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Tang Y, Cui G, Liu H, Han Y, Cai C, Feng Z, Shen H, Zeng S. Converting "cold" to "hot": epigenetics strategies to improve immune therapy effect by regulating tumor-associated immune suppressive cells. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:601-636. [PMID: 38715348 PMCID: PMC11194457 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Significant developments in cancer treatment have been made since the advent of immune therapies. However, there are still some patients with malignant tumors who do not benefit from immunotherapy. Tumors without immunogenicity are called "cold" tumors which are unresponsive to immunotherapy, and the opposite are "hot" tumors. Immune suppressive cells (ISCs) refer to cells which can inhibit the immune response such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulatory T (Treg) cells and so on. The more ISCs infiltrated, the weaker the immunogenicity of the tumor, showing the characteristics of "cold" tumor. The dysfunction of ISCs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) may play essential roles in insensitive therapeutic reaction. Previous studies have found that epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the regulation of ISCs. Regulating ISCs may be a new approach to transforming "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors. Here, we focused on the function of ISCs in the TME and discussed how epigenetics is involved in regulating ISCs. In addition, we summarized the mechanisms by which the epigenetic drugs convert immunotherapy-insensitive tumors into immunotherapy-sensitive tumors which would be an innovative tendency for future immunotherapy in "cold" tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Tang
- Department of OncologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanP. R. China
| | - Guangzu Cui
- Department of OncologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanP. R. China
| | - Haicong Liu
- Department of OncologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanP. R. China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of OncologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanP. R. China
| | - Changjing Cai
- Department of OncologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanP. R. China
| | - Ziyang Feng
- Department of OncologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanP. R. China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of OncologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanP. R. China
- National Clinical Resaerch Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of OncologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanP. R. China
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Holbert CE, Casero RA, Stewart TM. Polyamines: the pivotal amines in influencing the tumor microenvironment. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:173. [PMID: 38761252 PMCID: PMC11102423 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular proliferation, function and survival is reliant upon maintaining appropriate intracellular polyamine levels. Due to increased metabolic needs, cancer cells elevate their polyamine pools through coordinated metabolism and uptake. High levels of polyamines have been linked to more immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TME) as polyamines support the growth and function of many immunosuppressive cell types such as MDSCs, macrophages and regulatory T-cells. As cancer cells and other pro-tumorigenic cell types are highly dependent on polyamines for survival, pharmacological modulation of polyamine metabolism is a promising cancer therapeutic strategy. This review covers the roles of polyamines in various cell types of the TME including both immune and stromal cells, as well as how competition for nutrients, namely polyamine precursors, influences the cellular landscape of the TME. It also details the use of polyamines as biomarkers and the ways in which polyamine depletion can increase the immunogenicity of the TME and reprogram tumors to become more responsive to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra E Holbert
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert A Casero
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tracy Murray Stewart
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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3
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Huang R, Kang T, Chen S. The role of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor immune evasion. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:238. [PMID: 38713256 PMCID: PMC11076352 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05777-4] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor growth is closely linked to the activities of various cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly immune cells. During tumor progression, circulating monocytes and macrophages are recruited, altering the TME and accelerating growth. These macrophages adjust their functions in response to signals from tumor and stromal cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), similar to M2 macrophages, are key regulators in the TME. METHODS We review the origins, characteristics, and functions of TAMs within the TME. This analysis includes the mechanisms through which TAMs facilitate immune evasion and promote tumor metastasis. Additionally, we explore potential therapeutic strategies that target TAMs. RESULTS TAMs are instrumental in mediating tumor immune evasion and malignant behaviors. They release cytokines that inhibit effector immune cells and attract additional immunosuppressive cells to the TME. TAMs primarily target effector T cells, inducing exhaustion directly, influencing activity indirectly through cellular interactions, or suppressing through immune checkpoints. Additionally, TAMs are directly involved in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Developing innovative tumor-targeted therapies and immunotherapeutic strategies is currently a promising focus in oncology. Given the pivotal role of TAMs in immune evasion, several therapeutic approaches have been devised to target them. These include leveraging epigenetics, metabolic reprogramming, and cellular engineering to repolarize TAMs, inhibiting their recruitment and activity, and using TAMs as drug delivery vehicles. Although some of these strategies remain distant from clinical application, we believe that future therapies targeting TAMs will offer significant benefits to cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhe Huang
- Department of Oncology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ting Kang
- Department of Oncology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Zhu D, Zeng S, Su C, Li J, Xuan Y, Lin Y, Xu E, Fan Q. The interaction between DNA methylation and tumor immune microenvironment: from the laboratory to clinical applications. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:24. [PMID: 38331927 PMCID: PMC10854038 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01633-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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a pivotal epigenetic modification that affects gene expression. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) comprises diverse immune cells and stromal components, creating a complex landscape that can either promote or inhibit tumor progression. In the TIME, DNA methylation has been shown to play a critical role in influencing immune cell function and tumor immune evasion. DNA methylation regulates immune cell differentiation, immune responses, and TIME composition Targeting DNA methylation in TIME offers various potential avenues for enhancing immune cytotoxicity and reducing immunosuppression. Recent studies have demonstrated that modification of DNA methylation patterns can promote immune cell infiltration and function. However, challenges persist in understanding the precise mechanisms underlying DNA methylation in the TIME, developing selective epigenetic therapies, and effectively integrating these therapies with other antitumor strategies. In conclusion, DNA methylation of both tumor cells and immune cells interacts with the TIME, and thus affects clinical efficacy. The regulation of DNA methylation within the TIME holds significant promise for the advancement of tumor immunotherapy. Addressing these challenges is crucial for harnessing the full potential of epigenetic interventions to enhance antitumor immune responses and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoqi Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Siying Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chao Su
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jingjun Li
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yiwen Xuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Yongkai Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Traditional Chinese Medicine University of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Enwu Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China.
| | - Qin Fan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Zhou B, Yang Y, Kang Y, Hou J, Yang Y. Targeting the macrophage immunocheckpoint: a novel insight into solid tumor immunotherapy. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:66. [PMID: 38273373 PMCID: PMC10809660 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01384-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy, which targets immune checkpoints, presents a promising strategy for the treatment of various cancer types. However, current clinical data indicate challenges in its application to solid tumors. Recent studies have revealed a significant correlation between the degree of immune response in immunotherapy and the tumor microenvironment, particularly with regard to tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Among these immune cells, macrophages, a critical component, are playing an increasingly vital role in tumor immunotherapy. This review focuses on elucidating the role of macrophages within solid tumors and provides an overview of the progress in immunotherapy approaches centered around modulating macrophage responses through various immune factors. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Yan Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Jingjing Hou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361004, China.
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361004, China.
| | - Yun Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China.
