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Cao Q, Wang X, Liu J, Dong Y, Wu X, Mi Y, Liu K, Zhang M, Shi Y, Fan R. ICBP90, an epigenetic regulator, induces DKK3 promoter methylation, promotes glioma progression, and reduces sensitivity to cis-platinum. Exp Cell Res 2024; 436:113976. [PMID: 38401687 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113976] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Glioma is the most common brain malignancy, characterized by high morbidity, high mortality, and treatment-resistance. Inverted CCAAT box Binding Protein of 90 kDa (ICBP90) has been reported to be involved in tumor progression and the maintenance of DNA methylation. Herein, we constructed ICBP90 over-expression and knockdown glioma cell lines, and found that ICBP90 knockdown inhibited glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. ICBP90 silencing potentially enhanced cellular sensitivity to cis-platinum (DDP) and exacerbated DDP-induced pyroptosis, manifested by the elevated levels of gasdermin D-N-terminal and cleaved caspase 1; whereas, ICBP90 over-expression exhibited the opposite effects. Consistently, ICBP90 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in an in vivo mouse xenograft study using U251 cells stably expressing sh-ICBP90 and oe-ICBP90. Further experiments found that ICBP90 reduced the expression of Dickkopf 3 homolog (DKK3), a negative regulator of β-catenin, by binding its promoter and inducing DNA methylation. ICBP90 knockdown prevented the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and suppressed the expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1. Besides, DKK3 over-expression restored the effects of ICBP90 over-expression on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and DDP sensitivity. Our findings suggest that ICBP90 inhibits the expression of DKK3 in glioma by maintaining DKK3 promoter methylation, thereby conducing to ICBP90-mediated carcinogenesis and drug insensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinchen Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yin Mi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yonggang Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruitai Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Al-Nakhle HH. Unraveling the Multifaceted Role of the miR-17-92 Cluster in Colorectal Cancer: From Mechanisms to Biomarker Potential. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1832-1850. [PMID: 38534736 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex disease driven by intricate mechanisms, making it challenging to understand and manage. The miR-17-92 cluster has gained significant attention in CRC research due to its diverse functions and crucial role in various aspects of the disease. This cluster, consisting of multiple individual miRNAs, influences critical processes like tumor initiation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Beyond its roles in tumorigenesis and progression, miR-17-92's dysregulation in CRC has substantial implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, including chemotherapy responsiveness. It also shows promise as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, offering insights into treatment responses and disease progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and the context-dependent role of the miR-17-92 cluster in colorectal cancer, drawing from the latest high-quality published data. It summarizes the established mechanisms governing miR-17-92 expression and the molecular pathways under its influence. Furthermore, it examines instances where it functions as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor, elucidating how cellular contexts dictate its biological effects. Ultimately, miR-17-92 holds promise as a biomarker for prognosis and therapy response, as well as a potential target for cancer prevention and therapeutic interventions. In essence, this review underscores the multifaceted nature of miR-17-92 in CRC research, offering promising avenues for enhancing the management of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakeemah H Al-Nakhle
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Monawarah 42353, Saudi Arabia
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Mourtada J, Thibaudeau C, Wasylyk B, Jung AC. The Multifaceted Role of Human Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) in Development, Immune Modulation and Cancer. Cells 2023; 13:75. [PMID: 38201279 PMCID: PMC10778571 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The human Dickkopf (DKK) family includes four main secreted proteins, DKK-1, DKK-2, DKK-3, and DKK-4, as well as the DKK-3 related protein soggy (Sgy-1 or DKKL1). These glycoproteins play crucial roles in various biological processes, and especially modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. DKK-3 is distinct, with its multifaceted roles in development, stem cell differentiation and tissue homeostasis. Intriguingly, DKK-3 appears to have immunomodulatory functions and a complex role in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, depending on the context. DKK-3 is a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target that can be modulated by epigenetic reactivation, gene therapy and DKK-3-blocking agents. However, further research is needed to optimize DKK-3-based therapies. In this review, we comprehensively describe the known functions of DKK-3 and highlight the importance of context in understanding and exploiting its roles in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Mourtada
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tumorale, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France; (J.M.); (C.T.)
- Laboratoire STREINTH (Stress Response and Innovative Therapies), INSERM U1113 IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Chloé Thibaudeau
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tumorale, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France; (J.M.); (C.T.)
- Laboratoire STREINTH (Stress Response and Innovative Therapies), INSERM U1113 IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Bohdan Wasylyk
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France;
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U 1258, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
- Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alain C. Jung
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tumorale, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France; (J.M.); (C.T.)
- Laboratoire STREINTH (Stress Response and Innovative Therapies), INSERM U1113 IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, 67200 Strasbourg, France
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4
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Katase N, Nishimatsu SI, Yamauchi A, Okano S, Fujita S. DKK3 expression is correlated with poorer prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A bioinformatics study based on the TCGA database. J Oral Biosci 2023; 65:334-346. [PMID: 37716425 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2023.09.002] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously reported that dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 3 (DKK3) expression is correlated with poorer prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here we investigated DKK3 expression by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) public database and bioinformatic analyses. METHODS We used the RNA sequence data and divided the tumor samples into "DKK3-high" and "DKK3-low" groups according to median DKK3 expression. The correlations between DKK3 expression and the clinical data were investigated. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected using DESEq2 and analyzed by ShinyGO 0.77. A gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was also performed using GSEA software. The DEGs were also analyzed with TargetMine to establish the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. RESULTS DKK3 expression was significantly increased in cancer samples, and a high DKK3 expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival. We identified 854 DEGs, including 284 up-regulated and 570 down-regulated. Functional enrichment analyses revealed several Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways associated with extracellular matrix remodeling. The PPI network identified COL8A1, AGTR1, FN1, P4HA3, PDGFRB, and CEP126 as the key genes. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested the cancer-promoting ability of DKK3, the expression of which is a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Katase
- Department of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan.
| | - Shin-Ichiro Nishimatsu
- Department of Natural Sciences, Kawasaki Medical School, Matsushima 577, Kurashiki, Okayama, 701-0192, Japan.
| | - Akira Yamauchi
- Department of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical School, Matsushima 577, Kurashiki, Okayama, 701-0192, Japan.
| | - Shinji Okano
- Department of Pathology, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan; Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.
| | - Shuichi Fujita
- Department of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan.
