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Wang D, Deng X, Wang J, Che S, Ma X, Zhang S, Dong Q, Huang C, Chen J, Shi C, Zhang MR, Hu K, Luo L, Xiao Z. Environmentally responsive hydrogel promotes vascular normalization to enhance STING anti-tumor immunity. J Control Release 2024; 372:403-416. [PMID: 38914207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.052] [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: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive microenvironment of malignant tumors severely hampers the effectiveness of anti-tumor therapy. Moreover, abnormal tumor vasculature interacts with immune cells, forming a vicious cycle that further interferes with anti-tumor immunity and promotes tumor progression. Our pre-basic found excellent anti-tumor effects of c-di-AMP and RRx-001, respectively, and we further explored whether they could be combined synergistically for anti-tumor immunotherapy. We chose to load these two drugs on PVA-TSPBA hydrogel scaffolds that expressly release drugs within the tumor microenvironment by in situ injection. Studies have shown that c-di-AMP activates the STING pathway, enhances immune cell infiltration, and reverses tumor immunosuppression. Meanwhile, RRx-001 releases nitric oxide, which increases oxidative stress injury in tumor cells and promotes apoptosis. Moreover, the combination of the two presented more powerful pro-vascular normalization and reversed tumor immunosuppression than the drug alone. This study demonstrates a new design option for anti-tumor combination therapy and the potential of tumor environmentally responsive hydrogel scaffolds in combination with anti-tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Wang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiujiao Deng
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jinghao Wang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shuang Che
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaocong Ma
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Shenhe People's Hospital), Heyuan 517000, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qiu Dong
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Cuiqing Huang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jifeng Chen
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Changzheng Shi
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Ming-Rong Zhang
- Department of Advanced Nuclear Medicine Sciences, Institute of Quantum Medical, Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 2638555, Japan
| | - Kuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Liangping Luo
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Shenhe People's Hospital), Heyuan 517000, China.
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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Zhou Z, Mai Y, Zhang G, Wang Y, Sun P, Jing Z, Li Z, Xu Y, Han B, Liu J. Emerging role of immunogenic cell death in cancer immunotherapy: Advancing next-generation CAR-T cell immunotherapy by combination. Cancer Lett 2024:217079. [PMID: 38936505 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a stress-driven form of regulated cell death (RCD) in which dying tumor cells' specific signaling pathways are activated to release damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), leading to the robust anti-tumor immune response as well as a reversal of the tumor immune microenvironment from "cold" to "hot". Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, as a landmark in anti-tumor immunotherapy, plays a formidable role in hematologic malignancies but falls short in solid tumors. The Gordian knot of CAR-T cells for solid tumors includes but is not limited to, tumor antigen heterogeneity or absence, physical and immune barriers of tumors. The combination of ICD induction therapy and CAR-T cell immunotherapy is expected to promote the intensive use of CAR-T cell in solid tumors. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of ICD, stress-responsive mechanism, and the synergistic effect of various ICD-based therapies with CAR-T cells to effectively improve anti-tumor capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaokai Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Yumiao Mai
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Yingjie Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Pan Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhaohe Jing
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhengrui Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yudi Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China;.
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3
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Mpekris F, Panagi M, Charalambous A, Voutouri C, Stylianopoulos T. Modulating cancer mechanopathology to restore vascular function and enhance immunotherapy. Cell Rep Med 2024:101626. [PMID: 38944037 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101626] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Solid tumor pathology, characterized by abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment (TME), challenges therapeutic effectiveness. Mechanical factors, including increased tumor stiffness and accumulation of intratumoral forces, can determine the success of cancer treatments, defining the tumor's "mechanopathology" profile. These abnormalities cause extensive vascular compression, leading to hypoperfusion and hypoxia. Hypoperfusion hinders drug delivery, while hypoxia creates an unfavorable TME, promoting tumor progression through immunosuppression, heightened metastatic potential, drug resistance, and chaotic angiogenesis. Strategies targeting TME mechanopathology, such as vascular and stroma normalization, hold promise in enhancing cancer therapies with some already advancing to the clinic. Normalization can be achieved using anti-angiogenic agents, mechanotherapeutics, immune checkpoint inhibitors, engineered bacterial therapeutics, metronomic nanomedicine, and ultrasound sonopermeation. Here, we review the methods developed to rectify tumor mechanopathology, which have even led to cures in preclinical models, and discuss their bench-to-bedside translation, including the derivation of biomarkers from tumor mechanopathology for personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Mpekris
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Antonia Charalambous
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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4
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Thakur A, Rana M, Mishra A, Kaur C, Pan CH, Nepali K. Recent advances and future directions on small molecule VEGFR inhibitors in oncological conditions. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116472. [PMID: 38728867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116472] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
"A journey of mixed emotions" is a quote that best describes the progress chart of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors as cancer therapeutics in the last decade. Exhilarated with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of numerous VEGFR inhibitors coupled with the annoyance of encountering the complications associated with their use, drug discovery enthusiasts are on their toes with an unswerving determination to enhance the rate of translation of VEGFR inhibitors from preclinical to clinical stage. The recently crafted armory of VEGFR inhibitors is a testament to their growing dominance over other antiangiogenic therapies for cancer treatment. This review perspicuously underscores the earnest attempts of the researchers to extract the antiproliferative potential of VEGFR inhibitors through the design of mechanistically diverse structural assemblages. Moreover, this review encompasses sections on structural/molecular properties and physiological functions of VEGFR, FDA-approved VEGFR inhibitors, and hurdles restricting the activity range/clinical applicability of VEGFR targeting antitumor agents. In addition, tactics to overcome the limitations of VEGFR inhibitors are discussed. A clear-cut viewpoint transmitted through this compilation can provide practical directions to push the cart of VEGFR inhibitors to advanced-stage clinical investigations in diverse malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Mandeep Rana
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Anshul Mishra
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Charanjit Kaur
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Chun-Hsu Pan
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Kunal Nepali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.
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5
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Farhangnia P, Khorramdelazad H, Nickho H, Delbandi AA. Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38835055 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Sweeney A, Xavierselvan M, Langley A, Solomon P, Arora A, Mallidi S. Vascular regional analysis unveils differential responses to anti-angiogenic therapy in pancreatic xenografts through macroscopic photoacoustic imaging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.27.595784. [PMID: 38854042 PMCID: PMC11160648 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.27.595784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Despite major innovations in imaging technologies, there are limited surrogate radiographic indicators to aid in therapy planning and monitoring. Amongst the various imaging techniques Ultrasound-guided photoacoustic imaging (US-PAI) is a promising modality based on endogenous blood (hemoglobin) and blood oxygen saturation (StO 2 ) contrast to monitor response to anti-angiogenic therapies. Adaptation of US-PAI to the clinical realm requires macroscopic configurations for adequate depth visualization, illuminating the need for surrogate radiographic markers, including the tumoral microvessel density (MVD). In this work, subcutaneous xenografts with PC cell lines AsPC-1 and MIA-PaCa-2 were used to investigate the effects of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (sunitinib) treatment on MVD and StO 2 . Through histological correlation, we have shown that regions of high and low vascular density (HVD and LVD) can be identified through frequency domain filtering of macroscopic PA images which could not be garnered from purely global analysis. We utilized vascular regional analysis (VRA) of treatment-induced StO 2 and total hemoglobin (HbT) changes. VRA as a tool to monitor treatment response allowed us to identify potential timepoints of vascular remodeling, highlighting its ability to provide insights into the TME not only for sunitinib treatment but also other anti-angiogenic therapies.
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Acharya SS, Kundu CN. Havoc in harmony: Unravelling the intricacies of angiogenesis orchestrated by the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 127:102749. [PMID: 38714074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102749] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells merely exist in isolation; rather, they exist in an intricate microenvironment composed of blood vessels, signalling molecules, immune cells, stroma, fibroblasts, and the ECM. The TME provides a setting that is favourable for the successful growth and survivance of tumors. Angiogenesis is a multifaceted process that is essential for the growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumors. TME can be visualized as a "concert hall," where various cellular and non-cellular factors perform in a "symphony" to orchestrate tumor angiogenesis and create "Havoc" instead of "Harmony". In this review, we comprehensively summarized the involvement of TME in regulating tumor angiogenesis. Especially, we have focused on immune cells and their secreted factors, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and their role in altering the TME. We have also deciphered the crosstalk among various cell types that further aids the process of tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, we have highlighted the limitations of existing anti-angiogenic therapy and discussed various potential strategies that could be used to overcome these challenges and improve the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushree Subhadra Acharya
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University (Institute of Eminence), Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Pin-751024, India.
| | - Chanakya Nath Kundu
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University (Institute of Eminence), Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Pin-751024, India.