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Li N, Yu K, Huang D, Zhou H, Zeng D. Identifying a Novel Eight-NK Cell-related Gene Signature for Ovarian Cancer Prognosis Prediction. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1578-1594. [PMID: 37650393 DOI: 10.2174/0929867331666230831101847] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OVC) is the most common and costly tumor in the world with unfavorable overall survival and prognosis. This study is aimed to explore the prognostic value of natural killer cells related genes for OVC treatment. METHODS RNA-seq and clinical information were acquired from the TCGA-OVC dataset (training dataset) and the GSE51800 dataset (validation dataset). Genes linked to NK cells were obtained from the immPort dataset. Moreover, ConsensusClusterPlus facilitated the screening of molecular subtypes. Following this, the risk model was established by LASSO analysis, and immune infiltration and immunotherapy were then detected by CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, ESTIMATE, and TIDE algorithms. RESULTS Based on 23 NK cell-related genes with prognosis, TCGA-OVC samples were classified into two clusters, namely C1 and C2. Of these, C1 had better survival outcomes as well as enhanced immune infiltration and tumor stem cells. Additionally, it was more suitable for immunotherapy and was also sensitive to traditional chemotherapy drugs. The eight-gene prognosis model was constructed and verified via the GSE51800 dataset. Additionally, a high infiltration level of immune cells was observed in low-risk patients. Low-risk samples also benefited from immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs. Finally, a nomogram and ROC curves were applied to validate model accuracy. CONCLUSION The present study identified a RiskScore signature, which could stratify patients with different infiltration levels, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy drugs. Our study provided a basis for precisely evaluating OVC therapy and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, 545001, China
- Liuzhou Institute of Reproduction and Genetics, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, 545001, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Cohort Study in Pregnant Women of Advanced Age, Liuzhou, 545001, China
| | - Kai Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Delun Huang
- Department of Physiology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yatsen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Dingyuan Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, 545001, China
- Liuzhou Institute of Reproduction and Genetics, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, 545001, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Cohort Study in Pregnant Women of Advanced Age, Liuzhou, 545001, China
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, 545001, China
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7
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Fan Z, Han D, Fan X, Zhao L. Ovarian cancer treatment and natural killer cell-based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308143. [PMID: 38187402 PMCID: PMC10768003 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308143] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the malignant tumors that poses a serious threat to women's health. Natural killer (NK) cells are an integral part of the immune system and have the ability to kill tumor cells directly or participate indirectly in the anti-tumor immune response. In recent years, NK cell-based immunotherapy for OC has shown remarkable potential. However, its mechanisms and effects remain unclear when compared to standard treatment. Methods To explore the value of NK cell-based immunotherapy in the treatment of OC, we conducted a literature review. In comparison to standard treatment, our focus was primarily on the current anti-tumor mechanisms, the clinical effect of NK cells against OC, factors affecting the structure and function of NK cells, and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of NK cells. Results We found that NK cells exert their therapeutic effects in OC through mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, perforin release, and granule enzyme secretion. They also secrete IFN-γ and TNF-α or engage in Fas/FasL and TRAIL/TRAILR pathways, mediating the death of OC cells. In clinical trials, the majority of patients experienced disease stability with mild side effects after receiving NK cell-based immunotherapy, but there is still a lack of high-quality research evidence regarding its clinical effectiveness. OC and prior experience with standard treatments have an effect on NK cells, and it may be considered to maximize NK cell effects through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment or combination with other therapies. Conclusions In this review, we have summarized the current evidence of NK cell applications in the treatment of OC. Furthermore, factors and strategies that influence and enhance the role of NK cell immunotherapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongru Fan
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dongyu Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Meddical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xin Fan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Meddical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, China
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Wang J, Ford JC, Mitra AK. Defining the Role of Metastasis-Initiating Cells in Promoting Carcinogenesis in Ovarian Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1492. [PMID: 38132318 PMCID: PMC10740540 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy with a high prevalence of transcoelomic metastasis. Metastasis is a multi-step process and only a small percentage of cancer cells, metastasis-initiating cells (MICs), have the capacity to finally establish metastatic lesions. These MICs maintain a certain level of stemness that allows them to differentiate into other cell types with distinct transcriptomic profiles and swiftly adapt to external stresses. Furthermore, they can coordinate with the microenvironment, through reciprocal interactions, to invade and establish metastases. Therefore, identifying, characterizing, and targeting MICs is a promising strategy to counter the spread of ovarian cancer. In this review, we provided an overview of OC MICs in the context of characterization, identification through cell surface markers, and their interactions with the metastatic niche to promote metastatic colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - James C. Ford
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Anirban K. Mitra
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Xuan M, Gu X, Li J, Huang D, Xue C, He Y. Polyamines: their significance for maintaining health and contributing to diseases. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:348. [PMID: 38049863 PMCID: PMC10694995 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01373-0] [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: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyamines are essential for the growth and proliferation of mammalian cells and are intimately involved in biological mechanisms such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, protein synthesis, and post-translational modification. These mechanisms regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, programmed cell death, and the formation of tumors. Several studies have confirmed the positive effect of polyamines on the maintenance of health, while others have demonstrated that their activity may promote the occurrence and progression of diseases. This review examines a variety of topics, such as polyamine source and metabolism, including metabolism, transport, and the potential impact of polyamines on health and disease. In addition, a brief summary of the effects of oncogenes and signaling pathways on tumor polyamine metabolism is provided. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjuan Xuan
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- Department of Oncology, College of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, Henan, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Child Health Care, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Chen Xue
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Yuting He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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10
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Xu Y, He Z, Du J, Chen Z, Creemers JWM, Wang B, Li F, Wang Y. Epigenetic modulations of immune cells: from normal development to tumor progression. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:5120-5144. [PMID: 37928272 PMCID: PMC10620821 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.88327] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction of immune cell development often impairs immunological homeostasis, thus causing various human diseases. Accumulating evidence shows that the development of different immune cells from hematopoietic stem cells are highly fine-tuned by different epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling and RNA-related regulations. Understanding how epigenetic regulators modulate normal development of immune cells contributes to the identification of new strategies for various diseases. Here, we review recent advances suggesting that epigenetic modulations can orchestrate immune cell development and functions through their impact on critical gene expression. We also discuss the aberrations of epigenetic modulations in immune cells that influence tumor progression, and the fact that underlying mechanisms affect how epigenetic drugs interfere with tumor progression in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanchun Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of nursing, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zongsheng He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Du
- Department of General Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ziqiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Bin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaling Wang
- Department of nursing, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Zeng J, Ye Z, Shi S, Liang Y, Meng Q, Zhang Q, Le AD. Targeted inhibition of eIF5A hpu suppresses tumor growth and polarization of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages in oral cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:579. [PMID: 37653021 PMCID: PMC10471704 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 (eIF5A2) is overexpressed in many types of cancer, and spermidine-mediated eIF5A hypusination (eIF5Ahpu) appears to be essential to most of eIF5A's biological functions, including its important role in regulating cancer cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties as well as immune cell functions. Here we investigated the role of eIF5Ahpu in the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (OSCCs) and OSCC-induced polarization of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TCGA dataset analysis revealed an overall upregulation in the mRNA expression of eIF5A2 and several key enzymes involved in polyamine (PA) metabolism in HNSCC, which was confirmed by Western blot and IHC studies. Blocking eIF5Ahpu by GC-7 but not the upstream key enzyme activities of PA metabolism, remarkably inhibited cell proliferation and the expression of EMT- and CSC-related genes in OSCC cells. In addition, blocking eIF5Ahpu robustly inhibited OSCC-induced M2-like TAM polarization in vitro. More Importantly, blocking eIF5Ahpu dramatically retarded tumor growth and infiltration/polarization of M2-like TAM in a syngeneic orthotopic murine tongue SCC model. Thus, eIF5Ahpu plays dual functions in regulating tumor cell growth and polarization of M2-TAMs in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Zeng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, 523808, Dongguan, China
| | - Ziyu Ye
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, 523808, Dongguan, China
| | - Shihong Shi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yanfang Liang
- Department of Pathology, Dongguan Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Bin-haiwan Central Hospital of Dongguan, 523905, Dongguan, China
| | - Qingyu Meng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qunzhou Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Anh D Le
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Penn Medicine Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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13
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Xie Z, Zhou Z, Yang S, Zhang S, Shao B. Epigenetic regulation and therapeutic targets in the tumor microenvironment. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:17. [PMID: 37273004 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial to neoplastic processes, fostering proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Epigenetic regulations, primarily including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA, have been generally recognized as an essential feature of tumor malignancy, exceedingly contributing to the dysregulation of the core gene expression in neoplastic cells, bringing about the evasion of immunosurveillance by influencing the immune cells in TME. Recently, compelling evidence have highlighted that clinical therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic machinery modulate carcinogenesis through targeting TME components, including normalizing cells' phenotype, suppressing cells' neovascularization and repressing the immunosuppressive components in TME. Therefore, TME components have been nominated as a promising target for epigenetic drugs in clinical cancer management. This review focuses on the mechanisms of epigenetic modifications occurring to the pivotal TME components including the stroma, immune and myeloid cells in various tumors reported in the last five years, concludes the tight correlation between TME reprogramming and tumor progression and immunosuppression, summarizes the current advances in cancer clinical treatments and potential therapeutic targets with reference to epigenetic drugs. Finally, we summarize some of the restrictions in the field of cancer research at the moment, further discuss several interesting epigenetic gene targets with potential strategies to boost antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Zirui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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14
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Xiong J, Fu F, Yu F, He X. Advances of exosomal miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:65. [PMID: 37160813 PMCID: PMC10169985 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00674-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a tumor with the highest fatalities among female malignant tumors. This disease has no typical symptoms in its early stage, and most of the patients are in an advanced stage when being treated. The treatment effect is poor and it is easy to develop chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to clarify the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer, explore its early diagnosis of biomarkers, and discover new treatment methods. As a carrier of intercellular information and genetic material transfer, exosomes are widely distributed in body fluids (e.g. blood and urine), which are regarded as latent tumor markers and take effects on tumor occurrence and invasion. Several articles have recently signified that exosomal miRNAs are widely implicated in the formation of the ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment, disease initiation and progression, and the generation of chemotherapy resistance. This article reviews the research on exosomal miRNAs in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanChang, JiangXi, China
| | - Fen Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanChang, JiangXi, China
| | - Feng Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanChang, JiangXi, China
| | - Xiaoju He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanChang, JiangXi, China.