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Trotter TN, Dagotto CE, Serra D, Wang T, Yang X, Acharya CR, Wei J, Lei G, Lyerly HK, Hartman ZC. Dormant tumors circumvent tumor-specific adaptive immunity by establishing a Treg-dominated niche via DKK3. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e174458. [PMID: 37847565 PMCID: PMC10721325 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.174458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 30% of breast cancer survivors deemed free of disease will experience locoregional or metastatic recurrence even up to 30 years after initial diagnosis, yet how residual/dormant tumor cells escape immunity elicited by the primary tumor remains unclear. We demonstrate that intrinsically dormant tumor cells are indeed recognized and lysed by antigen-specific T cells in vitro and elicit robust immune responses in vivo. However, despite close proximity to CD8+ killer T cells, dormant tumor cells themselves support early accumulation of protective FoxP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs), which can be targeted to reduce tumor burden. These intrinsically dormant tumor cells maintain a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state that is associated with immune dysfunction, and we find that the tumor-derived, stem cell/basal cell protein Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 3 (DKK3) is critical for Treg inhibition of CD8+ T cells. We also demonstrate that DKK3 promotes immune-mediated progression of proliferative tumors and is significantly associated with poor survival and immunosuppression in human breast cancers. Together, these findings reveal that latent tumors can use fundamental mechanisms of tolerance to alter the T cell microenvironment and subvert immune detection. Thus, targeting these pathways, such as DKK3, may help render dormant tumors susceptible to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - H. Kim Lyerly
- Department of Surgery, and
- Department of Pathology/Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zachary C. Hartman
- Department of Surgery, and
- Department of Pathology/Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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6
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Katase N, Kudo K, Ogawa K, Sakamoto Y, Nishimatsu SI, Yamauchi A, Fujita S. DKK3/CKAP4 axis is associated with advanced stage and poorer prognosis in oral cancer. Oral Dis 2023; 29:3193-3204. [PMID: 35708905 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously reported that dickkopf WNT signaling inhibitor 3 (DKK3) would modulate malignant potential of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) via activating Akt. Recently, cytoskeleton associated protein 4 (CKAP4) functions as receptor of DKK3, which activates Akt in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but its expression and function in OSCC were unclear. METHODS We studied DKK3 and CKAP4 protein expression in OSCC tissue and investigated the correlation between protein expression and clinical data. We also investigated whether antibodies (Ab) for DKK3 or CKAP4 could suppress malignant potential of the cancer cells. RESULTS DKK3/CKAP4 protein expression was observed in majority of OSCC cases and was associated with significantly higher T-stage and TNM stage. Multivariate analysis revealed that DKK3 and CKAP4 were independent prognostic biomarkers for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), respectively. Survival analyses revealed that DKK3-positive cases and CKAP4-positive cases showed significantly shorter OS and DFS, respectively, and that DKK3/CKAP4 double-negative cases showed significantly favorable prognosis. Both anti-DKK3Ab and anti-CKAP4Ab could suppress cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. CONCLUSION DKK3/CKAP4 axis is thought to be important in OSCC, and it would be a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Katase
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kodai Kudo
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagasaki University Dental School, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ogawa
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagasaki University Dental School, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yae Sakamoto
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagasaki University Dental School, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Akira Yamauchi
- Department of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shuichi Fujita
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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7
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Logan BR, Fu D, Howard A, Fei M, Kou J, Little MR, Adom D, Mohamed FA, Blazar BR, Gafken PR, Paczesny S. Validated graft-specific biomarkers identify patients at risk for chronic graft-versus-host disease and death. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e168575. [PMID: 37526081 PMCID: PMC10378149 DOI: 10.1172/jci168575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDChronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a serious complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). More accurate information regarding the risk of developing cGVHD is required. Bone marrow (BM) grafts contribute to lower cGVHD, which creates a dispute over whether risk biomarker scores should be used for peripheral blood (PB) and BM.METHODSDay 90 plasma proteomics from PB and BM recipients developing cGVHD revealed 5 risk markers that were added to 8 previous cGVHD markers to screen 982 HCT samples of 2 multicenter Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMTCTN) cohorts. Each marker was tested for its association with cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) of cGVHD using Cox-proportional-hazards models. We paired these clinical studies with biomarker measurements in a mouse model of cGVHD.RESULTSSpearman correlations between DKK3 and MMP3 were significant in both cohorts. In BMTCTN 0201 multivariate analyses, PB recipients with 1-log increase in CXCL9 and DKK3 were 1.3 times (95% CI: 1.1-1.4, P = 0.001) and 1.9 times (95%CI: 1.1-3.2, P = 0.019) and BM recipients with 1-log increase in CXCL10 and MMP3 were 1.3 times (95%CI: 1.0-1.6, P = 0.018 and P = 0.023) more likely to develop cGVHD. In BMTCTN 1202, PB patients with high CXCL9 and MMP3 were 1.1 times (95%CI: 1.0-1.2, P = 0.037) and 1.2 times (95%CI: 1.0-1.3, P = 0.009) more likely to develop cGVHD. PB patients with high biomarkers had increased likelihood to develop cGVHD in both cohorts (22%-32% versus 8%-12%, P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). Mice showed elevated circulating biomarkers before the signs of cGVHD.CONCLUSIONBiomarker levels at 3 months after HCT identify patients at risk for cGVHD occurrence.FUNDINGNIH grants R01CA168814, R21HL139934, P01CA158505, T32AI007313, and R01CA264921.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent R. Logan
- Division of Biostatistics and Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Denggang Fu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Alan Howard
- Be The Match and Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mingwei Fei
- Be The Match and Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jianqun Kou
- Division of Biostatistics and Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Morgan R. Little
