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Wang W, He Y, Yao LC, Yuan Y, Lu C, Xiong LK, Ma P, Zhang YF, Yu KH, Tang ZG. Identification of m6A modification patterns and RBM15 mediated macrophage phagocytosis in pancreatic cancer: An integrative analysis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167304. [PMID: 38878830 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) responds weakly to conventional immunotherapy. RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification has an essential role in the immune response, while its potential role in PC tumor microenvironment (TME) immune cell infiltration remains unknown. In this study, we thoroughly assessed the m6A modification patterns of 472 PC samples using 19 m6A regulators, and we systematically correlated these modification patterns with TME immune cell infiltration characteristics. We also created the m6Ascore and evaluated the m6A modification patterns of individual tumors, identified three different m6A modification patterns, and explored the role of the important m6A "writer" RBM15 in the regulation of macrophage function in PC. Two independent PC cohorts confirmed that patients with higher m6Ascore showed significant survival benefit. We verified that knockdown of RBM15 has the ability to inhibit PC growth and to promote macrophage infiltration and enhance phagocytosis of PC cells by macrophages. In conclusion, m6A modifications play a non-negligible role in the formation of TME diversity and complexity in PC. We reveal that inhibition of RBM15 suppresses PC development and modulates macrophage phagocytosis, and provide a more effective immunotherapeutic strategy for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, East Hospital, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China; Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Digestive System Disease, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ying He
- Department of Stomatology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Li-Chao Yao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Cong Lu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Liang-Kun Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, East Hospital, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Peng Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, East Hospital, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yue-Feng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, East Hospital, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Kai-Huan Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, East Hospital, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Zhi-Gang Tang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China.
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Li M, Freeman S, Franco-Barraza J, Cai KQ, Kim A, Jin S, Cukierman E, Ye K. A bioprinted sea-and-island multicellular model for dissecting human pancreatic tumor-stroma reciprocity and adaptive metabolism. Biomaterials 2024; 310:122631. [PMID: 38815457 PMCID: PMC11186049 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a formidable clinical challenge due to its intricate microenvironment characterized by desmoplasia and complex tumor-stroma interactions. Conventional models hinder studying cellular crosstalk for therapeutic development. To recapitulate key features of PDAC masses, this study creates a novel sea-and-island PDAC tumor construct (s&i PTC). The s&i PTC consists of 3D-printed islands of human PDAC cells positioned within an interstitial extracellular matrix (ECM) populated by human cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). This design closely mimics the in vivo desmoplastic architecture and nutrient-poor conditions. The model enables studying dynamic tumor-stroma crosstalk and signaling reciprocity, revealing both known and yet-to-be-discovered multicellular metabolic adaptations. Using the model, we discovered the orchestrated dynamic alterations of CAFs under nutrient stress, resembling critical in vivo human tumor niches, such as the secretion of pro-tumoral inflammatory factors. Additionally, nutrient scarcity induces dynamic alterations in the ECM composition and exacerbates poor cancer cell differentiation-features well-established in PDAC progression. Proteomic analysis unveiled the enrichment of proteins associated with aggressive tumor behavior and ECM remodeling in response to poor nutritional conditions, mimicking the metabolic stresses experienced by avascular pancreatic tumor cores. Importantly, the model's relevance to patient outcomes is evident through an inverse correlation between biomarker expression patterns in the s&i PTCs and PDAC patient survival rates. Key findings include upregulated MMPs and key ECM proteins (such as collagen 11 and TGFβ) under nutrient-avid conditions, known to be regulated by CAFs, alongside the concomitant reduction in E-cadherin expression associated with a poorly differentiated PDAC state under nutrient deprivation. Furthermore, elevated levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) and integrins in response to nutrient deprivation underscore the model's fidelity to the PDAC microenvironment. We also observed increased IL-6 and reduced α-SMA expression under poor nutritional conditions, suggesting a transition of CAFs from myofibroblastic to inflammatory phenotypes under a nutrient stress akin to in vivo niches. In conclusion, the s&i PTC represents a significant advancement in engineering clinically relevant 3D models of PDAC masses. It offers a promising platform for elucidating tumor-stroma interactions and guiding future therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Sebastian Freeman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Janusz Franco-Barraza
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Lewis Katz Temple School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Lewis Katz Temple School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Sha Jin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Lewis Katz Temple School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Kaiming Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA.
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Chen X, Zhang H. Comprehensive exploration of immune checkpoint-related genes in the prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2024; 79:100481. [PMID: 39208654 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To comprehensively analyze the clinical significance of Immune Checkpoint-Related Genes (ICRGs) in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (PAAD). METHOD PAAD tissues and normal pancreatic tissues were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases, and 283 ICRGs were integrated by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Reactome datasets. Unsupervised clustering was used to obtain potential ICRGs-based PAAD subtypes. Wilcoxon test was performed to screen Differentially Expressed ICRGs (DEICRGs), while cox regression analyses were utilized to identify prognosis-related ICRGs and clinicopathological factors, and construct the corresponding models. The Tumor Immune Microenvironment (TIME) was evaluated. Moreover, the authors performed enrichment analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and transcription factor regulatory networks to realize underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Three ICRGs-based PAAD subtypes were identified, and they were associated with three ESTIMATE scores, a Tumor Microenvironment (TMB) score, 14 therapeutic immune checkpoints, and infiltration levels of seven immune cells. On top of that, the authors constructed two signatures based on DEICRGs to predict the Overall Survival (OS) (Area Under the ROC Curve [AUC: 0.741∼0.778]) and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) (AUC: 0.746∼0.831) of patients. Two nomograms were established by combining clinical variables and signatures. In addition, the authors found higher infiltration of naïve B cells and CD8+ T-cells in low-risk PAAD patients, and higher infiltration of suppressive immune cells and cancer-related signaling pathways in high-risk PAAD patients. CONCLUSION The present study suggested that ICRGs were associated with TIME formation and prognosis of PAAD patients, which may serve as novel clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- Department of Surgery, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, PR China
| | - Herui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, PR China.
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Chen Y, Yin X, Xu R, Ruze R, Song J, Yin C, Hu C, Wang C, Xu Q, Zhao Y. Cancer-Associated Endocrine Cells Participate in Pancreatic Carcinogenesis. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)05225-9. [PMID: 39048054 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The pancreas is composed of endocrine and exocrine parts, and its interlacing structure indicates potential interaction between endocrine and exocrine cells. Although the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been well characterized, the role of pancreatic endocrine cells during carcinogenesis is relatively understudied. METHODS The changes of endocrine cells in PDAC by single-cell transcriptome sequencing, spatial transcriptome sequencing, and multiplex immunohistochemistry were depicted. After that, the interaction between pancreatic carcinogenesis and endocrine changes was explored in orthotopic transplantation mice, KrasLSL-G12DPdx1-Cre mice, and KrasLSL-G12Dp53LoxPPdx1-CreER mice. Finally, we proved the mechanism of the interaction between endocrine and exocrine parts of the pancreas through islet isolation, co-culture in vitro and co-injection in vivo. RESULTS Pancreatic endocrine cells displayed significantly different transcriptomic characteristics and increased interaction with exocrine part in PDAC. Specifically, among all of the changes, pancreatic polypeptide-positive cells showed a sharp increment accompanied by the progression of the cancer lesion, which might be derived from the transdifferentiation of α and β cells. Interestingly, it was proved that PDAC cells were able to induce the transdifferentiation of pancreatic α cells and β cells into glucagon-pancreatic polypeptide and insulin-pancreatic polypeptide double-positive cells, which further promoted carcinogenesis and development of PDAC in a paracrine-dependent manner and formed a reciprocal interaction. CONCLUSIONS This study systematically maps the alteration of pancreatic endocrine cells in PDAC and elucidates the potential endocrine-exocrine interaction mechanisms during PDAC carcinogenesis. In addition, cancer-associated endocrine cells are defined and characterized, thereby further broadening the composition of PDAC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinpeng Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiyuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rexiati Ruze
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianlu Song
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenxue Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglin Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengcheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Infrastructures for Translational Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Infrastructures for Translational Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Infrastructures for Translational Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Mottini C, Auciello FR, Manni I, Pilarsky C, Caputo D, Caracciolo G, Rossetta A, Di Gennaro E, Budillon A, Blandino G, Roca MS, Piaggio G. The cross-talk between the macro and micro-environment in precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer leads to new and promising circulating biomarkers. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:198. [PMID: 39020414 PMCID: PMC11256648 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a clinically challenging tumor to combat due to its advanced stage at diagnosis as well as its resistance to currently available therapies. The absence of early symptoms and known detectable biomarkers renders this disease incredibly difficult to detect/manage. Recent advances in the understanding of PC biology have highlighted the importance of cancer-immune cell interactions, not only in the tumor micro-environment but also in distant systemic sites, like the bone marrow, spleen and circulating immune cells, the so-called macro-environment. The response of the macro-environment is emerging as a determining factor in tumor development by contributing to the formation of an increasingly immunogenic micro-environment promoting tumor homeostasis and progression. We will summarize the key events associated with the feedback loop between the tumor immune micro-environment (TIME) and the tumor immune macroenvironment (TIMaE) in pancreatic precancerous lesions along with how it regulates disease development and progression. In addition, liquid biopsy biomarkers capable of diagnosing PC at an early stage of onset will also be discussed. A clearer understanding of the early crosstalk between micro-environment and macro-environment could contribute to identifying new molecular therapeutic targets and biomarkers, consequently improving early PC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mottini
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Auciello
- UOC Translational Oncology Research, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Giulio Caracciolo
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Molecolare Sapienza, Università Di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elena Di Gennaro
- Experimental Pharmacology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Via M. Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- UOC Translational Oncology Research, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Serena Roca
- Experimental Pharmacology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Via M. Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
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6
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Li X, Hou W, Xiao C, Yang H, Zhao C, Cao D. Panoramic tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00970-6. [PMID: 39008192 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00970-6] [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: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is notorious for its resistance to various treatment modalities. The genetic heterogeneity of PDAC, coupled with the presence of a desmoplastic stroma within the tumor microenvironment (TME), contributes to an unfavorable prognosis. The mechanisms and consequences of interactions among different cell types, along with spatial variations influencing cellular function, potentially play a role in the pathogenesis of PDAC. Understanding the diverse compositions of the TME and elucidating the functions of microscopic neighborhoods may contribute to understanding the immune microenvironment status in pancreatic cancer. As we delve into the spatial biology of the microscopic neighborhoods within the TME, aiding in deciphering the factors that orchestrate this intricate ecosystem. This overview delineates the fundamental constituents and the structural arrangement of the PDAC microenvironment, highlighting their impact on cancer cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Li
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanting Hou
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoxin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China HospitaL, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Heqi Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengjian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China HospitaL, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Cao
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Saadh MJ, Mustafa MA, Malathi H, Ahluwalia G, Kaur S, Al-Dulaimi MAAH, Alubiady MHS, Zain Al-Abdeen SH, Shakier HG, Ali MS, Ahmad I, Abosaoda MK. Targeting the pancreatic tumor microenvironment by plant-derived products and their nanoformulations. Med Oncol 2024; 41:201. [PMID: 39001987 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02443-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains a significant health issue with limited treatment options. The tumor stroma, a complex environment made up of different cells and proteins, plays a crucial role in tumor growth and chemoresistance. Targeting tumor stroma, consisting of diverse non-tumor cells such as fibroblasts, extracellular matrix (ECM), immune cells, and also pre-vascular cells is encouraging for remodeling solid cancers, such as pancreatic cancer. Remodeling the stroma of pancreas tumors can be suggested as a strategy for reducing resistance to chemo/immunotherapy. Several studies have shown that phytochemicals from plants can affect the tumor environment and have anti-cancer properties. By targeting key pathways involved in stromal activation, phytochemicals may disrupt communication between the tumor and stroma and make tumor cells more sensitive to different treatments. Additionally, phytochemicals have immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenic properties, all of which contribute to their potential in treating pancreatic cancer. This review will provide a detailed look at how phytochemicals impact the tumor stroma and their effects on pancreatic tumor growth, spread, and response to treatment. It will also explore the potential of combining phytochemicals with other treatment options like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, 11831, Jordan