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15
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Kwantwi LB. Exosome-mediated crosstalk between tumor cells and innate immune cells: implications for cancer progression and therapeutic strategies. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04833-9. [PMID: 37154928 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04833-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The increasing number of cancer-associated deaths despite the substantial improvement in diagnosis and treatment has sparked discussions on the need for novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for cancer. Exosomes have become crucial players in tumor development and progression, largely due to the diverse nature of their cargo content released to recipient cells. Importantly, exosome-mediated crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells is essential in reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to facilitate tumor progression. As a result, exosomes have gradually become a marker for the early diagnosis of many diseases and an important tool in drug delivery systems. However, the precise mechanisms by which exosomes participate in tumor progression remain elusive, multifaceted, and a double-edged sword, thus requiring further clarification. The available evidence suggests that exosomes can facilitate communication between innate immune cells and tumor cells to either support or inhibit tumor progression. Herein, this review focused on exosome-mediated intercellular communication between tumor cells and macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells. Specifically, how such intercellular communication affects tumor progression has been described. It has also been discussed that, depending on their cargo, exosomes can suppress or promote tumor cell progression. In addition, the potential application of exosomes and strategies to target exosomes in cancer treatment has been comprehensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Boafo Kwantwi
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, Klintaps College of Health and Allied Sciences, Accra, DTD. TDC, 30A Klagon, Com. 19, Tema, Ghana.
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16
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Jiang Y, Zhang H, Wang J, Chen J, Guo Z, Liu Y, Hua H. Exploiting RIG-I-like receptor pathway for cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:8. [PMID: 36755342 PMCID: PMC9906624 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01405-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) are intracellular pattern recognition receptors that detect viral or bacterial infection and induce host innate immune responses. The RLRs family comprises retinoic acid-inducible gene 1 (RIG-I), melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) and laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2) that have distinctive features. These receptors not only recognize RNA intermediates from viruses and bacteria, but also interact with endogenous RNA such as the mislocalized mitochondrial RNA, the aberrantly reactivated repetitive or transposable elements in the human genome. Evasion of RLRs-mediated immune response may lead to sustained infection, defective host immunity and carcinogenesis. Therapeutic targeting RLRs may not only provoke anti-infection effects, but also induce anticancer immunity or sensitize "immune-cold" tumors to immune checkpoint blockade. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of RLRs signaling and discuss the rationale for therapeutic targeting RLRs in cancer. We describe how RLRs can be activated by synthetic RNA, oncolytic viruses, viral mimicry and radio-chemotherapy, and how the RNA agonists of RLRs can be systemically delivered in vivo. The integration of RLRs agonism with RNA interference or CAR-T cells provides new dimensions that complement cancer immunotherapy. Moreover, we update the progress of recent clinical trials for cancer therapy involving RLRs activation and immune modulation. Further studies of the mechanisms underlying RLRs signaling will shed new light on the development of cancer therapeutics. Manipulation of RLRs signaling represents an opportunity for clinically relevant cancer therapy. Addressing the challenges in this field will help develop future generations of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfu Jiang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Jinzhu Chen
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zeyu Guo
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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17
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Gao L, Ying F, Cai J, Peng M, Xiao M, Sun S, Zeng Y, Xiong Z, Cai L, Gao R, Wang Z. Identification and validation of pyroptosis-related gene landscape in prognosis and immunotherapy of ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:27. [PMID: 36707884 PMCID: PMC9883900 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01065-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence has highlighted the biological significance of pyroptosis in tumor tumorigenesis and progression. Nonetheless, the potential roles of pyroptosis in tumor immune microenvironment and target therapy of ovarian cancer (OC) remain unknown. METHODS In this study, with a series of bioinformatic and machine learning approaches, we comprehensively evaluated genetic alterations and transcriptome profiles of pyroptosis-associated genes (PYAGs) with TCGA-OV datasets. Consensus molecular clustering was performed to determine pyroptosis-associated clusters (PACs) and gene clusters in OC. Subsequently, component analysis algorithm (PCA) was employed to construct Pyrsig score and a highly accurate nomogram was established to evaluate its efficacy. Meanwhile, we systematically performed association analysis for these groups with prognosis, clinical features, TME cell-infiltrating characteristics, drug response and immunotherapeutic efficacy. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to verify molecular expression with clinical samples. RESULTS The somatic mutations and copy number variation (CNV) of 51 PYRGs in OC samples were clarified. Two distinct PACs (PAC1/2) and three gene clusters (A/B/C) were identified based on 1332 OC samples, PAC1 and gene cluster A were significantly associated with favorable overall survival (OS), clinicopathological features and TME cell-infiltrating characteristics. Subsequently, Pyrsig score was successfully established to demonstrate the prognostic value and immune characteristics of pyroptosis in OC, low Pyrsig score, characterized by activated immune cell infiltration, indicated prolonged OS, increased sensitivity of some chemotherapeutic drugs and enhanced efficacy of anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, Consequently, a nomogram was successfully established to improve the clinical applicability and stability of Pyrsig score. With clinical OC samples, GSDMD and GZMB proteins were validated highly expressed in OC and associated with immune infiltration and Pyrsig score, GZMB and CD8 proteins were regarded as independent prognostic factors of OC. CONCLUSION This work revealed pyroptosis played a non-negligible role in prognosis value, clinicopathological characteristics and tumor immune infiltration microenvironment in OC, which provided novel insights into identifying and characterizing landscape of tumor immune microenvironment, thereby guiding more effective prognostic evaluation and tailored immunotherapy strategies of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Gao
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Feiquan Ying
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Jing Cai
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Minggang Peng
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Man Xiao
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Si Sun
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Ya Zeng
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Zhoufang Xiong
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Liqiong Cai
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Rui Gao
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Zehua Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
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18
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Chen Y, León-Letelier RA, Abdel Sater AH, Vykoukal J, Dennison JB, Hanash S, Fahrmann JF. c-MYC-Driven Polyamine Metabolism in Ovarian Cancer: From Pathogenesis to Early Detection and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:623. [PMID: 36765581 PMCID: PMC9913358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030623] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
c-MYC and its paralogues MYCN and MYCL are among the most frequently amplified and/or overexpressed oncoproteins in ovarian cancer. c-MYC plays a key role in promoting ovarian cancer initiation and progression. The polyamine pathway is a bona fide target of c-MYC signaling, and polyamine metabolism is strongly intertwined with ovarian malignancy. Targeting of the polyamine pathway via small molecule inhibitors has garnered considerable attention as a therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer. Herein, we discuss the involvement of c-MYC signaling and that of its paralogues in promoting ovarian cancer tumorigenesis. We highlight the potential of targeting c-MYC-driven polyamine metabolism for the treatment of ovarian cancers and the utility of polyamine signatures in biofluids for early detection applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Johannes F. Fahrmann
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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19
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Liu M, Liu L, Song Y, Li W, Xu L. Targeting macrophages: a novel treatment strategy in solid tumors. J Transl Med 2022; 20:586. [PMID: 36510315 PMCID: PMC9743606 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03813-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells, which act as a key regulator in tumorigenesis and progression. Increasing evidence have demonstrated that the TME alters the nature of macrophages to maintain dynamic tissue homeostasis, allowing TAMs to acquire the ability to stimulate angiogenesis, promote tumor metastasis and recurrence, and suppress anti-tumor immune responses. Furthermore, tumors with high TAM infiltration have poor prognoses and are resistant to treatment. In the field of solid tumor, the exploration of tumor-promoting mechanisms of TAMs has attracted much attention and targeting TAMs has emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic strategy. Currently, the most common therapeutic options for targeting TAMs are as follows: the deletion of TAMs, the inhibition of TAMs recruitment, the release of phagocytosis by TAMs, and the reprogramming of macrophages to remodel their anti-tumor capacity. Promisingly, the study of chimeric antigen receptor macrophages (CAR-Ms) may provide even greater benefit for patients with solid tumors. In this review, we discuss how TAMs promote the progression of solid tumors as well as summarize emerging immunotherapeutic strategies that targeting macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Liu
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Research and Foreign Affairs, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008 China ,grid.207374.50000 0001 2189 3846Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Lina Liu
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008 China
