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Aleksandrovic E, Zhang S, Yu D. From pre-clinical to translational brain metastasis research: current challenges and emerging opportunities. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024; 41:187-198. [PMID: 38430319 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10271-9] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Brain metastasis, characterized by poor clinical outcomes, is a devastating disease. Despite significant mechanistic and therapeutic advances in recent years, pivotal improvements in clinical interventions have remained elusive. The heterogeneous nature of the primary tumor of origin, complications in drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier, and the distinct microenvironment collectively pose formidable clinical challenges in developing new treatments for patients with brain metastasis. Although current preclinical models have deepened our basic understanding of the disease, much of the existing research on brain metastasis has employed a reductionist approach. This approach, which often relies on either in vitro systems or in vivo injection models in young and treatment-naive mouse models, does not give sufficient consideration to the clinical context. Given the translational importance of brain metastasis research, we advocate for the design of preclinical experimental models that take into account these unique clinical challenges and align more closely with current clinical practices. We anticipate that aligning and simulating real-world patient conditions will facilitate the development of more translatable treatment regimens. This brief review outlines the most pressing clinical challenges, the current state of research in addressing them, and offers perspectives on innovative metastasis models and tools aimed at identifying novel strategies for more effective management of clinical brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilija Aleksandrovic
- Department of Pathology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA.
| | - Dihua Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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2
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Monterroza L, Parrilla MM, Samaranayake SG, Rivera-Rodriguez DE, Yoon SB, Bommireddy R, Hosten J, Barragan LC, Marcus A, Dobosh BS, Selvaraj P, Tirouvanziam R. Tumor-Intrinsic Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Controls Immune Cell Infiltration, Tumor Growth, and Lung Metastasis in a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5392. [PMID: 38791429 PMCID: PMC11121204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105392] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and highly metastatic type of tumor. TNBC is often enriched in tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TINs), which support cancer growth in part by counteracting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Prior studies identified the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) as a pro-tumor methyltransferase in primary and metastatic TNBCs. We hypothesized that EZH2 inhibition in TNBC cells per se would exert antitumor activity by altering the tumor immune microenvironment. To test this hypothesis, we used CRISPR to generate EZH2 gene knockout (KO) and overexpressing (OE) lines from parent (wild-type-WT) 4T1 cells, an established murine TNBC model, resulting in EZH2 protein KO and OE, respectively. In vitro, EZH2 KO and OE cells showed early, transient changes in replicative capacity and invasiveness, and marked changes in surface marker profile and cytokine/chemokine secretion compared to WT cells. In vivo, EZH2 KO cells showed significantly reduced primary tumor growth and a 10-fold decrease in lung metastasis compared to WT cells, while EZH2 OE cells were unchanged. Compared to WT tumors, TIN:TIL ratios were greatly reduced in EZH2 KO tumors but unchanged in EZH2 OE tumors. Thus, EZH2 is key to 4T1 aggressiveness as its tumor-intrinsic knockout alters their in vitro secretome and in vivo primary tumor growth, TIN/TIL poise, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenore Monterroza
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.M.); (M.M.P.); (J.H.); (B.S.D.)
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Maria M. Parrilla
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.M.); (M.M.P.); (J.H.); (B.S.D.)
| | | | - Dormarie E. Rivera-Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.E.R.-R.); (L.C.B.)
| | - Sung Bo Yoon
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (S.B.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Ramireddy Bommireddy
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Justin Hosten
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.M.); (M.M.P.); (J.H.); (B.S.D.)
| | - Luisa Cervantes Barragan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.E.R.-R.); (L.C.B.)
| | - Adam Marcus
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (S.B.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Brian S. Dobosh
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.M.); (M.M.P.); (J.H.); (B.S.D.)
| | - Periasamy Selvaraj
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Rabindra Tirouvanziam
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.M.); (M.M.P.); (J.H.); (B.S.D.)
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Zhang J, Gu J, Wang X, Ji C, Yu D, Wang M, Pan J, Santos HA, Zhang H, Zhang X. Engineering and Targeting Neutrophils for Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310318. [PMID: 38320755 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in the circulation and act as the first line of defense against infections. Increasing evidence suggests that neutrophils possess heterogeneous phenotypes and functional plasticity in human health and diseases, including cancer. Neutrophils play multifaceted roles in cancer development and progression, and an N1/N2 paradigm of neutrophils in cancer is proposed, where N1 neutrophils exert anti-tumor properties while N2 neutrophils display tumor-supportive and immune-suppressive functions. Selective activation of beneficial neutrophil population and targeted inhibition or re-polarization of tumor-promoting neutrophils has shown an important potential in tumor therapy. In addition, due to the natural inflammation-responsive and physical barrier-crossing abilities, neutrophils and their derivatives (membranes and extracellular vesicles (EVs)) are regarded as advanced drug delivery carriers for enhanced tumor targeting and improved therapeutic efficacy. In this review, the recent advances in engineering neutrophils for drug delivery and targeting neutrophils for remodeling tumor microenvironment (TME) are comprehensively presented. This review will provide a broad understanding of the potential of neutrophils in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Jianmei Gu
- Departmemt of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu University Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Cheng Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Dan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Maoye Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Jianming Pan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology, University Medical Center Groningen/University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, Netherlands
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, Netherlands
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Abo Akademi University, Turku, 20520, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Abo Akademi University, Turku, 20520, Finland
| | - Xu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
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Moon JW, Hong BJ, Kim SK, Park MS, Lee H, Lee J, Kim MY. Systematic identification of a synthetic lethal interaction in brain-metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216781. [PMID: 38494150 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216781] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic lung adenocarcinoma (LuAC) presents a significant clinical challenge due to the short latency and the lack of efficient treatment options. Therefore, identification of molecular vulnerabilities in metastatic LuAC holds great importance in the development of therapeutic drugs against this disease. In this study, we performed a genome-wide siRNA screening using poorly and highly brain-metastatic LuAC cell lines. Using this approach, we discovered that compared to poorly metastatic LuAC (LuAC-Par) cells, brain-metastatic LuAC (LuAC-BrM) cells exhibited a significantly higher vulnerability to c-FLIP (an inhibitor of caspase-8)-depletion-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrated that c-FLIP knockdown specifically inhibited growth of LuAC-BrM, but not the LuAC-Par, tumors, suggesting the addiction of LuAC-BrM to the function of c-FLIP for their survival. Our in vitro and in vivo analyses also demonstrated that LuAC-BrM is more sensitive to c-FLIP-depletion due to ER stress-induced activation of the c-JUN and subsequent induction of stress genes including ATF4 and DDIT3. Finally, we found that c-JUN not only sensitized LuAC-BrM to c-FLIP-depletion-induced cell death but also promoted brain metastasis in vivo, providing strong evidence for c-JUN's function as a double-edged sword in LuAC-BrM. Collectively, our findings not only reveal a novel link between c-JUN, brain metastasis, and c-FLIP addiction in LuAC-BrM but also present an opportunity for potential therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Woo Moon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | | | - Seon-Kyu Kim
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Min-Seok Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hohyeon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - JiWon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Mi-Young Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea; KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Cancer Metastasis Control Center, Daejeon, South Korea.
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5
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Awasthi D, Sarode A. Neutrophils at the Crossroads: Unraveling the Multifaceted Role in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2929. [PMID: 38474175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052929] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, research has prominently established neutrophils as key contributors to the intricate landscape of tumor immune biology. As polymorphonuclear granulocytes within the innate immune system, neutrophils play a pivotal and abundant role, constituting approximately ∼70% of all peripheral leukocytes in humans and ∼10-20% in mice. This substantial presence positions them as the frontline defense against potential threats. Equipped with a diverse array of mechanisms, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, degranulation, phagocytosis, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), neutrophils undeniably serve as indispensable components of the innate immune system. While these innate functions enable neutrophils to interact with adaptive immune cells such as T, B, and NK cells, influencing their functions, they also engage in dynamic interactions with rapidly dividing tumor cells. Consequently, neutrophils are emerging as crucial regulators in both pro- and anti-tumor immunity. This comprehensive review delves into recent research to illuminate the multifaceted roles of neutrophils. It explores their diverse functions within the tumor microenvironment, shedding light on their heterogeneity and their impact on tumor recruitment, progression, and modulation. Additionally, the review underscores their potential anti-tumoral capabilities. Finally, it provides valuable insights into clinical therapies targeting neutrophils, presenting a promising approach to leveraging innate immunity for enhanced cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Awasthi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Aditya Sarode
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Maurya SK, Rehman AU, Zaidi MAA, Khan P, Gautam SK, Santamaria-Barria JA, Siddiqui JA, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Epigenetic alterations fuel brain metastasis via regulating inflammatory cascade. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:261-274. [PMID: 36379848 PMCID: PMC10198579 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Brain metastasis (BrM) is a major threat to the survival of melanoma, breast, and lung cancer patients. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and sustain in the brain microenvironment. Genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications have been found to be critical in controlling key aspects of cancer metastasis. Metastasizing cells confront inflammation and gradually adapt in the unique brain microenvironment. Currently, it is one of the major areas that has gained momentum. Researchers are interested in the factors that modulate neuroinflammation during BrM. We review here various epigenetic factors and mechanisms modulating neuroinflammation and how this helps CTCs to adapt and survive in the brain microenvironment. Since epigenetic changes could be modulated by targeting enzymes such as histone/DNA methyltransferase, deacetylases, acetyltransferases, and demethylases, we also summarize our current understanding of potential drugs targeting various aspects of epigenetic regulation in BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Asad Ur Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Mohd Ali Abbas Zaidi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Shailendra K Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | | | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA.