| | - Mohammed Ahmed Mustafa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Imam Jaafar AL-Sadiq, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - H Malathi
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, School of Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to Be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Gunveen Ahluwalia
- Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, 303012, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sumeet Kaur
- Department of Applied Sciences, Chandigarh Engineering Colleges, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjeri, 140307, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Munther Kadhim Abosaoda
- College of Pharmacy, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- College of Pharmacy, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- College of Pharmacy, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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8
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Cao Y, Xing R, Yang F, Zhang Y, Zhou X. Establishment of a prognostic model for pancreatic cancer based on vesicle-mediated transport protein-related genes. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38967327 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2024.2367739] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
This study attempted to build a prognostic riskscore model for pancreatic cancer (PC) patients based on vesicle-mediated transport protein-related genes (VMTGs). We initially conducted differential expression analysis and Cox regression analysis, followed by the construction of a riskscore model to classify PC patients into high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups. The GEO GSE62452 dataset further validated the model. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was employed to analyze the survival rate of the HR group and LR group. Cox analysis confirmed the independent prognostic ability of the riskscore model. Additionally, we evaluated immune status in both HR and LR groups, utilizing data from the GDSC database to predict drug response among PC patients. We identified six PC-specific genes from 724 VMTGs. Survival analysis revealed that the survival rate of the HR group was lower than that of the LR group (P<0.05). Cox analysis confirmed that the prognostic riskscore model could independently predict the survival status of PC patients (P<0.001). Immunological analysis revealed that the ESTIMATE score, immune score, and stroma score of the HR group were considerably lower than those of the LR group, and the tumor purity score of the HR group was higher. The IC50 values of Gemcitabine, Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin, and Paclitaxel in the LR group were considerably lower than those in the HR group (P<0.001). In summary, the VMTG-based prognostic riskscore model could stratify PC risk and effectively predict the survival of PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Renwei Xing
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xianfei Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
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9
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Ouyang Y, Shen R, Chu L, Fu C, Hu W, Huang H, Zhang Z, Jiang M, Chen X. Combining single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, NK cell marker genes reveal a prognostic and immune status in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15037. [PMID: 38951569 PMCID: PMC11217423 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65917-1] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The NK cell is an important component of the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), also plays a significant role in PDAC development. This study aimed to explore the relationship between NK cell marker genes and prognosis, immune response of PDAC patients. By scRNA-seq data, we found the proportion of NK cells were significantly downregulated in PDAC and 373 NK cell marker genes were screened out. By TCGA database, we enrolled 7 NK cell marker genes to construct the signature for predicting prognosis in PDAC patients. Cox analysis identified the signature as an independent factor for pancreatic cancer. Subsequently, the predictive power of signature was validated by 6 GEO datasets and had an excellent evaluation. Our analysis of relationship between the signature and patients' immune status revealed that the signature has a strong correlation with immunocyte infiltration, inflammatory reaction, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) response. The NK cell marker genes are closely related to the prognosis and immune capacity of PDAC patients, and they have potential value as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Ouyang
- Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, 305 Zhong Shan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, China.
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Rongxi Shen
- Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, 305 Zhong Shan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, China.
| | - Lihua Chu
- Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, 334000, China
| | - Chengchao Fu
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wang Hu
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Haoxuan Huang
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhicheng Zhang
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China
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10
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Belle JI, Sen D, Baer JM, Liu X, Lander VE, Ye J, Sells BE, Knolhoff BL, Faiz A, Kang LI, Qian G, Fields RC, Ding L, Kim H, Provenzano PP, Stewart SA, DeNardo DG. Senescence Defines a Distinct Subset of Myofibroblasts That Orchestrates Immunosuppression in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1324-1355. [PMID: 38683144 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0428] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) therapeutic resistance is largely attributed to a unique tumor microenvironment embedded with an abundance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Distinct CAF populations were recently identified, but the phenotypic drivers and specific impact of CAF heterogeneity remain unclear. In this study, we identify a subpopulation of senescent myofibroblastic CAFs (SenCAF) in mouse and human PDAC. These SenCAFs are a phenotypically distinct subset of myofibroblastic CAFs that localize near tumor ducts and accumulate with PDAC progression. To assess the impact of endogenous SenCAFs in PDAC, we used an LSL-KRASG12D;p53flox;p48-CRE;INK-ATTAC (KPPC-IA) mouse model of spontaneous PDAC with inducible senescent cell depletion. Depletion of senescent stromal cells in genetic and pharmacologic PDAC models relieved immune suppression by macrophages, delayed tumor progression, and increased responsiveness to chemotherapy. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that SenCAFs promote PDAC progression and immune cell dysfunction. Significance: CAF heterogeneity in PDAC remains poorly understood. In this study, we identify a novel subpopulation of senescent CAFs that promotes PDAC progression and immunosuppression. Targeting CAF senescence in combination therapies could increase tumor vulnerability to chemo or immunotherapy. See related article by Ye et al., p. 1302.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad I Belle
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Devashish Sen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - John M Baer
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Xiuting Liu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Varintra E Lander
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jiayu Ye
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Blake E Sells
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Brett L Knolhoff
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ahmad Faiz
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Liang-I Kang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Guhan Qian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Ryan C Fields
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hyun Kim
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Paolo P Provenzano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sheila A Stewart
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David G DeNardo
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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11
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Khorani K, Burkart S, Weusthof C, Han R, Liang S, Stögbauer F, Hess J. Context-Dependent Regulation of Peripheral Nerve Abundance by the PI3K Pathway in the Tumor Microenvironment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cells 2024; 13:1033. [PMID: 38920662 PMCID: PMC11202044 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121033] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted neurons and their associated Schwann cells (SCs) as key regulators of cancer development. However, the mode of their interaction with tumor cells or other components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains elusive. We established an SC-related 43-gene set as a surrogate for peripheral nerves in the TME. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were classified into low, intermediate and high SC score groups based on the expression of this gene set. Perineural invasion (PNI) and TGF-β signaling were hallmarks of SChigh tumors, whereas SClow tumors were enriched for HPV16-positive OPSCC and higher PI3K-MTOR activity. The latter activity was partially explained by a higher frequency of PTEN mutation and PIK3CA copy number gain. The inverse association between PI3K-MTOR activity and peripheral nerve abundance was context-dependent and influenced by the TP53 mutation status. An in silico drug screening approach highlighted the potential vulnerabilities of HNSCC with variable SC scores and predicted a higher sensitivity of SClow tumors to DNA topoisomerase inhibitors. In conclusion, we have established a tool for assessing peripheral nerve abundance in the TME and provided new clinical and biological insights into their regulation. This knowledge may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies and impart proof of concept in appropriate preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karam Khorani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (C.W.); (R.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Sebastian Burkart
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (C.W.); (R.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Christopher Weusthof
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (C.W.); (R.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (C.W.); (R.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Siyuan Liang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (C.W.); (R.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Fabian Stögbauer
- Tissue Bank of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Germany and Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (C.W.); (R.H.); (S.L.)
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12
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Zhao FY, Chen X, Wang JM, Yuan Y, Li C, Sun J, Wang HQ. O-GlcNAcylation of TRIM29 and OGT translation forms a feedback loop to promote adaptive response of PDAC cells to glucose deficiency. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:1025-1041. [PMID: 38345749 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00915-5] [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] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glucose not only provides energy for tumor cells, but also provides various biomolecules that are essential for their survival, proliferation and invasion. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to understand the mechanism of how tumor cells adapt to metabolic stress and maintain their survival. The aim of this research was to study the critical role of OGT and TRIM29 O-GlcNAc modification driven adaptability of PDAC cells to low glucose stress, which might have important medical implications for PDAC therapy. METHODS Western blotting, mass spectrometry and WGA-immunoprecipitation were used to examined the levels of OGT and O-GlcNAc glycosylated proteins in BxPC3 and SW1990 cells in normal culture and under glucose deprivation conditions. Crystal violet assay, flow cytometry, RIP, RT-qPCR, protein stability assay, biotin pull down were used to investigate the mechanism of OGT and TRIM29-mediated adaptive response to glucose deficiency in PDAC cells. RESULTS The current study found that under the condition of low glucose culture, the levels of OGT and O-GlcNAc glycosylation in PDAC cells were significantly higher than those in normal culture. Moreover, the high expression of OGT has a protective effect on PDAC cells under low glucose stress. This study confirmed that there was no significant change in mRNA level and protein degradation of OGT under low glucose stress, which was mainly reflected in the increase of protein synthesis. In addition, O-GlcNAc modification at T120 site plays a critical role in the metabolic adaptive responses mediated by TRIM29. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our study indicated that O-GlcNAcylation of TRIM29 at T120 site and OGT translation forms a loop feedback to facilitate survival of PDAC under glucose deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Ying Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Jia-Mei Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The 1st Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Ye Yuan
- Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Jia Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Hua-Qin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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13
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Wu D, Gong T, Sun Z, Yao X, Wang D, Chen Q, Guo Q, Li X, Guo Y, Lu Y. Dual-crosslinking gelatin-hyaluronic acid methacrylate based biomimetic PDAC desmoplastic niche enhances tumor-associated macrophages recruitment and M2-like polarization. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131826. [PMID: 38679256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131826] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by deposition of desmoplastic matrix (including collagen and hyaluronic acid). And the interactions between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor cells play a crucial role in progression of PDAC. Hence, the appropriate model of tumor cell-macrophage interaction within the unique PDAC TME is of significantly important. To this end, a 3D tumor niche based on dual-crosslinking gelatin methacrylate and hyaluronic acid methacrylate hydrogels was constructed to simulate the desmoplastic tumor matrix with matching compressive modulus and composition. The bionic 3D tumor niche creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by the downregulation of M1 markers and upregulation of M2 markers in TAMs. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway might modulate the phenotypic balance and recruitment of macrophages through regulating SELE and VCAM-1. Furthermore, GO and GSEA revealed the biological process of leukocyte migration and the activation of cytokine-associated signaling were involved. Finally, the 3D tumor-macrophage niches with three different ratios were fabricated which displayed increased M2-like polarization and stemness. The utilization of the 3D tumor niche has the potential to provide a more accurate investigation of the interplay between PDAC tumor cells and macrophages within an in vivo setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Tiancheng Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Zhongxiang Sun
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Xihao Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Dongzhi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Qiyang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Qingsong Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China
| | - Yibing Guo
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu province 226001, PR China.
| | - Yuhua Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, PR China.