| | - Yongping Song
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Wei Li
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Linping Xu
- grid.414008.90000 0004 1799 4638Department of Research and Foreign Affairs, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008 China
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20
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Hsieh CH, Kuan WH, Chang WL, Kuo IY, Liu H, Shieh DB, Liu H, Tan B, Wang YC. Dysregulation of SOX17/NRF2 axis confers chemoradiotherapy resistance and emerges as a novel therapeutic target in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:90. [PMID: 36310172 PMCID: PMC9618214 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00873-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the sixth leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide with a dismal overall 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. The standard first-line therapy for advanced ESCC is concomitant chemo-radiation therapy (CCRT); however, patients usually develop resistance, resulting in unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, it is urgent to identify the mechanisms underlying CCRT resistance and develop effective treatment strategies. Methods Patients’ endoscopic biopsy tumor tissues obtained before CCRT treatment were used to perform RNA-seq and GSEA analysis. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and promoter reporter analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between SOX17 and NRF2. Xenograft mouse models were used to study the role of SOX17/NRF2 axis in tumor growth and the efficacy of carboxymethyl cellulose-coated zero-valent-iron (ZVI@CMC). Results In this study, a notable gene expression signature associated with NRF2 activation was observed in the poor CCRT responders. Further, IHC staining of endoscopic biopsy of 164 ESCC patients revealed an inverse correlation between NRF2 and SOX17, a tumor-suppressive transcription factor with low expression in ESCC due to promoter hypermethylation. Using ChIP and promoter reporter analyses, we demonstrated that SOX17 was a novel upstream transcriptional suppressor of NRF2. In particular, SOX17low/NRF2high nuclear level significantly correlated with poor CCRT response and poor survival, indicating that the dysregulation of SOX17/NRF2 axis played a pivotal role in CCRT resistance and tumor progression. Notably, the in-house developed nanoparticle ZVI@CMC functioned as an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferases to restore expression of SOX17 that downregulated NRF2, thereby overcoming the resistance in ESCC. Additionally, the combination of ZVI@CMC with radiation treatment significantly augmented anticancer efficacy to inhibit tumor growth in CCRT resistant cancer. Conclusion This study identifies a novel SOX17low/NRF2high signature in ESCC patients with poor prognosis, recognizes SOX17 as a transcriptional repressor of NRF2, and provides a promising strategy targeting SOX17/NRF2 axis to overcome resistance. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12929-022-00873-4.
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21
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Wang S, Wang X, Xia X, Zhang T, Yi M, Li Z, Jiang L, Yang Y, Fu J, Fang X. Identification of the immune subtype of ovarian cancer patients by integrated analyses of transcriptome and single-cell sequencing data. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13296. [PMID: 35918500 PMCID: PMC9346122 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17645-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one the most life-threatening cancers affecting women's health worldwide. Immunotherapy has become a promising treatment for a variety of cancers, but the therapeutic effects in OC remain limited. In this study, we constructed a macrophage risk score (MRS) based on M1 and M2 macrophages and a gene risk score (GRS) based on the prognostic genes associated with MRS. Next, cell-cell communication analysis was performed using single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing data. Survival status and immune characteristics were compared between the high- and low-score groups separated by MRS or GRS. Our results suggested that MRS and GRS can identify the immune subtypes of OC patients with better overall survival (OS) and inflammatory immune microenvironment. Moreover, M1 and M2 macrophages may affect the prognosis of OC patients through signal communication with CD8 T cells. Finally, functional differences between the two groups separated by GRS were elucidated. Taken together, this study constructed two useful models for the identification of immune subtypes in OC, which has a better prognosis and may have a sensitive response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The hub genes for the construction of GRS may be potential synergetic targets for immunotherapy in OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixue Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaomeng Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingyu Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zeying Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yalan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xiaoling Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
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22
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Holbert CE, Cullen MT, Casero RA, Stewart TM. Polyamines in cancer: integrating organismal metabolism and antitumour immunity. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:467-480. [PMID: 35477776 PMCID: PMC9339478 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00473-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The natural mammalian polyamines putrescine, spermidine and spermine are essential for both normal and neoplastic cell function and replication. Dysregulation of metabolism of polyamines and their requirements is common in many cancers. Both clinical and experimental depletion of polyamines have demonstrated their metabolism to be a rational target for therapy; however, the mechanisms through which polyamines can establish a tumour-permissive microenvironment are only now emerging. Recent data indicate that polyamines can play a major role in regulating the antitumour immune response, thus likely contributing to the existence of immunologically 'cold' tumours that do not respond to immune checkpoint blockade. Additionally, the interplay between the microbiota and associated tissues creates a tumour microenvironment in which polyamine metabolism, content and function can all be dramatically altered on the basis of microbiota composition, dietary polyamine availability and tissue response to its surrounding microenvironment. The goal of this Perspective is to introduce the reader to the many ways in which polyamines, polyamine metabolism, the microbiota and the diet interconnect to establish a tumour microenvironment that facilitates the initiation and progression of cancer. It also details ways in which polyamine metabolism and function can be successfully targeted for therapeutic benefit, including specifically enhancing the antitumour immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra E Holbert
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Robert A Casero
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Tracy Murray Stewart
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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23
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Ren Y, He J, Zhao W, Ma Y. The Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Verbascoside on Ovarian Cancer via Facilitating CCN1-AKT/NF-κB Pathway-Mediated M1 Macrophage Polarization. Front Oncol 2022; 12:901922. [PMID: 35785168 PMCID: PMC9249354 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.901922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related mortality. Verbascoside (VB) is a phenylpropanoid glycoside from Chinese herbs, with anti-tumour activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of VB on OC. Methods OC cell lines SKOV3 and A2780 were used in this study. Cell viability, proliferation, and migration were measured using CCK-8, clonogenic, and transwell assays, respectively. Apoptosis and M1/M2 macrophages were detected using flow cytometry. The interaction between VB and CCN1 was predicted by molecular docking. The mRNA expression of CCN1 was detected by RT-qPCR. The protein levels of CCN1, AKT, p-AKT, p65, and p-p65 were determined by western blotting. A xenograft mice model was established for in vivo validation. Results VB inhibited OC cell proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner, and promoted apoptosis and M1 macrophage polarization. VB downregulated CCN1 and inhibited the AKT/NF-κB pathway. LY294002, an AKT inhibitor, potentiated the anti-tumour effects of VB. CCN1 overexpression weakened the anti-tumour effects of VB and VB + LY294002. In vivo experiments verified that VB inhibited tumour growth and promoted M1 polarization, which is regulated by the CCN1-mediated AKT/NF-κB pathway. Conclusion VB triggers the CCN1-AKT/NF-κB pathway-mediated M1 macrophage polarization for protecting against OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ren
- Scientific Research Department, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Jinying He
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Wenhua Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Yuzhen Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital, Hohhot, China
- *Correspondence: Yuzhen Ma,
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24
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Chin A, Bieberich CJ, Stewart TM, Casero RA. Polyamine Depletion Strategies in Cancer: Remodeling the Tumor Immune Microenvironment to Enhance Anti-Tumor Responses. Med Sci (Basel) 2022; 10:medsci10020031. [PMID: 35736351 PMCID: PMC9228337 DOI: 10.3390/medsci10020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyamine biosynthesis is frequently dysregulated in cancers, and enhanced flux increases intracellular polyamines necessary for promoting cell growth, proliferation, and function. Polyamine depletion strategies demonstrate efficacy in reducing tumor growth and increasing survival in animal models of cancer; however, mechanistically, the cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic alterations within the tumor microenvironment underlying positive treatment outcomes are not well understood. Recently, investigators have demonstrated that co-targeting polyamine biosynthesis and transport alters the immune landscape. Although the polyamine synthesis-targeting drug 2-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) is well tolerated in humans and is FDA-approved for African trypanosomiasis, its clinical benefit in treating established cancers has not yet been fully realized; however, combination therapies targeting compensatory mechanisms have shown tolerability and efficacy in animal models and are currently being tested in clinical trials. As demonstrated in pre-clinical models, polyamine blocking therapy (PBT) reduces immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment and enhances the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Thus, DFMO may sensitize tumors to other therapeutics, including immunotherapies and chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Chin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; (A.C.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Charles J. Bieberich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; (A.C.); (C.J.B.)