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Djamilatou Adom
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Fathima A. Mohamed
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Philip R. Gafken
- Proteomics & Metabolomics shared resource, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sophie Paczesny
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Yang R, Deng F, Yang Y, Tian Q, Huangfu S, Yang L, Hou J, Yang G, Pang W, Lu J, Liu H, Chen Y, Gao J, Zhang L. Blue light promotes vitamin C-mediated ferroptosis of melanoma through specifically upregulating transporter SVCT2 and generating Fe 2. Biomaterials 2023; 299:122186. [PMID: 37276798 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122186] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin C (VC)-based cancer therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for a variety of cancers due to its profound effects on redox reactions and metabolic pathways. However, high administration dosage of VC for necessary therapeutic efficacy for cancers increases the risk of overt side effects and limits its clinical use. Here, we show cutaneous blue light irradiation can specifically upregulate the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) of the tumor and increase effectively the VC concentration at the tumor sites by an overall low dosage administration. In the mouse melanoma model, blue light stimulates the SVCT2 expression through the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. The increased cellular VC together with Fe2+ generated by blue light simultaneously elevate cellular oxidative stress and trigger the ferroptosis of melanoma. With this revealed mechanism, the synergistic actions of blue light on the VC transporter and Fe2+ generation lead to a ca. 20-fold reduction in the administration dosage of VC with an effective melanoma elimination and prolonged survival. The work defines the killing mechanism of blue light on VC-based cancer therapy and provides a practical approach for promoting VC uptake. This light-assisted VC therapy is not only highly efficient for melanoma but also considerable for a broad clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Fangqing Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Yingchun Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China.
| | - Qing Tian
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Shuaiqi Huangfu
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Luqiu Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Jing Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Guanghao Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Wei Pang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Jueru Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Analytical & Testing Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Jie Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China.
| | - Lianbing Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China.
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9
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Croft W, Pearce H, Margielewska-Davies S, Lim L, Nicol SM, Zayou F, Blakeway D, Marcon F, Powell-Brett S, Mahon B, Merard R, Zuo J, Middleton G, Roberts K, Brown RM, Moss P. Spatial determination and prognostic impact of the fibroblast transcriptome in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. eLife 2023; 12:e86125. [PMID: 37350578 PMCID: PMC10361717 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has a poor clinical outcome and responses to immunotherapy are suboptimal. Stromal fibroblasts are a dominant but heterogenous population within the tumor microenvironment and therapeutic targeting of stromal subsets may have therapeutic utility. Here, we combine spatial transcriptomics and scRNA-Seq datasets to define the transcriptome of tumor-proximal and tumor-distal cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and link this to clinical outcome. Tumor-proximal fibroblasts comprise large populations of myofibroblasts, strongly expressed podoplanin, and were enriched for Wnt ligand signaling. In contrast, inflammatory CAFs were dominant within tumor-distal subsets and expressed complement components and the Wnt-inhibitor SFRP2. Poor clinical outcome was correlated with elevated HIF-1α and podoplanin expression whilst expression of inflammatory and complement genes was predictive of extended survival. These findings demonstrate the extreme transcriptional heterogeneity of CAFs and its determination by apposition to tumor. Selective targeting of tumor-proximal subsets, potentially combined with HIF-1α inhibition and immune stimulation, may offer a multi-modal therapeutic approach for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Croft
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Computational Biology, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Hayden Pearce
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Sandra Margielewska-Davies
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Lindsay Lim
- Cancer Research Horizons, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Samantha M Nicol
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Fouzia Zayou
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Daniel Blakeway
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Francesca Marcon
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Sarah Powell-Brett
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Brinder Mahon
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Reena Merard
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Jianmin Zuo
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Gary Middleton
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Keith Roberts
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Rachel M Brown
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Paul Moss
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
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10
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Glycolysis regulates KRAS plasma membrane localization and function through defined glycosphingolipids. Nat Commun 2023; 14:465. [PMID: 36709325 PMCID: PMC9884228 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36128-5] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS expression generates a metabolic dependency on aerobic glycolysis, known as the Warburg effect. We report an effect of increased glycolytic flux that feeds into glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and is directly linked to KRAS oncogenic function. High resolution imaging and genetic approaches show that a defined subset of outer leaflet glycosphingolipids, including GM3 and SM4, is required to maintain KRAS plasma membrane localization, with GM3 engaging in cross-bilayer coupling to maintain inner leaflet phosphatidylserine content. Thus, glycolysis is critical for KRAS plasma membrane localization and nanoscale spatial organization. Reciprocally oncogenic KRAS selectively upregulates cellular content of these same glycosphingolipids, whose depletion in turn abrogates KRAS oncogenesis in pancreatic cancer models. Our findings expand the role of the Warburg effect beyond ATP generation and biomass building to high-level regulation of KRAS function. The positive feedforward loop between oncogenic KRAS signaling and glycosphingolipid synthesis represents a vulnerability with therapeutic potential.