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14
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Qin Q, Yu R, Eriksson JE, Tsai HI, Zhu H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapy: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216859. [PMID: 38615928 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid organ malignancy with a high mortality rate. Statistics indicate that its incidence has been increasing as well as the associated deaths. Most patients with PDAC show poor response to therapies making the clinical management of this cancer difficult. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the development of resistance to therapy in PDAC cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most prevalent stromal cells in the TME, promote a desmoplastic response, produce extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines, and directly influence the biological behavior of cancer cells. These multifaceted effects make it difficult to eradicate tumor cells from the body. As a result, CAF-targeting synergistic therapeutic strategies have gained increasing attention in recent years. However, due to the substantial heterogeneity in CAF origin, definition, and function, as well as high plasticity, majority of the available CAF-targeting therapeutic approaches are not effective, and in some cases, they exacerbate disease progression. This review primarily elucidates on the effect of CAFs on therapeutic efficiency of various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Strategies for CAF targeting therapies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Qin
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Rong Yu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - John E Eriksson
- Cell Biology, Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FI-20520 Finland
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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15
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Peng XL, Kharitonova EV, Xu Y, Kearney JF, Luan C, Chan PS, Hariharan A, McCabe IC, Leary JR, Morrison AB, Trembath HE, LaBella ME, Herera Loeza SG, Cliff A, Kim HJ, Belt BA, Panni RZ, Linehan DC, Damrauer JS, Iuga AC, Kim WY, Rashid NU, Yeh JJ. Determination of permissive and restraining cancer-associated fibroblast (DeCAF) subtypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594197. [PMID: 38798565 PMCID: PMC11118336 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subpopulations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been identified using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) with divergent characteristics, but their clinical relevance remains unclear. We translate scRNAseq-derived CAF cell-subpopulation-specific marker genes to bulk RNAseq data, and develop a single- sample classifier, DeCAF, for the classification of clinically rest raining and perm issive CAF subtypes. We validate DeCAF in 19 independent bulk transcriptomic datasets across four tumor types (PDAC, mesothelioma, bladder and renal cell carcinoma). DeCAF subtypes have distinct histology features, immune landscapes, and are prognostic and predict response to therapy across cancer types. We demonstrate that DeCAF is clinically replicable and robust for the classification of CAF subtypes in patients for multiple tumor types, providing a better framework for the future development and translation of therapies against permissive CAF subtypes and preservation of restraining CAF subtypes. Significance We introduce a replicable and robust classifier, DeCAF, that delineates the significance of the role of permissive and restraining CAF subtypes in cancer patients. DeCAF is clinically tractable, prognostic and predictive of treatment response in multiple cancer types and lays the translational groundwork for the preclinical and clinical development of CAF subtype specific therapies.
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16
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Zheng R, Liu X, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Guo S, Jin X, Zhang J, Guan Y, Liu Y. Frontiers and future of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: from molecular mechanisms to clinical application. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383978. [PMID: 38756774 PMCID: PMC11096556 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignant tumor, that is becoming increasingly common in recent years. Despite advances in intensive treatment modalities including surgery, radiotherapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy, the overall survival rate has not significantly improved in patients with pancreatic cancer. This may be attributed to the insidious onset, unknown pathophysiology, and poor prognosis of the disease. It is therefore essential to identify and develop more effective and safer treatments for pancreatic cancer. Tumor immunotherapy is the new and fourth pillar of anti-tumor therapy after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Significant progress has made in the use of immunotherapy for a wide variety of malignant tumors in recent years; a breakthrough has also been made in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This review describes the advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, oncolytic virus, and matrix-depletion therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. At the same time, some new potential biomarkers and potential immunotherapy combinations for pancreatic cancer are discussed. The molecular mechanisms of various immunotherapies have also been elucidated, and their clinical applications have been highlighted. The current challenges associated with immunotherapy and proposed strategies that hold promise in overcoming these limitations have also been discussed, with the aim of offering new insights into immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zheng
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaobin Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongxian Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shutong Guo
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jin
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuehong Guan
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yusi Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
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17
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Tanaka HY, Nakazawa T, Miyazaki T, Cabral H, Masamune A, Kano MR. Targeting ROCK2 improves macromolecular permeability in a 3D fibrotic pancreatic cancer microenvironment model. J Control Release 2024; 369:283-295. [PMID: 38522816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.041] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a densely fibrotic stroma. The fibrotic stroma hinders the intratumoral penetration of nanomedicine and diminishes therapeutic efficacy. Fibrosis is characterized by an abnormal organization of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, namely the abnormal deposition and/or orientation of collagen and fibronectin. Abnormal ECM organization is chiefly driven by pathological signaling in pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), the main cell type involved in fibrogenesis. However, whether targeting signaling pathways involved in abnormal ECM organization improves the intratumoral penetration of nanomedicines is unknown. Here, we show that targeting transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) 1/2 signaling in PSCs normalizes ECM organization and concomitantly improves macromolecular permeability of the fibrotic stroma. Using a 3-dimensional cell culture model of the fibrotic pancreatic cancer microenvironment, we found that pharmacological inhibition of TGFβ or ROCK1/2 improves the permeation of various macromolecules. By using an isoform-specific pharmacological inhibitor and siRNAs, we show that targeting ROCK2, but not ROCK1, alone is sufficient to normalize ECM organization and improve macromolecular permeability. Moreover, we found that ROCK2 inhibition/knockdown attenuates Yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear localization in fibroblasts co-cultured with pancreatic cancer cells in 3D. Finally, pharmacological inhibition or siRNA-mediated knockdown of YAP normalized ECM organization and improved macromolecular permeability. Our results together suggest that the TGFβ/ROCK2/YAP signaling axis may be therapeutically targeted to normalize ECM organization and improve macromolecular permeability to augment therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi Y Tanaka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Takuya Nakazawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyazaki
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (KISTEC), 705-1 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa 243-0435, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan
| | - Mitsunobu R Kano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
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18
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Zhang W, Zhang K, Shi J, Qiu H, Kan C, Ma Y, Hou N, Han F, Sun X. The impact of the senescent microenvironment on tumorigenesis: Insights for cancer therapy. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14182. [PMID: 38650467 PMCID: PMC11113271 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The growing global burden of cancer, especially among people aged 60 years and over, has become a key public health issue. This trend suggests the need for a deeper understanding of the various cancer types in order to develop universally effective treatments. A prospective area of research involves elucidating the interplay between the senescent microenvironment and tumor genesis. Currently, most oncology research focuses on adulthood and tends to ignore the potential role of senescent individuals on tumor progression. Senescent cells produce a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that has a dual role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). While SASP components can remodel the TME and thus hinder tumor cell proliferation, they can also promote tumorigenesis and progression via pro-inflammatory and pro-proliferative mechanisms. To address this gap, our review seeks to investigate the influence of senescent microenvironment changes on tumor development and their potential implications for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Discipline of EndocrinologyAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifangChina
- Department of PathologyAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifangChina
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Discipline of EndocrinologyAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifangChina
| | - Junfeng Shi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Discipline of EndocrinologyAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifangChina
| | - Hongyan Qiu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Discipline of EndocrinologyAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifangChina
| | - Chengxia Kan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Discipline of EndocrinologyAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifangChina
| | - Yujie Ma
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Discipline of EndocrinologyAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifangChina
| | - Ningning Hou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Discipline of EndocrinologyAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifangChina
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Discipline of EndocrinologyAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifangChina
- Department of PathologyAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifangChina
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Discipline of EndocrinologyAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifangChina
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19
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Silva LGDO, Lemos FFB, Luz MS, Rocha Pinheiro SL, Calmon MDS, Correa Santos GL, Rocha GR, de Melo FF. New avenues for the treatment of immunotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1134-1153. [PMID: 38660642 PMCID: PMC11037047 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i4.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by its extremely aggressive nature and ranks 14th in the number of new cancer cases worldwide. However, due to its complexity, it ranks 7th in the list of the most lethal cancers worldwide. The pathogenesis of PC involves several complex processes, including familial genetic factors associated with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis, and smoking. Mutations in genes such as KRAS, TP53, and SMAD4 are linked to the appearance of malignant cells that generate pancreatic lesions and, consequently, cancer. In this context, some therapies are used for PC, one of which is immunotherapy, which is extremely promising in various other types of cancer but has shown little response in the treatment of PC due to various resistance mechanisms that contribute to a drop in immunotherapy efficiency. It is therefore clear that the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a huge impact on the resistance process, since cellular and non-cellular elements create an immunosuppressive environment, characterized by a dense desmoplastic stroma with cancer-associated fibroblasts, pancreatic stellate cells, extracellular matrix, and immunosuppressive cells. Linked to this are genetic mutations in TP53 and immunosuppressive factors that act on T cells, resulting in a shortage of CD8+ T cells and limited expression of activation markers such as interferon-gamma. In this way, finding new strategies that make it possible to manipulate resistance mechanisms is necessary. Thus, techniques such as the use of TME modulators that block receptors and stromal molecules that generate resistance, the use of genetic manipulation in specific regions, such as microRNAs, the modulation of extrinsic and intrinsic factors associated with T cells, and, above all, therapeutic models that combine these modulation techniques constitute the promising future of PC therapy. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the main mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy in PC and new ways of manipulating this process, resulting in a more efficient therapy for cancer patients and, consequently, a reduction in the lethality of this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabian Fellipe Bueno Lemos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marcel Silva Luz
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Samuel Luca Rocha Pinheiro
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mariana dos Santos Calmon
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Lima Correa Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Reis Rocha
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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20