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Tracy Murray Stewart
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Robert A. Casero
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
- Correspondence:
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25
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Latour YL, Sierra JC, Finley JL, Asim M, Barry DP, Allaman MM, Smith TM, McNamara KM, Luis PB, Schneider C, Jacobse J, Goettel JA, Calcutt MW, Rose KL, Schey KL, Milne GL, Delgado AG, Piazuelo MB, Paul BD, Snyder S, Gobert AP, Wilson KT. CTH exacerbates Helicobacter pylori immunopathogenesis by promoting macrophage metabolic remodeling and activation. JCI Insight 2022; 7:155338. [PMID: 35579952 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.155338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play a crucial role in the inflammatory response to the human stomach pathogen Helicobacter pylori, which infects half of the world's population and causes gastric cancer. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of macrophage immunometabolism in their activation state and function. We have demonstrated that the cysteine-producing enzyme, cystathionine g-lyase (CTH), is upregulated in humans and mice with H. pylori infection. Here we show that induction of CTH in macrophages by H. pylori promotes persistent inflammation. Cth-/- mice have reduced macrophage and T-cell activation in H. pylori-infected tissues, an altered metabolome, and decreased enrichment of immune-associated gene networks, culminating in decreased H. pylori-induced-gastritis. CTH is downstream of the proposed anti-inflammatory molecule, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). While Cth-/- mice exhibit gastric SAM accumulation, WT mice treated with SAM did not display protection against H. pylori-induced inflammation. Instead, we demonstrate that Cth-deficient macrophages exhibit alterations in the proteome, decreased NF-kB activation, diminished expression of macrophage activation markers, and impaired oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. Thus, through altering cellular respiration, CTH is a key enhancer of macrophage activation contributing to a pathogenic inflammatory response that is the universal precursor for the development of H. pylori-induced gastric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L Latour
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Johanna C Sierra
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Jordan L Finley
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Asim
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Daniel P Barry
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Univeristy Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Margaret M Allaman
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Thaddeus M Smith
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Kara M McNamara
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Paula B Luis
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Claus Schneider
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Justin Jacobse
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Jeremy A Goettel
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - M Wade Calcutt
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Kristie L Rose
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Kevin L Schey
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Ginger L Milne
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Alberto G Delgado
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - M Blanca Piazuelo
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Bindu D Paul
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Solomon Snyder
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Alain P Gobert
- Department of Medicine, Vandebilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Keith T Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
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26
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Yu A, Tang S, Ding L, Foley J, Tang W, Jia H, Panja S, Holbert CE, Hang Y, Stewart TM, Smith LM, Sil D, Casero RA, Oupický D. Hyaluronate-coated perfluoroalkyl polyamine prodrugs as bioactive siRNA delivery systems for the treatment of peritoneal cancers. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 136:212755. [PMID: 35813988 PMCID: PMC9268001 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.212755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an emerging therapeutic modality for cancer, which remains in critical need of effective delivery vectors due to the unfavorable biopharmaceutical properties of small RNAs. Polyamines are essential for functioning of mammalian cells. Dysregulated polyamine metabolism is found in many cancers and has been an attractive therapeutic target in combination therapies. Combination therapies based on drugs that affect polyamine metabolism and nucleic acids promise to enhance anticancer activity due to a cooperative effect on multiple oncogenic pathways. Here, we report bioactive polycationic prodrug (F-PaP) based on an anticancer polyamine analog bisethylnorspermine (BENSpm) modified with perfluoroalkyl moieties. Following encapsulation of siRNA, F-PaP/siRNA nanoparticles were coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to form ternary nanoparticles HA@F-PaP/siRNA. The presence of perfluoroalkyl moieties and HA reduced cell membrane toxicity and improved stability of the particles with cooperatively enhanced siRNA delivery in pancreatic and colon cancer cell lines. We then tested a therapeutic hypothesis that combining BENSpm with siRNA silencing of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) would result in cooperative cancer cell killing. HA@F-PaP/siPLK1 induced polyamine catabolism and cell cycle arrest, leading to enhanced apoptosis in the tested cell lines. The HA-coated nanoparticles facilitated tumor accumulation and contributed to strong tumor inhibition and favorable modulation of the immune tumor microenvironment in orthotopic pancreatic cancer model. Combination anticancer therapy with polyamine prodrug-mediated delivery of siRNA. Hyaluronate coating of the siRNA nanoparticles facilitates selective accumulation in orthotopic pancreatic tumors. Perfluoroalkyl conjugation reduces toxicity and improves gene silencing effect. Nanoparticle treatment induces polyamine catabolism and cell cycle arrest leading to strong tumor inhibition and favorable modulation of immune tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Yu
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Siyuan Tang
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Ling Ding
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Jackson Foley
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Weimin Tang
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Huizhen Jia
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Sudipta Panja
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Cassandra E. Holbert
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu Hang
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Tracy Murray Stewart
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lynette M. Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Diptesh Sil
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Robert A. Casero
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Oupický
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
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27
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Lv C, Li S, Zhao J, Yang P, Yang C. M1 Macrophages Enhance Survival and Invasion of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Inducing GDF15-Mediated ErbB2 Phosphorylation. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:11405-11414. [PMID: 35415372 PMCID: PMC8992263 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
M2 macrophages are generally recognized to have a protumor role, while the effect of M1 macrophages in cancer is controversial. Here, the in vitro and in vivo effects of conditioned medium from M1 macrophages (M1-CM) on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells and a potential mechanism were studied. CCK-8, colony formation, EdU labeling, xenograft growth, and Transwell assays were utilized to observe cell survival/proliferation and migration/invasion, respectively, in OSCC cell lines treated with basic medium (BM) and M1-CM. The ErbB2 phosphorylation inhibitor (CI-1033) and GDF15 knockout cell lines were used to appraise the role of ErbB2 and GDF15 in mediating the effects of M1-CM. Compared with BM, M1-CM significantly enhanced the survival/proliferation of SCC25 cells. The migration/invasion of SCC25 and CAL27 cells also increased. Mechanically, M1-CM promoted GDF15 expression and increased the phosphorylation of ErbB2, AKT, and ErK. CI-1033 significantly declined the M1-CM-induced activation of p-AKT and p-ErK and its protumor effects. M1-CM stimulated enhancement of p-ErbB2 expression was significantly decreased in cells with GDF15 gene knockout vs without. In xenograft, M1-CM pretreatment significantly promoted the carcinogenic potential of OSCC cells. Our results demonstrate that M1 macrophages induce the proliferation, migration, invasion, and xenograft development of OSCC cells. Mechanistically, this protumor effect of M1 macrophages is partly associated with inducing GDF15-mediated ErbB2 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxu Lv
- Department
of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University &
Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong
Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Shutong Li
- Department
of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University &
Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong
Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Department
of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University &
Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong
Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Pishan Yang
- Department
of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University &
Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong
Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Tel: +86 053188382493. Fax: +86 53188382923.
| | - Chengzhe Yang
- Department
of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Qilu
Hospital and Institute of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Tel: +86 053182166772. Fax: +86 53186927544.