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8
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Wu J, Huang J, Yu J, Xu M, Liu J, Pu K. Exosome-Inhibiting Polymeric Sonosensitizer for Tumor-Specific Sonodynamic Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400762. [PMID: 38445783 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400762] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Combination cancer immunotherapy based on electromagnetic energy and immunotherapy shows potent anti-cancer efficacy. However, as a factor that mediates tumor metastasis and immune suppression, the impact of tumor exosomes on therapy under electromagnetic energy stimulation remains unclear. Herein, findings indicate that sonodynamic therapy (SDT) increases serum exosome levels by inducing apoptotic exosomes and loosening the tumor extracellular matrix, promoting lung metastasis. To address this problem, an exosome-inhibiting polymeric sonosensitizer (EIPS) selectively inhibiting tumor exosome generation in response to the tumor biomarker is synthesized. EIPS consists of a semiconducting polymer backbone capable of inducing SDT and a poly(ethylene glycol) layer conjugated with a tumor-specific enzyme-responsive exosome inhibitor prodrug. After being cleaved by tumor Cathepsin B, EIPS releases active exosome inhibitors, preventing tumor exosome-mediated immune suppression and lung metastasis. As a result, EIPS elicits robust antitumor effects through the synergistic effect of SDT and tumor exosome inhibition, completely preventing lung metastasis and establishing a long-term immune memory effect. This is the first example showing that combining SDT with tumor-specific exosome inhibition can elicit a potent immune response without the help of typical immune agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayan Wu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Jingsheng Huang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Jie Yu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Mengke Xu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Kanyi Pu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
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Lammers T. Nanomedicine Tumor Targeting. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2312169. [PMID: 38361435 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312169] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Nanomedicines are extensively explored for cancer therapy. By delivering drug molecules more efficiently to pathological sites and by attenuating their accumulation in healthy organs and tissues, nanomedicine formulations aim to improve the balance between drug efficacy and toxicity. More than 20 cancer nanomedicines are approved for clinical use, and hundreds of formulations are in (pre)clinical development. Over the years, several key pitfalls have been identified as bottlenecks in nanomedicine tumor targeting and translation. These go beyond materials- and production-related issues, and particularly also encompass biological barriers and pathophysiological heterogeneity. In this manuscript, the author describes the most important principles, progress, and products in nanomedicine tumor targeting, delineates key current problems and challenges, and discusses the most promising future prospects to create clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Center for Biohyhrid Medical Systems, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Forckenbeckstrasse 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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De Palma M, Hanahan D. Milestones in tumor vascularization and its therapeutic targeting. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:827-843. [PMID: 38918437 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Research into the mechanisms and manifestations of solid tumor vascularization was launched more than 50 years ago with the proposition and experimental demonstrations that angiogenesis is instrumental for tumor growth and was, therefore, a promising therapeutic target. The biological knowledge and therapeutic insights forthcoming have been remarkable, punctuated by new concepts, many of which were not foreseen in the early decades. This article presents a perspective on tumor vascularization and its therapeutic targeting but does not portray a historical timeline. Rather, we highlight eight conceptual milestones, integrating initial discoveries and recent progress and posing open questions for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele De Palma
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Douglas Hanahan
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Xu Z, Liu F, Ding Y, Pan T, Wu YH, Liu J, Bado IL, Zhang W, Wu L, Gao Y, Hao X, Yu L, Edwards DG, Chan HL, Aguirre S, Dieffenbach MW, Chen E, Shen Y, Hoffman D, Dominguez LB, Rivas CH, Chen X, Wang H, Gugala Z, Satcher RL, Zhang XHF. Unbiased metastatic niche-labeling identifies estrogen receptor-positive macrophages as a barrier of T cell infiltration during bone colonization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.07.593016. [PMID: 38765966 PMCID: PMC11100675 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.07.593016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Microenvironment niches determine cellular fates of metastatic cancer cells. However, robust and unbiased approaches to identify niche components and their molecular profiles are lacking. We established Sortase A-Based Microenvironment Niche Tagging (SAMENT), which selectively labels cells encountered by cancer cells during metastatic colonization. SAMENT was applied to multiple cancer models colonizing the same organ and the same cancer to different organs. Common metastatic niche features include macrophage enrichment and T cell depletion. Macrophage niches are phenotypically diverse between different organs. In bone, macrophages express the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and exhibit active ERα signaling in male and female hosts. Conditional knockout of Esr1 in macrophages significantly retarded bone colonization by allowing T cell infiltration. ERα expression was also discovered in human bone metastases of both genders. Collectively, we identified a unique population of ERα+ macrophages in the metastatic niche and functionally tied ERα signaling in macrophages to T cell exclusion during metastatic colonization. HIGHLIGHTS SAMENT is a robust metastatic niche-labeling approach amenable to single-cell omics.Metastatic niches are typically enriched with macrophages and depleted of T cells.Direct interaction with cancer cells induces ERα expression in niche macrophages. Knockout of Esr1 in macrophages allows T cell infiltration and retards bone colonization.
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Abraham T, Armold M, McGovern C, Harms JF, Darok MC, Gigliotti C, Adair B, Gray JL, Kelly DF, Adair JH, Matters GL. CCK Receptor Inhibition Reduces Pancreatic Tumor Fibrosis and Promotes Nanoparticle Delivery. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1024. [PMID: 38790986 PMCID: PMC11118934 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051024] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The poor prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients is due in part to the highly fibrotic nature of the tumors that impedes delivery of therapeutics, including nanoparticles (NPs). Our prior studies demonstrated that proglumide, a cholecystokinin receptor (CCKR) antagonist, reduced fibrosis pervading PanIN lesions in mice. Here, we further detail how the reduced fibrosis elicited by proglumide achieves the normalization of the desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) and improves nanoparticle uptake. One week following the orthotopic injection of PDAC cells, mice were randomized to normal or proglumide-treated water for 3-6 weeks. Tumors were analyzed ex vivo for fibrosis, vascularity, stellate cell activation, vascular patency, and nanoparticle distribution. The histological staining and three-dimensional imaging of tumors each indicated a reduction in stromal collagen in proglumide-treated mice. Proglumide treatment increased tumor vascularity and decreased the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Additionally, PANC-1 cells with the shRNA-mediated knockdown of the CCK2 receptor showed an even greater reduction in collagen, indicating the CCK2 receptors on tumor cells contribute to the desmoplastic TME. Proglumide-mediated reduction in fibrosis also led to functional changes in the TME as evidenced by the enhanced intra-tumoral distribution of small (<12 nm) Rhodamine-loaded nanoparticles. The documented in vivo, tumor cell-intrinsic anti-fibrotic effects of CCK2R blockade in both an immunocompetent syngeneic murine PDAC model as well as a human PDAC xenograft model demonstrates that CCK2R antagonists, such as proglumide, can improve the delivery of nano-encapsulated therapeutics or imaging agents to pancreatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Abraham
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
| | - Michael Armold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
| | - Christopher McGovern
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
| | - John F. Harms
- Department of Biological Sciences, Messiah University, One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA
| | - Matthew C. Darok
- Department of Biological Sciences, Messiah University, One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA
| | - Christopher Gigliotti
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 407 Steidle Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Bernadette Adair
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 407 Steidle Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Gray
- N-022 Millennium Science Complex, Materials Research Institute, Pollock Road, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Deborah F. Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Center for Structural Oncology, 506 Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16803, USA
| | - James H. Adair
- Departments of Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Gail L. Matters
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17036, USA
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13
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Bian F, Goda C, Wang G, Lan YW, Deng Z, Gao W, Acharya A, Reza AA, Gomez-Arroyo J, Merjaneh N, Ren X, Goveia J, Carmeliet P, Kalinichenko VV, Kalin TV. FOXF1 promotes tumor vessel normalization and prevents lung cancer progression through FZD4. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:1063-1090. [PMID: 38589650 PMCID: PMC11099127 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00064-8] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells re-program normal lung endothelial cells (EC) into tumor-associated endothelial cells (TEC) that form leaky vessels supporting carcinogenesis. Transcriptional regulators that control the reprogramming of EC into TEC are poorly understood. We identified Forkhead box F1 (FOXF1) as a critical regulator of EC-to-TEC transition. FOXF1 was highly expressed in normal lung vasculature but was decreased in TEC within non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Low FOXF1 correlated with poor overall survival of NSCLC patients. In mice, endothelial-specific deletion of FOXF1 decreased pericyte coverage, increased vessel permeability and hypoxia, and promoted lung tumor growth and metastasis. Endothelial-specific overexpression of FOXF1 normalized tumor vessels and inhibited the progression of lung cancer. FOXF1 deficiency decreased Wnt/β-catenin signaling in TECs through direct transcriptional activation of Fzd4. Restoring FZD4 expression in FOXF1-deficient TECs through endothelial-specific nanoparticle delivery of Fzd4 cDNA rescued Wnt/β-catenin signaling in TECs, normalized tumor vessels and inhibited the progression of lung cancer. Altogether, FOXF1 increases tumor vessel stability, and inhibits lung cancer progression by stimulating FZD4/Wnt/β-catenin signaling in TECs. Nanoparticle delivery of FZD4 cDNA has promise for future therapies in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Bian
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Chinmayee Goda
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Guolun Wang
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Ying-Wei Lan
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Child Health, Phoenix Children's Research Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 475 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Zicheng Deng
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Child Health, Phoenix Children's Research Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 475 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Wen Gao
- Department of Child Health, Phoenix Children's Research Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 475 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Anusha Acharya
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Abid A Reza
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jose Gomez-Arroyo
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Nawal Merjaneh
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Ren
- Division of Asthma Research of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jermaine Goveia
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Vladimir V Kalinichenko
- Department of Child Health, Phoenix Children's Research Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 475 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
| | - Tanya V Kalin
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Child Health, Phoenix Children's Research Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 475 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 475 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
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14
