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Wang Y, Jia J, Wang F, Fang Y, Yang Y, Zhou Q, Yuan W, Gu X, Hu J, Yang S. Pre-metastatic niche: formation, characteristics and therapeutic implication. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:236. [PMID: 39317708 PMCID: PMC11422510 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01937-7] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Distant metastasis is a primary cause of mortality and contributes to poor surgical outcomes in cancer patients. Before the development of organ-specific metastasis, the formation of a pre-metastatic niche is pivotal in promoting the spread of cancer cells. This review delves into the intricate landscape of the pre-metastatic niche, focusing on the roles of tumor-derived secreted factors, extracellular vesicles, and circulating tumor cells in shaping the metastatic niche. The discussion encompasses cellular elements such as macrophages, neutrophils, bone marrow-derived suppressive cells, and T/B cells, in addition to molecular factors like secreted substances from tumors and extracellular vesicles, within the framework of pre-metastatic niche formation. Insights into the temporal mechanisms of pre-metastatic niche formation such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immunosuppression, extracellular matrix remodeling, metabolic reprogramming, vascular permeability and angiogenesis are provided. Furthermore, the landscape of pre-metastatic niche in different metastatic organs like lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, and bones is elucidated. Therapeutic approaches targeting the cellular and molecular components of pre-metastatic niche, as well as interventions targeting signaling pathways such as the TGF-β, VEGF, and MET pathways, are highlighted. This review aims to enhance our understanding of pre-metastatic niche dynamics and provide insights for developing effective therapeutic strategies to combat tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Jiachi Jia
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Fuqi Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yingshuai Fang
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yabing Yang
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Xiaoming Gu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Junhong Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Shuaixi Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
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2
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Llorente A, Blasco MT, Espuny I, Guiu M, Ballaré C, Blanco E, Caballé A, Bellmunt A, Salvador F, Morales A, Nuñez M, Loren G, Imbastari F, Fidalgo M, Figueras-Puig C, Gibler P, Graupera M, Monteiro F, Riera A, Holen I, Avgustinova A, Di Croce L, Gomis RR. MAF amplification licenses ERα through epigenetic remodelling to drive breast cancer metastasis. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1833-1847. [PMID: 37945904 PMCID: PMC10709142 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01281-y] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
MAF amplification increases the risk of breast cancer (BCa) metastasis through mechanisms that are still poorly understood yet have important clinical implications. Oestrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) BCa requires oestrogen for both growth and metastasis, albeit by ill-known mechanisms. Here we integrate proteomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, chromatin accessibility and functional assays from human and syngeneic mouse BCa models to show that MAF directly interacts with oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα), thereby promoting a unique chromatin landscape that favours metastatic spread. We identify metastasis-promoting genes that are de novo licensed following oestrogen exposure in a MAF-dependent manner. The histone demethylase KDM1A is key to the epigenomic remodelling that facilitates the expression of the pro-metastatic MAF/oestrogen-driven gene expression program, and loss of KDM1A activity prevents this metastasis. We have thus determined that the molecular basis underlying MAF/oestrogen-mediated metastasis requires genetic, epigenetic and hormone signals from the systemic environment, which influence the ability of BCa cells to metastasize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Llorente
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Blasco
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Irene Espuny
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Guiu
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cecilia Ballaré
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique Blanco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrià Caballé
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Bellmunt
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Morales
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Nuñez
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Loren
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca Imbastari
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Fidalgo
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Figueras-Puig
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrizia Gibler
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Graupera
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Freddy Monteiro
- Functional Genomics Core Facility, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Riera
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ingunn Holen
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Luciano Di Croce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger R Gomis
- Cancer Science Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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3
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Kozłowski M, Borzyszkowska D, Mirko J, Turoń-Skrzypińska A, Piotrowska K, Tołoczko-Grabarek A, Kwiatkowski S, Tarnowski M, Rotter I, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. Preoperative Serum Levels of PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 in the Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4815. [PMID: 37835508 PMCID: PMC10571811 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194815] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: It is relevant to find new diagnostic biomarkers for endometrial cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 could be considered new useful markers for diagnosis and survival of endometrial cancer. (2) Methods: A total of 93 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC) and 66 patients with non-cancerous endometrial lesions (NCEL) were included in this study. (3) Results: Median serum levels of PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, EGF and ANG-2 were significantly higher in the EC group compared to the NCEL group (for PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-α and ANG-2, p = 0.0000; for EGF, p = 0.0186). The cut-off level of PDGF-AB was set at 127.69 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 87.1% and a specificity of 66.67% (AUC = 0.78, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of PDGF-BB was set at 207.86 ng/L with a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 75.76% (AUC = 0.85, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of TGF-α was set at 33.85 ng/L with a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 75.76% (AUC = 0.82, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of EGF was set at 934.76 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 83.87% and a specificity of 28.79% (AUC = 0.61, p = 0.018472). The cut-off level of ANG-2 was set at 3120.68 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 72.04% and a specificity of 93.94% (AUC = 0.87, p < 0.000001). (4) Conlusion: It was concluded that all the proteins studied could be potential diagnostic markers in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Kozłowski
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland (A.C.-P.)