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7
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Kienzler JC, Becher B. Immunity in malignant brain tumors: Tumor entities, role of immunotherapy, and specific contribution of myeloid cells to the brain tumor microenvironment. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2250257. [PMID: 37940552 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250257] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors lack effective treatment, that can improve their poor overall survival achieved with standard of care. Advancement in different cancer treatments has shifted the focus in brain tumor research and clinical trials toward immunotherapy-based approaches. The investigation of the immune cell landscape revealed a dominance of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. Their exact roles and functions are the subject of ongoing research. Current evidence suggests a complex interplay of tumor cells and myeloid cells with competing functions toward support vs. control of tumor growth. Here, we provide a brief overview of the three most abundant brain tumor entities: meningioma, glioma, and brain metastases. We also describe the field of ongoing immunotherapy trials and their results, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccination studies, oncolytic viral therapy, and CAR-T cells. Finally, we summarize the phenotypes of microglia, monocyte-derived macrophages, border-associated macrophages, neutrophils, and potential novel therapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny C Kienzler
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, Inflammation Research Lab, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, Inflammation Research Lab, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Dai W, Tian R, Yu L, Bian S, Chen Y, Yin B, Luan Y, Chen S, Fan Z, Yan R, Pan X, Hou Y, Li R, Chen J, Shu M. Overcoming therapeutic resistance in oncolytic herpes virotherapy by targeting IGF2BP3-induced NETosis in malignant glioma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:131. [PMID: 38167409 PMCID: PMC10762148 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44576-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy holds promise for cancer treatment, but the factors determining its oncolytic activity remain unclear. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are associated with cancer progression, yet their formation mechanism and role in oncolytic virotherapy remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that, in glioma, upregulation of IGF2BP3 enhances the expression of E3 ubiquitin protein ligase MIB1, promoting FTO degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. This results in increased m6A-mediated CSF3 release and NET formation. Oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) stimulates IGF2BP3-induced NET formation in malignant glioma. In glioma models in female mice, a BET inhibitor enhances the oncolytic activity of oHSV by impeding IGF2BP3-induced NETosis, reinforcing virus replication through BRD4 recruitment with the CDK9/RPB-1 complex to HSV gene promoters. Our findings unveil the regulation of m6A-mediated NET formation, highlight oncolytic virus-induced NETosis as a critical checkpoint hindering oncolytic potential, and propose targeting NETosis as a strategy to overcome resistance in oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruotong Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liubing Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shasha Bian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuling Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bowen Yin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxuan Luan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siqi Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuoyang Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rucheng Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Pan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Yingyong Hou
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juxiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Minfeng Shu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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9
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Zhang Y, Wu MJ, Lu WC, Li YC, Chang CJ, Yang JY. Metabolic switch regulates lineage plasticity and induces synthetic lethality in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Metab 2024; 36:193-208.e8. [PMID: 38171333 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is key for cancer development, yet the mechanism that sustains triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell growth despite deficient pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and tumor glycolysis remains to be determined. Here, we find that deficiency in tumor glycolysis activates a metabolic switch from glycolysis to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) to fuel TNBC growth. We show that, in TNBC cells, PKM2 directly interacts with histone methyltransferase EZH2 to coordinately mediate epigenetic silencing of a carnitine transporter, SLC16A9. Inhibition of PKM2 leads to impaired EZH2 recruitment to SLC16A9, and in turn de-represses SLC16A9 expression to increase intracellular carnitine influx, programming TNBC cells to an FAO-dependent and luminal-like cell state. Together, these findings reveal a new metabolic switch that drives TNBC from a metabolically heterogeneous-lineage plastic cell state to an FAO-dependent-lineage committed cell state, where dual targeting of EZH2 and FAO induces potent synthetic lethality in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingsheng Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| | - Meng-Ju Wu
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wan-Chi Lu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chuan Li
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan; Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Chun Ju Chang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan; Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan.
| | - Jer-Yen Yang
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan; Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan.
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10
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Vieira GDS, Kimura TDC, Scarini JF, de Lima-Souza RA, Lavareze L, Emerick C, Gonçalves MT, Damas II, Figueiredo-Maciel T, Sales de Sá R, Aquino IG, Gonçalves de Paiva JP, Fernandes PM, Gonçalves MWA, Kowalski LP, Altemani A, Fillmore GC, Mariano FV, Egal ESA. Hematopoietic colony-stimulating factors in head and neck cancers: Recent advances and therapeutic challenges. Cytokine 2024; 173:156417. [PMID: 37944421 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156417] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are key cytokines responsible for the production, maturation, and mobilization of the granulocytic and macrophage lineages from the bone marrow, which have been gaining attention for playing pro- and/or anti-tumorigenic roles in cancer. Head and neck cancers (HNCs) represent a group of heterogeneous neoplasms with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Treatment for HNCs is still limited even with the advancements in cancer immunotherapy. Novel treatments for patients with recurrent and metastatic HNCs are urgently needed. This article provides an in-depth review of the role of hematopoietic cytokines such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and interleukin-3 (IL-3; also known as multi-CSF) in the HNCs tumor microenvironment. We have reviewed current results from clinical trials using CSFs as adjuvant therapy to treat HNCs patients, and also clinical findings reported to date on the therapeutic application of CSFs toxicities arising from chemoradiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo de Souza Vieira
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Talita de Carvalho Kimura
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Figueira Scarini
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Reydson Alcides de Lima-Souza
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luccas Lavareze
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Emerick
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayara Trevizol Gonçalves
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Iara Damas
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tayná Figueiredo-Maciel
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raisa Sales de Sá
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Iara Gonçalves Aquino
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Gonçalves de Paiva
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Maria Fernandes
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Moisés Willian Aparecido Gonçalves
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Paulo Kowalski
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otolaryngology, AC Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Albina Altemani
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gary Chris Fillmore
- Biorepository and Molecular Pathology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Fernanda Viviane Mariano
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Erika Said Abu Egal
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Biorepository and Molecular Pathology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
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11
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Nolan E, Kang Y, Malanchi I. Mechanisms of Organ-Specific Metastasis of Breast Cancer. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041326. [PMID: 36987584 PMCID: PMC10626265 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, or the development of secondary tumors in distant tissues, accounts for the vast majority of fatalities in patients with breast cancer. Breast cancer cells show a striking proclivity to metastasize to distinct organs, specifically the lung, liver, bone, and brain, where they face unique environmental pressures and a wide variety of tissue-resident cells that together create a strong barrier for tumor survival and growth. As a consequence, successful metastatic colonization is critically dependent on reciprocal cross talk between cancer cells and host cells within the target organ, a relationship that shapes the formation of a tumor-supportive microenvironment. Here, we discuss the mechanisms governing organ-specific metastasis in breast cancer, focusing on the intricate interactions between metastatic cells and specific niche cells within a secondary organ, and the remarkable adaptations of both compartments that cooperatively support cancer growth. More broadly, we aim to provide a framework for the microenvironmental prerequisites within each distinct metastatic site for successful breast cancer metastatic seeding and outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Nolan
- Tumour Host Interaction laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Princeton Branch, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Ilaria Malanchi
- Tumour Host Interaction laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
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12
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Maas RR, Soukup K, Fournier N, Massara M, Galland S, Kornete M, Wischnewski V, Lourenco J, Croci D, Álvarez-Prado ÁF, Marie DN, Lilja J, Marcone R, Calvo GF, Santalla Mendez R, Aubel P, Bejarano L, Wirapati P, Ballesteros I, Hidalgo A, Hottinger AF, Brouland JP, Daniel RT, Hegi ME, Joyce JA. The local microenvironment drives activation of neutrophils in human brain tumors. Cell 2023; 186:4546-4566.e27. [PMID: 37769657 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils are abundant immune cells in the circulation and frequently infiltrate tumors in substantial numbers. However, their precise functions in different cancer types remain incompletely understood, including in the brain microenvironment. We therefore investigated neutrophils in tumor tissue of glioma and brain metastasis patients, with matched peripheral blood, and herein describe the first in-depth analysis of neutrophil phenotypes and functions in these tissues. Orthogonal profiling strategies in humans and mice revealed that brain tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) differ significantly from blood neutrophils and have a prolonged lifespan and immune-suppressive and pro-angiogenic capacity. TANs exhibit a distinct inflammatory signature, driven by a combination of soluble inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-ɑ) and Ceruloplasmin, which is more pronounced in TANs from brain metastasis versus glioma. Myeloid cells, including tumor-associated macrophages, emerge at the core of this network of pro-inflammatory mediators, supporting the concept of a critical myeloid niche regulating overall immune suppression in human brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roeltje R Maas
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Neuroscience Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Department of Neurosurgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Klara Soukup
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Fournier
- Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Bioinformatics Core Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Massara
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Galland
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Mara Kornete
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir Wischnewski
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Joao Lourenco
- Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Davide Croci
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Ángel F Álvarez-Prado
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Damien N Marie
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Lilja
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Marcone
- Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel F Calvo
- Department of Mathematics & MOLAB-Mathematical Oncology Laboratory, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real 13071, Spain
| | - Rui Santalla Mendez
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Aubel
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Leire Bejarano
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Pratyaksha Wirapati
- Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Bioinformatics Core Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Iván Ballesteros
- Program of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Andrés Hidalgo
- Program of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain; Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program and Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Andreas F Hottinger
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Philippe Brouland
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Roy T Daniel
- L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Department of Neurosurgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Monika E Hegi
- L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Neuroscience Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Department of Neurosurgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Johanna A Joyce
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Research Centre Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; L. Lundin and Family Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Oncology and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.