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Dritsoula A, Camilli C, Moss SE, Greenwood J. The disruptive role of LRG1 on the vasculature and perivascular microenvironment. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1386177. [PMID: 38745756 PMCID: PMC11091338 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1386177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The establishment of new blood vessels, and their subsequent stabilization, is a critical process that facilitates tissue growth and organ development. Once established, vessels need to diversify to meet the specific needs of the local tissue and to maintain homeostasis. These processes are tightly regulated and fundamental to normal vessel and tissue function. The mechanisms that orchestrate angiogenesis and vessel maturation have been widely studied, with signaling crosstalk between endothelium and perivascular cells being identified as an essential component. In disease, however, new vessels develop abnormally, and existing vessels lose their specialization and function, which invariably contributes to disease progression. Despite considerable research into the vasculopathic mechanisms in disease, our knowledge remains incomplete. Accordingly, the identification of angiocrine and angiopathic molecules secreted by cells within the vascular microenvironment, and their effect on vessel behaviour, remains a major research objective. Over the last decade the secreted glycoprotein leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), has emerged as a significant vasculopathic molecule, stimulating defective angiogenesis, and destabilizing the existing vasculature mainly, but not uniquely, by altering both canonical and non-canonical TGF-β signaling in a highly cell and context dependent manner. Whilst LRG1 does not possess any overt homeostatic role in vessel development and maintenance, growing evidence provides a compelling case for LRG1 playing a pleiotropic role in disrupting the vasculature in many disease settings. Thus, LRG1 has now been reported to damage vessels in various disorders including cancer, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, ocular disease, and lung disease and the signaling processes that drive this dysfunction are being defined. Moreover, therapeutic targeting of LRG1 has been widely proposed to re-establish a quiescent endothelium and normalized vasculature. In this review, we consider the current status of our understanding of the role of LRG1 in vascular pathology, and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Dritsoula
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Szukiewicz D. CX3CL1 (Fractalkine)-CX3CR1 Axis in Inflammation-Induced Angiogenesis and Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4679. [PMID: 38731899 PMCID: PMC11083509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094679] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The chemotactic cytokine fractalkine (FKN, chemokine CX3CL1) has unique properties resulting from the combination of chemoattractants and adhesion molecules. The soluble form (sFKN) has chemotactic properties and strongly attracts T cells and monocytes. The membrane-bound form (mFKN) facilitates diapedesis and is responsible for cell-to-cell adhesion, especially by promoting the strong adhesion of leukocytes (monocytes) to activated endothelial cells with the subsequent formation of an extracellular matrix and angiogenesis. FKN signaling occurs via CX3CR1, which is the only known member of the CX3C chemokine receptor subfamily. Signaling within the FKN-CX3CR1 axis plays an important role in many processes related to inflammation and the immune response, which often occur simultaneously and overlap. FKN is strongly upregulated by hypoxia and/or inflammation-induced inflammatory cytokine release, and it may act locally as a key angiogenic factor in the highly hypoxic tumor microenvironment. The importance of the FKN/CX3CR1 signaling pathway in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis results from its influence on cell adhesion, apoptosis, and cell migration. This review presents the role of the FKN signaling pathway in the context of angiogenesis in inflammation and cancer. The mechanisms determining the pro- or anti-tumor effects are presented, which are the cause of the seemingly contradictory results that create confusion regarding the therapeutic goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Szukiewicz
- Department of Biophysics, Physiology & Pathophysiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Fonseca P, Cui W, Struyf N, Tong L, Chaurasiya A, Casagrande F, Zhao H, Fernando D, Chen X, Tobin NP, Seashore-Ludlow B, Lundqvist A, Hartman J, Göndör A, Östling P, Holmgren L. A phenotypic screening approach to target p60AmotL2-expressing invasive cancer cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:107. [PMID: 38594748 PMCID: PMC11003180 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03031-w] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor cells have the ability to invade and form small clusters that protrude into adjacent tissues, a phenomenon that is frequently observed at the periphery of a tumor as it expands into healthy tissues. The presence of these clusters is linked to poor prognosis and has proven challenging to treat using conventional therapies. We previously reported that p60AmotL2 expression is localized to invasive colon and breast cancer cells. In vitro, p60AmotL2 promotes epithelial cell invasion by negatively impacting E-cadherin/AmotL2-related mechanotransduction. METHODS Using epithelial cells transfected with inducible p60AmotL2, we employed a phenotypic drug screening approach to find compounds that specifically target invasive cells. The phenotypic screen was performed by treating cells for 72 h with a library of compounds with known antitumor activities in a dose-dependent manner. After assessing cell viability using CellTiter-Glo, drug sensitivity scores for each compound were calculated. Candidate hit compounds with a higher drug sensitivity score for p60AmotL2-expressing cells were then validated on lung and colon cell models, both in 2D and in 3D, and on colon cancer patient-derived organoids. Nascent RNA sequencing was performed after BET inhibition to analyse BET-dependent pathways in p60AmotL2-expressing cells. RESULTS We identified 60 compounds that selectively targeted p60AmotL2-expressing cells. Intriguingly, these compounds were classified into two major categories: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif (BET) inhibitors. The latter consistently demonstrated antitumor activity in human cancer cell models, as well as in organoids derived from colon cancer patients. BET inhibition led to a shift towards the upregulation of pro-apoptotic pathways specifically in p60AmotL2-expressing cells. CONCLUSIONS BET inhibitors specifically target p60AmotL2-expressing invasive cancer cells, likely by exploiting differences in chromatin accessibility, leading to cell death. Additionally, our findings support the use of this phenotypic strategy to discover novel compounds that can exploit vulnerabilities and specifically target invasive cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Fonseca
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Weiyingqi Cui
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nona Struyf
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 23a, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Le Tong
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ayushi Chaurasiya
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Felipe Casagrande
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Honglei Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dinura Fernando
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xinsong Chen
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicholas P Tobin
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Breast Center, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brinton Seashore-Ludlow
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 23a, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Hartman
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anita Göndör
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo, Akershus Universitetssykehus, 1478, Lørenskog, Oslo, Norway
| | - Päivi Östling
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 23a, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Holmgren
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
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17
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Yang F, Lee G, Fan Y. Navigating tumor angiogenesis: therapeutic perspectives and myeloid cell regulation mechanism. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09913-z. [PMID: 38580870 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09913-z] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Sustained angiogenesis stands as a hallmark of cancer. The intricate vascular tumor microenvironment fuels cancer progression and metastasis, fosters therapy resistance, and facilitates immune evasion. Therapeutic strategies targeting tumor vasculature have emerged as transformative for cancer treatment, encompassing anti-angiogenesis, vessel normalization, and endothelial reprogramming. Growing evidence suggests the dynamic regulation of tumor angiogenesis by infiltrating myeloid cells, such as macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and neutrophils. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is pivotal in paving the way for successful vasculature-targeted cancer treatments. Therapeutic interventions aimed to disrupt myeloid cell-mediated tumor angiogenesis may reshape tumor microenvironment and overcome tumor resistance to radio/chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Gloria Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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18
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Zhang C, Han ZY, Chen KW, Wang YZ, Bao P, Ji P, Yan X, Rao ZY, Zeng X, Zhang XZ. In Situ Formed Microalgae-Integrated Living Hydrogel for Enhanced Tumor Starvation Therapy and Immunotherapy through Photosynthetic Oxygenation. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:3801-3810. [PMID: 38477714 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The effectiveness of various cancer therapies for solid tumors is substantially limited by the highly hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, a microalgae-integrated living hydrogel (ACG gel) is developed to concurrently enhance hypoxia-constrained tumor starvation therapy and immunotherapy. The ACG gel is formed in situ following intratumoral injection of a biohybrid fluid composed of alginate, Chlorella sorokiniana, and glucose oxidase, facilitated by the crossing-linking between divalent ions within tumors and alginate. The microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana embedded in ACG gel generate abundant oxygen through photosynthesis, enhancing glucose oxidase-catalyzed glucose consumption and shifting the TME from immunosuppressive to immunopermissive status, thus reducing the tumor cell energy supply and boosting antitumor immunity. In murine 4T1 tumor models, the ACG gel significantly suppresses tumor growth and effectively prevents postoperative tumor recurrence. This study, leveraging microalgae as natural oxygenerators, provides a versatile and universal strategy for the development of oxygen-dependent tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Yi Han
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Ke-Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Zhang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Peng Bao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Ping Ji
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Yan
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Yong Rao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xian-Zheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
- Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P. R. China
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19
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Coursier D, Calvo F. CAFs vs. TECs: when blood feuds fuel cancer progression, dissemination and therapeutic resistance. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00931-z. [PMID: 38453816 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00931-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neoplastic progression involves complex interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding stromal milieu, fostering microenvironments that crucially drive tumor progression and dissemination. Of these stromal constituents, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as predominant inhabitants within the tumor microenvironment (TME), actively shaping multiple facets of tumorigenesis, including cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness, and immune evasion. Notably, CAFs also orchestrate the production of pro-angiogenic factors, fueling neovascularization to sustain the metabolic demands of proliferating cancer cells. Moreover, CAFs may also directly or indirectly affect endothelial cell behavior and vascular architecture, which may impact in tumor progression and responses to anti-cancer interventions. Conversely, tumor endothelial cells (TECs) exhibit a corrupted state that has been shown to affect cancer cell growth and inflammation. Both CAFs and TECs are emerging as pivotal regulators of the TME, engaging in multifaceted biological processes that significantly impact cancer progression, dissemination, and therapeutic responses. Yet, the intricate interplay between these stromal components and the orchestrated functions of each cell type remains incompletely elucidated. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the dynamic interrelationships between CAFs and TECs, discussing the challenges and prospects for leveraging their interactions towards therapeutic advancements in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Coursier
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain
| | - Fernando Calvo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain.