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28
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Yan X, Zhang S, Jia J, Yang J, Song Y, Duan H. Exosomal MiR-423-3p Inhibits Macrophage M2 Polarization to Suppress the Malignant Progression of Cervical Cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 235:153882. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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29
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. Cancer Stem Cells in Ovarian Cancer-A Source of Tumor Success and a Challenging Target for Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052496. [PMID: 35269636 PMCID: PMC8910575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal neoplasm of the female genital organs. Despite indisputable progress in the treatment of ovarian cancer, the problems of chemo-resistance and recurrent disease are the main obstacles for successful therapy. One of the main reasons for this is the presence of a specific cell population of cancer stem cells. The aim of this review is to show the most contemporary knowledge concerning the biology of ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) and their impact on chemo-resistance and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients, as well as to present the treatment options targeted exclusively on the OCSCs. The review presents data concerning the role of cancer stem cells in general and then concentrates on OCSCs. The surface and intracellular OCSCs markers and their meaning both for cancer biology and clinical prognosis, signaling pathways specifically activated in OCSCs, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of OCSCs function including the recent studies on the non-coding RNA regulation, cooperation between OCSCs and the tumor microenvironment (ovarian cancer niche) including very specific environment such as ascites fluid, the role of shear stress, autophagy and metabolic changes for the function of OCSCs, and finally mechanisms of OCSCs escape from immune surveillance, are described and discussed extensively. The possibilities of anti-OCSCs therapy both in experimental settings and in clinical trials are presented, including the recent II phase clinical trials and immunotherapy. OCSCs are a unique population of cancer cells showing a great plasticity, self-renewal potential and resistance against anti-cancer treatment. They are responsible for the progression and recurrence of the tumor. Several completed and ongoing clinical trials have tested different anti-OCSCs drugs which, however, have shown unsatisfactory efficacy in most cases. We propose a novel approach to ovarian cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother’s Health Center—Research Institute, 281/289 Rzgowska Str., 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 106 Lodowa Str., 93-232 Lodz, Poland;
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30
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Zhao CC, Han QJ, Ying HY, Gu XX, Yang N, Li LY, Zhang QZ. TNFSF15 facilitates differentiation and polarization of macrophages toward M1 phenotype to inhibit tumor growth. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2032918. [PMID: 35127254 PMCID: PMC8812784 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2032918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Can-Can Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiu-Ju Han
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao-Yan Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiang-Xiang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Na Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang-Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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31
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Yin B, Ding J, Hu H, Yang M, Huang B, Dong W, Li F, Han L. Overexpressed CMTM6 Improves Prognosis and Associated With Immune Infiltrates of Ovarian Cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:769032. [PMID: 35174213 PMCID: PMC8841687 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.769032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OV) is an epithelial malignancy that intrigues people for its high mortality and lack of efficient treatment. Chemokine-like factor (CKLF)–like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing 6 (CMTM6) can be observed in various cancers, but its part in OV remains little known. Hence, the prognostic value and underlying mechanism of CMTM6 in OV were preliminarily evaluated. Here, we determined that CMTM6 expression was higher than that in normal controls. However, the upregulation of CMTM6 was associated with better prognosis. GSEA results suggested that CMTM6 is involved in the immune-related and metabolism-related pathways. GO/KEGG analysis of CMTM6 coexpressed genes was performed to survey the possible regulatory roles of CMTM6 in OV. Subsequently, CMTM6 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration levels of immune cells and the expression of diverse immune cell marker sets. Importantly, CMTM6 may influence prognosis partially by regulating immune infiltration in OV. Last, copy number variations (CNVs) and DNA methylation might prompt the abnormal CMTM6 expression in OV. In conclusion, CMTM6 can serve as a novel prognostic biomarker in patients with OV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yin
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianyi Ding
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoran Hu
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiqin Yang
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baoyou Huang
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Dong, ; Fang Li, ; Lingfei Han,
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Dong, ; Fang Li, ; Lingfei Han,
| | - Lingfei Han
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Dong, ; Fang Li, ; Lingfei Han,
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32
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Niu Y, Chen J, Qiao Y. Epigenetic Modifications in Tumor-Associated Macrophages: A New Perspective for an Old Foe. Front Immunol 2022; 13:836223. [PMID: 35140725 PMCID: PMC8818998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.836223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is frequently accompanied by chronic inflammation, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) can be considered an ecosystem that consists of tumor cells, endotheliocytes, fibroblasts, immune cells and acellular components such as extracellular matrix. For tumor cells, their survival advantages are dependent on both genetic and epigenetic alterations, while other cells mainly present epigenetic modifications. Macrophages are the most plastic type of immune cells and undergo diverse epigenetic alterations in the TME. Some of these epigenetic modifications mitigate against cancer progression, and others accelerate this process. Due to the complex roles of macrophages in the TME, it is urgent to understand their epigenetic modifications associated with the TME. Here, we mainly summarize recent findings on TME-associated epigenetic alterations of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), including DNA methylation, posttranslational modifications of histone proteins, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNA-mediated epigenetic regulation. At the end of this review, we also discuss the translational potential of these epigenetic modifications for developing novel cancer therapies targeting TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Niu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jianxiang Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yiting Qiao, ; Jianxiang Chen,
| | - Yiting Qiao
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Yiting Qiao, ; Jianxiang Chen,
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Zhang S, Chen S, Wang Y, Zhan Y, Li J, Nong X, Gao B. Association of a Novel Prognosis Model with Tumor Mutation Burden and Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells in Thyroid Carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 12:744304. [PMID: 34976004 PMCID: PMC8718762 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.744304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although immunotherapy has recently demonstrated a substantial promise in treating advanced thyroid carcinoma (THCA), it is not appropriate for all THCA patients. As a result, this study aims to identify biomarkers for predicting immunotherapy efficacy and prognosis in THCA patients based on a constructed prognostic model. The transcriptomic and corresponding clinical data of THCA patients were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between THCA and normal samples and performed an intersection analysis of DEGs with immune-related genes (IRGs) downloaded from the ImmPort database. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the chosen immune-related DEGs. Subsequently, Cox and LASSO regression analyses were conducted to obtain three hub immune-related DEGs, including PPBP, SEMA6B, and GCGR. Following that, a prognostic risk model was established and validated based on PPBP, SEMA6B, and GCGR genes to predict immunotherapy efficacy and THCA prognosis. Finally, we investigated the association between the constructed risk model and tumor mutational burden (TMB), abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) as well as immunotherapeutic targets (PDL-1, PD-1, and CTLA4) in THCA. THCA patients in the high-risk score (RS) group showed higher TMB levels and worse prognosis than the low RS group. Patients in the high-RS group had higher proportions of monocytes, M2 macrophages, and activated dendritic cells, whereas those in the low-RS group exhibited higher numbers of M1 macrophages and dendritic resting cells. Our data implied that the constructed THCA prognostic model was sound and we concluded that the THCA patients having high TMB and low PD-L1 expression levels might respond poorly to immunotherapy. Taken together, we constructed a novel prognostic model for THCA patients to predict their prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy, providing a viable option for the future management of THCA patients in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqin Zhang
- College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Nanning, China
| | - Shaoyong Chen
- College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Nanning, China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Nanning, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhan
- College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Nanning, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaolin Nong
- College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Nanning, China
| | - Biyun Gao
- College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Nanning, China
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Wang Y, Huang Z, Li B, Liu L, Huang C. The Emerging Roles and Therapeutic Implications of Epigenetic Modifications in Ovarian Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:863541. [PMID: 35620395 PMCID: PMC9127157 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.863541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies globally. In spite of positive responses to initial therapy, the overall survival rates of OC patients remain poor due to the development of drug resistance and consequent cancer recurrence. Indeed, intensive studies have been conducted to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying OC therapeutic resistance. Besides, emerging evidence suggests a crucial role for epigenetic modifications, namely, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation, in the drug resistance of OC. These epigenetic modifications contribute to chemoresistance through various mechanisms, namely, upregulating the expression of multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs), remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, and deregulated immune response. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the role of epigenetic mechanisms in clinical therapeutic resistance may improve the outcome of OC patients. In this review, we will discuss the epigenetic regulation of OC drug resistance and propose the potential clinical implications of epigenetic therapies to prevent or reverse OC drug resistance, which may inspire novel treatment options by targeting resistance mechanisms for drug-resistant OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Liu, ; Canhua Huang,
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Liu, ; Canhua Huang,
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35
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Yang P, Chen W, Xu H, Yang J, Jiang J, Jiang Y, Xu G. Correlation of CCL8 expression with immune cell infiltration of skin cutaneous melanoma: potential as a prognostic indicator and therapeutic pathway. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:635. [PMID: 34844613 PMCID: PMC8628426 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical in the progression and metastasis of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). Differences in tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) and their gene expression have been linked to cancer prognosis. Given that immunotherapy can be effective against SKCM, we aimed to identify key genes that regulate the immunological state of the TME in SKCM. METHODS Data from 471 SKCM patients in the The Cancer Genome Atlas were analyzed using ESTIMATE algorithms to generate an ImmuneScore, StromalScore, and EstimateScore for each patient. Patients were classified into low- or high-score groups based on median values, then compared in order to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was developed, and a prognostic model was created using uni- and multivariate Cox regression as well as the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Key DEGs were identified using the web-based tool GEPIA. Profiles of TIC subpopulations in each patient were analyzed using CIBORSORT, and possible correlations between key DEG expression and TICs were explored. Levels of CCL8 were determined in SKCM and normal skin tissue using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Two scores correlated positively with the prognosis of SKCM patients. Comparison of the low- and high-score groups revealed 1684 up-regulated and 18 down-regulated DEGs, all of which were enriched in immune-related functions. The prognostic model identified CCL8 as a key gene, which CIBERSORT found to correlate with M1 macrophages. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong expression in SKCM tissue, but failed to detect the protein in normal skin tissue. CONCLUSIONS CCL8 is a potential prognostic marker for SKCM, and it may become an effective target for melanoma in which M1 macrophages play an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, No. 39 Xiangshan Road Dongbao Zone, Jingmen, 448000, Hubei, China
| | - Wanrong Chen
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Department of Pathology, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, No. 39 Xiangshan Road Dongbao Zone, Jingmen, 448000, Hubei, China
| | - Junhan Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, No. 39 Xiangshan Road Dongbao Zone, Jingmen, 448000, Hubei, China
| | - Jinghang Jiang
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei, China
| | - Yunhui Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, No. 39 Xiangshan Road Dongbao Zone, Jingmen, 448000, Hubei, China.