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13
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Yuzhalin AE, Yu D. Critical functions of extracellular matrix in brain metastasis seeding. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:297. [PMID: 37728789 PMCID: PMC10511571 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04944-z] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Human brain is characterized by extremely sparse extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite its low abundance, the significance of brain ECM in both physiological and pathological conditions should not be underestimated. Brain metastasis is a serious complication of cancer, and recent findings highlighted the contribution of ECM in brain metastasis development. In this review, we provide a comprehensive outlook on how ECM proteins promote brain metastasis seeding. In particular, we discuss (1) disruption of the blood-brain barrier in brain metastasis; (2) role of ECM in modulating brain metastasis dormancy; (3) regulation of brain metastasis seeding by ECM-activated integrin signaling; (4) functions of brain-specific ECM protein reelin in brain metastasis. Lastly, we consider the possibility of targeting ECM for brain metastasis management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arseniy E Yuzhalin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Blvd, Unit 108, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dihua Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Blvd, Unit 108, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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14
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McDonald B, Barth K, Schmidt MHH. The origin of brain malignancies at the blood-brain barrier. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:282. [PMID: 37688612 PMCID: PMC10492883 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04934-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite improvements in extracranial therapy, survival rate for patients suffering from brain metastases remains very poor. This is coupled with the incidence of brain metastases continuing to rise. In this review, we focus on core contributions of the blood-brain barrier to the origin of brain metastases. We first provide an overview of the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier under physiological conditions. Next, we discuss the emerging idea of a pre-metastatic niche, namely that secreted factors and extracellular vesicles from a primary tumor site are able to travel through the circulation and prime the neurovasculature for metastatic invasion. We then consider the neurotropic mechanisms that circulating tumor cells possess or develop that facilitate disruption of the blood-brain barrier and survival in the brain's parenchyma. Finally, we compare and contrast brain metastases at the blood-brain barrier to the primary brain tumor, glioma, examining the process of vessel co-option that favors the survival and outgrowth of brain malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennan McDonald
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Barth
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko H H Schmidt
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Dresden, Germany
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15
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Kim AE, Nieblas-Bedolla E, de Sauvage MA, Brastianos PK. Leveraging translational insights toward precision medicine approaches for brain metastases. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:955-967. [PMID: 37491527 PMCID: PMC10644911 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00585-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Due to increasing incidence and limited treatments, brain metastases (BM) are an emerging unmet need in modern oncology. Development of effective therapeutics has been hindered by unique challenges. Individual steps of the brain metastatic cascade are driven by distinctive biological processes, suggesting that BM possess intrinsic biological differences compared to primary tumors. Here, we discuss the unique physiology and metabolic constraints specific to BM as well as emerging treatment strategies that leverage potential vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert E Kim
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edwin Nieblas-Bedolla
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Magali A de Sauvage
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Priscilla K Brastianos
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Sun L, Li X, Luo H, Guo H, Zhang J, Chen Z, Lin F, Zhao G. EZH2 can be used as a therapeutic agent for inhibiting endothelial dysfunction. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115594. [PMID: 37207700 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115594] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a catalytic subunit of polycomb repressor complex 2 and plays important roles in endothelial cell homeostasis. EZH2 functionally methylates lysine 27 of histone H3 and represses gene expression through chromatin compaction. EZH2 mediates the effects of environmental stimuli by regulating endothelial functions, such as angiogenesis, endothelial barrier integrity, inflammatory signaling, and endothelial mesenchymal transition. Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the significance of EZH2 in endothelial function. The aim of this review is to provide a concise summary of the roles EZH2 plays in endothelial function and elucidate its therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Xuefang Li
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Huige Guo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Zhigang Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China.
| | - Guoan Zhao
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453100, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Injury and Repair Medicine of Henan, Weihui, China.
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17
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Ma W, Oliveira-Nunes MC, Xu K, Kossenkov A, Reiner BC, Crist RC, Hayden J, Chen Q. Type I interferon response in astrocytes promotes brain metastasis by enhancing monocytic myeloid cell recruitment. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2632. [PMID: 37149684 PMCID: PMC10163863 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38252-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis to the brain is a significant clinical problem. Metastasis is the consequence of favorable interactions between invaded cancer cells and the microenvironment. Here, we demonstrate that cancer-activated astrocytes create a sustained low-level activated type I interferon (IFN) microenvironment in brain metastatic lesions. We further confirm that the IFN response in astrocytes facilitates brain metastasis. Mechanistically, IFN signaling in astrocytes activates C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) production, which further increases the recruitment of monocytic myeloid cells. The correlation between CCL2 and monocytic myeloid cells is confirmed in clinical brain metastasis samples. Lastly, genetically or pharmacologically inhibiting C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 2 (CCR2) reduces brain metastases. Our study clarifies a pro-metastatic effect of type I IFN in the brain even though IFN response has been considered to have anti-tumor effects. Moreover, this work expands our understandings on the interactions between cancer-activated astrocytes and immune cells in brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Ma
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Maria Cecília Oliveira-Nunes
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Carisma Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- MD/PhD Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Andrew Kossenkov
- Gene Expression & Regulation Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin C Reiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Richard C Crist
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James Hayden
- Imaging Shared Resource, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Qing Chen
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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18
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Liu Y, Smith MR, Wang Y, D'Agostino R, Ruiz J, Lycan T, Kucera GL, Miller LD, Li W, Chan MD, Farris M, Su J, Song Q, Zhao D, Chandrasekaran A, Xing F. c-Met Mediated Cytokine Network Promotes Brain Metastasis of Breast Cancer by Remodeling Neutrophil Activities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092626. [PMID: 37174093 PMCID: PMC10177081 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is one of the most common metastatic sites among breast cancer patients, especially in those who have Her2-positive or triple-negative tumors. The brain microenvironment has been considered immune privileged, and the exact mechanisms of how immune cells in the brain microenvironment contribute to brain metastasis remain elusive. In this study, we found that neutrophils are recruited and influenced by c-Met high brain metastatic cells in the metastatic sites, and depletion of neutrophils significantly suppressed brain metastasis in animal models. Overexpression of c-Met in tumor cells enhances the secretion of a group of cytokines, including CXCL1/2, G-CSF, and GM-CSF, which play critical roles in neutrophil attraction, granulopoiesis, and homeostasis. Meanwhile, our transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that conditioned media from c-Met high cells significantly induced the secretion of lipocalin 2 (LCN2) from neutrophils, which in turn promotes the self-renewal of cancer stem cells. Our study unveiled the molecular and pathogenic mechanisms of how crosstalk between innate immune cells and tumor cells facilitates tumor progression in the brain, which provides novel therapeutic targets for treating brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Margaret R Smith
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Yuezhu Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Ralph D'Agostino
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Jimmy Ruiz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Thomas Lycan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Gregory L Kucera
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Lance D Miller
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Wencheng Li
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Michael D Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Michael Farris
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Jing Su
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 47405, USA
| | - Qianqian Song
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Dawen Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Arvind Chandrasekaran
- Bioinspired Microengineering Laboratory (BIOME), Department of Chemical, Biological and Bioengineering, NC A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Fei Xing
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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19
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Wu M, Wu A, Zhang X, Li Y, Li B, Jin S, Dong Q, Niu X, Zhang L, Zhou X, Du J, Wu Y, Zhai W, Zhou X, Qiu L, Gao Y, Zhao W. Identification of a novel small-molecule inhibitor targeting TIM-3 for cancer immunotherapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115583. [PMID: 37148978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has achieved substantial clinical results in cancer treatment. However, the expression of other immune checkpoints leads to resistance and hinders the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), a non-redundant immune checkpoint, synergizes with PD-1 to mediate T cell dysfunction in tumor microenvironment. Development of small molecules targeting TIM-3 is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Here, to identify small molecule inhibitors targeting TIM-3, the docking pocket in TIM-3 was analyzed by Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) and the Chemdiv compound database was screened. The small molecule SMI402 could bind to TIM-3 with high affinity and prevent the ligation of PtdSer, HMGB1, and CEACAM1. SMI402 reinvigorated T cell function in vitro. In the MC38-bearing mouse model, SMI402 inhibited tumor growth by increasing CD8+ T and natural killing (NK) cells infiltration at the tumor site, as well as restoring the function of CD8+ T and NK cells. In conclusions, the small molecule SMI402 shows promise as a leading compound which targets TIM-3 for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghan Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Aijun Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiangrui Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Beibei Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shengzhe Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingyu Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Niu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Lihan Zhang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiangfeng Du