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20
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Liu Z, Liu X, Zhang W, Gao R, Wei H, Yu CY. Current advances in modulating tumor hypoxia for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Acta Biomater 2024; 176:1-27. [PMID: 38232912 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.01.010] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common feature of most solid tumors, which promotes the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance of tumors. Researchers have been developing advanced strategies and nanoplatforms to modulate tumor hypoxia to enhance therapeutic effects. A timely review of this rapidly developing research topic is therefore highly desirable. For this purpose, this review first introduces the impact of hypoxia on tumor development and therapeutic resistance in detail. Current developments in the construction of various nanoplatforms to enhance tumor treatment in response to hypoxia are also systematically summarized, including hypoxia-overcoming, hypoxia-exploiting, and hypoxia-disregarding strategies. We provide a detailed discussion of the rationale and research progress of these strategies. Through a review of current trends, it is hoped that this comprehensive overview can provide new prospects for clinical application in tumor treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: As a common feature of most solid tumors, hypoxia significantly promotes tumor progression. Advanced nanoplatforms have been developed to modulate tumor hypoxia to enhanced therapeutic effects. In this review, we first introduce the impact of hypoxia on tumor progression. Current developments in the construction of various nanoplatforms to enhance tumor treatment in response to hypoxia are systematically summarized, including hypoxia-overcoming, hypoxia-exploiting, and hypoxia-disregarding strategies. We discuss the rationale and research progress of the above strategies in detail, and finally introduce future challenges for treatment of hypoxic tumors. By reviewing the current trends, this comprehensive overview can provide new prospects for clinical translatable tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Liu
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xinping Liu
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Ruijie Gao
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
| | - Cui-Yun Yu
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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21
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Clark GC, Lai A, Agarwal A, Liu Z, Wang XY. Biopterin metabolism and nitric oxide recoupling in cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1321326. [PMID: 38469569 PMCID: PMC10925643 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1321326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin is a cofactor necessary for the activity of several enzymes, the most studied of which is nitric oxide synthase. The role of this cofactor-enzyme relationship in vascular biology is well established. Recently, tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism has received increasing attention in the field of cancer immunology and immunotherapy due to its involvement in the cytotoxic T cell response. Past research has demonstrated that when the availability of BH4 is low, as it is in chronic inflammatory conditions and tumors, electron transfer in the active site of nitric oxide synthase becomes uncoupled from the oxidation of arginine. This results in the production of radical species that are capable of a direct attack on tetrahydrobiopterin, further depleting its local availability. This feedforward loop may act like a molecular switch, reinforcing low tetrahydrobiopterin levels leading to altered NO signaling, restrained immune effector activity, and perpetual vascular inflammation within the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the evidence for this underappreciated mechanism in different aspects of tumor progression and therapeutic responses. Furthermore, we discuss the preclinical evidence supporting a clinical role for tetrahydrobiopterin supplementation to enhance immunotherapy and radiotherapy for solid tumors and the potential safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene Chatman Clark
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Alan Lai
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | | | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Xiang-Yang Wang
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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22
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Xia Q, Shen J, Wang Q, Chen R, Zheng X, Yan Q, Du L, Li H, Duan S. Cuproptosis-associated ncRNAs predict breast cancer subtypes. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299138. [PMID: 38408075 PMCID: PMC10896520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cuproptosis is a novel copper-dependent mode of cell death that has recently been discovered. The relationship between Cuproptosis-related ncRNAs and breast cancer subtypes, however, remains to be studied. METHODS The aim of this study was to construct a breast cancer subtype prediction model associated with Cuproptosis. This model could be used to determine the subtype of breast cancer patients. To achieve this aim, 21 Cuproptosis-related genes were obtained from published articles and correlation analysis was performed with ncRNAs differentially expressed in breast cancer. Random forest algorithms were subsequently utilized to select important ncRNAs and build breast cancer subtype prediction models. RESULTS A total of 94 ncRNAs significantly associated with Cuproptosis were obtained and the top five essential features were chosen to build a predictive model. These five biomarkers were differentially expressed in the five breast cancer subtypes and were closely associated with immune infiltration, RNA modification, and angiogenesis. CONCLUSION The random forest model constructed based on Cuproptosis-related ncRNAs was able to accurately predict breast cancer subtypes, providing a new direction for the study of clinical therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xia
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinze Shen
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qurui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruixiu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinying Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qibin Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lihua Du
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hanbing Li
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Jacobsen A, Siebler J, Grützmann R, Stürzl M, Naschberger E. Blood Vessel-Targeted Therapy in Colorectal Cancer: Current Strategies and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:890. [PMID: 38473252 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050890] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The vasculature is a key player and regulatory component in the multicellular microenvironment of solid tumors and, consequently, a therapeutic target. In colorectal carcinoma (CRC), antiangiogenic treatment was approved almost 20 years ago, but there are still no valid predictors of response. In addition, treatment resistance has become a problem. Vascular heterogeneity and plasticity due to species-, organ-, and milieu-dependent phenotypic and functional differences of blood vascular cells reduced the hope of being able to apply a standard approach of antiangiogenic therapy to all patients. In addition, the pathological vasculature in CRC is characterized by heterogeneous perfusion, impaired barrier function, immunosuppressive endothelial cell anergy, and metabolic competition-induced microenvironmental stress. Only recently, angiocrine proteins have been identified that are specifically released from vascular cells and can regulate tumor initiation and progression in an autocrine and paracrine manner. In this review, we summarize the history and current strategies for applying antiangiogenic treatment and discuss the associated challenges and opportunities, including normalizing the tumor vasculature, modulating milieu-dependent vascular heterogeneity, and targeting functions of angiocrine proteins. These new strategies could open perspectives for future vascular-targeted and patient-tailored therapy selection in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jacobsen
- Division of Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Translational Research Center, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Kussmaulallee 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Siebler
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Medicine 1-Gastroenterology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert Grützmann
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Stürzl
- Division of Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Translational Research Center, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Kussmaulallee 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Naschberger
- Division of Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Translational Research Center, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Kussmaulallee 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
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24
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Chen X, Xu Z, Wu C, Xie L, Wang P, Liu X. Efficacy and toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors combination therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1255577. [PMID: 38390328 PMCID: PMC10881808 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1255577] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show a significant overall survival advantage over standard advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) therapies, tumor response to these agents remains poor. Some studies have shown that combination therapy including an ICI appears to be the best treatment; however, the overall benefit in terms of efficacy and toxicity still needs to be assessed. Thus, we performed a network meta-analysis to evaluate the differences in the efficacy of several combinations that include an ICI to provide a basis for clinical treatment selection. Methods We conducted a thorough search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for articles from January 2010 to June 2023. R 4.4.2 and STATA 16.0 were used to analyze data; hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the results. Results An indirect comparison showed that nivolumab plus cabozantinib and pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib were the most effective treatments for progression-free survival (PFS), with no significant differences between the two interventions (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.96-1.78; P=0.08); rank probability showed that pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib had a 57.1% chance of being the preferred treatment. In the absence of indirect comparisons between pembrolizumab plus axitinib, nivolumab plus ipilimumab, avelumab plus axitinib, nivolumab plus cabozantinib, and pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib, pembrolizumab plus axitinib (40.2%) was the best treatment option for overall survival (OS). Compared to pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib, nivolumab plus ipilimumab (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01-0.65; P=0.02) and pembrolizumab plus axitinib (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.00-0.78; P<0.001) had a lower incidence of overall adverse events (AEs). Conclusion Pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib and pembrolizumab plus axitinib resulted in the highest PFS and OS rates, respectively. Pembrolizumab plus axitinib may be the best option when AEs are a concern. Systematic review registration https://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY202410078.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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25
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Mierke CT. Phenotypic Heterogeneity, Bidirectionality, Universal Cues, Plasticity, Mechanics, and the Tumor Microenvironment Drive Cancer Metastasis. Biomolecules 2024; 14:184. [PMID: 38397421 PMCID: PMC10887446 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020184] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor diseases become a huge problem when they embark on a path that advances to malignancy, such as the process of metastasis. Cancer metastasis has been thoroughly investigated from a biological perspective in the past, whereas it has still been less explored from a physical perspective. Until now, the intraluminal pathway of cancer metastasis has received the most attention, while the interaction of cancer cells with macrophages has received little attention. Apart from the biochemical characteristics, tumor treatments also rely on the tumor microenvironment, which is recognized to be immunosuppressive and, as has recently been found, mechanically stimulates cancer cells and thus alters their functions. The review article highlights the interaction of cancer cells with other cells in the vascular metastatic route and discusses the impact of this intercellular interplay on the mechanical characteristics and subsequently on the functionality of cancer cells. For instance, macrophages can guide cancer cells on their intravascular route of cancer metastasis, whereby they can help to circumvent the adverse conditions within blood or lymphatic vessels. Macrophages induce microchannel tunneling that can possibly avoid mechanical forces during extra- and intravasation and reduce the forces within the vascular lumen due to vascular flow. The review article highlights the vascular route of cancer metastasis and discusses the key players in this traditional route. Moreover, the effects of flows during the process of metastasis are presented, and the effects of the microenvironment, such as mechanical influences, are characterized. Finally, the increased knowledge of cancer metastasis opens up new perspectives for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth System Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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26