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Dong C, Ma H, Mi N, Fu W, Yi J, Gao L, Wang H, Ren Y, Lin Y, Han F, Chen Z, Zhou W. Integrated analysis of scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq reveals that GPRC5A is an important prognostic gene in pancreatic cancer and is associated with B-cell Infiltration in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1283164. [PMID: 38634049 PMCID: PMC11021786 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1283164] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignancy with poor prognosis. This investigation aimed to determine the relevant genes that affect the prognosis of PC and investigate their relationship with immune infiltration. Methods : First, we acquired PC single-cell chip data from the GEO database to scrutinize dissimilarities in immune cell infiltration and differential genes between cancerous and adjacent tissues. Subsequently, we combined clinical data from TCGA to identify genes relevant to PC prognosis. Employing Cox and Lasso regression analyses, we constructed a multifactorial Cox prognostic model, which we subsequently confirmed. The prognostic gene expression in PC was authenticated using RT-PCR. Moreover, we employed the TIMER online database to examine the relationship between the expression of prognostic genes and T and B cell infiltration. Additionally, the expression of GPRC5A and its correlation with B cells infiltration and patient prognosis were ascertained in tissue chips using multiple immune fluorescence staining. Results The single-cell analysis unveiled dissimilarities in B-cell infiltration between cancerous and neighboring tissues. We developed a prognostic model utilizing three genes, indicating that patients with high-risk scores experienced a more unfavorable prognosis. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a significant correlation among YWHAZ, GPRC5A, and B cell immune infiltration. In tissue samples, GPRC5A exhibited substantial overexpression and a robust association with an adverse prognosis, demonstrating a positive correlation with B cell infiltration. Conclusion GPRC5A is an independent risk factor in PC and correlated with B cell immune infiltration in PC. These outcomes indicated that GPRC5A is a viable target for treating PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlu Dong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haidong Ma
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ningning Mi
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wenkang Fu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jianfeng Yi
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Department of Surgery, The First School of Clinical Medicine of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Long Gao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haiping Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yanxian Ren
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yanyan Lin
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Fangfang Han
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhou Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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21
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Guo S, Wang Z. Unveiling the immunosuppressive landscape of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: implications for innovative immunotherapy strategies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1349308. [PMID: 38590651 PMCID: PMC10999533 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1349308] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), stands as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, marked by challenging treatment and dismal prognoses. As immunotherapy emerges as a promising avenue for mitigating PDAC's malignant progression, a comprehensive understanding of the tumor's immunosuppressive characteristics becomes imperative. This paper systematically delves into the intricate immunosuppressive network within PDAC, spotlighting the significant crosstalk between immunosuppressive cells and factors in the hypoxic acidic pancreatic tumor microenvironment. By elucidating these mechanisms, we aim to provide insights into potential immunotherapy strategies and treatment targets, laying the groundwork for future studies on PDAC immunosuppression. Recognizing the profound impact of immunosuppression on PDAC invasion and metastasis, this discussion aims to catalyze the development of more effective and targeted immunotherapies for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyu Guo
- First Clinical Medical College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhenxia Wang
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
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22
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Xiao C, Li J, Hua A, Wang X, Li S, Li Z, Xu C, Zhang Z, Yang X, Li Z. Hyperbaric Oxygen Boosts Antitumor Efficacy of Copper-Diethyldithiocarbamate Nanoparticles against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Regulating Cancer Stem Cell Metabolism. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0335. [PMID: 38766644 PMCID: PMC11100349 DOI: 10.34133/research.0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Cuproptosis-based cancer nanomedicine has received widespread attention recently. However, cuproptosis nanomedicine against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is severely limited by cancer stem cells (CSCs), which reside in the hypoxic stroma and adopt glycolysis metabolism accordingly to resist cuproptosis-induced mitochondria damage. Here, we leverage hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) to regulate CSC metabolism by overcoming tumor hypoxia and to augment CSC elimination efficacy of polydopamine and hydroxyethyl starch stabilized copper-diethyldithiocarbamate nanoparticles (CuET@PH NPs). Mechanistically, while HBO and CuET@PH NPs inhibit glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, respectively, the combination of HBO and CuET@PH NPs potently suppresses energy metabolism of CSCs, thereby achieving robust tumor inhibition of PDAC and elongating mice survival importantly. This study reveals novel insights into the effects of cuproptosis nanomedicine on PDAC CSC metabolism and suggests that the combination of HBO with cuproptosis nanomedicine holds significant clinical translation potential for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xiao
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Jiayuan Li
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Ao Hua
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Shiyou Li
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medical,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Zifu Li
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medical,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
- Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
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23
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Chen S, Wang C, Meng Y, Li P, Pan Y, He M, Ni X. Nanofabrications of Erythrocyte Membrane-Coated Telmisartan Delivery System Effective for Radiosensitivity of Tumor Cells in Mice Model. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:1487-1508. [PMID: 38380147 PMCID: PMC10878400 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s441418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Radiation stimulates the secretion of tumor stroma and induces resistance, recurrence, and metastasis of stromal-vascular tumors during radiotherapy. The proliferation and activation of tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) are important reasons for the production of tumor stroma. Telmisartan (Tel) can inhibit the proliferation and activation of TAFs (resting TAFs), which may promote radiosensitization. However, Tel has a poor water solubility. Methods In this study, self-assembled telmisartan nanoparticles (Tel NPs) were prepared by aqueous solvent diffusion method to solve the insoluble problem of Tel and achieve high drug loading of Tel. Then, erythrocyte membrane (ECM) obtained by hypotonic lysis was coated on the surface of Tel NPs (ECM/Tel) for the achievement of in vivo long circulation and tumor targeting. Immunofluorescence staining, western blot and other biological techniques were used to investigate the effect of ECM/Tel on TAFs activation inhibition (resting effect) and mechanisms involved. The multicellular spheroids (MCSs) model and mouse breast cancer cells (4T1) were constructed to investigate the effect of ECM/Tel on reducing stroma secretion, alleviating hypoxia, and the corresponding promoting radiosensitization effect in vitro. A mouse orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer model was constructed to investigate the radiosensitizing effect of ECM/Tel on inhibiting breast cancer growth and lung metastasis of breast cancer. Results ECM/Tel showed good physiological stability and tumor-targeting ability. ECM/Tel could rest TAFs and reduce stroma secretion, alleviate hypoxia, and enhance penetration in tumor microenvironment. In addition, ECM/Tel arrested the cell cycle of 4T1 cells to the radiosensitive G2/M phase. In mouse orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer model, ECM/Tel played a superior role in radiosensitization and significantly inhibited lung metastasis of breast cancer. Conclusion ECM/Tel showed synergistical radiosensitization effect on both the tumor microenvironment and tumor cells, which is a promising radiosensitizer in the radiotherapy of stroma-vascular tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqing Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Medical Physics, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Meng
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Medical Physics, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengyin Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Medical Physics, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiwen Pan
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Medical Physics, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mu He
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Medical Physics, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinye Ni
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Medical Physics, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, People’s Republic of China
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24
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Luckett T, Abudula M, Ireland L, Glenn M, Bellomo G, Stafferton R, Halloran C, Ghaneh P, Jones R, Schmid MC, Mielgo A. Mesothelin Secretion by Pancreatic Cancer Cells Co-opts Macrophages and Promotes Metastasis. Cancer Res 2024; 84:527-544. [PMID: 38356443 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly metastatic disease, yet effective treatments to inhibit PDAC metastasis are lacking. The rich PDAC tumor microenvironment plays a major role in disease progression. Macrophages are the most abundant immune cell population in PDAC tumors and can acquire a range of functions that either hinder or promote tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we identified that mesothelin secretion by pancreatic cancer cells co-opts macrophages to support tumor growth and metastasis of cancer cells to the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. Mechanistically, secretion of high levels of mesothelin by metastatic cancer cells induced the expression of VEGF alpha (VEGFA) and S100A9 in macrophages. Macrophage-derived VEGFA fed back to cancer cells to support tumor growth, and S100A9 increased neutrophil lung infiltration and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. These results reveal a role for mesothelin in regulating macrophage functions and interaction with neutrophils to support PDAC metastasis. SIGNIFICANCE Mesothelin secretion by cancer cells supports pancreatic cancer metastasis by inducing macrophage secretion of VEGFA and S100A9 to support cancer cell proliferation and survival, recruit neutrophils, and stimulate neutrophil extracellular trap formation. See related commentary by Alewine, p. 513.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teifion Luckett
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Maidinaimu Abudula
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Ireland
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Glenn
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gaia Bellomo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Stafferton
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Halloran
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Ghaneh
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Jones
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liverpool University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael C Schmid
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ainhoa Mielgo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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25
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Qiu X, Lu C, Sha H, Zhu Y, Kong W, Tong F, Wang Q, Meng F, Liu B, Du J. Efficacy and safety of second-line therapy by S-1 combined with sintilimab and anlotinib in pancreatic cancer patients with liver metastasis: a single-arm, phase II clinical trial. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1210859. [PMID: 38361920 PMCID: PMC10867188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1210859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic adenocarcinoma carries a grim prognosis, and there are few recognized effective second-line treatment strategies. We attempted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of S-1, sintilimab, and anlotinib as a second-line treatment in pancreatic cancer patients with liver metastasis. Methods Pancreatic cancer patients with liver metastases were recruited. S-1 was administered orally at 25 mg/m2 bid, anlotinib was administered orally at 12 mg qd from day 1 to day 14, and sintilimab was administered intravenously at 200 mg on day 1. This method was repeated every 21 days, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated every 3 cycles. The primary outcome was the objective response rate (ORR). Results Overall, 23 patients were enrolled in this study of whom 19 patients had objective efficacy evaluation. The ORR was 10.5% (95% CI 0.4%-25.7%) in the evaluable population. The progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.53 (95% CI 2.50-7.50) months, and the overall survival (mOS) was 8.53 (95% CI 4.97-14.20) months. Grade 3 adverse events were 26.1%, and no grade 4 or above adverse events occurred. High-throughput sequencing was performed on the tumor tissues of 16 patients; patients with HRD-H (n = 10) had shorter PFS than those with HRD-L (n = 6) (2.43 vs. 5.45 months; P = 0.043), but there was no significant difference in OS between the two groups (4.43 vs. 9.35 months; P = 0.11). Conclusions This study suggests the advantage of S-1 combined with sintilimab and anlotinib in extending OS as a second-line therapy in pancreatic cancer patients with liver metastasis. Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR2000030659.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Qiu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Changchang Lu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Huizi Sha
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yahui Zhu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Kong
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fan Tong
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiaoli Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Fanyan Meng
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Du
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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26
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Orlacchio A, Muzyka S, Gonda TA. Epigenetic therapeutic strategies in pancreatic cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 383:1-40. [PMID: 38359967 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal solid malignancies, characterized by its aggressiveness and metastatic potential, with a 5-year survival rate of only 8-11%. Despite significant improvements in PDAC treatment and management, therapeutic alternatives are still limited. One of the main reasons is its high degree of intra- and inter-individual tumor heterogeneity which is established and maintained through a complex network of transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. Epigenetic drugs, have shown promising preclinical results in PDAC and are currently being evaluated in clinical trials both for their ability to sensitize cancer cells to cytotoxic drugs and to counteract the immunosuppressive characteristic of PDAC tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the current status of epigenetic treatment strategies to overcome molecular and cellular PDAC heterogeneity in order to improve response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Orlacchio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephen Muzyka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tamas A Gonda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York University, New York, NY, United States.