| | - Ganglin Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, No. 39 Xiangshan Road Dongbao Zone, Jingmen, 448000, Hubei, China.
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Li QZ, Zuo ZW, Zhou ZR, Ji Y. Polyamine homeostasis-based strategies for cancer: The role of combination regimens. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 910:174456. [PMID: 34464603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermine, spermidine and putrescine polyamines are naturally occurring ubiquitous positively charged amines and are essential metabolites for biological functions in our life. These compounds play a crucial role in many cell processes, including cellular proliferation, growth, and differentiation. Intracellular levels of polyamines depend on their biosynthesis, transport and degradation. Polyamine levels are high in cancer cells, which leads to the promotion of tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. Targeting polyamine metabolism as an anticancer strategy is considerably rational. Due to compensatory mechanisms, a single strategy does not achieve satisfactory clinical effects when using a single agent. Combination regimens are more clinically promising for cancer chemoprevention because they work synergistically with causing little or no adverse effects due to each individual agent being used at lower doses. Moreover, bioactive substances have advantages over single chemical agents because they can affect multiple targets. In this review, we discuss anticancer strategies targeting polyamine metabolism and describe how combination treatments and effective natural active ingredients are promising therapies. The existing research suggests that polyamine metabolic enzymes are important therapeutic targets and that combination therapies can be more effective than monotherapies based on polyamine depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Zhang Li
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, PR China.
| | - Zan-Wen Zuo
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, PR China
| | - Ze-Rong Zhou
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, PR China
| | - Yan Ji
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, PR China
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Xu T, Yu S, Zhang J, Wu S. Dysregulated tumor-associated macrophages in carcinogenesis, progression and targeted therapy of gynecological and breast cancers. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:181. [PMID: 34717710 PMCID: PMC8557603 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01198-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecological and breast cancers are a group of heterogeneous malignant tumors. Although existing treatment strategies have ameliorated the clinical outcomes of patients, the overall survival rate of advanced diseases remains unsatisfactory. Increasing evidence has indicated that the development and prognosis of tumors are closely related to the tumor microenvironment (TME), which restricts the immune response and provokes malignant progression. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the main component of TME and act as a key regulator in tumor metastasis, immunosuppression and therapeutic resistance. Several preclinical trials have studied potential drugs that target TAMs to achieve potent anticancer therapy. This review focuses on the various functions of TAMs and how they influence the carcinogenesis of gynecological and breast cancers through regulating cancer cell proliferation, tumor angiogenesis and tumor-related immunosuppression. Besides, we also discuss the potential application of disabling TAMs signaling as a part of cancer therapeutic strategies, as well as CAR macrophages, TAMs-based vaccines and TAMs nanobiotechnology. These research advances support that targeting TAMs combined with conventional therapy might be used as effective therapeutics for gynecological and breast cancers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Sihui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sufang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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38
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Xu J, Ling T, Dai S, Han S, Ding K. Constructing the ceRNA Regulatory Network and Combining Immune Cells to Evaluate Prognosis of Colon Cancer Patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:686844. [PMID: 34692670 PMCID: PMC8528953 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.686844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study was conducted in order to construct a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network to screen RNA that plays an important role in colon cancer and to construct a model to predict the prognosis of patients. Methods: The gene expression data of colon cancer were downloaded from the TCGA database. The difference was analyzed by the R software and the ceRNA network was constructed. The survival-related RNA was screened out by combining with clinical information, and the prognosis model was established by lasso regression. CIBERSORT was used to analyze the infiltration of immune cells in colon cancer, and the differential expression of immune cells related to survival was screened out by combining clinical information. The correlation between RNA and immune cells was analyzed by lasso regression. PCR was used to verify the expression of seven RNAs in colon cancer patients with different prognoses. Results: Two hundred and fifteen lncRNAs, 357 miRNAs, and 2,955 mRNAs were differentially expressed in colon cancer. The constructed ceRNA network contains 18 lncRNAs, 42 miRNAs, and 168 mRNAs, of which 18 RNAs are significantly related to survival. Through lasso analysis, we selected seven optimal RNA construction models. The AUC value of the model was greater than 0.7, and there was a significant difference in the survival rate between the high- and low-risk groups. Two kinds of immune cells related to the prognosis of patients were screened out. The results showed that the expression of seven RNA markers in colon cancer patients with different prognoses was basically consistent with the model analysis. Conclusion: We have established the regulatory network of ceRNA in colon cancer, screened out seven core RNAs and two kinds of immune cells, and constructed a comprehensive prognosis model of colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianyi Ling
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Siqi Dai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuwen Han
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kefeng Ding
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Xie W, Sun H, Li X, Lin F, Wang Z, Wang X. Ovarian cancer: epigenetics, drug resistance, and progression. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:434. [PMID: 34404407 PMCID: PMC8369623 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02136-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. OC is associated with the activation of oncogenes, the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, and the activation of abnormal cell signaling pathways. Moreover, epigenetic processes have been found to play an important role in OC tumorigenesis. Epigenetic processes do not change DNA sequences but regulate gene expression through DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA. This review comprehensively considers the importance of epigenetics in OC, with a focus on microRNA and long non-coding RNA. These types of RNA are promising molecular markers and therapeutic targets that may support precision medicine in OC. DNA methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors may be useful for such targeting, with a possible novel approach combining these two therapies. Currently, the clinical application of such epigenetic approaches is limited by multiple obstacles, including the heterogeneity of OC, insufficient sample sizes in reported studies, and non-optimized methods for detecting potential tumor markers. Nonetheless, the application of epigenetic approaches to OC patient diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis is a promising area for future clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Xinhua Hospital, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Huizhen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Xinhua Hospital, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoduan Li
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feikai Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Xinhua Hospital, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziliang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Xinhua Hospital, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xipeng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Xinhua Hospital, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
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40
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Novita Sari I, Setiawan T, Seock Kim K, Toni Wijaya Y, Won Cho K, Young Kwon H. Metabolism and function of polyamines in cancer progression. Cancer Lett 2021; 519:91-104. [PMID: 34186159 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Polyamines are essential for the proliferation, differentiation, and development of eukaryotes. They include spermine, spermidine, and the diamine precursor putrescine, and are low-molecular-weight, organic polycations with more than two amino groups. Their intracellular concentrations are strictly maintained within a specific physiological range through several regulatory mechanisms in normal cells. In contrast, polyamine metabolism is dysregulated in many neoplastic states, including cancer. In various types of cancer, polyamine levels are elevated, and crosstalk occurs between polyamine metabolism and oncogenic pathways, such as mTOR and RAS pathways. Thus, polyamines might have potential as therapeutic targets in the prevention and treatment of cancer. The molecular mechanisms linking polyamine metabolism to carcinogenesis must be unraveled to develop novel inhibitors of polyamine metabolism. This overview describes the nature of polyamines, their association with carcinogenesis, the development of polyamine inhibitors and their potential, and the findings of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ita Novita Sari
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Tania Setiawan
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Seock Kim
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoseph Toni Wijaya
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Kae Won Cho
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, 31151, Republic of Korea; Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, 31151, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyog Young Kwon
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, 31151, Republic of Korea; Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, 31151, Republic of Korea.