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Liu Y, Liu Y, Sun X, Wang Y, Du C, Bai J. Morphologically transformable peptide nanocarriers coloaded with doxorubicin and curcumin inhibit the growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100903. [PMID: 38130427 PMCID: PMC10733681 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In tumor treatment, the highly disordered vascular system and lack of accumulation of chemotherapeutic drugs in tumors severely limit the therapeutic role of nanocarriers. Smaller drug-containing nanoparticles (NPs) can better penetrate the tumor but are easily removed, which severely limits the tumor-killing properties of the drug. The chemotherapeutic medication doxorubicin (DOX) is highly toxic to the heart, but this toxicity can be effectively mitigated and the combined anticancer effect can be enhanced by clinically incorporating curcumin (CUR) as part of the dual therapy. We designed a small-molecule peptide, Pep1, containing a targeting peptide (CREKA) and a pH-responsive moiety. These NPs can target the blood vessels in tumor microthrombi and undergo a morphological shift in the tumor microenvironment. This process enhances the penetration and accumulation of drugs, ultimately improving the effectiveness of cancer treatment. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that this morphological transformation allowed rapid and effective drug release into tumors, the effective inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, and the promotion of tumor cell apoptosis, thus effectively killing tumor cells. Our findings provide a novel and simple approach to nhibit the growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Yunxia Liu
- School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
- Department of Dentistry, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261035, China
| | - Xinyu Sun
- School of Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Changqing Du
- Department of Dentistry, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261035, China
| | - Jingkun Bai
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
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27
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Cleveland AH, Fan Y. Reprogramming endothelial cells to empower cancer immunotherapy. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:126-135. [PMID: 38040601 PMCID: PMC10922198 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.11.002] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunity is subject to spatiotemporal regulation by leukocyte interaction with the tumor microenvironment. Growing evidence suggests an emerging role for the vasculature in tumor immune evasion and immunotherapy resistance. Beyond the conventional functions of the tumor vasculature, such as providing oxygen and nutrients to support tumor progression, we propose multiplex mechanisms for vascular regulation of tumor immunity: The immunosuppressive vascular niche locoregionally educates circulation-derived immune cells by angiocrines, aberrant endothelial metabolism induces T cell exclusion and inactivation, and topologically and biochemically abnormal vascularity forms a pathophysiological barrier that hampers lymphocyte infiltration. We postulate that genetic and metabolic reprogramming of endothelial cells may rewire the immunosuppressive vascular microenvironment to overcome immunotherapy resistance, serving as a next-generation vascular targeting strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail H Cleveland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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28
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Yan Z, Liu Z, Zhang H, Guan X, Xu H, Zhang J, Zhao Q, Wang S. Current trends in gas-synergized phototherapy for improved antitumor theranostics. Acta Biomater 2024; 174:1-25. [PMID: 38092250 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Phototherapy, such as photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), has been considered an elegant solution to eradicate tumors due to its minimal invasiveness and low systemic toxicity. Nevertheless, it is still challenging for phototherapy to achieve ideal outcomes and clinical translation due to its inherent drawbacks. Owing to the unique biological functions, diverse gases have attracted growing attention in combining with phototherapy to achieve super-additive therapeutic effects. Specifically, gases such as nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have been proven to kill tumor cells by inducing mitochondrial damage in synergy with phototherapy. Additionally, several gases not only enhance the thermal damage in PTT and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in PDT but also improve the tumor accumulation of photoactive agents. The inflammatory responses triggered by hyperthermia in PTT are also suppressed by the combination of gases. Herein, we comprehensively review the latest studies on gas-synergized phototherapy for cancer therapy, including (1) synergistic mechanisms of combining gases with phototherapy; (2) design of nanoplatforms for gas-synergized phototherapy; (3) multimodal therapy based on gas-synergized phototherapy; (4) imaging-guided gas-synergized phototherapy. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities of gas-synergized phototherapy for tumor treatment are discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: 1. The novelty and significance of the work with respect to the existing literature. (1) Strategies to design nanoplatforms for gas-synergized anti-tumor phototherapy have been summarized for the first time. Meanwhile, the integration of various imaging technologies and therapy modalities which endow these nanoplatforms with advanced theranostic capabilities has been summarized. (2) The mechanisms by which gases synergize with phototherapy to eradicate tumors are innovatively and comprehensively summarized. 2. The scientific impact and interest. This review elaborates current trends in gas-synergized anti-tumor phototherapy, with special emphases on synergistic anti-tumor mechanisms and rational design of therapeutic nanoplatforms to achieve this synergistic therapy. It aims to provide valuable guidance for researchers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016, PR China
| | - Zhu Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016, PR China
| | - Haotian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016, PR China
| | - Xinyao Guan
- Experimental Teaching Center, Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016, PR China
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016, PR China
| | - Jinghai Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016, PR China
| | - Qinfu Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016, PR China.
| | - Siling Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016, PR China.
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29
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Lv H, Zong Q, Chen C, Lv G, Xiang W, Xing F, Jiang G, Yan B, Sun X, Ma Y, Wang L, Wu Z, Cui X, Wang H, Yang W. TET2-mediated tumor cGAS triggers endothelial STING activation to regulate vasculature remodeling and anti-tumor immunity in liver cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6. [PMID: 38177099 PMCID: PMC10766952 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43743-9] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Induction of tumor vascular normalization is a crucial measure to enhance immunotherapy efficacy. cGAS-STING pathway is vital for anti-tumor immunity, but its role in tumor vasculature is unclear. Herein, using preclinical liver cancer models in Cgas/Sting-deficient male mice, we report that the interdependence between tumor cGAS and host STING mediates vascular normalization and anti-tumor immune response. Mechanistically, TET2 mediated IL-2/STAT5A signaling epigenetically upregulates tumor cGAS expression and produces cGAMP. Subsequently, cGAMP is transported via LRRC8C channels to activate STING in endothelial cells, enhancing recruitment and transendothelial migration of lymphocytes. In vivo studies in male mice also reveal that administration of vitamin C, a promising anti-cancer agent, stimulates TET2 activity, induces tumor vascular normalization and enhances the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 therapy alone or in combination with IL-2. Our findings elucidate a crosstalk between tumor and vascular endothelial cells in the tumor immune microenvironment, providing strategies to enhance the efficacy of combinational immunotherapy for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Lv
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Qianni Zong
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Cian Chen
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Guishuai Lv
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Fuxue Xing
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Guoqing Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225000, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225000, China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Liang Wang
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Zixin Wu
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Xiuliang Cui
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Wen Yang
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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30
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van Splunder H, Villacampa P, Martínez-Romero A, Graupera M. Pericytes in the disease spotlight. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:58-71. [PMID: 37474376 PMCID: PMC10777571 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.06.001] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Pericytes are known as the mural cells in small-caliber vessels that interact closely with the endothelium. Pericytes play a key role in vasculature formation and homeostasis, and when dysfunctional contribute to vasculature-related diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and neurodegenerative conditions. In addition, significant extravascular roles of pathological pericytes are being discovered with relevant implications for cancer and fibrosis. Pericyte research is challenged by the lack of consistent molecular markers and clear discrimination criteria versus other (mural) cells. However, advances in single-cell approaches are uncovering and clarifying mural cell identities, biological functions, and ontogeny across organs. We discuss the latest developments in pericyte pathobiology to inform future research directions and potential outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hielke van Splunder
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenviroment Group, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pilar Villacampa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona and Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Carrer de la Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anabel Martínez-Romero
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenviroment Group, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mariona Graupera
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenviroment Group, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institución Catalana de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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31