| | - Dominika Borzyszkowska
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland (A.C.-P.)
| | - Justyna Mirko
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland (A.C.-P.)
| | - Agnieszka Turoń-Skrzypińska
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Physiotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piotrowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstancow Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Sebastian Kwiatkowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Maciej Tarnowski
- Department of Physiology in Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 54, 70-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Iwona Rotter
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Physiotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland (A.C.-P.)
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Shanmugam M, Kuthala N, Kong X, Chiang CS, Hwang KC. Combined Gadolinium and Boron Neutron Capture Therapies for Eradication of Head-and-Neck Tumor Using Gd 10B 6 Nanoparticles under MRI/CT Image Guidance. JACS AU 2023; 3:2192-2205. [PMID: 37654578 PMCID: PMC10466345 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Eradication of head-and-neck (H&N) tumors is very difficult and challenging because of the characteristic feature of frequent recurrence and the difficulty in killing cancer stem cells. Neutron capture therapy (NCT) is emerging as a noninvasive potential modality for treatments of various types of tumors. Herein, we report that 98.5% 10B-enriched anti-EGFR-Gd10B6 nanoparticles can not only deliver large doses of 158 μg 10B/g tumor tissues as well as 56.8 μg 157Gd/g tumor tissues with a very high tumor-to-blood (T/B) 10B ratio of 4.18, but also exert very effective CT/MRI image-guided combined GdBNCT effects on killing cancer stem cells and eradication of recurrent head-and-neck (H&N) tumors. This leads to a long average half-lifespan of 81 days for H&N tumor-bearing mice, which is a record-making result, and surpasses the best result reported in the literature using combined radiotherapy and T cell-mediated immunotherapy (70 d).
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Affiliation(s)
- Munusamy Shanmugam
- Department
of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan ROC
| | - Naresh Kuthala
- Department
of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan ROC
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Department
of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical
Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chi-Shiun Chiang
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan R.O.C.
| | - Kuo Chu Hwang
- Department
of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan ROC
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5
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Fang WB, Medrano M, Cote P, Portsche M, Rao V, Hong Y, Behbod F, Knapp JR, Bloomer C, Noel-Macdonnell J, Cheng N. Transcriptome analysis reveals differences in cell cycle, growth and migration related genes that distinguish fibroblasts derived from pre-invasive and invasive breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1130911. [PMID: 37091166 PMCID: PMC10118028 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1130911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Introduction As the most common form of pre-invasive breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) affects over 50,000 women in the US annually. Despite standardized treatment involving lumpectomy and radiation therapy, up to 25% of patients with DCIS experience disease recurrence often with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), indicating that a subset of patients may be under-treated. As most DCIS cases will not progress to invasion, many patients may experience over-treatment. By understanding the underlying processes associated with DCIS to IDC progression, we can identify new biomarkers to determine which DCIS cases may become invasive and improve treatment for patients. Accumulation of fibroblasts in IDC is associated with disease progression and reduced survival. While fibroblasts have been detected in DCIS, little is understood about their role in DCIS progression. Goals We sought to determine 1) whether DCIS fibroblasts were similar or distinct from normal and IDC fibroblasts at the transcriptome level, and 2) the contributions of DCIS fibroblasts to breast cancer progression. Methods Fibroblasts underwent transcriptome profiling and pathway analysis. Significant DCIS fibroblast-associated genes were further analyzed in existing breast cancer mRNA databases and through tissue array immunostaining. Using the sub-renal capsule graft model, fibroblasts from normal breast, DCIS and IDC tissues were co-transplanted with DCIS.com breast cancer cells. Results Through transcriptome profiling, we found that DCIS fibroblasts were characterized by unique alterations in cell cycle and motility related genes such as PKMYT1, TGF-α, SFRP1 and SFRP2, which predicted increased cell growth and invasion by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Immunostaining analysis revealed corresponding increases in expression of stromal derived PKMYT1, TGF-α and corresponding decreases in expression of SFRP1 and SFRP2 in DCIS and IDC tissues. Grafting studies in mice revealed that DCIS fibroblasts enhanced breast cancer growth and invasion associated with arginase-1+ cell recruitment. Conclusion DCIS fibroblasts are phenotypically distinct from normal breast and IDC fibroblasts, and play an important role in breast cancer growth, invasion, and recruitment of myeloid cells. These studies provide novel insight into the role of DCIS fibroblasts in breast cancer progression and identify some key biomarkers associated with DCIS progression to IDC, with important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Bin Fang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Marcela Medrano
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Paige Cote
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Mike Portsche
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Vinamratha Rao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Fariba Behbod
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Jennifer R. Knapp
- Center for Genes Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
- Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Clark Bloomer
- Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Janelle Noel-Macdonnell
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Core, Health Services and Outcomes Research Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Nikki Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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6