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11
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Dijkstra J, Neikes HK, Rezaeifard S, Ma X, Voest EE, Tauriello DVF, Vermeulen M. Multiomics of Colorectal Cancer Organoids Reveals Putative Mediators of Cancer Progression Resulting from SMAD4 Inactivation. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:138-151. [PMID: 36450103 PMCID: PMC9830641 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The development of metastasis severely reduces the life expectancy of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Although loss of SMAD4 is a key event in CRC progression, the resulting changes in biological processes in advanced disease and metastasis are not fully understood. Here, we applied a multiomics approach to a CRC organoid model that faithfully reflects the metastasis-supporting effects of SMAD4 inactivation. We show that loss of SMAD4 results in decreased differentiation and activation of pro-migratory and cell proliferation processes, which is accompanied by the disruption of several key oncogenic pathways, including the TGFβ, WNT, and VEGF pathways. In addition, SMAD4 inactivation leads to increased secretion of proteins that are known to be involved in a variety of pro-metastatic processes. Finally, we show that one of the factors that is specifically secreted by SMAD4-mutant organoids─DKK3─reduces the antitumor effects of natural killer cells (NK cells). Altogether, our data provide new insights into the role of SMAD4 perturbation in advanced CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelmer
J. Dijkstra
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Hannah K. Neikes
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Somayeh Rezaeifard
- Department
of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute
for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud
University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Xuhui Ma
- Department
of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emile E. Voest
- Department
of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniele V. F. Tauriello
- Department
of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute
for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud
University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands,
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12
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Al Shareef Z, Ershaid MNA, Mudhafar R, Soliman SSM, Kypta RM. Dickkopf-3: An Update on a Potential Regulator of the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235822. [PMID: 36497305 PMCID: PMC9738550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235822] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) is a member of the Dickkopf family protein of secreted Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) antagonists that appears to modulate regulators of the host microenvironment. In contrast to the clear anti-tumorigenic effects of Dkk-3-based gene therapies, the role of endogenous Dkk-3 in cancer is context-dependent, with elevated expression associated with tumor promotion and suppression in different settings. The receptors and effectors that mediate the diverse effects of Dkk-3 have not been characterized in detail, contributing to an ongoing mystery of its mechanism of action. This review compares the various functions of Dkk-3 in the tumor microenvironment, where Dkk-3 has been found to be expressed by subpopulations of fibroblasts, endothelial, and immune cells, in addition to epithelial cells. We also discuss how the activation or inhibition of Dkk-3, depending on tumor type and context, might be used to treat different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Al Shareef
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-6505-7250
| | - Mai Nidal Asad Ershaid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rula Mudhafar
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S. M. Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Robert M. Kypta
- CIC BioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, BRTA, Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160 Derio, Spain
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
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13
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Katase N, Nishimatsu SI, Yamauchi A, Okano S, Fujita S. Establishment of anti-DKK3 peptide for the cancer control in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:352. [PMID: 36376957 PMCID: PMC9664703 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02783-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck. We identified cancer-specific genes in HNSCC and focused on DKK3 expression. DKK3 gene codes two isoforms of proteins (secreted and non-secreted) with two distinct cysteine rich domains (CRDs). It is reported that DKK3 functions as a negative regulator of oncogenic Wnt signaling and, is therefore, considered to be a tumor suppressor gene. However, our series of studies have demonstrated that DKK3 expression is specifically high in HNSCC tissues and cells, and that DKK3 might determine the malignant potentials of HNSCC cells via the activation of Akt. Further analyses strongly suggested that both secreted DKK3 and non-secreted DKK3 could activate Akt signaling in discrete ways, and consequently exert tumor promoting effects. We hypothesized that DKK3 might be a specific druggable target, and it is necessary to establish a DKK3 inhibitor that can inhibit both secreted and non-secreted isoforms of DKK3. Methods Using inverse polymerase chain reaction, we generated mutant expression plasmids that express DKK3 without CRD1, CRD2, or both CRD1 and CRD2 (DKK3ΔC1, DKK3ΔC2, and DKK3ΔC1ΔC2, respectively). These plasmids were then transfected into HNSCC-derived cells to determine the domain responsible for DKK3-mediated Akt activation. We designed antisense peptides using the MIMETEC program, targeting DKK3-specific amino acid sequences within CRD1 and CRD2. The structural models for peptides and DKK3 were generated using Raptor X, and then a docking simulation was performed using CluPro2. Afterward, the best set of the peptides was applied into HNSCC-derived cells, and the effects on Akt phosphorylation, cellular proliferation, invasion, and migration were assessed. We also investigated the therapeutic effects of the peptides in the xenograft models. Results Transfection of mutant expression plasmids and subsequent functional analyses revealed that it is necessary to delete both CRD1 and CRD2 to inhibit Akt activation and inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion. The inhibitory peptides for CRD1 and CRD2 of DKK3 significantly reduced the phosphorylation of Akt, and consequently suppressed cellular proliferation, migration, invasion and in vivo tumor growth at very low doses. Conclusions This inhibitory peptide represents a promising new therapeutic strategy for HNSCC treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02783-9.
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14
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The microbiota and aging microenvironment in pancreatic cancer: Cell origin and fate. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188826. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Immuno-histochemical correlation of fibrosis-related markers with the desmoplastic reaction of the mesentery in small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasms. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 149:1895-1903. [PMID: 35796776 PMCID: PMC10097745 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04119-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasms (siNENs) will attain more importance due to their increasing incidence. Moreover, siNENs might lead to a desmoplastic reaction (DR) of the mesentery causing severe complications and deteriorating prognosis. The expression of fibrosis-related proteins appears to be the key mechanisms for the development of this desmoplastic reaction. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of the desmoplastic mesentery with specific fibrosis-related protein expression levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS By immunohistochemistry, the protein expression levels of four fibrosis-related markers (APLP2, BNIP3L, CD59, DKK3) were investigated in primary tumors of 128 siNENs. The expression levels were correlated with the presence of a desmoplastic reaction and clinico-pathological parameters. RESULTS In the primary tumor, APLP2, BNIP3L, CD59 and DKK3 were highly expressed in 29.7% (n = 38), 64.9% (n = 83), 92.2% (n = 118) and 80.5% (n = 103), respectively. There was no significant correlation of a single marker or the complete marker panel to the manifestation of a desmoplastic mesentery. The desmoplastic mesentery was significantly associated with clinical symptoms, such as flushing and diarrhea. However, neither the fibrosis-related marker panel nor single marker expressions were associated with clinical symptoms. DISCUSSION The expression rates of four fibrosis-related markers in the primary tumor display a distinct pattern. However, the expression patterns are not associated with desmoplastic altered mesenteric lymph node metastases and the expression patterns did not correlate with prognosis. These findings suggest alternative mechanisms being responsible for the desmoplastic reaction.