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Ren P, Tang Q, He X, Xu J, Wang Y, Xue C. Astaxanthin Augmented the Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Efficacy of Sorafenib Through the Inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway and Mitigation of Hypoxia within the Tumor Microenvironment. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300569. [PMID: 38059808 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300569] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE The optimization of anti-cancer drug effectiveness through dietary modifications has garnered significant attention among researchers in recent times. Astaxanthin (AST) has been identified as a safe and biologically active dietary supplement. METHODS AND RESULTS The tumor-bearing mice are treated with sorafenib, along with supplementation of 60 mg kg-1 AST during the treatment. The coadministration of AST and a subclinical dosage of 10 mg kg-1 sorafenib demonstrates a tumor inhibition rate of 76.5%, which is notably superior to the 45% inhibition rate observed with the clinical dosage of 30 mg kg-1 sorafenib (p < 0.05). The administration of AST leads to a tumor inhibition increase of around 25% when combined with the clinical dose of 30 mg kg-1 sorafenib (p <0.05). AST enhances the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on tumor angiogenesis through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, AST exhibits a reduction in hypoxia within the tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSION The results suggest that AST supplement enhances the inhibitory effects of sorafenib on hepatocellular carcinoma. This study presents a new dietary management program for oncology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingjuan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinjia He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Changhu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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Mpekris F, Papaphilippou PC, Panagi M, Voutouri C, Michael C, Charalambous A, Marinov Dinev M, Katsioloudi A, Prokopi-Demetriades M, Anayiotos A, Cabral H, Krasia-Christoforou T, Stylianopoulos T. Pirfenidone-Loaded Polymeric Micelles as an Effective Mechanotherapeutic to Potentiate Immunotherapy in Mouse Tumor Models. ACS NANO 2023; 17:24654-24667. [PMID: 38054429 PMCID: PMC10753878 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03305] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing research is actively exploring the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat solid tumors by inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and reactivating the function of cytotoxic T effector cells. Many types of solid tumors, however, are characterized by a dense and stiff stroma and are difficult to treat. Mechanotherapeutics have formed a recent class of drugs that aim to restore biomechanical abnormalities of the tumor microenvironment, related to increased stiffness and hypo-perfusion. Here, we have developed a polymeric formulation containing pirfenidone, which has been successful in restoring the tumor microenvironment in breast tumors and sarcomas. We found that the micellar formulation can induce similar mechanotherapeutic effects to mouse models of 4T1 and E0771 triple negative breast tumors and MCA205 fibrosarcoma tumors but with a dose 100-fold lower than that of the free pirfenidone. Importantly, a combination of pirfenidone-loaded micelles with immune checkpoint inhibition significantly delayed primary tumor growth, leading to a significant improvement in overall survival and in a complete cure for the E0771 tumor model. Furthermore, the combination treatment increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration and suppressed myeloid-derived suppressor cells, creating favorable immunostimulatory conditions, which led to immunological memory. Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) was able to monitor changes in tumor stiffness during treatment, suggesting optimal treatment conditions. Micellar encapsulation is a promising strategy for mechanotherapeutics, and imaging methods, such as SWE, can assist their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Mpekris
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Petri Ch. Papaphilippou
- Polymers
and Polymer Processing Laboratories, Department of Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering, University of
Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christina Michael
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Antonia Charalambous
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Mariyan Marinov Dinev
- Polymers
and Polymer Processing Laboratories, Department of Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering, University of
Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades
- Theramir
Ltd, R&D Laboratory, 4101 Limassol, Cyprus
- Biomechanics
and Living Systems Analysis Laboratory, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Anayiotos
- Biomechanics
and Living Systems Analysis Laboratory, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department
of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-8656 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Theodora Krasia-Christoforou
- Polymers
and Polymer Processing Laboratories, Department of Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering, University of
Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
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33
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Qian C, Liu C, Liu W, Zhou R, Zhao L. Targeting vascular normalization: a promising strategy to improve immune-vascular crosstalk in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1291530. [PMID: 38193080 PMCID: PMC10773740 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1291530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels are a key target for cancer therapy. Compared with the healthy vasculature, tumor blood vessels are extremely immature, highly permeable, and deficient in pericytes. The aberrantly vascularized tumor microenvironment is characterized by hypoxia, low pH, high interstitial pressure, and immunosuppression. The efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy is affected by abnormal blood vessels. Some anti-angiogenic drugs show vascular normalization effects in addition to targeting angiogenesis. Reversing the abnormal state of blood vessels creates a normal microenvironment, essential for various cancer treatments, specifically immunotherapy. In addition, immune cells and molecules are involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. Therefore, combining vascular normalization with immunotherapy may increase the efficacy of immunotherapy and reduce the risk of adverse reactions. In this review, we discussed the structure, function, and formation of abnormal vessels. In addition, we elaborated on the role of the immunosuppressive microenvironment in the formation of abnormal vessels. Finally, we described the clinical challenges associated with the combination of immunotherapy with vascular normalization, and highlighted future research directions in this therapeutic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qian
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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34
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Lin S, Chai Y, Zheng X, Xu X. The role of HIF in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and tumor microenvironment in urological cancers. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 51:14. [PMID: 38085375 PMCID: PMC10716070 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08931-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Typically associated with solid tumors, hypoxia contributes to tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis through various molecular mechanisms. Accumulating studies indicate that hypoxia-inducible factor is the key transcription factor coordinating endothelial cells to respond to hypoxia in urological cancers, mainly renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer. Moreover, it has been suggested that tumor hypoxia in tumor microenvironment simultaneously recruits stromal cells to suppress immune activities. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which HIF regulates tumorigenesis and elaborates on the associations between HIF and angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and tumor microenvironment in urological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yueyang Chai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangyi Zheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xin Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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35
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S K P. Cancer reduction in mice with Prakasine nanomedicine immunotherapy. ARTIFICIAL CELLS, NANOMEDICINE, AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 51:572-589. [PMID: 37882207 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2023.2270023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
In this study, non-toxic mercury nanoparticle Prakasine (PRK-NP) was synthesized as per 'Prakash theory of metal drugs' and nanoparticle's non toxicity has been demonstrated by employing in vitro MTT (dose = 320ug/ml), SBR (dose = 80ug/ml) and apoptosis assays (dose = 320ug/ml), and in vivo acute and chronic toxicity studies in mice (n = 12, dose = 900 mg/kg body weight oral), rat (n = 14, dose = 500 mg/kg body weight oral for 18 months), rabbit (n = 14, dose = 500 mg/kg body weight oral for 18 months) and dogs (n = 14, dose = 500 mg/kg body weight oral for 18 months). The MTT, SBR and apoptosis assays established no cytotoxicity, no genotoxicity and no cytolytic anticancer effects. The mice, rat, rabbit and dog studies also indicated nontoxicity. The PRK-NPs significantly reduced the breast cancer tumour in murine mammary tumour - C3H/HeJ model 35% and 43.7% in mice at doses of 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively. Also, in xenograft mammary tumour mice model the tumour regressions are 25.7% and 83% in the doses of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively, compared to standard positive control drugs without any adverse effects and toxicity. Thus, the current study beholds anticipation PRK-NPs may play a vital role in therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash S K
- Naval AIDS Research Centre, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India
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36
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Choi Y, Jung K. Normalization of the tumor microenvironment by harnessing vascular and immune modulation to achieve enhanced cancer therapy. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2308-2319. [PMID: 37907742 PMCID: PMC10689787 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01114-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors are complex entities that actively shape their microenvironment to create a supportive environment for their own growth. Angiogenesis and immune suppression are two key characteristics of this tumor microenvironment. Despite attempts to deplete tumor blood vessels using antiangiogenic drugs, extensive vessel pruning has shown limited efficacy. Instead, a targeted approach involving the judicious use of drugs at specific time points can normalize the function and structure of tumor vessels, leading to improved outcomes when combined with other anticancer therapies. Additionally, normalizing the immune microenvironment by suppressing immunosuppressive cells and activating immunostimulatory cells has shown promise in suppressing tumor growth and improving overall survival. Based on these findings, many studies have been conducted to normalize each component of the tumor microenvironment, leading to the development of a variety of strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the concepts of vascular and immune normalization and discuss some of the strategies employed to achieve these goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yechan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Keehoon Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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37
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Gacche RN. Changing landscape of anti-angiogenic therapy: Novel approaches and clinical perspectives. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189020. [PMID: 37951481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Targeting angiogenesis has remained one of the important aspects in disease biology in general and cancer in particular. Currently (June 2023), over 593 clinical trials have been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov having inference of term 'angiogenesis'. A panel of 14 anti-angiogenic drugs have been approved by FDA for the treatment of variety of cancers and other human ailments. Although the anti-angiogenic therapy (AAT) has gained significant clinical attention as a promising approach in the treatment of various diseases, particularly cancer, however, sizable literature has accumulated in the recent past describing the aggressive nature of tumours after the drug holidays, evolving drug resistance and off-target toxicities. Nevertheless, the emergence of inscrutable compensatory or alternative angiogenic mechanisms is limiting the efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs and focussing the therapeutic regime as a puzzle of 'Lernaean hydra'. This review offers an overview of recent updates on the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy and the current clinical performance of aaRTK inhibitors. Additionally, it also explores the changing application landscape of AAT, focusing on its role in diabetic nephropathy, age-related macular degeneration and other neovascular ocular disorders. Combination therapy with antiangiogenic drugs and immune check point inhibitors (ICIs) has emerged as a potential strategy to enhance the therapeutic index of cancer immunotherapy. While clinical studies have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of this approach, they also highlight the complex and sometimes unpredictable adverse events associated with it. Normalizing tumour vasculature has been identified as a key factor in unlocking the full potential of ICIs, thereby providing hope for improved treatment outcomes. The future prospects and challenges of AAT have been described with special reference to integration of technological advances for enhancing its efficacy and applications beyond its discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh N Gacche
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, MS, India.