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27
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Chen S, Du W, Feng K, Liu K, Li C, Li S, Yin H. AMIGO2 is a pivotal therapeutic target related to M2 polarization of macrophages in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:1111-1127. [PMID: 38189855 PMCID: PMC10866418 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205380] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common kind of lethal cancer, with low early diagnostic rate and poor prognosis. In this study, we identified and verified the AMIGO2 with significant diagnostic and prognostic value in PDAC through LASSO regression combined with multiple machines learning methods, including RVM-RFE and Random Forest in TCGA and GEO datasets. The relevance between the expression of AMIGO2 and M2 polarization of macrophages was identified through pancancer, normal tissue, and cell lines data in TCGA, GTEx and CCLE datasets. The relevance between AMIGO2 and M2 polarization was then further identified in our local PDAC cohort. Finally, the role of AMIGO2 as cancer promoter and pivotal factor enrolled in M2 polarization was verified through siRNA transfection and M2 macrophages induction. These findings could facilitate diagnosis and treatment of PDAC. In addition, further research was deemed necessary on the deep mechanism between AMIGO2 and M2 polarization of macrophages in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shensi Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Wujun Du
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Ke Feng
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Cunji Li
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Shengming Li
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Hua Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
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Luo W, Wen T, Qu X. Tumor immune microenvironment-based therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: time to update the concept. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:8. [PMID: 38167055 PMCID: PMC10759657 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02935-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal solid tumors. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) formed by interactions among cancer cells, immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and extracellular matrix (ECM) components drives PDAC in a more immunosuppressive direction: this is a major cause of therapy resistance and poor prognosis. In recent years, research has advanced our understanding of the signaling mechanism by which TIME components interact with the tumor and the evolution of immunophenotyping. Through revolutionary technologies such as single-cell sequencing, we have gone from simply classifying PDACs as "cold" and "hot" to a more comprehensive approach of immunophenotyping that considers all the cells and matrix components. This is key to improving the clinical efficacy of PDAC treatments. In this review, we elaborate on various TIME components in PDAC, the signaling mechanisms underlying their interactions, and the latest research into PDAC immunophenotyping. A deep understanding of these network interactions will contribute to the effective combination of TIME-based therapeutic approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), adoptive cell therapy, therapies targeting myeloid cells, CAF reprogramming, and stromal normalization. By selecting the appropriate integrated therapies based on precise immunophenotyping, significant advances in the future treatment of PDAC are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Ti Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
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Zhong B, Ma DD, Zhang T, Gong Q, Dong Y, Zhang JX, Li ZH, Jin WD. Clinicopathological Characteristics, Prognosis, and Correlated Tumor Cell Function of Tropomodulin-3 in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:1011-1021. [PMID: 37563820 PMCID: PMC11165712 DOI: 10.2174/1386207326666230810142646] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a frequent malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. Searching for novel biomarkers that can influence its prognosis may help patients. It has been shown that tropomodulin-3 (TMOD3) may influence tumor progression, but its role in pancreatic cancer is not clear. We aimed to explore the expression and prognostic value of TMOD3 in PAAD. METHODS We used bioinformatics analysis to analyze the relationship between TMOD3 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis and verified it with clinical data from tissue microarray. We also conducted in vitro cell experiments to explore the effects of TMOD3 on the function of PAAD cells. RESULTS TMOD3 expression was found to be significantly higher in PAAD tissues than in matched paracancerous tissues (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, high TMOD3 expression was associated with significantly poorer overall survival (P < 0.05). Analysis of relevant clinicopathological characteristics data obtained from TCGA showed that high TMOD3 expression correlated with age, TNM stage, N stage, and M stage (P < 0.05). Analysis of correlation data obtained from tissue microarrays showed that high TMOD3 expression was associated with lymph node invasion, nerve invasion, macrovascular invasion, and TNM stage (P < 0.05). In addition, siRNA knockdown of TMOD3 significantly reduced the migration and invasion of PAAD cells. CONCLUSION Our study shows that TMOD3 may be associated with the progression of PAAD cells, and that it is an independent risk factor for poor pathological features and prognosis of PAAD. It may be helpful as a prognostic indicator of clinical outcomes in PAAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Dan-Dan Ma
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qi Gong
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yi Dong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jian-Xin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhong-Hu Li
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wei-Dong Jin
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430070, China
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30
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Huang Z, Ma Y, Sun Z, Cheng L, Wang G. Ferroptosis: potential targets and emerging roles in pancreatic diseases. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:75-94. [PMID: 37934210 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03625-x] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of regulatory cell death characterized by excessive iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. In the past decade, significant breakthroughs have been made in comprehending the features and regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis, and it has been confirmed that ferroptosis plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiological processes of various diseases, including tumors, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. The pancreas, which is the second largest digestive gland in the human body and has both endocrine and exocrine functions, is a vital organ for controlling digestion and metabolism. In recent years, numerous studies have confirmed that ferroptosis is closely related to pancreatic diseases, which is attributed to abnormal iron accumulation, as an essential biochemical feature of ferroptosis, is often present in the pathological processes of various pancreatic exocrine and endocrine diseases and the vulnerability of the pancreas to oxidative stress stimulation and damage. Therefore, comprehending the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis in pancreatic diseases may provide valuable new insights into treatment strategies. In this review, we first summarize the hallmark features of ferroptosis and then analyze the exact mechanisms by which ferroptosis is precisely regulated at multiple levels and links, including iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, the GPX4-mediated ferroptosis defense system, the GPX4-independent ferroptosis defense system, and the regulation of autophagy on ferroptosis. Finally, we discuss the role of ferroptosis in the occurrence and development of pancreatic diseases and summarize the feasibility and limitations of ferroptosis as a therapeutic target for pancreatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Huang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Medical Department, The First Affifiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhiguo Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Long Cheng
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China.
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31
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Thorlacius-Ussing J, Jensen C, Nissen NI, Cox TR, Kalluri R, Karsdal M, Willumsen N. The collagen landscape in cancer: profiling collagens in tumors and in circulation reveals novel markers of cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes. J Pathol 2024; 262:22-36. [PMID: 37728068 DOI: 10.1002/path.6207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) deposit and remodel collagens in the tumor stroma, impacting cancer progression and efficacy of interventions. CAFs are the focus of new therapeutics with the aim of normalizing the tumor microenvironment. To do this, a better understanding of CAF heterogeneity and collagen composition in cancer is needed. In this study, we sought to profile the expression of collagens at multiple levels with the goal of identifying cancer biomarkers. We investigated the collagen expression pattern in various cell types and CAF subtypes in a publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) dataset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Next, we investigated the collagen expression profile in tumor samples across cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and evaluated if specific patterns of collagen expression were associated with prognosis. Finally, we profiled circulating collagen peptides using a panel of immunoassays to measure collagen fragments in the serum of cancer patients. We found that pancreatic stellate cells and fibroblasts were the primary producers of collagens in the pancreas. COL1A1, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL6A1 were expressed in all CAF subtypes, whereas COL8A1, COL10A1, COL11A1, COL12A1 were specific to myofibroblast CAFs (myCAF) and COL14A1 specific to inflammatory CAFs (iCAF). In TCGA database, myCAF collagens COL10A1 and COL11A1 were elevated across solid tumor types, and multiple associations between high expression and worse survival were found. Finally, circulating collagen biomarkers were elevated in the serum of patients with cancer relative to healthy controls with COL11A1 (myCAF) having the best diagnostic accuracy of the markers measured. In conclusion, CAFs express a noncanonical collagen profile with specific collagen subtypes associated with iCAFs and myCAFs in PDAC. These collagens are deregulated at the cellular, tumor, and systemic levels across different solid tumors and associate with survival. These findings could lead to new discoveries such as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeppe Thorlacius-Ussing
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, København N, Denmark
- Biomarkers & Research, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Neel I Nissen
- Biomarkers & Research, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Thomas R Cox
- Matrix and Metastasis Lab, Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Morten Karsdal
- Biomarkers & Research, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev, Denmark
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Oketch DJA, Giulietti M, Piva F. Copy Number Variations in Pancreatic Cancer: From Biological Significance to Clinical Utility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:391. [PMID: 38203561 PMCID: PMC10779192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, characterized by high tumor heterogeneity and a poor prognosis. Inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity in PDAC is a major obstacle to effective PDAC treatment; therefore, it is highly desirable to explore the tumor heterogeneity and underlying mechanisms for the improvement of PDAC prognosis. Gene copy number variations (CNVs) are increasingly recognized as a common and heritable source of inter-individual variation in genomic sequence. In this review, we outline the origin, main characteristics, and pathological aspects of CNVs. We then describe the occurrence of CNVs in PDAC, including those that have been clearly shown to have a pathogenic role, and further highlight some key examples of their involvement in tumor development and progression. The ability to efficiently identify and analyze CNVs in tumor samples is important to support translational research and foster precision oncology, as copy number variants can be utilized to guide clinical decisions. We provide insights into understanding the CNV landscapes and the role of both somatic and germline CNVs in PDAC, which could lead to significant advances in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Although there has been significant progress in this field, understanding the full contribution of CNVs to the genetic basis of PDAC will require further research, with more accurate CNV assays such as single-cell techniques and larger cohorts than have been performed to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo Giulietti
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Piva
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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Lin J, Liu Y, Liu P, Qi W, Liu J, He X, Liu Q, Liu Z, Yin J, Lin J, Bao H, Lin J. SNHG17 alters anaerobic glycolysis by resetting phosphorylation modification of PGK1 to foster pro-tumor macrophage formation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:339. [PMID: 38098044 PMCID: PMC10722693 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02890-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the tumor immune microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are crucial in modulating polarization states to influence cancer development through metabolic reprogramming. While long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play a pivotal role in the progression of various cancers, the underlying mechanisms by which lncRNAs alter M2 polarization through macrophage metabolism remodeling remain unelucidated. METHODS RNA sequencing was used to screen for differentially expressed lncRNAs in TAMs and normal tissue-resident macrophages (NTRMs) isolated from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissues, whilst RT-qPCR and FISH were employed to detect the expression level of SNHG17. Moreover, a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to assess the functions of SNHG17 from TAMs in the polarization and glycolysis of M2-like macrophages and in the proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells (PCs). Furthermore, Western blotting, RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, RIP, and dual-luciferase assays were utilized to explore the underlying mechanism through which SNHG17 induces pro-tumor macrophage formation. RESULTS SNHG17 was substantially enriched in TAMs and was positively correlated with a worse prognosis in PDAC. Meanwhile, functional assays determined that SNHG17 promoted the malignant progression of PCs by enhancing M2 macrophage polarization and anaerobic glycolysis. Mechanistically, SNHG17 could sponge miR-628-5p to release PGK1 mRNA and concurrently interact with the PGK1 protein, activating the pro-tumorigenic function of PGK1 by enhancing phosphorylation at the T168A site of PGK1 through ERK1/2 recruitment. Lastly, SNHG17 knockdown could reverse the polarization status of macrophages in PDAC. CONCLUSIONS The present study illustrated the essential role of SNHG17 and its molecular mechanism in TAMs derived from PDAC, indicating that SNHG17 might be a viable target for PDAC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengyi Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxin Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingfeng He
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zehua Liu
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jingxin Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiewei Lin
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Haili Bao
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jianhong Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Hospital of Xiamen, Xiamen, 361100, China.