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Shibabaw T, Teferi B, Ayelign B. The role of Th-17 cells and IL-17 in the metastatic spread of breast cancer: As a means of prognosis and therapeutic target. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1094823. [PMID: 36993955 PMCID: PMC10040566 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1094823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer is one of the most common and well-known causes of death for women worldwide. The inflammatory tumor cell and other cancer hallmarks dictate the metastatic form and dissemination of breast cancer. Taking these into account, from various components of the tumor microenvironment, a pro-inflammatory infiltrative cell known as Th-17 plays an immense role in breast cancer proliferation, invasiveness, and metastasis. It has been demonstrated that IL-17, a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine generated by Th-17, is upregulated in a metastatic form of breast cancer. Recent research updates stated that chronic inflammation and mediators like cytokines and chemokines are causative hallmarks in many human cancers, including breast cancer. Therefore, IL-17 and its multiple downward signaling molecules are the centers of research attention to develop potent treatment options for cancer. They provide information on the role of IL-17-activated MAPK, which results in tumor cell proliferation and metastasis via NF-kB-mediated expression of MMP signaling. Overall, this review article emphasizes IL-17A and its intermediate signaling molecules, such as ERK1/2, NF-kB, MMPs, and VEGF, as potential molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tewodros Shibabaw
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Banchamlak Teferi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Ayelign
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Research School of Biology, College of Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Birhanu Ayelign,
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7
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Mehdi SJ, Moerman-Herzog A, Wong HK. Normal and cancer fibroblasts differentially regulate TWIST1, TOX and cytokine gene expression in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:492. [PMID: 33941102 PMCID: PMC8091512 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08142-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that transforms from mature, skin-homing T cells and progresses during the early stages in the skin. The role of the skin microenvironment in MF development is unclear, but recent findings in a variety of cancers have highlighted the role of stromal fibroblasts in promoting or inhibiting tumorigenesis. Stromal fibroblasts are an important part of the cutaneous tumor microenvironment (TME) in MF. Here we describe studies into the interaction of TME-fibroblasts and malignant T cells to gain insight into their role in CTCL. METHODS Skin from normal (n = 3) and MF patients (n = 3) were analyzed for FAPα by immunohistochemistry. MyLa is a CTCL cell line that retains expression of biomarkers TWIST1 and TOX that are frequently detected in CTCL patients. MyLa cells were cultured in the presence or absence of normal or MF skin derived fibroblasts for 5 days, trypsinized to detached MyL a cells, and gene expression analyzed by RT-PCR for MF biomarkers (TWIST1 and TOX), Th1 markers (IFNG, TBX21), Th2 markers (GATA3, IL16), and proliferation marker (MKI67). Purified fibroblasts were assayed for VIM and ACTA2 gene expression. Cellular senescence assay was performed to assess senescence. RESULTS MF skin fibroblast showed increased expression of FAP-α with increasing stage compared to normal. Normal fibroblasts co-cultured with MyLa cells suppressed expression of TWIST1 (p < 0.0006), and TOX (p < 0.03), GATA3 (p < 0.02) and IL16 (p < 0.03), and increased expression of IFNG (p < 0.03) and TBX21 (p < 0.03) in MyLa cells. In contrast, MyLa cells cultured with MF fibroblasts retained high expression of TWIST1, TOX and GATA3. MF fibroblasts co-culture with MyLa cells increased expression of IL16 (p < 0.01) and IL4 (p < 0.02), and suppressed IFNG and TBX21 in MyLa cells. Furthermore, expression of MKI67 in MyLa cells was suppressed by normal fibroblasts compared to MF fibroblasts. CONCLUSION Skin fibroblasts represent important components of the TME in MF. In co-culture model, normal and MF fibroblasts have differential influence on T-cell phenotype in modulating expression of Th1 cytokine and CTCL biomarker genes to reveal distinct roles with implications in MF progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Jafar Mehdi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St, #576, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Andrea Moerman-Herzog
- Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St, #576, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Henry K Wong
- Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St, #576, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
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8
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Molehin D, Rasha F, Rahman RL, Pruitt K. Regulation of aromatase in cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2449-2464. [PMID: 33599895 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04099-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of aromatase, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of estrogen in normal and cancer cells, has been associated with growth factor signaling and immune response modulation. The tissue-specific regulatory roles of these factors are of particular importance as local aromatase expression is strongly linked to cancer development/progression and disease outcomes in patients. Therefore, aromatase has become a chemotherapeutic target and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are used in the clinic for treating hormone-dependent cancers. Although AIs have shown promising results in the treatment of cancers, the emerging increase in AI-resistance necessitates the development of new and improved targeted therapies. This review discusses the role of tumor and stromal-derived growth factors and immune cell modulators in regulating aromatase. Current single-agent and combination therapies with or without AIs targeting growth factors and immune checkpoints are also discussed. This review highlights recent studies that show new connections between growth factors, mediators of immune response, and aromatase regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Molehin
- Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Fahmida Rasha
- Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | - Kevin Pruitt
- Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA. .,Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6591, USA.