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Bhardwaj A, Josse C, Van Daele D, Poulet C, Chavez M, Struman I, Van Steen K. Deeper insights into long-term survival heterogeneity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients using integrative individual- and group-level transcriptome network analyses. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11027. [PMID: 35773268 PMCID: PMC9247075 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14592-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is categorized as the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. However, its predictive markers for long-term survival are not well known. It is interesting to delineate individual-specific perturbed genes when comparing long-term (LT) and short-term (ST) PDAC survivors and integrate individual- and group-based transcriptome profiling. Using a discovery cohort of 19 PDAC patients from CHU-Liège (Belgium), we first performed differential gene expression analysis comparing LT to ST survivor. Second, we adopted systems biology approaches to obtain clinically relevant gene modules. Third, we created individual-specific perturbation profiles. Furthermore, we used Degree-Aware disease gene prioritizing (DADA) method to develop PDAC disease modules; Network-based Integration of Multi-omics Data (NetICS) to integrate group-based and individual-specific perturbed genes in relation to PDAC LT survival. We identified 173 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ST and LT survivors and five modules (including 38 DEGs) showing associations to clinical traits. Validation of DEGs in the molecular lab suggested a role of REG4 and TSPAN8 in PDAC survival. Via NetICS and DADA, we identified various known oncogenes such as CUL1 and TGFB1. Our proposed analytic workflow shows the advantages of combining clinical and omics data as well as individual- and group-level transcriptome profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Bhardwaj
- GIGA-R Centre, BIO3 - Medical Genomics, University of Liège, Avenue de L'Hôpital, 11, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Claire Josse
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA Research, University Hospital (CHU), Liège, Belgium
- Medical Oncology Department, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Daniel Van Daele
- Department of Gastro-Enterology, University Hospital (CHU), Liège, Belgium
| | - Christophe Poulet
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA Research, University Hospital (CHU), Liège, Belgium
- Laboratory of Rheumatology, GIGA-R, University Hospital (CHULiege), Liège, Belgium
| | - Marcela Chavez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University Hospital (CHU), Liège, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Struman
- GIGA-R Centre, Laboratory of Molecular Angiogenesis, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Kristel Van Steen
- GIGA-R Centre, BIO3 - Medical Genomics, University of Liège, Avenue de L'Hôpital, 11, 4000, Liège, Belgium
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17
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Park MH, Shin JH, Bothwell AL, Chae WJ. Dickkopf proteins in pathological inflammatory diseases. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:893-901. [PMID: 34890067 PMCID: PMC9889104 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3ri0721-385r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The human body encounters various challenges. Tissue repair and regeneration processes are augmented after tissue injury to reinstate tissue homeostasis. The Wnt pathway plays a crucial role in tissue repair since it induces target genes required for cell proliferation and differentiation. Since tissue injury causes inflammatory immune responses, it has become increasingly clear that the Wnt ligands can function as immunomodulators while critical for tissue homeostasis. The Wnt pathway and Wnt ligands have been studied extensively in cancer biology and developmental biology. While the Wnt ligands are being studied actively, how the Wnt antagonists and their regulatory mechanisms can modulate immune responses during chronic pathological inflammation remain elusive. This review summarizes DKK family proteins as immunomodulators, aiming to provide an overarching picture for tissue injury and repair. To this end, we first review the Wnt pathway components and DKK family proteins. Next, we will review DKK family proteins (DKK1, 2, and 3) as a new class of immunomodulatory protein in cancer and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Taken together, DKK family proteins and their immunomodulatory functions in chronic inflammatory disorders provide novel insights to understand immune diseases and make them attractive molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hee Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Jae Hun Shin
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Alfred L.M. Bothwell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Wook-Jin Chae
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298
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18
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Kikuchi A, Matsumoto S, Sada R. Dickkopf signaling, beyond Wnt-mediated biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 125:55-65. [PMID: 34801396 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dickkopf1 (DKK1) was originally identified as a secreted protein that antagonizes Wnt signaling. Although DKK1 is essential for the developmental process, its functions in postnatal and adult life are unclear. However, evidence is accumulating that DKK1 is involved in tumorigenesis in a manner unrelated to Wnt signaling. In addition, recent studies have revealed that DKK1 may control immune reactions, although the relationship of this to Wnt signaling is unknown. Other DKK family members, DKK2-4, are likely to have their own functions. Here, we review the possible novel functions of DKKs. We summarize the characteristics of receptors of DKKs and the signaling mechanisms through DKKs and their receptors, provide evidence showing that DKKs are involved in tumor aggressiveness independently of Wnt signaling, and emphasize promising cancer therapies targeting DKKs and receptors. Lastly, we discuss various physiological and pathological processes controlled by DKKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Shinji Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryota Sada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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Tao Y, Shao F, Cai M, Liu Z, Peng Y, Huang Q, Meng F. Activated Pancreatic Stellate Cells Enhance the Warburg Effect to Cause the Malignant Development in Chronic Pancreatitis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:714598. [PMID: 34540683 PMCID: PMC8446660 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.714598] [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: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a precancerous condition associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but its evolutionary mechanism is unclear. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are closely related to the occurrence and development of CP and PDAC, but it is not clear whether PSCs play a key role in this “inflammation-cancer transition”. Our research found that co-culture with activated PSCs promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of normal pancreatic duct epithelial cells and pancreatic cancer cells. At the same time, activated PSCs had a significant effect on the expression of the glycolysis markers (pyruvate kinase M2, lactate dehydrogenase A, glucose transporter 1, hexokinase-II and monocarboxylate transporter 4; PKM2, LDHA, GLUT1, HK2 and MCT4) in normal pancreatic duct epithelial cells and pancreatic cancer cells and increased lactic acid production and glucose consumption in these two cells. In vivo experiments showed that the expression of the glycolysis markers in pancreatic duct epithelial cells and the marker protein (α-SMA) of activated PSCs in the pancreatic duct peripancreatic interstitium were higher in pancreatic cancer tissues and chronic pancreatitis tissues than in normal pancreatic tissues in both animals and humans. In addition, analysis of human tissue specimens showed that there is a correlation between the expression of glycolysis markers and α-SMA. These findings indicate that activated PSCs play an important role in the development and progression of chronic pancreatitis into pancreatic cancer by regulating and promoting aerobic glycolysis. Our research provides a new theoretical basis for further understanding the mechanism of CP malignancy and the selection of targets for reversing CP malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Feng Shao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science & Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science & Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Yao Peng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Futao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science & Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China.,Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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20
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Arnold F, Mahaddalkar PU, Kraus JM, Zhong X, Bergmann W, Srinivasan D, Gout J, Roger E, Beutel AK, Zizer E, Tharehalli U, Daiss N, Russell R, Perkhofer L, Oellinger R, Lin Q, Azoitei N, Weiss F, Lerch MM, Liebau S, Katz S, Lechel A, Rad R, Seufferlein T, Kestler HA, Ott M, Sharma AD, Hermann PC, Kleger A. Functional Genomic Screening During Somatic Cell Reprogramming Identifies DKK3 as a Roadblock of Organ Regeneration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100626. [PMID: 34306986 PMCID: PMC8292873 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Somatic cell reprogramming and tissue repair share relevant factors and molecular programs. Here, Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is identified as novel factor for organ regeneration using combined transcription-factor-induced reprogramming and RNA-interference techniques. Loss of Dkk3 enhances the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells but does not affect de novo derivation of embryonic stem cells, three-germ-layer differentiation or colony formation capacity of liver and pancreatic organoids. However, DKK3 expression levels in wildtype animals and serum levels in human patients are elevated upon injury. Accordingly, Dkk3-null mice display less liver damage upon acute and chronic failure mediated by increased proliferation in hepatocytes and LGR5+ liver progenitor cell population, respectively. Similarly, recovery from experimental pancreatitis is accelerated. Regeneration onset occurs in the acinar compartment accompanied by virtually abolished canonical-Wnt-signaling in Dkk3-null animals. This results in reduced expression of the Hedgehog repressor Gli3 and increased Hedgehog-signaling activity upon Dkk3 loss. Collectively, these data reveal Dkk3 as a key regulator of organ regeneration via a direct, previously unacknowledged link between DKK3, canonical-Wnt-, and Hedgehog-signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Arnold
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Pallavi U Mahaddalkar
- Institute for Diabetes and RegenerationHelmholtz Zentrum MünchenIngolstädter Landstraße 185764 NeuherbergGermany
| | - Johann M. Kraus
- Institute of Medical Systems BiologyUlm UniversityAlbert‐Einstein Allee 1189081 UlmGermany
| | - Xiaowei Zhong
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatology and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolFeodor‐Lynen‐Str. 730625 HannoverGermany
| | - Wendy Bergmann
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Cell AnalysisUniversity Medical Center RostockSchillingallee 7018057 RostockGermany
| | - Dharini Srinivasan
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Johann Gout
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Elodie Roger
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Alica K. Beutel
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Eugen Zizer
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Umesh Tharehalli
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Nora Daiss
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Ronan Russell
- Diabetes CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCA94143USA
| | - Lukas Perkhofer
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Rupert Oellinger
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional GenomicsTranslaTUM Cancer CenterTechnical University of MunichIsmaninger Str. 2281675 MunichGermany
| | - Qiong Lin
- Bayer AG Research & DevelopmentPharmaceuticalsMüllerstraße 17813353 BerlinGermany
| | - Ninel Azoitei
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Frank‐Ulrich Weiss
- Department of Medicine AUniversity Medicine GreifswaldFerdinand‐Sauerbruch‐Straße17475 GreifswaldGermany
| | - Markus M. Lerch
- Department of Medicine AUniversity Medicine GreifswaldFerdinand‐Sauerbruch‐Straße17475 GreifswaldGermany
- Klinikum der Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität München‐GroßhadernMarchioninistraße 1581377 MünchenGermany
| | - Stefan Liebau
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology INDBEberhard Karls University TübingenÖsterbergstr. 372074 TübingenGermany
| | - Sarah‐Fee Katz
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - André Lechel
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Roland Rad
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional GenomicsTranslaTUM Cancer CenterTechnical University of MunichIsmaninger Str. 2281675 MunichGermany
| | - Thomas Seufferlein
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Hans A. Kestler
- Institute of Medical Systems BiologyUlm UniversityAlbert‐Einstein Allee 1189081 UlmGermany
| | - Michael Ott
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatology and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolFeodor‐Lynen‐Str. 730625 HannoverGermany
| | - Amar Deep Sharma
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatology and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolFeodor‐Lynen‐Str. 730625 HannoverGermany
| | - Patrick C. Hermann
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Alexander Kleger
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
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21
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Wu Y, Zhang C, Jiang K, Werner J, Bazhin AV, D'Haese JG. The Role of Stellate Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Targeting Perspectives. Front Oncol 2021; 10:621937. [PMID: 33520728 PMCID: PMC7841014 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.621937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a gastrointestinal malignancy with a dismal clinical outcome. Accumulating evidence suggests that activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), the major producers of extracellular matrix (ECM), drive the severe stromal/desmoplastic reaction in PDAC. Furthermore, the crosstalk among PSCs, pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) as well as other stroma cells can establish a growth-supportive tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC, thereby enhancing tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance via various pathways. Recently, targeting stroma has emerged as a promising strategy for PDAC therapy, and several novel strategies have been proposed. The aim of our study is to give a profound review of the role of PSCs in PDAC progression and recent advances in stroma-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Chun Zhang