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Zang L, Zhang B, Zhou Y, Zhang F, Tian X, Tian Z, Chen D, Miao Q. Machine learning algorithm integrates bulk and single-cell transcriptome sequencing to reveal immune-related personalized therapy prediction features for pancreatic cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:14109-14140. [PMID: 38095640 PMCID: PMC10756117 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a digestive malignancy with worse overall survival. Tumor immune environment (TIME) alters the progression and proliferation of various solid tumors. Hence, we aimed to detect the TIME-related classifier to facilitate the personalized treatment of PC. Based on the 1612 immune-related genes (IRGs), we classified patients into Immune_rich and Immune_desert subgroups via consensus clustering. Patients in distinct subtypes exhibited a difference in sensitivity to immune checkpoint blockers (ICB). Next, the immune-related signature (IRS) model was established based on 8 IRGs (SYT12, TNNT1, TRIM46, SMPD3, ANLN, AFF3, CXCL9 and RP1L1) and validated its predictive efficiency in multiple cohorts. RT-qPCR experiments demonstrated the differential expression of 8 IRGs between tumor and normal cell lines. Patients who gained lower IRS score tended to be more sensitive to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and obtained better overall survival compared to those with higher IRS scores. Moreover, scRNA-seq analysis revealed that fibroblast and ductal cells might affect malignant tumor cells via MIF-(CD74+CD44) and SPP1-CD44 axis. Eventually, we identified eight therapeutic targets and one agent for IRS high patients. Our study screened out the specific regulation pattern of TIME in PC, and shed light on the precise treatment of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjun Zang
- Department of General Surgery, Taiyuan Central Hospital, Taiyuan 030009, Shanxi, P.R. China
| | - Baoming Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Taiyuan Central Hospital, Taiyuan 030009, Shanxi, P.R. China
| | - Yanling Zhou
- University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, P.R. China
| | - Fusheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, P.R. China
| | - Zhongming Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Taiyuan Central Hospital, Taiyuan 030009, Shanxi, P.R. China
| | - Dongjie Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Qingwang Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Taiyuan Central Hospital, Taiyuan 030009, Shanxi, P.R. China
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García-Reyes B, Kuzmanov I, Schneider R, Schneiker B, Efferz P, Kalff JC, Wehner S. Glial cell-derived soluble factors increase the metastatic potential of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14315-14327. [PMID: 37572121 PMCID: PMC10590291 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05133-y] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer, characterized by the spreading of highly metastatic cancer cells, including invasion into surrounding nerves and perineural spaces. Nerves, in turn, can invade the tumor tissue and, through the secretion of neurotrophic factors, chemokines, and cytokines, contribute to PDAC progression. However, the contribution of the nerve-associated glial cells to PDAC progression is not well characterized. METHODS Two murine PDAC cell lines were cultured with the conditioned media (CM) of primary enteric glial cells or IMS32 Schwann cells (SCs). Different properties of PDAC cells, such as invasiveness, migratory capacity, and resistance to gemcitabine, were measured by RT-qPCR, microscopy, and MTT assays. Using a neuronal cell line, the observed effects were confirmed to be specific to the glial lineage. RESULTS Compared to the control medium, PDAC cells in the glial cell-conditioned medium showed increased invasiveness and migratory capacity. These cells showed reduced E-cadherin and increased N-cadherin and Vimentin levels, all markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Primary enteric glial cell CM inhibited the proliferation of PDAC cells but preserved their viability, upregulated transcription factor Snail, and increased their resistance to gemcitabine. The conditioned medium generated from the IMS32 SCs produced comparable results. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that glial cells can increase the metastatic potential of PDAC cells by increasing their migratory capacity and inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a re-programming that many solid tumors use to undergo metastasis. Glial cell-conditioned medium also increased the chemoresistance of PDAC cells. These findings may have implications for future therapeutic strategies, such as targeting glial cell-derived factor signaling in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balbina García-Reyes
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (MSSO ABCD), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ivan Kuzmanov
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Reiner Schneider
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bianca Schneiker
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Patrik Efferz
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg C Kalff
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sven Wehner
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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36
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Du HX, Wang H, Ma XP, Chen H, Dai AB, Zhu KX. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α kinase 2 in pancreatic cancer: An approach towards managing clinical prognosis and molecular immunological characterization. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:478. [PMID: 37818134 PMCID: PMC10561166 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14066] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Most patients with pancreatic cancer are already in the late stages of the disease when they are diagnosed, and pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease with a poor prognosis. With the advancement of research, immunotherapy has become a new focus in the treatment of tumors. To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no reliable diagnostic or prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer; therefore, the present study investigated the potential of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α kinase 2 (EIF2AK2) as a predictive and diagnostic marker for pancreatic cancer. Immunohistochemical staining of clinical samples independently verified that EIF2AK2 expression was significantly higher in clinically operated pancreatic cancer tissues than in adjacent pancreatic tissues., and EIF2AK2 expression and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using downloadable RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genomic Tumor Expression Atlas. In addition, Gene Ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses and immune cell infiltration were used for functional enrichment analysis of EIF2AK2-associated DEGs. The clinical importance of EIF2AK2 was also determined using Kaplan-Meier survival, Cox regression and time-dependent survival receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, and a predictive nomogram model was generated. Finally, the functional role of EIF2AK2 was assessed in PANC-1 cells using a short hairpin RNA-EIF2AK2 knockdown approach, including CCK-8, wound healing assay, cell cycle and apoptosis assays. The findings suggested that EIF2AK2 may have potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for patients with pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, EIF2AK2 may provide a new therapeutic target for patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Xuan Du
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Hu Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Peng Ma
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Hao Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Bin Dai
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Xiang Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
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Liu T, Long K, Zhu Z, Song Y, Chen C, Xu G, Ke X. Roles of circRNAs in regulating the tumor microenvironment. Med Oncol 2023; 40:329. [PMID: 37819576 PMCID: PMC10567871 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02194-4] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
CircRNAs, a type of non-coding RNA widely present in eukaryotic cells, have emerged as a prominent focus in tumor research. However, the functions of most circRNAs remain largely unexplored. Known circRNAs exert their regulatory roles through various mechanisms, including acting as microRNA sponges, binding to RNA-binding proteins, and functioning as transcription factors to modulate protein translation and coding. Tumor growth is not solely driven by gene mutations but also influenced by diverse constituent cells and growth factors within the tumor microenvironment (TME). As crucial regulators within the TME, circRNAs are involved in governing tumor growth and metastasis. This review highlights the role of circRNAs in regulating angiogenesis, matrix remodeling, and immunosuppression within the TME. Additionally, we discuss current research on hypoxia-induced circRNAs production and commensal microorganisms' impact on the TME to elucidate how circRNAs influence tumor growth while emphasizing the significance of modulating the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Kaijun Long
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhengfeng Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Yongxiang Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xixian Ke
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
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Capodanno Y, Hirth M. Targeting the Cancer-Neuronal Crosstalk in the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14989. [PMID: 37834436 PMCID: PMC10573820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914989] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents one of the most aggressive solid tumors with a dismal prognosis and an increasing incidence. At the time of diagnosis, more than 85% of patients are in an unresectable stage. For these patients, chemotherapy can prolong survival by only a few months. Unfortunately, in recent decades, no groundbreaking therapies have emerged for PDAC, thus raising the question of how to identify novel therapeutic druggable targets to improve prognosis. Recently, the tumor microenvironment and especially its neural component has gained increasing interest in the pancreatic cancer field. A histological hallmark of PDAC is perineural invasion (PNI), whereby cancer cells invade surrounding nerves, providing an alternative route for metastatic spread. The extent of PNI has been positively correlated with early tumor recurrence and reduced overall survival. Multiple studies have shown that mechanisms involved in PNI are also involved in tumor spread and pain generation. Targeting these pathways has shown promising results in alleviating pain and reducing PNI in preclinical models. In this review, we will describe the mechanisms and future treatment strategies to target this mutually trophic interaction between cancer cells to open novel avenues for the treatment of patients diagnosed with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylenia Capodanno
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1–3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Hirth
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1–3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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Xu T, Xu X, Liu D, Chang D, Li S, Sun Y, Xie J, Ju S. Visual Investigation of Tumor-Promoting Fibronectin Potentiated by Obesity in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Using an MR/NIRF Dual-Modality Dendrimer Nanoprobe. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300787. [PMID: 37057680 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300787] [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: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease characterized by dense stroma. Obesity is an important metabolic factor that greatly increases PDAC risk and mortality, worsens progression and leads to poor chemotherapeutic outcomes. With omics analysis, magnetic resonance and near-infrared fluorescence (MR/NIRF) dual-modality imaging and molecular functional verification, obesity as an important risk factor is proved to modulate the extracellular matrix (ECM) components and enhance Fibronectin (FN) infiltration in the PDAC stroma, that promotes tumor progression and worsens response to chemotherapy by reducing drug delivery. In the study, to visually evaluate FN in vivo and guide PDAC therapy, an FN-targeted nanoprobe, NP-CREKA, is synthesized by conjugating gadolinium chelates, NIR797 and fluorescein isothiocyanate to a polyamidoamine dendrimer functionalized with targeting peptides. A dual-modality strategy combining MR and NIRF imaging is applied, allowing effective visualization of FN in orthotopic PDAC with high spatial resolution, ideal sensitivity and excellent penetrability, especially in obese mice. In conclusion, the findings provide new insights into the potential of FN as an ideal target for therapeutic evaluation and improving treatment efficacy in PDAC, hopefully improving the specific management of PDAC in lean and obese hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dongfang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Di Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Siqi Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yeyao Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jinbing Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shenghong Ju
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