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Bioactive Macromolecules, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Lu Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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20
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Long L, Yi Z, Zeng Y, Liu Z. The progress of microenvironment-targeted therapies in brain metastases. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1141994. [PMID: 37056723 PMCID: PMC10086249 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1141994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of brain metastases (BrM) has become a growing concern recently. It is a common and often fatal manifestation in the brain during the end-stage of many extracranial primary tumors. Increasing BrM diagnoses can be attributed to improvements in primary tumor treatments, which have extended patients’ lifetime, and allowed for earlier and more efficient detection of brain lesions. Currently, therapies for BrM encompass systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Systemic chemotherapy regimens are controversial due to their associated side effects and limited efficacy. Targeted and immunotherapies have garnered significant attention in the medical field: they target specific molecular sites and modulate specific cellular components. However, multiple difficulties such as drug resistance and low permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remain significant challenges. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel therapies. Brain microenvironments consist of cellular components including immune cells, neurons, endothelial cells as well as molecular components like metal ions, nutrient molecules. Recent research indicates that malignant tumor cells can manipulate the brain microenvironment to change the anti-tumoral to a pro-tumoral microenvironment, both before, during, and after BrM. This review compares the characteristics of the brain microenvironment in BrM with those in other sites or primary tumors. Furthermore, it evaluates the preclinical and clinical studies of microenvironment-targeted therapies for BrM. These therapies, due to their diversity, are expected to overcome drug resistance or low permeability of the BBB with low side effects and high specificity. This will ultimately lead to improved outcomes for patients with secondary brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifu Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, HN, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, HN, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, HN, China
| | - Zhenjie Yi
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, HN, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, HN, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, HN, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Zeng, ; Zhixiong Liu,
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, HN, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, HN, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Zeng, ; Zhixiong Liu,
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21
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Gao Y, Rosen JM, Zhang XHF. The tumor-immune ecosystem in shaping metastasis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C707-C717. [PMID: 36717100 PMCID: PMC10027084 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00132.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating cancer metastasis is critical to develop new therapies and decrease mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that the interactions between tumor cells and the host immune system play important roles in establishing metastasis. Tumor cells are able to recruit immune cells, which in turn promotes tumor cell invasion, intravasation, survival in circulation, extravasation, and colonization in different organs. The tumor-host immunological interactions also generate a premetastatic niche in distant organs which facilitates metastasis. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on how tumor cells and immune cells regulate each other to coevolve and promote the formation of metastases at the major organ sites of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Rosen
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Xiang H-F Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- McNair Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
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22
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Yin C, Wang M, Wang Y, Lin Q, Lin K, Du H, Lang C, Dai Y, Peng X. BHLHE22 drives the immunosuppressive bone tumor microenvironment and associated bone metastasis in prostate cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005532. [PMID: 36941015 PMCID: PMC10030795 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) cells and the immunosuppressive bone tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the limitations of immune checkpoint therapy (ICT). Identifying subgroups of patients with PCa for ICT remains a challenge. Herein, we report that basic helix-loop-helix family member e22 (BHLHE22) is upregulated in bone metastatic PCa and drives an immunosuppressive bone TME. METHODS In this study, the function of BHLHE22 in PCa bone metastases was clarified. We performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of primary and bone metastatic PCa samples, and assessed the ability to promote bone metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Then, the role of BHLHE22 in bone TME was determined by immunofluorescence (IF), flow cytometry, and bioinformatic analyses. RNA sequencing, cytokine array, western blotting, IF, IHC, and flow cytometry were used to identify the key mediators. Subsequently, the role of BHLHE22 in gene regulation was confirmed using luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, DNA pulldown, co-immunoprecipitation, and animal experiments. Xenograft bone metastasis mouse models were used to assess whether the strategy of immunosuppressive neutrophils and monocytes neutralization by targeting protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5)/colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) could improve the efficacy of ICT. Animals were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Moreover, we performed IHC and correlation analyses to identify whether BHLHE22 could act as a potential biomarker for ICT combination therapies in bone metastatic PCa. RESULTS Tumorous BHLHE22 mediates the high expression of CSF2, resulting in the infiltration of immunosuppressive neutrophils and monocytes and a prolonged immunocompromised T-cell status. Mechanistically, BHLHE22 binds to the CSF2 promoter and recruits PRMT5, forming a transcriptional complex. PRMT5 epigenetically activates CSF2 expression. In a tumor-bearing mouse model, ICT resistance of Bhlhe22+ tumors could be overcome by inhibition of Csf2 and Prmt5. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal the immunosuppressive mechanism of tumorous BHLHE22 and provide a potential ICT combination therapy for patients with BHLHE22+ PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Yin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Orthopaedic Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Orthopaedic Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingzhao Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qijun Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Orthopaedic Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaiyuan Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Orthopaedic Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Du
- Department of Pathology, the First People's Hospital of Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuandong Lang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Orthopaedic Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuhu Dai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Orthopaedic Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinsheng Peng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Orthopaedic Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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23
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Gong Z, Li Q, Shi J, Li P, Hua L, Shultz LD, Ren G. Immunosuppressive reprogramming of neutrophils by lung mesenchymal cells promotes breast cancer metastasis. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eadd5204. [PMID: 36800412 PMCID: PMC10067025 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.add5204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils, the most abundant innate immune cells, function as crucial regulators of the adaptive immune system in diverse pathological conditions, including metastatic cancer. However, it remains largely unknown whether their immunomodulatory functions are intrinsic or acquired within the pathological tissue environment. Here, using mouse models of metastatic breast cancer in the lungs, we show that, although neutrophils isolated from bone marrow (BM) or blood are minimally immunosuppressive, lung-infiltrating neutrophils are robustly suppressive of both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. We found that this tissue-specific immunosuppressive capacity of neutrophils exists in the steady state and is reinforced by tumor-associated inflammation. Acquisition of potent immunosuppression activity by lung-infiltrating neutrophils was endowed by the lung-resident stroma, specifically CD140a+ mesenchymal cells (MCs) and largely via prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), the rate-limiting enzyme for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) biosynthesis. MC-specific deletion of Ptgs2 or pharmacological inhibition of PGE2 receptors reversed lung neutrophil-mediated immunosuppression and mitigated lung metastasis of breast cancer in vivo. These lung stroma-targeting strategies substantially improved the therapeutic efficacy of adoptive T cell-based immunotherapy in treating metastatic disease in mice. Collectively, our results reveal that the immunoregulatory effects of neutrophils are induced by tissue-resident stroma and that targeting tissue-specific stromal factors represents an effective approach to boost tissue-resident immunity against metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Gong
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Qing Li
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Jiayuan Shi
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Peishan Li
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Li Hua
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | | | - Guangwen Ren
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
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24
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EZH2 interacts with HP1BP3 to epigenetically activate WNT7B that promotes temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma. Oncogene 2023; 42:461-470. [PMID: 36517590 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02570-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor in adults and harbors a subpopulation of glioma stem cells (GSCs). Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone lysine methyltransferase, deeply involves in the stemness maintenance of GSC. However, the precise mechanism and therapeutic potential remain elusive. We postulated that the interactome of EZH2 in GSC is unique. Therefore, we performed proteomic and transcriptomic research to unveil the oncogenic mechanism of EZH2. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins that co-precipitate with EZH2. We show that EZH2 binds to heterochromatin protein 1 binding protein 3 (HP1BP3) in GSCs and impairs the methylation of H3K9. Overexpression of HP1BP3 enhances the proliferation, self-renewal and temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of GBM cells. Furthermore, EZH2 and HP1BP3 co-activate WNT7B expression thereby increasing TMZ resistance and stemness of GBM cells. Importantly, inhibition of WNT7B autocrine via LGK974 effectively reverses the TMZ resistance. Our work clarifies a new oncogenic mechanism of EZH2 by which it interacts with HP1BP3 and epigenetically activates WNT7B thereby promoting TMZ resistance in GSCs. Our results provide a rationale for targeting WNT/β-catenin pathway as a promising strategy to overcome TMZ resistance in GSCs.