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kuirong Jiang
- Pancreas Center and Pancreas Institute, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan G D'Haese
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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22
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Yu Y, Schuck K, Friess H, Kong B. Targeting Aggressive Fibroblasts to Enhance the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 25:5-13. [PMID: 33246383 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1857727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant cancer entities, which is characterized by abundant desmoplastic stroma. The stroma consists of extracellular matrix, infiltrating immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and others. Depending on environmental cues, CAFs can be highly heterogeneous and play context-dependent roles in PDAC progression. AREAS COVERED In this article, we discuss the biological significance of CAFs heterogeneity (oncogenic vs. tumor-suppressive) in pancreatic carcinogenesis. In particular, the complex interaction between CAFs and infiltrating immune cells has a determinant role in defining the stromal composition. A subset of PDAC patients may benefit from anti-CAFs therapy. EXPERT OPINION Co-defined by CAFs and infiltrating immune cells, the prognostic stroma signature is clinically relevant in a subset of human PDAC. This is the patient population which may benefit from future anti-stroma or anti-CAFs therapies. To consider CAF heterogeneity is crucial for designing anti-stroma studies. Here, reliable and traceable subtype-specific markers for CAFs are urgently needed to dissect the biological impact of CAF heterogeneity on PDAC development spatiotemporally. Given the significant contribution of CAFs to immunosuppressive microenvironment of PDAC, it is conceivable to combine anti-CAFs therapy with immunotherapy. To implement a CAF-subtype specific therapy is crucially important to improve the effectiveness of current treatments including chemotherapies and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yu
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM) , Munich, Germany
| | - Kathleen Schuck
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM) , Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM) , Munich, Germany
| | - Bo Kong
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM) , Munich, Germany
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23
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Zhao S, Hao CL, Zhao EH, Jiang HM, Zheng HC. The Suppressing Effects of Dkk3 Expression on Aggressiveness and Tumorigenesis of Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:600322. [PMID: 33425757 PMCID: PMC7794014 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.600322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Dkk3 has been discovered during comparison of immortalized and parental cells. Its expression has been shown to reduce colony formation and induce apoptosis of cancer cells, acting as a tumor suppressor. Herein, we demonstrate that Dkk3 overexpression or protein treatment may inhibit colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and that they may promote apoptosis and G2 phase arrest with hypoexpression of Bcl-2, cdc25B, cdc25c, N-cadherin, slug, and twist and hyperexpression of Bax and E-cadherin. This effect is consistent with that of recombinant Dkk3 exposure and blocked with anti-Dkk3 antibody. Dkk3 deletion in intestinal cells was not associated with the emergence of epithelial lesions; however, adenoma emerged after sodium desoxycholate treatment. At both mRNA and protein levels, Dkk3 expression was higher in normal than in cancer tissues (p<0.05). Dkk3 mRNA expression was negatively associated with its promoter methylation, growth pattern, differentiation, and favorable prognosis in the patients with colorectal cancer (p<0.05). Dkk3-related signal pathways in colorectal cancer included those of cellular adhesion and migration, melanogenesis, chemokine, Hedgehog, JAK-STAT, TOLL-like receptor, TGF-β, MAPK, and calcium signaling (p<0.05). These findings indicate that Dkk3 expression levels can help assess cancer aggressiveness and patient prognosis. It might also suppress aggressive phenotypes and tumorigenesis as a molecular target in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Chang-Lai Hao
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - En-Hong Zhao
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Hua-Mao Jiang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Hua-Chuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
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24
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Raza G, Yunus FUN, Mangukiya HB, Merugu SB, Mashausi DS, Zeling W, Negi H, Zhou B, Roy D, Wu Z, Li D. A novel target anti-interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-2 monoclonal antibody inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in lung cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 90:107155. [PMID: 33243603 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
IL13Rα2 shows high expression in different types of tumors and can be a target for cancer therapy in humans due to its poor prognosis. The aim of our study is to characterize and investigate the effect of interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-2monoclonal antibody mAb15D8 on lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by blocking its specific epitope in IL13Rα2 antigen. The mAb15D8 blocking epitope was analyzed through the mutagenesis of IL13Rα2 and confirmed with western blot. We found that the IL13Rα2 epitope recognized by mAb15D8 antibody is a new binding site localized in the fibronectin-III domain-1 of IL13Rα2 antigen. Moreover, the mAb15D8 obviously reduced cell proliferation, migration of H460, A549, SKOV3, and B16F10 cells. Treatment with mAb15D8 significantly reduced the H460 xenograft tumor formation and growth in nude mice and inhibited B16F10 tumor metastasis and increased survival in C57BL/6 mice. Pharmacokinetic and toxicological analysis demonstrated the safety of mAb15D8 as a potential therapeutic agent. We developed a novel mouse monoclonal antibody against IL13Rα2 which binds to specific epitope on IL13Rα2 antigen. In vivo treatment with the antibody significantly reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis and prolonged survival. These results suggest mAb15D8 antibody as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Raza
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fakhar-Un-Nisa Yunus
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Department of Zoology, Lahore College for Women University, Pakistan.
| | | | | | | | - Wang Zeling
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hema Negi
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingjie Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Debmalya Roy
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghua Wu
- People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dawei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.