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Shi Y, Wang Y, Dong H, Niu K, Zhang W, Feng K, Yang R, Zhang Y. Crosstalk of ferroptosis regulators and tumor immunity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: novel perspective to mRNA vaccines and personalized immunotherapy. Apoptosis 2023; 28:1423-1435. [PMID: 37369808 PMCID: PMC10425492 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01868-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is the eighth leading cause of cancer-related mortality that causes serious physical and mental burden to human. Reactive oxygen species accumulation and iron overload might enable ferroptosis-mediated cancer therapies. This study was to elusive novel ferroptosis regulator and its association with immune microenvironment and PD-L1 in PAAD. RNA-seq data and relevant information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression. The R packages "ggplot2" and "pheatmap" were used to the expression of 20 ferroptosis regulators between PAAD and normal tissues. The R package "ConsensusClusterPlus", "survival", "survminer", "immunedeconv", and TIDE algorithm performed consensus clustering, overall survival, progression-free survival, disease free survival, immune infiltration level, and immunotherapy responses between cluster 1 and cluster 2. The prognostic value was confirmed by the Kaplan-Meier curves, receiver operating characteristic curve, univariate and multivariate cox regression, and nomogram. Moreover, the relationship of FANCD2 and immunity, drug sensitivity was investigated by R package "ggstatsplot", "immunedeconv", "ggalluvial" and "pRRophetic". Besides, the qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting detected the expression of FANCD2 in PAAD cell lines. Most ferroptosis regulators were up-regulated in PAAD, while the expression of LPCAT3, MT1G, and GLS2 was down-regulated in PAAD (P < 0.05), indicting there was a positively correlation among ferroptosis regulators. Based on clustering parameter, we identified cluster 1 and cluster 2, and cluster 2 had a better prognosis for patients with PAAD. The immune infiltration level of cluster 1 was higher in macrophage M1, myeloid dendritic cell, T cell CD4 + Th2, B cell, T cell CD8 + central memory, immune score, and microenvironment score than cluster 2 in PAAD. Moreover, FANCD2 was up-regulated in PAAD by public databases, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blotting, which had closely related to overall survival, immune microenvironment, and drug sensitivity. A novel crosstalk of ferroptosis exhibits a favourable prognostic performance and builds a robust theoretical foundation for mRNA vaccine and personalized immunotherapy. FANCD2 could be an effective for prognostic recognition, immune efficacy evaluation, and mRNA vaccine for patients with PAAD, providing a vital guidance for further study of regulating tumor immunity and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlong Shi
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210003, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yizhu Wang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210003, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hui Dong
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Kaiyi Niu
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210003, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenning Zhang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210003, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kun Feng
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210003, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210003, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yewei Zhang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210003, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Loeck T, Rugi M, Todesca LM, Kalinowska P, Soret B, Neumann I, Schimmelpfennig S, Najder K, Pethő Z, Farfariello V, Prevarskaya N, Schwab A. The context-dependent role of the Na +/Ca 2+-exchanger (NCX) in pancreatic stellate cell migration. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:1225-1240. [PMID: 37566113 PMCID: PMC10499968 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02847-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) that can co-metastasize with cancer cells shape the tumor microenvironment (TME) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by producing an excessive amount of extracellular matrix. This leads to a TME characterized by increased tissue pressure, hypoxia, and acidity. Moreover, cells within the tumor secrete growth factors. The stimuli of the TME trigger Ca2+ signaling and cellular Na+ loading. The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) connects the cellular Ca2+ and Na+ homeostasis. The NCX is an electrogenic transporter, which shuffles 1 Ca2+ against 3 Na+ ions over the plasma membrane in a forward or reverse mode. Here, we studied how the impact of NCX activity on PSC migration is modulated by cues from the TME. NCX expression was revealed with qPCR and Western blot. [Ca2+]i, [Na+]i, and the cell membrane potential were determined with the fluorescent indicators Fura-2, Asante NaTRIUM Green-2, and DiBAC4(3), respectively. PSC migration was quantified with live-cell imaging. To mimic the TME, PSCs were exposed to hypoxia, pressure, acidic pH (pH 6.6), and PDGF. NCX-dependent signaling was determined with Western blot analyses. PSCs express NCX1.3 and NCX1.9. [Ca2+]i, [Na+]i, and the cell membrane potential are 94.4 nmol/l, 7.4 mmol/l, and - 39.8 mV, respectively. Thus, NCX1 usually operates in the forward (Ca2+ export) mode. NCX1 plays a differential role in translating cues from the TME into an altered migratory behavior. When NCX1 is operating in the forward mode, its inhibition accelerates PSC migration. Thus, NCX1-mediated extrusion of Ca2+ contributes to a slow mode of migration of PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Loeck
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Micol Rugi
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Luca Matteo Todesca
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Paulina Kalinowska
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Benjamin Soret
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, 48149, Münster, Germany
- Université de Lille, Inserm, U1003 - PhyCell - Physiologie Cellulaire, F-59000, Lille, France
- Laboratory of Excellence, Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Ilka Neumann
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sandra Schimmelpfennig
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Karolina Najder
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Zoltán Pethő
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Valerio Farfariello
- Université de Lille, Inserm, U1003 - PhyCell - Physiologie Cellulaire, F-59000, Lille, France
- Laboratory of Excellence, Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Natalia Prevarskaya
- Université de Lille, Inserm, U1003 - PhyCell - Physiologie Cellulaire, F-59000, Lille, France
- Laboratory of Excellence, Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Albrecht Schwab
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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Pasquier C, Guerlais V, Pallez D, Rapetti-Mauss R, Soriani O. A network embedding approach to identify active modules in biological interaction networks. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201550. [PMID: 37339804 PMCID: PMC10282331 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201550] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of condition-specific gene sets from transcriptomic experiments is important to reveal regulatory and signaling mechanisms associated with a given cellular response. Statistical methods of differential expression analysis, designed to assess individual gene variations, have trouble highlighting modules of small varying genes whose interaction is essential to characterize phenotypic changes. To identify these highly informative gene modules, several methods have been proposed in recent years, but they have many limitations that make them of little use to biologists. Here, we propose an efficient method for identifying these active modules that operates on a data embedding combining gene expressions and interaction data. Applications carried out on real datasets show that our method can identify new groups of genes of high interest corresponding to functions not revealed by traditional approaches. Software is available at https://github.com/claudepasquier/amine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Pasquier
- Laboratoire d'Informatique, Signaux et Systèmes de Sophia-Antipolis, I3S - UMR7271 - UNS CNRS, Les Algorithmes - bât. Euclide B, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Vincent Guerlais
- Laboratoire d'Informatique, Signaux et Systèmes de Sophia-Antipolis, I3S - UMR7271 - UNS CNRS, Les Algorithmes - bât. Euclide B, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Denis Pallez
- Laboratoire d'Informatique, Signaux et Systèmes de Sophia-Antipolis, I3S - UMR7271 - UNS CNRS, Les Algorithmes - bât. Euclide B, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Raphaël Rapetti-Mauss
- iBV - Institut de Biologie Valrose, Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Faculté des Sciences, Parc Valrose, Nice cedex 2, France
| | - Olivier Soriani
- iBV - Institut de Biologie Valrose, Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Faculté des Sciences, Parc Valrose, Nice cedex 2, France
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Zhuo W, Zeng Z, Hu Y, Hu P, Han S, Wang D, Wang F, Zhao Y, Huang Y, Wang J, Lv G, Wang H, Li Y, Zhao E, Cai K, Zhao G. Metabolic stress-induced reciprocal loop of long noncoding RNA ZFAS1 and ZEB1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:3623-3635. [PMID: 37488751 PMCID: PMC10475775 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) development faces significant metabolic stress due to metabolic reprogramming and a distinct hypovascular nature, often leading to glucose and glutamine depletion. However, the adaption mechanisms by which PC adapts to these metabolic challenges have not yet been completely explored. Here, we found that metabolic stress induced by glucose and glutamine deprivation led to an overexpression of ZNFX1 antisense RNA 1 (ZFAS1). This overexpression played a significant role in instigating PC cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. Mechanistically, ZFAS1 enhanced the interaction between AMPK, a key kinase, and ZEB1, the primary regulator of EMT. This interaction resulted in the phosphorylation and subsequent stabilization of ZEB1. Interestingly, ZEB1 also reciprocally influenced the transcription of ZFAS1 by binding to its promoter. Furthermore, when ZFAS1 was depleted, the nutrient deprivation-induced EMT of PC cells and lung metastasis in nude mice were significantly inhibited. Our investigations also revealed that ZFAS1-rich exosomes released from cells suffering glucose and glutamine deprivation promoted the EMT and metastasis of recipient PC cells. Corroborating these findings, a correlated upregulation of ZFAS1 and ZEB1 expression was observed in PC tissues and was associated with a poor overall survival rate for patients. Our findings highlight the involvement of a long noncoding RNA-driven metabolic adaptation in promoting EMT and metastasis of PC, suggesting ZFAS1 as a promising novel therapeutic target for PC metabolic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Zhuo
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zhu Zeng
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yuhang Hu
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Ping Hu
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Shengbo Han
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Decai Wang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yong Zhao
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Guozheng Lv
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Hongda Wang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Eryang Zhao
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Kailin Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Xu X, Cui L, Zhang L, Yang L, Zhuo Y, Li C. Saikosaponin d modulates the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages by deactivating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in murine models of pancreatic cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110579. [PMID: 37433245 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) poses a major obstacle to traditional and immunomodulatory cancer therapies and is closely associated with macrophage polarization. Saikosaponin d (SSd), a major active component of triterpene saponins derived from Bupleurum falcatum, has anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. However, whether SSd can regulate immune cells during the development of the TME in PDAC remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the role of SSd in regulating immune cells in the PDAC TME, especially the polarization of macrophages, and examine the related mechanisms. An orthotopic PDAC cancer model was used to investigate the antitumor activities and the regulation of immune cells in vivo. In vitro, bone marrow mononuclear (BM-MNC) cells and RAW 264.7 cells were used to induce the M2 macrophage phenotype and examine the effects and molecular mechanism of SSd on M2 macrophage polarization. The results revealed that SSd could directly inhibit the apoptosis and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, modulate the immunosuppressive microenvironment and reactivate the local immune response, especially by decreasing the shift toward M2 macrophage polarization by downregulating phosphorylated STAT6 levels and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, 740-Y-P (PI3K activator) was used to verify that SSd inhibited M2 polarization in RAW264.7 cells via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study provided experimental evidence of the antitumor effect of SSd, especially in the regulation of M2 macrophage polarization, and demonstrated that SSd may be a promising therapeutic agent in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinsheng Xu
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lihua Cui