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25
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Chen Y, Sun J, Luo Y, Liu J, Wang X, Feng R, Huang J, Du H, Li Q, Tan J, Ren G, Wang X, Li H. Pharmaceutical targeting Th2-mediated immunity enhances immunotherapy response in breast cancer. J Transl Med 2022; 20:615. [PMID: 36564797 PMCID: PMC9783715 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03807-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a complex disease with a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and has limited clinical response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. T-helper 2 (Th2) cells, an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), play an essential role in regulation of tumor immunity. However, the deep relationship between Th2-mediated immunity and immune evasion in breast cancer remains enigmatic. METHODS Here, we first used bioinformatics analysis to explore the correlation between Th2 infiltration and immune landscape in breast cancer. Suplatast tosilate (IPD-1151 T, IPD), an inhibitor of Th2 function, was then employed to investigate the biological effects of Th2 blockade on tumor growth and immune microenvironment in immunocompetent murine breast cancer models. The tumor microenvironment was analyzed by flow cytometry, mass cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, we examined the efficacy of IPD combination with ICB treatment by evaluating TME, tumor growth and mice survival. RESULTS Our bioinformatics analysis suggested that higher infiltration of Th2 cells indicates a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment in breast cancer. In three murine breast cancer models (EO771, 4T1 and EMT6), IPD significantly inhibited the IL-4 secretion by Th2 cells, promoted Th2 to Th1 switching, remodeled the immune landscape and inhibited tumor growth. Remarkably, CD8+ T cell infiltration and the cytotoxic activity of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) in tumor tissues were evidently enhanced after IPD treatment. Furthermore, increased effector CD4+ T cells and decreased myeloid-derived suppressor cells and M2-like macrophages were also demonstrated in IPD-treated tumors. Importantly, we found IPD reinforced the therapeutic response of ICB without increasing potential adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that pharmaceutical inhibition of Th2 cell function improves ICB response via remodeling immune landscape of TME, which illustrates a promising combinatorial immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuru Chen
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XChongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China ,grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Jiazheng Sun
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XChongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China ,grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Yachan Luo
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Jiazhou Liu
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XChongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China ,grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XChongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China ,grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Rui Feng
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XChongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China ,grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Jing Huang
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Huimin Du
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Qin Li
- grid.411610.30000 0004 1764 2878Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Jinxiang Tan
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Guosheng Ren
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XChongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China ,grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Hongzhong Li
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XChongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China ,grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
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Zhao J, Dong Y, Zhang Y, Wang J, Wang Z. Biophysical heterogeneity of myeloid-derived microenvironment to regulate resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114585. [PMID: 36273512 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114585] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite the advances in immunotherapy for cancer treatment, patients still obtain limited benefits, mostly owing to unrestrained tumour self-expansion and immune evasion that exploits immunoregulatory mechanisms. Traditionally, myeloid cells have a dominantly immunosuppressive role. However, the complicated populations of the myeloid cells and their multilateral interactions with tumour/stromal/lymphoid cells and physical abnormalities in the tumour microenvironment (TME) determine their heterogeneous functions in tumour development and immune response. Tumour-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs) include monocytes, tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), dendritic cells (DCs), and granulocytes. Single-cell profiling revealed heterogeneous TAMCs composition, sub-types, and transcriptomic signatures across 15 human cancer types. We systematically reviewed the biophysical heterogeneity of TAMC composition and pro/anti-tumoral and immuno-suppressive/stimulating properties of myeloid-derived microenvironments. We also summarised comprehensive clinical strategies to overcome resistance to immunotherapy from three dimensions: targeting TAMCs, reversing physical abnormalities, utilising nanomedicines, and finally, put forward futuristic perspectives for scientific and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yiting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yundi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Zhijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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27
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EZH2-H3K27me3 mediated KRT14 upregulation promotes TNBC peritoneal metastasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7344. [PMID: 36446780 PMCID: PMC9708848 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis and adverse clinical outcomes among all breast cancer subtypes as there is no available targeted therapy. Overexpression of Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been shown to correlate with TNBC's poor prognosis, but the contribution of EZH2 catalytic (H3K27me3) versus non-catalytic EZH2 (NC-EZH2) function in TNBC progression remains elusive. We reveal that selective hyper-activation of functional EZH2 (H3K27me3) over NC-EZH2 alters TNBC metastatic landscape and fosters its peritoneal metastasis, particularly splenic. Instead of H3K27me3-mediated repression of gene expression; here, it promotes KRT14 transcription by attenuating binding of repressor SP1 to its promoter. Further, KRT14 loss significantly reduces TNBC migration, invasion, and peritoneal metastasis. Consistently, human TNBC metastasis displays positive correlation between H3K27me3 and KRT14 levels. Finally, EZH2 knockdown or H3K27me3 inhibition by EPZ6438 reduces TNBC peritoneal metastasis. Altogether, our preclinical findings suggest a rationale for targeting TNBC with EZH2 inhibitors.
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28
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Xu WD, Huang Q, Huang AF. Emerging role of EZH2 in rheumatic diseases: A comprehensive review. Int J Rheum Dis 2022; 25:1230-1238. [PMID: 35933601 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14416] [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: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methylated enzyme. It trimethylates histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27) to regulate epigenetic processes. Recently, studies showed excessive expression of EZH2 in rheumatic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and systemic sclerosis. Moreover, epigenetic modification of EZH2 regulates differentiation and proliferation of different immune cells. Therefore, in this review, we comprehensively discuss the role of EZH2 in rheumatic diseases. Collection of the evidence may provide a basis for further understanding the role of EZH2 and give potential for targeting these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang-Dong Xu
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - An-Fang Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Cui H, Yang Y, Feng M, Gao Y, Li L, Tu W, Chen X, Hao B, Li S, Li D, Chen L, Zhou C, Cao Y. Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (preNLR) for the assessment of tumor characteristics in lung adenocarcinoma patients with brain metastasis. Transl Oncol 2022; 22:101455. [PMID: 35598384 PMCID: PMC9126952 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A relationship between preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (preNLR) and brain metastasis characteristics such as tumor location and peritumoral brain edema is proposed. The corresponding spearman correlations of peritumoral brain edema and preoperative NLR between different tumor location was performed. A prognostic nomogram, that provide survival predictions for brain metastasis on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients has been established.
Objectives Brain metastases from lung adenocarcinoma cause significant patient mortality. This study aims to evaluate the role of preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (preNLR) in predicting the survival and prognosis of Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients with brain metastasis (BM) and provide more references for predicting peritumoral edema. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 125 LUAD-BM patients who had undergone surgical resection from December 2015 to December 2020. The clinical characteristic, demographic, MRI data, and preNLR within 24–48 h before craniotomy were collected. Patients were divided into two groups based on preNLR (high NLR and low NLR), with cutoff values determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Association between preoperative NLR and clinical features was determined by using Pearson chi-squared tests. Uni- and multivariate analyzes were performed to compare the overall survival (OS) of clinical features. Results The patients were divided into NLR-low (64 patients) and NLR-high (61 patients) groups based on receiver operating characteristic analysis of NLR area. According to correlation analysis, a high preNLR (NLR≥2.8) is associated with the both supra- and infratentorial location involved (P = 0.017) and a greater incidence of severe peritumoral edema (P = 0.038). By multivariable analysis, age ≥ 65 years (P = 0.011), KPS < 70 (P = 0.043), elevated preNLR (P = 0.013), extracerebral metastases (P = 0.003), EGFR/ALK+ (P = 0.037), postoperative radiotherapy (P = 0.017) and targeted therapy (P = 0.007) were independent prognostic factors. OS nomogram was constructed based on cox model and model performance was examined (AUC = 0.935). Conclusions PreNLR may serve as a prognosis indicator in LUAD patients with brain metastasis, and high preNLR tends to be positively associate with multiple locations and severe peritumoral edema.
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Tyagi A, Wu SY, Watabe K. Metabolism in the progression and metastasis of brain tumors. Cancer Lett 2022; 539:215713. [PMID: 35513201 PMCID: PMC9999298 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors and metastases pose significant health problems and cause substantial morbidity and mortality in children and adults. Based on epidemiological evidence, gliomas comprise 30% and 80% of primary brain tumors and malignant tumors, respectively. Brain metastases affect 15-30% of cancer patients, particularly primary tumors of the lung, breast, colon, and kidney, and melanoma. Despite advancements in multimodal molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy that do not ensure long-term treatment, malignant brain tumors and metastases contribute significantly to cancer related mortality. Recent studies have shown that metastatic cancer cells possess distinct metabolic traits to adapt and survive in new environment that differs significantly from the primary site in both nutrient composition and availability. As metabolic regulation lies at the intersection of many research areas, concerted efforts to understand the metabolic mechanism(s) driving malignant brain tumors and metastases may reveal novel therapeutic targets to prevent or reduce metastasis and predict biomarkers for the treatment of this aggressive disease. This review focuses on various aspects of metabolic signaling, interface between metabolic regulators and cellular processes, and implications of their dysregulation in the context of brain tumors and metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Tyagi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Shih-Ying Wu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Kounosuke Watabe
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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Marin J, Journe F, Ghanem GE, Awada A, Kindt N. Cytokine Landscape in Central Nervous System Metastases. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071537. [PMID: 35884845 PMCID: PMC9313120 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system is the location of metastases in more than 40% of patients with lung cancer, breast cancer and melanoma. These metastases are associated with one of the poorest prognoses in advanced cancer patients, mainly due to the lack of effective treatments. In this review, we explore the involvement of cytokines, including interleukins and chemokines, during the development of brain and leptomeningeal metastases from the epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition and blood–brain barrier extravasation to the interaction between cancer cells and cells from the brain microenvironment, including astrocytes and microglia. Furthermore, the role of the gut–brain axis on cytokine release during this process will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Marin
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.M.); (F.J.); (G.E.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Fabrice Journe
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.M.); (F.J.); (G.E.G.); (A.A.)
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Institut Santé, Université de Mons (UMons), 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Ghanem E. Ghanem
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.M.); (F.J.); (G.E.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Ahmad Awada
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.M.); (F.J.); (G.E.G.); (A.A.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nadège Kindt
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.M.); (F.J.); (G.E.G.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence:
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EZH2 engages TGFβ signaling to promote breast cancer bone metastasis via integrin β1-FAK activation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2543. [PMID: 35538070 PMCID: PMC9091212 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30105-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone metastases occur in 50-70% of patients with late-stage breast cancers and effective therapies are needed. The expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is correlated with breast cancer metastasis, but its function in bone metastasis hasn't been well-explored. Here we report that EZH2 promotes osteolytic metastasis of breast cancer through regulating transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling. EZH2 induces cancer cell proliferation and osteoclast maturation, whereas EZH2 knockdown decreases bone metastasis incidence and outgrowth in vivo. Mechanistically, EZH2 transcriptionally increases ITGB1, which encodes for integrin β1. Integrin β1 activates focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which phosphorylates TGFβ receptor type I (TGFβRI) at tyrosine 182 to enhance its binding to TGFβ receptor type II (TGFβRII), thereby activating TGFβ signaling. Clinically applicable FAK inhibitors but not EZH2 methyltransferase inhibitors effectively inhibit breast cancer bone metastasis in vivo. Overall, we find that the EZH2-integrin β1-FAK axis cooperates with the TGFβ signaling pathway to promote bone metastasis of breast cancer.