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38
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Zhang S, Grifno G, Passaro R, Regan K, Zheng S, Hadzipasic M, Banerji R, O'Connor L, Chu V, Kim SY, Yang J, Shi L, Karrobi K, Roblyer D, Grinstaff MW, Nia HT. Intravital measurements of solid stresses in tumours reveal length-scale and microenvironmentally dependent force transmission. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1473-1492. [PMID: 37640900 PMCID: PMC10836235 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
In cancer, solid stresses impede the delivery of therapeutics to tumours and the trafficking and tumour infiltration of immune cells. Understanding such consequences and the origin of solid stresses requires their probing in vivo at the cellular scale. Here we report a method for performing volumetric and longitudinal measurements of solid stresses in vivo, and findings from its applicability to tumours. We used multimodal intravital microscopy of fluorescently labelled polyacrylamide beads injected in breast tumours in mice as well as mathematical modelling to compare solid stresses at the single-cell and tissue scales, in primary and metastatic tumours, in vitro and in mice, and in live mice and post-mortem tissue. We found that solid-stress transmission is scale dependent, with tumour cells experiencing lower stresses than their embedding tissue, and that tumour cells in lung metastases experience substantially higher solid stresses than those in the primary tumours. The dependence of solid stresses on length scale and the microenvironment may inform the development of therapeutics that sensitize cancer cells to such mechanical forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Grifno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Passaro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Regan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Siyi Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Muhamed Hadzipasic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rohin Banerji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Logan O'Connor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vinson Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sung Yeon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiarui Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linzheng Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kavon Karrobi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Darren Roblyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hadi T Nia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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39
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Cao C, Zhang L, Sorensen MD, Reifenberger G, Kristensen BW, McIntyre TM, Lin F. D-2-hydroxyglutarate regulates human brain vascular endothelial cell proliferation and barrier function. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2023; 82:921-933. [PMID: 37740942 PMCID: PMC10588003 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Gain-of-function mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes result in excessive production of (D)-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG) which intrinsically modifies tumor cell epigenetics and impacts surrounding noncancerous cells through nonepigenetic pathways. However, whether D-2HG has a paracrine effect on endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment needs further clarification. We quantified microvessel density by immunohistochemistry using tissue sections from 60 high-grade astrocytic gliomas with or without IDH mutation. Microvessel density was found to be reduced in tumors carrying an IDH mutation. Ex vivo experiments showed that D-2HG inhibited endothelial cell migration, wound healing, and tube formation by suppressing cell proliferation but not viability, possibly through reduced activation of the mTOR/STAT3 pathway. Further, D-2HG reduced fluorescent dextran permeability and decreased paracellular T-cell transendothelial migration by augmenting expression of junctional proteins thereby collectively increasing endothelial barrier function. These results indicate that D-2HG may influence the tumor vascular microenvironment by reducing the intratumoral vasculature density and by inhibiting the transport of metabolites and extravasation of circulating cells into the astrocytoma microenvironment. These observations provide a rationale for combining IDH inhibition with antitumor immunological/angiogenic approaches and suggest a molecular basis for resistance to antiangiogenic drugs in patients whose tumors express a mutant IDH allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Cao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Lingjun Zhang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mia D Sorensen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Guido Reifenberger
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bjarne W Kristensen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas M McIntyre
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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40
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Yang ZY, Yan XC, Zhang JYL, Liang L, Gao CC, Zhang PR, Liu Y, Sun JX, Ruan B, Duan JL, Wang RN, Feng XX, Che B, Xiao T, Han H. Repression of rRNA gene transcription by endothelial SPEN deficiency normalizes tumor vasculature via nucleolar stress. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e159860. [PMID: 37607001 PMCID: PMC10575731 DOI: 10.1172/jci159860] [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: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cancers induce a chaotic, dysfunctional vasculature that promotes tumor growth and blunts most current therapies; however, the mechanisms underlying the induction of a dysfunctional vasculature have been unclear. Here, we show that split end (SPEN), a transcription repressor, coordinates rRNA synthesis in endothelial cells (ECs) and is required for physiological and tumor angiogenesis. SPEN deficiency attenuated EC proliferation and blunted retinal angiogenesis, which was attributed to p53 activation. Furthermore, SPEN knockdown activated p53 by upregulating noncoding promoter RNA (pRNA), which represses rRNA transcription and triggers p53-mediated nucleolar stress. In human cancer biopsies, a low endothelial SPEN level correlated with extended overall survival. In mice, endothelial SPEN deficiency compromised rRNA expression and repressed tumor growth and metastasis by normalizing tumor vessels, and this was abrogated by p53 haploinsufficiency. rRNA gene transcription is driven by RNA polymerase I (RNPI). We found that CX-5461, an RNPI inhibitor, recapitulated the effect of Spen ablation on tumor vessel normalization and combining CX-5461 with cisplatin substantially improved the efficacy of treating tumors in mice. Together, these results demonstrate that SPEN is required for angiogenesis by repressing pRNA to enable rRNA gene transcription and ribosomal biogenesis and that RNPI represents a target for tumor vessel normalization therapy of cancer.
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41
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Mamilos A, Lein A, Winter L, Haas M, Reichert TE, Ettl T, Künzel J, Spanier G, Brochhausen C. Immunohistochemical Assessment of Microvessel Density in OSCC: Spatial Heterogeneity of Angiogenesis and Its Impact on Survival. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2724. [PMID: 37893098 PMCID: PMC10604174 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) are a common malignancy of the oral cavity and are often diagnosed when they have already spread to the regional lymph nodes. Advanced stages of cancer are characterized by the development of distant metastases. Angiogenesis, a hallmark of cancer, is known to contribute to cancer progression and metastasis. High microvessel density (MVD) has been linked to poor clinical outcomes in various types of cancer. (2) Methods: In this study, we aimed to investigate the spatial heterogeneity of blood vessels by comparing the tumor center and invasion front and to evaluate its prognostic value in OSCC. A total of 71 OSCC patient specimens were collected. The tissue was immunohistochemically stained using CD31 antibody to assess the MVD in the tumor center and the invasion front. Furthermore, the associations between the histopathological parameters, including MVD, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were computed. (3) Results: In our study, we found a significantly higher presence of blood vessels at the invasion front of OSCCs compared to the tumor center. However, we did not observe any significant differences in MVD between different tumor stages. High intratumoral MVD was shown to be a positive prognostic factor for DFS (p = 0.047). (4) Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, we were the first to analyze MVD as a prognostic factor by considering its spatial heterogeneity in OSCC. However, further studies are warranted to further elucidate the complexity of microvascular spatial heterogeneity and its influence on prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Mamilos
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Central Biobank Regensburg, University and University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Pathology, German Oncology Center, 4108 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Alexander Lein
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lina Winter
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Markus Haas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Torsten E. Reichert
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Ettl
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julian Künzel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gerrit Spanier
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Brochhausen
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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42
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Hashimoto A, Hashimoto S. ADP-Ribosylation Factor 6 Pathway Acts as a Key Executor of Mesenchymal Tumor Plasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14934. [PMID: 37834383 PMCID: PMC10573442 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914934] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the "big data" on cancer from recent breakthroughs in high-throughput technology and the development of new therapeutic modalities, it remains unclear as to how intra-tumor heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity created by various somatic abnormalities and epigenetic and metabolic adaptations orchestrate therapy resistance, immune evasiveness, and metastatic ability. Tumors are formed by various cells, including immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, and their tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in malignant tumor progression and responses to therapy. ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) and AMAP1 are often overexpressed in cancers, which statistically correlates with poor outcomes. The ARF6-AMAP1 pathway promotes the intracellular dynamics and cell-surface expression of various proteins. This pathway is also a major target for KRAS/TP53 mutations to cooperatively promote malignancy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and is closely associated with immune evasion. Additionally, this pathway is important in angiogenesis, acidosis, and fibrosis associated with tumor malignancy in the TME, and its inhibition in PDAC cells results in therapeutic synergy with an anti-PD-1 antibody in vivo. Thus, the ARF6-based pathway affects the TME and the intrinsic function of tumors, leading to malignancy. Here, we discuss the potential mechanisms of this ARF6-based pathway in tumorigenesis, and novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shigeru Hashimoto
- Division of Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0815, Japan
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43
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Fard D, Giraudo E, Tamagnone L. Mind the (guidance) signals! Translational relevance of semaphorins, plexins, and neuropilins in pancreatic cancer. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:817-829. [PMID: 37598000 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.07.009] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of demise worldwide. Although key associated genetic changes have been discovered, disease progression is sustained by pathogenic mechanisms that are poorly understood at the molecular level. In particular, the tissue microenvironment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is usually characterized by high stromal content, scarce recruitment of immune cells, and the presence of neuronal fibers. Semaphorins and their receptors, plexins and neuropilins, comprise a wide family of regulatory signals that control neurons, endothelial and immune cells, embryo development, and normal tissue homeostasis, as well as the microenvironment of human tumors. We focus on the role of these molecular signals in pancreatic cancer progression, as revealed by experimental research and clinical studies, including novel approaches for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon Fard
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Giraudo
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Wang C, Xu J, Zhang Y, Nie G. Emerging nanotechnological approaches to regulating tumor vasculature for cancer therapy. J Control Release 2023; 362:647-666. [PMID: 37703928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal angiogenesis stands for one of the most striking manifestations of malignant tumor. The pathologically and structurally abnormal tumor vasculature facilitates a hostile tumor microenvironment, providing an ideal refuge exclusively for cancer cells. The emergence of vascular regulation drugs has introduced a distinctive class of therapeutics capable of influencing nutrition supply and drug delivery efficacy without the need to penetrate a series of physical barriers to reach tumor cells. Nanomedicines have been further developed for more precise regulation of tumor vasculature with the capacity of co-delivering multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients, which overall reduces the systemic toxicity and boosts the therapeutic efficacy of free drugs. Additionally, precise structure design enables the integration of specific functional motifs, such as surface-targeting ligands, droppable shells, degradable framework, or stimuli-responsive components into nanomedicines, which can improve tissue-specific accumulation, enhance tissue penetration, and realize the controlled and stimulus-triggered release of the loaded cargo. This review describes the morphological and functional characteristics of tumor blood vessels and summarizes the pivotal molecular targets commonly used in nanomedicine design, and then highlights the recent cutting-edge advancements utilizing nanotechnologies for precise regulation of tumor vasculature. Finally, the challenges and future directions of this field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Sino-Danish College of UCAS, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Junchao Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yinlong Zhang
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Sino-Danish College of UCAS, Beijing 100190, China; School of Nanoscience and Engineering, School of Chemical Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Guangjun Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Sino-Danish College of UCAS, Beijing 100190, China; GBA National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Guangzhou 510530, China.