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated Organ Injury and ITCWM Repair, Institute of Acute Abdominal Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lanqiu Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated Organ Injury and ITCWM Repair, Institute of Acute Abdominal Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated Organ Injury and ITCWM Repair, Institute of Acute Abdominal Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuzhen Zhuo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated Organ Injury and ITCWM Repair, Institute of Acute Abdominal Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Caixia Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated Organ Injury and ITCWM Repair, Institute of Acute Abdominal Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Nankai Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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Zhou C, Gan X, Sun S, Wang L, Zhang Y, Zhang J. Construction of an efferocytosis-related long non-coding ribonucleic acid scoring system to predict clinical outcome and immunotherapy response in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Biochem Biophys Rep 2023; 35:101540. [PMID: 37692763 PMCID: PMC10482751 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101540] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Efferocytosis suppresses antitumour immune responses by inducing the release and secretion of cytokines. Long non-coding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) have various functions in different forms of programmed cell death and in immune regulation. This study aims to explore the potential role of efferocytosis-related lncRNAs as biomarkers in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Methods Transcriptome profiles, simple nucleotide variations and clinical data of patients with PAAD were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Co-expression algorithms identified efferocytosis-related lncRNAs. The efferocytosis-related lncRNA scoring system (ERLncSys) was established using Cox regression and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator algorithm. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves, Cox regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and clinical parameter stratification analyses were used to evaluate ERlncSys. Moreover, ERlncSys was explored through Gene Set Variation Analysis, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. Furthermore, the TIMER platform, ESTIMATE algorithm, single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and immune checkpoint analysis were utilised to explore the predictive power of ERlncSys for the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME). Finally, a consensus clustering algorithm identified distinct molecular profiles among patients with PAAD, aiding in the identification of potential beneficiaries for immunotherapy. Results K-M, Cox regression and ROC analyses confirmed the robust prognostic efficacy of ERlncSys. Clinical stratification analysis indicated the broad applicability of ERlncSys in PAAD. Additionally, mmunological analyses indicated that ERlncSys can determine immune cell infiltration status in the TIME. Furthermore, consensus clustering analysis based on ERlncSys divided the TCGA-PAAD cohort into two clusters. Cluster 1 exhibited characteristics consistent with an immune 'hot tumour' compared to cluster 2, suggesting cluster 1 is a more suitable population for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Conclusion The established ErlncSys aids in predicting the prognosis and understanding the TIME landscape of patients with PAAD. In turn, it facilitates the identification of optimal candidates for immunotherapy. This study introduces novel insights into the potential value of efferocytosis-related lncRNAs as biomarkers in PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaoshuang Gan
- Suzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Anhui Province, Suzhou, 234000, China
| | - Shandong Sun
- Suzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Anhui Province, Suzhou, 234000, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Suzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Anhui Province, Suzhou, 234000, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Suzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Anhui Province, Suzhou, 234000, China
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Zhang H, Cao K, Xiang J, Zhang M, Zhu M, Xi Q. Hypoxia induces immunosuppression, metastasis and drug resistance in pancreatic cancers. Cancer Lett 2023; 571:216345. [PMID: 37558084 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the digestive system and is known as the "king of cancers". It is extremely difficult to diagnose at an early stage, the disease progresses rapidly, and the effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is poor, so the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients is very poor. Numerous studies have suggested that hypoxia is closely related to the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Inadequate blood supply and desmoplasia in the microenvironment of pancreatic cancer can result in its extreme hypoxia. This hypoxic microenvironment can further contribute to angiogenesis and desmoplasia. Hypoxia is mediated by the complex hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) signaling pathway and plays an important role in the formation of a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment and the metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Further work on the hypoxic microenvironment will help clarify the specific mechanisms of the role of hypoxia in pancreatic cancer and provide a basis for the realization of hypoxia-targeted therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Kailei Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jingrong Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Mengting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Mengxin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qinhua Xi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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47
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Yuan S, Mu W, Liu S, Liu M, Xia Z, Liang S, Gao T, Fu S, Liu J, Huang X, Liu Y, Zhang N. Transforming Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Barrier into Drug Depots to Boost Chemo-Immunotherapy in "Shooting Fish in a Barrel" Pattern. ACS NANO 2023; 17:13611-13626. [PMID: 37326384 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c02272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) barrier in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) greatly restricts clinical outcomes. Major obstacles to PDAC treatment include restricted immune cell infiltration and drug penetration and the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Here, we reported a "shooting fish in a barrel" strategy by preparing a lipid-polymer hybrid drug delivery system (PI/JGC/L-A) that could overcome the CAF barrier by turning it into a "barrel" with antitumor drug depot properties to alleviate the immunosuppressive microenvironment and increase immune cell infiltration. PI/JGC/L-A is composed of a pIL-12-loaded polymeric core (PI) and a JQ1 and gemcitabine elaidate coloaded liposomal shell (JGC/L-A) that has the ability to stimulate exosome secretion. By normalizing the CAF barrier to create a CAF "barrel" with JQ1, stimulating the secretion of gemcitabine-loaded exosomes from the CAF "barrel" to the deep tumor site, and leveraging the CAF "barrel" to secrete IL-12, PI/JGC/L-A realized effective drug delivery to the deep tumor site, activated antitumor immunity at the tumor site, and produced significant antitumor effects. In summary, our strategy of transforming the CAF barrier into antitumor drug depots represents a promising strategy against PDAC and might benefit the treatment of any tumors facing a drug delivery barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijun Yuan
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Weiwei Mu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shujun Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Meichen Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhenxing Xia
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Tong Gao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shunli Fu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jinhu Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xinyan Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yongjun Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Na Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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48
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Skornitzke S, Vats N, Mayer P, Kauczor HU, Stiller W. Pancreatic CT perfusion: quantitative meta-analysis of disease discrimination, protocol development, and effect of CT parameters. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:132. [PMID: 37477754 PMCID: PMC10361925 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01471-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study provides a quantitative meta-analysis of pancreatic CT perfusion studies, investigating choice of study parameters, ability for quantitative discrimination of pancreatic diseases, and influence of acquisition and reconstruction parameters on reported results. METHODS Based on a PubMed search with key terms 'pancreas' or 'pancreatic,' 'dynamic' or 'perfusion,' and 'computed tomography' or 'CT,' 491 articles published between 1982 and 2020 were screened for inclusion in the study. Inclusion criteria were: reported original data, human subjects, five or more datasets, measurements of pancreas or pancreatic pathologies, and reported quantitative perfusion parameters. Study parameters and reported quantitative measurements were extracted, and heterogeneity of study parameters and trends over time are analyzed. Pooled data were tested with weighted ANOVA and ANCOVA models for differences in perfusion results between normal pancreas, pancreatitis, PDAC (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma), and non-PDAC (e.g., neuroendocrine tumors, insulinomas) and based on study parameters. RESULTS Reported acquisition parameters were heterogeneous, except for contrast agent amount and injection rate. Tube potential and slice thickness decreased, whereas tube current time product and scan coverage increased over time. Blood flow and blood volume showed significant differences between pathologies (both p < 0.001), unlike permeability (p = 0.11). Study parameters showed a significant effect on reported quantitative measurements (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Significant differences in perfusion measurements between pathologies could be shown for pooled data despite observed heterogeneity in study parameters. Statistical analysis indicates most influential parameters for future optimization and standardization of acquisition protocols. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Quantitative CT perfusion enables differentiation of pancreatic pathologies despite the heterogeneity of study parameters in current clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Skornitzke
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (DIR), Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 420, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Neha Vats
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (DIR), Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 420, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Mayer
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (DIR), Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 420, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (DIR), Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 420, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfram Stiller
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (DIR), Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 420, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Liu C, Du J, Zheng J, Zhang R, Zhu J, Xing B, Dong L, Zhou Q, Yao X, Gao S, Wang Y, Ren Y, Zhou X. The role of BHLHE40 in clinical features and prognosis value of PDAC by comprehensive analysis and in vitro validation. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1151321. [PMID: 37377917 PMCID: PMC10291124 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1151321] [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: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, primarily due to the abundance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), depleted effector T cells, and increased tumor cell stemness; hence, there is an urgent need for efficient biomarkers with prognostic and therapeutic potential. Here, we identified BHLHE40 as a promising target for PDAC through comprehensive analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis of RNA sequencing data and public databases, taking into account the unique characteristics of PDAC such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, infiltration of effector T cells, and tumor cell stemness. Additionally, we developed a prognostic risk model based on BHLHE40 and three other candidate genes (ITGA2, ITGA3, and ADAM9) to predict outcomes in PDAC patients. Furthermore, we found that the overexpression of BHLHE40 was significantly associated with T stage, lymph node metastasis, and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage in a cohort of 61 PDAC patients. Moreover, elevated expression levels of BHLHE40 were validated to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness-related proteins in BXPC3 cell lines. Compared to the parent cells, BXPC3 cells with BHLHE40 overexpression showed resistance to anti-tumor immunity when co-cultured with CD8+ T cells. In summary, these findings suggest that BHLHE40 is a highly effective biomarker for predicting prognosis in PDAC and holds great promise as a target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer; Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiang Du
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer; Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianwei Zheng
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer; Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruizhe Zhang
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer; Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jialin Zhu
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Ultrasonography, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Bofan Xing
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer; Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Dong
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer; Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Qianqian Zhou
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer; Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yao
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer; Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer; Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Ren
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Cancer Institute, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer; Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
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50
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Galindo-Vega A, Maldonado-Lagunas V, Mitre-Aguilar IB, Melendez-Zajgla J. Tumor Microenvironment Role in Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells. Cells 2023; 12:1560. [PMID: 37371030 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a majority of patients presenting with unresectable or metastatic disease, resulting in a poor 5-year survival rate. This, in turn, is due to a highly complex tumor microenvironment and the presence of cancer stem cells, both of which induce therapy resistance and tumor relapse. Therefore, understanding and targeting the tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells may be key strategies for designing effective PDAC therapies. In the present review, we summarized recent advances in the role of tumor microenvironment in pancreatic neoplastic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Galindo-Vega
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 04710, Mexico
| | | | - Irma B Mitre-Aguilar
- Biochemistry Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Jorge Melendez-Zajgla
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 04710, Mexico
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