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Carretero-González A, Hergueta-Redondo M, Sánchez-Redondo S, Ximénez-Embún P, Manso Sánchez L, Gil EC, Castellano D, de Velasco G, Peinado H. Characterization of plasma circulating small extracellular vesicles in patients with metastatic solid tumors and newly diagnosed brain metastasis. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2067944. [PMID: 35481283 PMCID: PMC9037466 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2067944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 40% of the advanced cancer patients will present brain metastases during the course of their disease, with a 2-year life expectancy of less than 10%. Immune system impairment, including the modulation of both STAT3 and PD-L1, is one of the hallmarks of brain metastases. Liquid biopsy could offer several advantages in brain metastases management, such as the possibility of noninvasive dynamic monitoring. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recently proposed as novel biomarkers especially useful in liquid biopsy due to their secretion in biofluids and their role in cell communication during tumor progression. The main aim of this work was to characterize the size and protein cargo of plasma circulating EVs in patients with solid tumors and their correlation with newly diagnosed brain metastases, in addition to their association with other relevant clinical variables. We analyzed circulating EVs in the plasma of 123 patients: 42 patients with brain metastases, 50 without brain metastases and 31 healthy controls. Patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases had a lower number of circulating EVs in the plasma and a higher protein concentration in small EVs (sEVs) compared to patients without brain metastases and healthy controls. Interestingly, melanoma patients with brain metastases presented decreased STAT3 activation and increased PD-L1 levels in circulating sEVs compared to patients without central nervous system metastases. Decreased STAT3 activation and increased PD-L1 in plasma circulating sEVs identify melanoma patients with brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Carretero-González
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Hergueta-Redondo
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Sánchez-Redondo
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Ximénez-Embún
- Proteomics Unit Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Manso Sánchez
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Ciruelos Gil
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Castellano
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Héctor Peinado
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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Wu M, Huang Q, Xie Y, Wu X, Ma H, Zhang Y, Xia Y. Improvement of the anticancer efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade via combination therapy and PD-L1 regulation. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:24. [PMID: 35279217 PMCID: PMC8917703 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules are promising anticancer targets, among which therapeutic antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have been widely applied to cancer treatment in clinical practice and have great potential. However, this treatment is greatly limited by its low response rates in certain cancers, lack of known biomarkers, immune-related toxicity, innate and acquired drug resistance, etc. Overcoming these limitations would significantly expand the anticancer applications of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and improve the response rate and survival time of cancer patients. In the present review, we first illustrate the biological mechanisms of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints and their role in the healthy immune system as well as in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibits the anticancer effect of T cells in the TME, which in turn regulates the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 through multiple mechanisms. Several strategies have been proposed to solve the limitations of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, including combination therapy with other standard treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, other immunotherapies and even diet control. Downregulation of PD-L1 expression in the TME via pharmacological or gene regulation methods improves the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. Surprisingly, recent preclinical studies have shown that upregulation of PD-L1 in the TME also improves the response and efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Immunotherapy is a promising anticancer strategy that provides novel insight into clinical applications. This review aims to guide the development of more effective and less toxic anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qianrui Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.,Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Xuyi Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hongbo Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Li R, Mukherjee MB, Lin J. Coordinated Regulation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells by Cytokines and Chemokines. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051236. [PMID: 35267547 PMCID: PMC8909268 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this review, we summarize the effects of various cytokines and chemokines as a network to regulate the expansion, recruitment, and immunosuppressive functions of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer metastasis. Abstract Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature myeloid cells that impair immune cell functions and promote tumor progression. Mounting evidence indicates that cytokines and chemokines in the tumor microenvironment alter MDSCs. Various cytokines and chemokines are involved in MDSC production, their infiltration into tumors, and their exertion of suppressive functions. Here, we consider those cytokines, chemokines, and MDSCs as an intricately connected, complex system and we focus on how tumors manipulate the MDSCs through various cytokines and chemokines. We also discuss treatment capitalizing on cytokines/chemokine signaling aimed at combating the potent immunosuppressive activities of MDSCs to improve disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jun Lin
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-631-444-2975
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36
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Separovich RJ, Wong MW, Bartolec TK, Hamey JJ, Wilkins MR. Site-specific phosphorylation of histone H3K36 methyltransferase Set2p and demethylase Jhd1p is required for stress responses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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CXCR2 Mediates Distinct Neutrophil Behavior in Brain Metastatic Breast Tumor. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030515. [PMID: 35158784 PMCID: PMC8833752 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis is one of the main causes of mortality among breast cancer patients, but the origins and the mechanisms that drive this process remain poorly understood. Here, we report that the upregulation of certain CXCR2-associated ligands in the brain metastatic variants of the breast cancer cells (BrM) dynamically activate the corresponding CXCR2 receptors on the neutrophils, thereby resulting in the modulation of certain key functional neutrophil responses towards the BrM. Using established neutrophil-tumor biomimetic co-culture models, we show that the upregulation of CXCR2 increases the recruitment of Tumor-Associated Neutrophils (TANs) towards the BrM, to enable location-favored formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). Inhibition of CXCR2 using small molecule antagonist AZD5069 reversed this behavior, limiting the neutrophil responses to the BrM and retarding the reciprocal tumor development. We further demonstrate that abrogation of NETs formation using Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor (NEI) significantly decreases the influx of neutrophils towards BrM but not to their parental tumor, suggesting that CXCR2 activation could be used by the brain metastatic tumors as a mechanism to program the tumor-infiltrating TANs into a pro-NETotic state, so as to assume a unique spatial distribution that assists in the subsequent migration and invasion of the metastatic tumor cells. This new perspective indicates that CXCR2 is a critical target for suppressing neutrophilic inflammation in brain metastasis.
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Li H, Xiao Y, Li Q, Yao J, Yuan X, Zhang Y, Yin X, Saito Y, Fan H, Li P, Kuo WL, Halpin A, Gibbons DL, Yagita H, Zhao Z, Pang D, Ren G, Yee C, Lee JJ, Yu D. The allergy mediator histamine confers resistance to immunotherapy in cancer patients via activation of the macrophage histamine receptor H1. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:36-52.e9. [PMID: 34822775 PMCID: PMC8779329 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Reinvigoration of antitumor immunity remains an unmet challenge. Our retrospective analyses revealed that cancer patients who took antihistamines during immunotherapy treatment had significantly improved survival. We uncovered that histamine and histamine receptor H1 (HRH1) are frequently increased in the tumor microenvironment and induce T cell dysfunction. Mechanistically, HRH1-activated macrophages polarize toward an M2-like immunosuppressive phenotype with increased expression of the immune checkpoint VISTA, rendering T cells dysfunctional. HRH1 knockout or antihistamine treatment reverted macrophage immunosuppression, revitalized T cell cytotoxic function, and restored immunotherapy response. Allergy, via the histamine-HRH1 axis, facilitated tumor growth and induced immunotherapy resistance in mice and humans. Importantly, cancer patients with low plasma histamine levels had a more than tripled objective response rate to anti-PD-1 treatment compared with patients with high plasma histamine. Altogether, pre-existing allergy or high histamine levels in cancer patients can dampen immunotherapy responses and warrant prospectively exploring antihistamines as adjuvant agents for combinatorial immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhong Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiangliang Yuan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xuedong Yin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yohei Saito
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Huihui Fan
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wen-Ling Kuo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Angela Halpin
- Enterprise Data Engineering & Analytics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Don L Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hideo Yagita
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Da Pang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guosheng Ren
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Cassian Yee
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - J Jack Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dihua Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Kaltenmeier C, Simmons RL, Tohme S, Yazdani HO. Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6131. [PMID: 34885240 PMCID: PMC8657162 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer related morbidity and mortality. The metastatic process involves several identifiable biological stages, including tumor cell dissemination, intravasation, and the extravasation of circulating cancer cells to facilitate colonization at a distant site. Immune cell infiltration and inflammation within the tumor microenvironment coincide with tumor progression and metastatic spread and are thought to be the key mediators of this complex process. Amongst many infiltrating cells, neutrophils have recently emerged as an important player in fueling tumor progression, both in animal models and cancer patients. The production of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) is particularly important in the pathogenesis of the metastatic cascade. NETs are composed of web-like DNA structures with entangled proteins that are released in response to inflammatory cues in the environment. NETs play an important role in driving tumor progression both in experimental and clinical models. In this review, we aim to summarize the current advances in understanding the role of NETs in cancer, with a specific focus on their role in promoting premetastatic niche formation, interaction with circulating cancer cells, and in epithelial to mesenchymal transition during cancer metastasis. We will furthermore discuss the possible role and different treatment options for targeting NETs to prevent tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hamza O. Yazdani
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (C.K.); (R.L.S.); (S.T.)
