR stimulation affects the antiproliferative action of α2-AR agonists on B16F10 cells and, if so, to determine the relative contribution of β-AR subtypes. Using pharmacological approaches, evaluation of Ki-67 expression by flow cytometry and luciferase-based cAMP assay, we found that treatment with isoproterenol, a β-AR agonist, increased cAMP levels in B16F10 melanoma cells without affecting cell proliferation. Propranolol inhibited the cAMP response to isoproterenol. In addition, stimulation of α2-ARs with agonists such as clonidine, a well-known antihypertensive drug, decreased cancer cell proliferation. This effect on cell proliferation was suppressed by treatment with isoproterenol. In turn, the suppressive effects of isoproterenol were abolished by the treatment with either ICI 118,551, a β2-AR antagonist, or propranolol, suggesting that isoproterenol effects are mainly mediated by the β2-AR stimulation. We conclude that the crosstalk between the β2-AR and α2-AR signaling pathways regulates the proliferative activity of B16F10 cells and may therefore represent a therapeutic target for melanoma therapy.
Collapse
|