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Anderson TS, McCormick AL, Daugherity EA, Oladejo M, Okpalanwaka IF, Smith SL, Appiah D, Wood LM, Lowe DB. Listeria-based vaccination against the pericyte antigen RGS5 elicits anti-vascular effects and colon cancer protection. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2260620. [PMID: 37781234 PMCID: PMC10540654 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2260620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality despite efforts to improve standard interventions. As CRC patients can benefit from immunotherapeutic strategies that incite effector T cell action, cancer vaccines represent a safe and promising therapeutic approach to elicit protective and durable immune responses against components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we investigate the pre-clinical potential of a Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)-based vaccine targeting the CRC-associated vasculature. CRC survival and progression are reliant on functioning blood vessels to effectively mediate various metabolic processes and oxygenate underlying tissues. We, therefore, advance the strategy of initiating immunity in syngeneic mouse models against the endogenous pericyte antigen RGS5, which is a critical mediator of pathological vascularization. Overall, Lm-based vaccination safely induced potent anti-tumor effects that consisted of recruiting functional Type-1-associated T cells into the TME and reducing tumor blood vessel content. This study underscores the promising clinical potential of targeting RGS5 against vascularized tumors like CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor S. Anderson
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Amanda L. McCormick
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Daugherity
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Mariam Oladejo
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Izuchukwu F. Okpalanwaka
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Savanna L. Smith
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Duke Appiah
- Department of Public Health, School of Population and Public Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Laurence M. Wood
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Devin B. Lowe
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
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Zhong J, Xiao C, Chen Q, Pan X, Xu T, Wang Y, Hou W, Liu L, Cao F, Wang Y, Li X, Zhou L, Yang H, Yang Y, Zhao C. Zebrafish functional xenograft vasculature platform identifies PF-502 as a durable vasculature normalization drug. iScience 2023; 26:107734. [PMID: 37680473 PMCID: PMC10480778 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107734] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor vasculature often exhibits disorder and inefficiency. Vascular normalization offers potential for alleviating hypoxia and optimizing drug delivery in tumors. However, identifying effective agents is hindered by a lack of robust screening. We aimed to establish a comprehensive method using the zebrafish functional xenograft vasculature platform (zFXVP) to visualize and quantify tumor vasculature changes. Employing zFXVP, we systematically screened compounds, identifying PF-502 as a robust vascular normalization agent. Mechanistic studies showed PF-502 induces endothelial cell-cycle arrest, streamlines vasculature, and activates Notch1 signaling, enhancing stability and hemodynamics. In murine models, PF-502 exhibited pronounced vascular normalization and improved drug delivery at a sub-maximum tolerated dose. These findings highlight zFXVP's utility and suggest PF-502 as a promising adjunctive for vascular normalization in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chaoxin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiangyu Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tongtong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yiyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wanting Hou
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fujun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yulin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hanshuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chengjian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
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Kwak E, Ahmed T, Flores PC, Ortiz HR, Langlais PR, Mythreye K, Lee NY. Beta IV spectrin inhibits the metastatic growth of melanoma by suppressing VEGFR2-driven tumor angiogenesis. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18981-18987. [PMID: 37680049 PMCID: PMC10557856 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6522] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-associated angiogenesis mediates the growth and metastasis of most solid cancers. Targeted therapies of the VEGF pathways can effectively block these processes but often fail to provide lasting benefits due to acquired resistance and complications. RESULTS Recently, we discovered βIV -spectrin as a powerful regulator of angiogenesis and potential new target. We previously reported that βIV -spectrin is dynamically expressed in endothelial cells (EC) to induce VEGFR2 protein turnover during development. Here, we explored how βIV -spectrin influences the tumor vasculature using the murine B16 melanoma model and determined that loss of EC-specific βIV -spectrin dramatically promotes tumor growth and metastasis. Intraperitoneally injected B16 cells formed larger tumors with increased tumor vessel density and greater propensity for metastatic spread particularly to the chest cavity and lung compared to control mice. These results support βIV -spectrin as a key regulator of tumor angiogenesis and a viable vascular target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun‐A. Kwak
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Tasmia Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry & BiochemistryUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Paola Cruz Flores
- Department of Chemistry & BiochemistryUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Hannah R. Ortiz
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | | | | | - Nam Y. Lee
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Department of Chemistry & BiochemistryUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
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48
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Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Faraji F, Farhadi T, Hesami O, Iranpanah A, Webber K, Bishayee A. Current advances in nanoformulations of therapeutic agents targeting tumor microenvironment to overcome drug resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:959-1020. [PMID: 37505336 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10119-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in cancer development and progression. In this line, revealing the precise mechanisms of the TME and associated signaling pathways of tumor resistance could pave the road for cancer prevention and efficient treatment. The use of nanomedicine could be a step forward in overcoming the barriers in tumor-targeted therapy. Novel delivery systems benefit from enhanced permeability and retention effect, decreasing tumor resistance, reducing tumor hypoxia, and targeting tumor-associated factors, including immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Emerging evidence also indicates the engagement of multiple dysregulated mediators in the TME, such as matrix metalloproteinase, vascular endothelial growth factor, cytokines/chemokines, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, and related inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Hence, investigating novel multitargeted agents using a novel delivery system could be a promising strategy for regulating TME and drug resistance. In recent years, small molecules from natural sources have shown favorable anticancer responses by targeting TME components. Nanoformulations of natural compounds are promising therapeutic agents in simultaneously targeting multiple dysregulated factors and mediators of TME, reducing tumor resistance mechanisms, overcoming interstitial fluid pressure and pericyte coverage, and involvement of basement membrane. The novel nanoformulations employ a vascular normalization strategy, stromal/matrix normalization, and stress alleviation mechanisms to exert higher efficacy and lower side effects. Accordingly, the nanoformulations of anticancer monoclonal antibodies and conventional chemotherapeutic agents also improved their efficacy and lessened the pharmacokinetic limitations. Additionally, the coadministration of nanoformulations of natural compounds along with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, monoclonal antibodies, and nanomedicine-based radiotherapy exhibits encouraging results. This critical review evaluates the current body of knowledge in targeting TME components by nanoformulation-based delivery systems of natural small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, conventional chemotherapeutic agents, and combination therapies in both preclinical and clinical settings. Current challenges, pitfalls, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Faraji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6517838678, Iran
| | - Tara Farhadi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6714415153, Iran
| | - Osman Hesami
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Amin Iranpanah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Kassidy Webber
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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49
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Lv S, Liu Y, Xie C, Xue C, Du S, Yao J. Emerging role of interactions between tumor angiogenesis and cancer stem cells. J Control Release 2023; 360:468-481. [PMID: 37391031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.06.036] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are two major hallmarks of solid tumors. They have long received attention for their critical roles in tumor progression, metastasis and recurrence. Meanwhile, plenty of evidence indicates the close association between CSCs and tumor vasculature. CSCs are proven to promote tumor angiogenesis, and the highly vascularized tumor microenvironment further maintains CSCs growth in return, thereby forming a hard-breaking vicious circle to promote tumor development. Hence, though monotherapy targeting tumor vasculature or CSCs has been extensively studied over the past decades, the poor prognosis has been limiting the clinical application. This review summarizes the crosstalk between tumor vasculature and CSCs with emphasis on small-molecule compounds and the associated biological signaling pathways. We also highlight the importance of linking tumor vessels to CSCs to disrupt the CSCs-angiogenesis vicious circle. More precise treatment regimens targeting tumor vasculature and CSCs are expected to benefit future tumor treatment development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Changheng Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chenyang Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shi Du
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Jing Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China.
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50
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Lin S, Li K, Qi L. Cancer stem cells in brain tumors: From origin to clinical implications. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e341. [PMID: 37576862 PMCID: PMC10412776 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors are highly heterogeneous tumors with a poor prognosis and a high morbidity and mortality rate in both children and adults. The cancer stem cell (CSC, also named tumor-initiating cell) model states that tumor growth is driven by a subset of CSCs. This model explains some of the clinical observations of brain tumors, including the almost unavoidable tumor recurrence after initial successful chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and treatment resistance. Over the past two decades, strategies for the identification and characterization of brain CSCs have improved significantly, supporting the design of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for brain tumors. Relevant studies have unveiled novel characteristics of CSCs in the brain, including their heterogeneity and distinctive immunobiology, which have provided opportunities for new research directions and potential therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of CSCs markers and stemness regulators in brain tumors. We also comprehensively describe the influence of the CSCs niche and tumor microenvironment on brain tumor stemness, including interactions between CSCs and the immune system, and discuss the potential application of CSCs in brain-based therapies for the treatment of brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyun Lin
- Institute of Digestive DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityQingyuan People's HospitalQingyuanGuangdongChina
| | - Kaishu Li
- Institute of Digestive DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityQingyuan People's HospitalQingyuanGuangdongChina
| | - Ling Qi
- Institute of Digestive DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityQingyuan People's HospitalQingyuanGuangdongChina
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