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Andersen BM, Faust Akl C, Wheeler MA, Chiocca EA, Reardon DA, Quintana FJ. Glial and myeloid heterogeneity in the brain tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:786-802. [PMID: 34584243 PMCID: PMC8616823 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00397-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Brain cancers carry bleak prognoses, with therapeutic advances helping only a minority of patients over the past decade. The brain tumour microenvironment (TME) is highly immunosuppressive and differs from that of other malignancies as a result of the glial, neural and immune cell populations that constitute it. Until recently, the study of the brain TME was limited by the lack of methods to de-convolute this complex system at the single-cell level. However, novel technical approaches have begun to reveal the immunosuppressive and tumour-promoting properties of distinct glial and myeloid cell populations in the TME, identifying new therapeutic opportunities. Here, we discuss the immune modulatory functions of microglia, monocyte-derived macrophages and astrocytes in brain metastases and glioma, highlighting their disease-associated heterogeneity and drawing from the insights gained by studying these malignancies and other neurological disorders. Lastly, we consider potential approaches for the therapeutic modulation of the brain TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Andersen
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Camilo Faust Akl
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael A Wheeler
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - E Antonio Chiocca
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Reardon
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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41
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Subhan MA, Torchilin VP. Neutrophils as an emerging therapeutic target and tool for cancer therapy. Life Sci 2021; 285:119952. [PMID: 34520766 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Activation of neutrophils is necessary for the protection of the host against microbial infection. This property can be used as mode of therapy for cancer treatment. Neutrophils have conflicting dual functions in cancer as either a tumor promoter or inhibitor. Neutrophil-based drug delivery has achieved increased attention in pre-clinical models. This review addresses in detail the different neutrophil constituents, the conflicting function of neutrophils and activation of the neutrophil as an important target of therapy for cancer treatment, and use of neutrophils or neutrophil membrane-derived vesicles as vehicles for drug delivery and targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abdus Subhan
- Department of Chemistry, ShahJalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh..
| | - Vladimir P Torchilin
- CPBN, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Oncology, Radiotherapy and Plastic Surgery, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.
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42
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Yokoi T, Oba T, Kajihara R, Abrams SI, Ito F. Local, multimodal intralesional therapy renders distant brain metastases susceptible to PD-L1 blockade in a preclinical model of triple-negative breast cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21992. [PMID: 34754037 PMCID: PMC8578367 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent progress in therapeutic strategies, prognosis of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains dismal. Evidence suggests that the induction and activation of tumor-residing conventional type-1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) is critical for the generation of CD8+ T cells that mediate the regression of mammary tumors and potentiate anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapeutic efficacy. However, it remains unknown whether this strategy is effective against metastatic TNBC, which is poorly responsive to immunotherapy. Here, using a mouse model of TNBC, we established orthotopic mammary tumors and brain metastases, and treated mammary tumors with in situ immunomodulation (ISIM) consisting of intratumoral injections of Flt3L to mobilize cDC1s, local irradiation to induce immunogenic tumor cell death, and TLR3/CD40 stimulation to activate cDC1s. ISIM treatment of the mammary tumor increased circulating T cells with effector phenotypes, and infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the metastatic brain lesions, resulting in delayed progression of brain metastases and improved survival. Furthermore, although anti-PD-L1 therapy alone was ineffective against brain metastases, ISIM overcame resistance to anti-PD-L1 therapy, which rendered these tumor-bearing mice responsive to anti-PD-L1 therapy and further improved survival. Collectively, these results illustrate the therapeutic potential of multimodal intralesional therapy for patients with unresectable and metastatic TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Yokoi
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Takaaki Oba
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.,Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Kajihara
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Scott I Abrams
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Fumito Ito
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA. .,Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA. .,Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA. .,Department of Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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43
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Mouchemore KA, Anderson RL. Immunomodulatory effects of G-CSF in cancer: Therapeutic implications. Semin Immunol 2021; 54:101512. [PMID: 34763974 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2021.101512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Numerous preclinical studies have reported a pro-tumour role for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) that is predominantly mediated by neutrophils and MDSCs, the major G-CSF receptor expressing populations. In the presence of G-CSF (either tumour-derived or exogenous) these myeloid populations commonly exhibit a T cell suppressive phenotype. However, the direct effects of this cytokine on other immune lineages, such as T and NK cells, are not as well established. Herein we discuss the most recent data relating to the effect of G-CSF on the major immune populations, exclusively in the context of cancer. Recent publications have drawn attention to the other tumour-promoting effects of G-CSF on myeloid cells, including NETosis, promotion of cancer stemness and skewed differentiation of bone marrow progenitors towards myelopoiesis. Although G-CSF is safely and commonly used as a supportive therapy to prevent or treat chemotherapy-associated neutropenia in cancer patients, we also discuss the potential impacts of G-CSF on other anti-cancer treatments. Importantly, considerations for immune checkpoint blockade are highlighted, as many publications report a T cell suppressive effect of G-CSF that may diminish the effectiveness of this immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie A Mouchemore
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Robin L Anderson
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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44
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Stanić D, Grujičić D, Pekmezović T, Bokun J, Popović-Vuković M, Janić D, Paripović L, Ilić V, Pudrlja Slović M, Ilić R, Raičević S, Sarić M, Mišković I, Nidžović B, Nikitović M. Clinical profile, treatment and outcome of pediatric brain tumors in Serbia in a 10-year period: A national referral institution experience. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259095. [PMID: 34699548 PMCID: PMC8547703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of children with primary brain tumors, the effectiveness of treatment modalities, and to detect factors related to the outcome. Methods A detailed analysis was performed on a series of 173 pediatric patients treated in a Serbian referral oncology institution between 2007 and 2016, based on their clinical, histological, treatment, and follow-up data. Results Mean survival time of all children was 94.5months. 2-, 5- and 10-year overall survival probabilities were 68.8%, 59.4%, and 52.8%, respectively. Patients with supratentorial tumors had longer survival than patients with infratentorial tumors and patients with tumors in both compartments (p = 0.011). Children with the unknown histopathology (brainstem glioma) and high-grade glioma had a shorter life than embryonal tumors, ependymoma, and low-grade glioma (p<0.001). Survival of the children who underwent gross total resection was longer than the children in whom lesser degrees of resection were achieved (p = 0.015). The extent of the disease is a very important parameter found to be associated with survival. Patients with no evidence of disease after surgery had a mean survival of 123 months, compared with 82 months in patients with local residual disease and 55 months in patients with disseminated disease (p<0.001). By the univariate analysis, factors predicting poor outcome in our series were the presentation of disease with hormonal abnormalities, tumor location, and the extent of the disease, while the factors predicting a better outcome were age at the time of diagnosis, presentation of the disease with neurological deficit, and type of resection. By the multivariate analysis, the extent of the disease remained as the only strong adverse risk factor for survival (HR 2.06; 95% CI = 1.38–3.07; p<0.001). Conclusions With an organized and dedicated multidisciplinary team, the adequate outcomes can be achieved in a middle-income country setting. The presence of local residual disease after surgery and disseminated disease has a strong negative effect on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Stanić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Pediatric Radiation Oncology Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danica Grujičić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Neuro-Oncology Department, Clinic of Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Pekmezović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Bokun
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Pediatric Radiation Oncology Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Popović-Vuković
- Pediatric Radiation Oncology Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Janić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lejla Paripović
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna Ilić
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Pudrlja Slović
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rosanda Ilić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Neuro-Oncology Department, Clinic of Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Savo Raičević
- Neuro-Oncology Department, Clinic of Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Sarić
- Medical Physics Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Mišković
- Medical Physics Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Borko Nidžović
- Medical Physics Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Nikitović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Pediatric Radiation Oncology Department, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- * E-mail:
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45
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SenGupta S, Hein LE, Parent CA. The Recruitment of Neutrophils to the Tumor Microenvironment Is Regulated by Multiple Mediators. Front Immunol 2021; 12:734188. [PMID: 34567000 PMCID: PMC8461236 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.734188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils sense and migrate towards chemotactic factors released at sites of infection/inflammation and contain the affected area using a variety of effector mechanisms. Aside from these established immune defense functions, neutrophils are emerging as one of the key tumor-infiltrating immune cells that influence cancer progression and metastasis. Neutrophil recruitment to the tumor microenvironment (TME) is mediated by multiple mediators including cytokines, chemokines, lipids, and growth factors that are secreted from cancer cells and cancer-associated stromal cells. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the expression and secretion of the different mediators from cancer cells and how neutrophils integrate these signals to reach and invade tumors remain unclear. Here, we discuss the possible role of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) program, which is a well-established promoter of malignant potential in cancer, in regulating the expression and secretion of these key mediators. We also summarize and review our current understanding of the machineries that potentially control the secretion of the mediators from cancer cells, including the exocytic trafficking pathways, secretory autophagy, and extracellular vesicle-mediated secretion. We further reflect on possible mechanisms by which different mediators collaborate by integrating their signaling network, and particularly focus on TGF-β, a cytokine that is highly expressed in invasive tumors, and CXCR2 ligands, which are crucial neutrophil recruiting chemokines. Finally, we highlight gaps in the field and the need to expand current knowledge of the secretory machineries and cross-talks among mediators to develop novel neutrophil targeting strategies as effective therapeutic options in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuvasree SenGupta
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lauren E Hein
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Carole A Parent
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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46