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25
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Meng M, Liu S, Wang C, Gu X, Linghu E, Xue X. Mass spectrum analysis of membrane proteins reveals that CASK, CD36 and EPB42 are differentially expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:376. [PMID: 33154774 PMCID: PMC7608047 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most life-threatening malignancies worldwide. Despite advances in checkpoint immunotherapy for patients with cancer, the current immunotherapies have demonstrated limited benefits for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Apart from the intricate microenvironments that restrict T-cell function, membrane proteins other than programmed death-ligand 1 may also facilitate immune escape of tumor cells. The present study investigated the membrane proteins of seven paired pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) and adjacent normal tissues with mass spectrometry, and identified 10 up-and eight downregulated membrane proteins in PAAD. Together with the online database analysis, the results showed that the CASK protein was upregulated in PAAD samples and cell lines, and predicts poor outcomes in patients with PAAD. Furthermore, the results exhibited downregulated CD36 and EPB42 in PAAD samples and cell lines, and higher levels of CD36. EPB42 was shown to predict improved survival outcomes in patients with PAAD. Overall, the results of the present study revealed PAAD-specific membrane proteins as potential diagnostic markers and drug-targets for the immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, P.R. China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Sanhong Liu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Chen Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, P.R. China
| | - Xinjin Gu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Enqiang Linghu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Xinying Xue
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
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26
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Mosa MH, Michels BE, Menche C, Nicolas AM, Darvishi T, Greten FR, Farin HF. A Wnt-Induced Phenotypic Switch in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Inhibits EMT in Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Res 2020; 80:5569-5582. [PMID: 33055221 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor progression is recognized as a result of an evolving cross-talk between tumor cells and their surrounding nontransformed stroma. Although Wnt signaling has been intensively studied in colorectal cancer, it remains unclear whether activity in the tumor-associated stroma contributes to malignancy. To specifically interfere with stromal signals, we generated Wnt-independent tumor organoids that secrete the Wnt antagonist Sfrp1. Subcutaneous transplantation into immunocompetent as well as immunodeficient mice resulted in a strong reduction of tumor growth. Histologic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that Sfrp1 induced an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype in tumor cells without affecting tumor-intrinsic Wnt signaling, suggesting involvement of nonimmune stromal cells. Blockage of canonical signaling using Sfrp1, Dkk1, or fibroblast-specific genetic ablation of β-catenin strongly decreased the number of cancer-associated myofibroblasts (myCAF). Wnt activity in CAFs was linked with distinct subtypes, where low and high levels induced an inflammatory-like CAF (iCAF) subtype or contractile myCAFs, respectively. Coculture of tumor organoids with iCAFs resulted in significant upregulation of EMT markers, while myCAFs reverted this phenotype. In summary, we show that tumor growth and malignancy are differentially regulated via distinct fibroblast subtypes under the influence of juxtacrine Wnt signals. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides evidence for Wnt-induced functional diversity of colorectal cancer-associated fibroblasts, representing a non-cell autonomous mechanism for colon cancer progression. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/24/5569/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed H Mosa
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Birgitta E Michels
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Constantin Menche
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adele M Nicolas
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tahmineh Darvishi
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Florian R Greten
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Henner F Farin
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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27
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Shen F, Gan XX, Deng XY, Feng JH, Cai WS, Shen L, Xiao HQ, Xu B. MicroRNA-3690 promotes cell proliferation and cell cycle progression by altering DKK3 expression in human thyroid cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:223. [PMID: 32968445 PMCID: PMC7500009 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing amount of evidence has demonstrated the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in the tumorigenesis of malignant types of cancer, and data retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database revealed that miR-3690 was upregulated in thyroid cancer (TC). The present study focused on the biological function and mechanism of miR-3690 in TC, demonstrating that miR-3690 expression was significantly elevated in TC cells and clinical tissues. Functional studies indicated that miR-3690 acted as an oncogene in TC by promoting cell proliferation, colony formation and cell cycle progression in association with the increased expression of cyclin E and c-myc. Mechanistically, prediction software indicated that Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) was a target of miR-3690, which was confirmed by the results of luciferase reporter assays and western blotting. DKK3 silencing abrogated the functions of miR-3690-in on TC cell proliferation. Collectively, the findings of the present study demonstrated that miR-3690 promoted TC cell proliferation and indicated miR-3690 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Shen
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China.,Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Xiong Gan
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China.,Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Yan Deng
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China.,Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Hua Feng
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China.,Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Song Cai
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Liang Shen
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Huan-Qing Xiao
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China.,Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
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28
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Roife D, Sarcar B, Fleming JB. Stellate Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1263:67-84. [PMID: 32588324 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-44518-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As tumor microenvironments share many of the same qualities as chronic wounds, attention is turning to the wound-repair cells that support the growth of cancerous cells. Stellate cells are star-shaped cells that were first discovered in the perisinusoidal spaces in the liver and have been found to support wound healing by the secretion of growth factors and extracellular matrix. They have since been also found to serve a similar function in the pancreas. In both organs, the wound-healing process may become dysregulated and lead to pathological fibrosis (also known as cirrhosis in the liver). In recent years there has been increasing attention paid to the role of these cells in tumor formation and progression. They may be a factor in initiating the first steps of carcinogenesis such as with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and also contribute to continued tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, evasion of the immune system, and resistance to chemotherapy, in cancers of both the liver and pancreas. In this chapter we aim to review the structure and function of hepatic and pancreatic stellate cells and their contributions to the tumor microenvironment in their respective cancers and also discuss potential new targets for cancer therapy based on our new understanding of these vital components of the tumor stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Roife
- Department of Surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Bhaswati Sarcar
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jason B Fleming
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
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29
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Angioregulatory microRNAs in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010071. [PMID: 31887997 PMCID: PMC7016698 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality. Angiogenesis is a rate-determining step in CRC development and metastasis. The balance of angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors is crucial in this process. Angiogenesis-related genes can be regulated post-transcriptionally by microRNAs (miRNAs) and some miRNAs have been shown to shuttle between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). MiRNAs have context-dependent actions and can promote or suppress angiogenesis dependent on the type of cancer. On the one hand, miRNAs downregulate anti-angiogenic targets and lead to angiogenesis induction. Tumor suppressor miRNAs, on the other hand, enhance anti-angiogenic response by targeting pro-angiogenic factors. Understanding the interaction between these miRNAs and their target mRNAs will help to unravel molecular mechanisms involved in CRC progression. The aim of this article is to review the current literature on angioregulatory miRNAs in CRC.
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