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9
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Fogg KC, Miller AE, Li Y, Flanigan W, Walker A, O'Shea A, Kendziorski C, Kreeger PK. Ovarian cancer cells direct monocyte differentiation through a non-canonical pathway. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:1008. [PMID: 33069212 PMCID: PMC7568422 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07513-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternatively-activated macrophages (AAMs), an anti-inflammatory macrophage subpopulation, have been implicated in the progression of high grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). Increased levels of AAMs are correlated with poor HGSOC survival rates, and AAMs increase the attachment and spread of HGSOC cells in vitro. However, the mechanism by which monocytes in the HGSOC tumor microenvironment are differentiated and polarized to AAMs remains unknown. METHODS Using an in vitro co-culture device, we cultured naïve, primary human monocytes with a panel of five HGSOC cell lines over the course of 7 days. An empirical Bayesian statistical method, EBSeq, was used to couple RNA-seq with observed monocyte-derived cell phenotype to explore which HGSOC-derived soluble factors supported differentiation to CD68+ macrophages and subsequent polarization towards CD163+ AAMs. Pathways of interest were interrogated using small molecule inhibitors, neutralizing antibodies, and CRISPR knockout cell lines. RESULTS HGSOC cell lines displayed a wide range of abilities to generate AAMs from naïve monocytes. Much of this variation appeared to result from differential ability to generate CD68+ macrophages, as most CD68+ cells were also CD163+. Differences in tumor cell potential to generate macrophages was not due to a MCSF-dependent mechanism, nor variance in established pro-AAM factors. TGFα was implicated as a potential signaling molecule produced by tumor cells that could induce macrophage differentiation, which was validated using a CRISPR knockout of TGFA in the OVCAR5 cell line. CONCLUSIONS HGSOC production of TGFα drives monocytes to differentiate into macrophages, representing a central arm of the mechanism by which AAMs are generated in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin C Fogg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, WIMR 4553, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Andrew E Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, WIMR 4553, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Will Flanigan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, WIMR 4553, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Alyssa Walker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, WIMR 4553, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Andrea O'Shea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christina Kendziorski
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Pamela K Kreeger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, WIMR 4553, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
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Chen Y, Wu N, Liu L, Dong H, Liu X. microRNA-128-3p overexpression inhibits breast cancer stem cell characteristics through suppression of Wnt signalling pathway by down-regulating NEK2. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:7353-7369. [PMID: 32558224 PMCID: PMC7339185 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has reported that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) participated in the development of diverse types of cancers. Our initial microarray‐based analysis identified differentially expressed NEK2 related to breast cancer and predicted the regulatory microRNA‐128‐3p (miR‐128‐3p). Herein, this study aimed to characterize the tumour‐suppressive role of miR‐128‐3p in regulating the biological characteristics of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). CD44+CD24−/low cells were selected for subsequent experiments. After verification of the target relationship between miR‐128‐3p and NEK2, the relationship among miR‐128‐3p, NEK2 and BCSCs was further investigated with the involvement of the Wnt signalling pathway. The regulatory effects of miR‐128‐3p on proliferation, migration, invasion and self‐renewal in vitro as well as tumorigenicity in vivo of BCSCs were examined via gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches. Highly expressed NEK2 was found in breast cancer based on GSE61304 expression profile. Breast cancer stem cells and breast cancer cells showed a down‐regulation of miR‐128‐3p. Overexpression of miR‐128‐3p was found to inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion, self‐renewal in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo of BCSCs, which was further validated to be achieved through inhibition of Wnt signalling pathway by down‐regulating NEK2. In summary, this study indicates that miR‐128‐3p inhibits the stem‐like cell features of BCSCs via inhibition of the Wnt signalling pathway by down‐regulating NEK2, which provides a new target for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwen Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Chongqing Renji Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Nian Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Chongqing Renji Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Chongqing Renji Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Huaying Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xinao Liu
- Clinical laboratory, Chongqing Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Chongqing, China
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