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Fujii T, Rehman H, Chung SY, Shen J, Newman J, Wu V, Hines A, Azimi-Nekoo E, Fayyaz F, Lee M, Raptis G, Egeblad M, Zhu X. Treatment with Granulocyte-colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) is not associated with Increased Risk of Brain Metastasis in Patients with De Novo Stage IV Breast Cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:5687-5692. [PMID: 34405029 PMCID: PMC8364654 DOI: 10.7150/jca.63159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Survival outcome after developing brain metastasis is poor and there is an unmet need to identify factors that can promote brain metastasis. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is given to support neutrophil recovery after myelosuppressive chemotherapy to some patients. However, there is emerging evidence that neutrophils can promote metastasis, including through the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), scaffolds of chromatin with enzymes expelled from neutrophils to the extracellular space. In animal models, G-CSFs can induce NETs to promote liver and lung metastasis. The primary objective of this study was to test the association between G-CSF use and the later incidence of brain metastasis. Methods: Patients with de novo Stage IV breast cancer, without known brain metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis, were identified from electronic medical records covering the period from 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2020 at Northwell Health. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to test the association between variables of interest, including G-CSF use, and brain metastasis. Results: A total of 78 patients were included in the final analysis. Among those 78 patients, 24 patients (30.8%) had received G-CSF along with chemotherapy at least once. In logistic regression models, G-CSF use was not a significant factor to predict brain metastasis (OR 1.89 [95%CI 1.89-5.33]; P=0.23). Interestingly, in multivariate logistic models, pulmonary embolism (PE)/deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was a significant predictive factor of brain metastasis (OR 6.74 [95%CI 1.82-25.01]; P=0.004) (38.5% vs 21.5%). Conclusions: The use of G-CSF was not associated with increased risk of brain metastasis in patients with de novo Stage IV breast cancer. Interestingly, PE/DVT, which can be associated with elevated NETs, was associated with brain metastasis. Further studies are warranted to determine whether DVT/PE with or without elevated NETs levels in the blood, is predictive of developing brain metastasis in patients with de novo Stage IV breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Fujii
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA.,Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Hasan Rehman
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - Su Yun Chung
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - Janice Shen
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - James Newman
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - Vernon Wu
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - Adam Hines
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - Elham Azimi-Nekoo
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - Fatima Fayyaz
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - Meeyoung Lee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - George Raptis
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - Mikala Egeblad
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Xinhua Zhu
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, Lake Success, New York, USA
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47
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Fares J, Ulasov I, Timashev P, Lesniak MS. Emerging principles of brain immunology and immune checkpoint blockade in brain metastases. Brain 2021; 144:1046-1066. [PMID: 33893488 PMCID: PMC8105040 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases are the most common type of brain tumours, harbouring an immune microenvironment that can in principle be targeted via immunotherapy. Elucidating some of the immunological intricacies of brain metastases has opened a therapeutic window to explore the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in this globally lethal disease. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that tumour cells hijack the immune regulatory mechanisms in the brain for the benefit of their own survival and progression. Nonetheless, the role of the immune checkpoint in the complex interplays between cancers cells and T cells and in conferring resistance to therapy remains under investigation. Meanwhile, early phase trials with immune checkpoint inhibitors have reported clinical benefit in patients with brain metastases from melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. In this review, we explore the workings of the immune system in the brain, the immunology of brain metastases, and the current status of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawad Fares
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ilya Ulasov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Peter Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Maciej S Lesniak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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48
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Zhang W, Bado IL, Hu J, Wan YW, Wu L, Wang H, Gao Y, Jeong HH, Xu Z, Hao X, Lege BM, Al-Ouran R, Li L, Li J, Yu L, Singh S, Lo HC, Niu M, Liu J, Jiang W, Li Y, Wong STC, Cheng C, Liu Z, Zhang XHF. The bone microenvironment invigorates metastatic seeds for further dissemination. Cell 2021; 184:2471-2486.e20. [PMID: 33878291 PMCID: PMC8087656 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis has been considered as the terminal step of tumor progression. However, recent genomic studies suggest that many metastases are initiated by further spread of other metastases. Nevertheless, the corresponding pre-clinical models are lacking, and underlying mechanisms are elusive. Using several approaches, including parabiosis and an evolving barcode system, we demonstrated that the bone microenvironment facilitates breast and prostate cancer cells to further metastasize and establish multi-organ secondary metastases. We uncovered that this metastasis-promoting effect is driven by epigenetic reprogramming that confers stem cell-like properties on cancer cells disseminated from bone lesions. Furthermore, we discovered that enhanced EZH2 activity mediates the increased stemness and metastasis capacity. The same findings also apply to single cell-derived populations, indicating mechanisms distinct from clonal selection. Taken together, our work revealed an unappreciated role of the bone microenvironment in metastasis evolution and elucidated an epigenomic reprogramming process driving terminal-stage, multi-organ metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Igor L Bado
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jingyuan Hu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Quantitative and Computational Biosciences Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ying-Wooi Wan
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ling Wu
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hai Wang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yang Gao
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hyun-Hwan Jeong
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhan Xu
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoxin Hao
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bree M Lege
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rami Al-Ouran
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lucian Li
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jiasong Li
- Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering and Translational Biophotonics Laboratory, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Liqun Yu
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Swarnima Singh
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hin Ching Lo
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Muchun Niu
- Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Weiyu Jiang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen T C Wong
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering and Translational Biophotonics Laboratory, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chonghui Cheng
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhandong Liu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiang H-F Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; McNair Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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49
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Aldea M, Andre F, Marabelle A, Dogan S, Barlesi F, Soria JC. Overcoming Resistance to Tumor-Targeted and Immune-Targeted Therapies. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:874-899. [PMID: 33811122 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to anticancer therapies includes primary resistance, usually related to lack of target dependency or presence of additional targets, and secondary resistance, mostly driven by adaptation of the cancer cell to the selection pressure of treatment. Resistance to targeted therapy is frequently acquired, driven by on-target, bypass alterations, or cellular plasticity. Resistance to immunotherapy is often primary, orchestrated by sophisticated tumor-host-microenvironment interactions, but could also occur after initial efficacy, mostly when only partial responses are obtained. Here, we provide an overview of resistance to tumor and immune-targeted therapies and discuss challenges of overcoming resistance, and current and future directions of development. SIGNIFICANCE: A better and earlier identification of cancer-resistance mechanisms could avoid the use of ineffective drugs in patients not responding to therapy and provide the rationale for the administration of personalized drug associations. A clear description of the molecular interplayers is a prerequisite to the development of novel and dedicated anticancer drugs. Finally, the implementation of such cancer molecular and immunologic explorations in prospective clinical trials could de-risk the demonstration of more effective anticancer strategies in randomized registration trials, and bring us closer to the promise of cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Aldea
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Fabrice Andre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.,INSERM U981, PRISM Institute, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.,Paris Saclay University, Saint-Aubin, France
| | - Aurelien Marabelle
- INSERM U981, PRISM Institute, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.,Drug Development Department, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Semih Dogan
- INSERM U981, PRISM Institute, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Fabrice Barlesi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.,Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Charles Soria
- Paris Saclay University, Saint-Aubin, France. .,Drug Development Department, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
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Wu SY, Sharma S, Wu K, Tyagi A, Zhao D, Deshpande RP, Watabe K. Tamoxifen suppresses brain metastasis of estrogen receptor-deficient breast cancer by skewing microglia polarization and enhancing their immune functions. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:35. [PMID: 33736709 PMCID: PMC7977276 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01412-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brain metastasis of breast cancer exhibits exceedingly poor prognosis, and both triple negative (TN) and Her2+ subtypes have the highest incidence of brain metastasis. Although estrogen blockers are considered to be ineffective for their treatment, recent evidence indicates that estrogen blockade using tamoxifen showed certain efficacy. However, how estrogen affects brain metastasis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains elusive. Methods To examine the effect of estrogen on brain metastasis progression, nude mice were implanted with brain metastatic cells and treated with either estrogen supplement, tamoxifen, or ovariectomy for estrogen depletion. For clinical validation study, brain metastasis specimens from pre- and post-menopause breast cancer patients were examined for microglia polarization by immunohistochemistry. To examine the estrogen-induced M2 microglia polarization, microglia cells were treated with estrogen, and the M1/M2 microglia polarization was detected by qRT-PCR and FACS. The estrogen receptor-deficient brain metastatic cells, SkBrM and 231BrM, were treated with conditioned medium (CM) derived from microglia that were treated with estrogen in the presence or absence of tamoxifen. The effect of microglia-derived CM on tumor cells was examined by colony formation assay and sphere forming ability. Results We found that M2 microglia were abundantly infiltrated in brain metastasis of pre-menopausal breast cancer patients. A similar observation was made in vivo, when we treated mice systemically with estrogen. Blocking of estrogen signaling either by tamoxifen treatment or surgical resection of mice ovaries suppressed M2 microglial polarization and decreased the secretion of C-C motif chemokine ligand 5, resulting in suppression of brain metastasis. The estrogen modulation also suppressed stemness in TNBC cells in vitro. Importantly, estrogen enhanced the expression of signal regulatory protein α on microglia and restricted their phagocytic ability. Conclusions Our results indicate that estrogen promotes brain metastasis by skewing polarity of M2 microglia and inhibiting their phagocytic ability, while tamoxifen suppresses brain metastasis by blocking the M2 polarization of microglia and increasing their anti-tumor phagocytic ability. Our results also highlight a potential therapeutic utility of tamoxifen for treating brain metastasis of hormone receptor-deficient breast cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-021-01412-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Ying Wu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Sambad Sharma
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Kerui Wu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Abhishek Tyagi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Ravindra Pramod Deshpande
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Kounosuke Watabe
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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