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41
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Luo X, Xu J, Yu J, Yi P. Shaping Immune Responses in the Tumor Microenvironment of Ovarian Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:692360. [PMID: 34248988 PMCID: PMC8261131 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.692360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reciprocal signaling between immune cells and ovarian cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment can alter immune responses and regulate disease progression. These signaling events are regulated by multiple factors, including genetic and epigenetic alterations in both the ovarian cancer cells and immune cells, as well as cytokine pathways. Multiple immune cell types are recruited to the ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment, and new insights about the complexity of their interactions have emerged in recent years. The growing understanding of immune cell function in the ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment has important implications for biomarker discovery and therapeutic development. This review aims to describe the factors that shape the phenotypes of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer and how these changes impact disease progression and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Xiong J, He X, Xu Y, Zhang W, Fu F. MiR-200b is upregulated in plasma-derived exosomes and functions as an oncogene by promoting macrophage M2 polarization in ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:74. [PMID: 34078414 PMCID: PMC8170822 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00826-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women and the second most reason of gynecologic cancer-related death. Growing evidence showed that exosomal miRNA plays a crucial role in the progression of ovarian cancer. Methods Exosomes were identified using nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and marker proteins detection. The levels of mRNA and proteins were ensured by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and ELISA assay were carried out to analyze macrophages polarization. CCK-8 and Transwell assay were used to measure the cell viability and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. The interaction of miR-200b and Kruppel like factor 6 (KLF6) was ensured by using luciferase reporter assay. Results Here, we obtained plasma-derived exosomes successfully, and proved that miR-200b was increased in the exosomes of ovarian cancer patients. Subsequently, our data showed that increasing of miR-200b could promote macrophage M2 polarization, but inhibit M1 polarization. miR-200b-overexpressed macrophages-conditioned medium notably enhanced the cell viability and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, increasing of miR-200b inhibited KLF6 expression, while decreasing of miR-200b promoted KLF6 expression. Overexpression of KLF6 recused miR-200b-induced macrophage polarization toward M2, and the inhibitory effect of miR-200b on M1 polarization. Conclusions Overall, our results demonstrated that miR-200b was highly expressed in the plasma-derived exosome of ovarian cancer patients, and promoted the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells through inducing macrophage M2 polarization by suppressing KLF6 expression. Our results suggested that miR-200b might be a novel target for ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 Minde Road, Donghu District, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoju He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 Minde Road, Donghu District, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 Minde Road, Donghu District, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 Minde Road, Donghu District, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Fen Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 Minde Road, Donghu District, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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Luo ZW, Xia K, Liu YW, Liu JH, Rao SS, Hu XK, Chen CY, Xu R, Wang ZX, Xie H. Extracellular Vesicles from Akkermansia muciniphila Elicit Antitumor Immunity Against Prostate Cancer via Modulation of CD8 + T Cells and Macrophages. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:2949-2963. [PMID: 33907401 PMCID: PMC8068512 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s304515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in males. Despite the success of immunotherapy in many malignant cancers, strategies are still needed to improve therapeutic efficacy in PCa. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Akkermansia muciniphila-derived extracellular vesicles (Akk-EVs) on PCa and elucidate the underlying immune-related mechanism. METHODS Akk-EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and intravenously injected to treat syngeneic PCa-bearing immune-competent mice. Immunophenotypic changes in immune cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes and macrophages, were measured via flow cytometry analysis. Histological examination was used to detect morphological changes in major organs after Akk-EVs treatments. In vitro, flow cytometry was performed to confirm the effects of Akk-EVs on the activation of CD8+ T cells. Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining were carried out to test the impact of Akk-EVs on macrophage polarization. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) analysis, colony formation assays, and scratch wound healing assays were conducted to assess the effects of Akk-EVs-treated macrophages on the proliferation and invasion of PCa cells. CCK-8 assays also confirmed the impact of Akk-EVs on the viability of normal cells. RESULTS Intravenous injection of Akk-EVs in immune-competent mice reduced the tumor burden of PCa without inducing obvious toxicity in normal tissues. This treatment elevated the proportion of granzyme B-positive (GZMB+) and interferon γ-positive (IFN-γ+) lymphocytes in CD8+ T cells and caused macrophage recruitment, with increased tumor-killing M1 macrophages and decreased immunosuppressive M2 macrophages. In vitro, Akk-EVs increased the number of GZMB+CD8+ and IFN-γ+CD8+ T cells and M1-like macrophages. In addition, conditioned medium from Akk-EVs-treated macrophages suppressed the proliferation and invasion of prostate cells. Furthermore, the effective dose of Akk-EVs was well-tolerated in normal cells. CONCLUSION Our study revealed the promising prospects of Akk-EVs as an efficient and biocompatible immunotherapeutic agent for PCa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Wei Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Wei Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Hua Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shan-Shan Rao
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiong-Ke Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-Yuan Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ran Xu
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Xing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Bone Joint Degeneration and Injury, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
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Maes K, Mondino A, Lasarte JJ, Agirre X, Vanderkerken K, Prosper F, Breckpot K. Epigenetic Modifiers: Anti-Neoplastic Drugs With Immunomodulating Potential. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652160. [PMID: 33859645 PMCID: PMC8042276 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are under the surveillance of the host immune system. Nevertheless, a number of immunosuppressive mechanisms allow tumors to escape protective responses and impose immune tolerance. Epigenetic alterations are central to cancer cell biology and cancer immune evasion. Accordingly, epigenetic modulating agents (EMAs) are being exploited as anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory agents to restore immunological fitness. By simultaneously acting on cancer cells, e.g. by changing expression of tumor antigens, immune checkpoints, chemokines or innate defense pathways, and on immune cells, e.g. by remodeling the tumor stroma or enhancing effector cell functionality, EMAs can indeed overcome peripheral tolerance to transformed cells. Therefore, combinations of EMAs with chemo- or immunotherapy have become interesting strategies to fight cancer. Here we review several examples of epigenetic changes critical for immune cell functions and tumor-immune evasion and of the use of EMAs in promoting anti-tumor immunity. Finally, we provide our perspective on how EMAs could represent a game changer for combinatorial therapies and the clinical management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Maes
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universiteit Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anna Mondino
- Lymphocyte Activation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Juan José Lasarte
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.,Hemato-oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.,Hemato-oncology Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Hematology and Cell Therapy Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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45
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Perspectives on Epigenetics and Cancer Immunotherapy: A Preface to Special Issue. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061452. [PMID: 33810108 PMCID: PMC8005170 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Kim S, Han Y, Kim SI, Lee J, Jo H, Wang W, Cho U, Park WY, Rando TA, Dhanasekaran DN, Song YS. Computational modeling of malignant ascites reveals CCL5-SDC4 interaction in the immune microenvironment of ovarian cancer. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:297-312. [PMID: 33721368 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity is commonly found in advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients, which creates a specialized tumor microenvironment for cancer progression. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of ascites cells from five patients with ovarian cancer, we identified seven cell types, including heterogeneous macrophages and ovarian cancer cells. We resolved a distinct polarization state of macrophages by MacSpectrum analysis and observed subtype-specific enrichment of pathways associated with their functions. The communication between immune and cancer cells was predicted through a putative ligand-receptor pair analysis using NicheNet. We found that CCL5, a chemotactic ligand, is enriched in immune cells (T cells and NK cells) and mediates ovarian cancer cell survival in the ascites, possibly through SDC4. Moreover, SDC4 expression correlated with poor overall survival in ovarian cancer patients. Our study highlights the potential role of T cells and NK cells in long-term survival patients with ovarian cancer, indicating SDC4 as a potential prognostic marker in ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soochi Kim
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Youngjin Han
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Ik Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juwon Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - HyunA Jo
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wenyu Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Untack Cho
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong-Yang Park
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Thomas A Rando
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.,Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Neurology Service, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Danny N Dhanasekaran
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yong Sang Song
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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47
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Petroni G, Buqué A, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G, Galluzzi L. Immunomodulation by targeted anticancer agents. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:310-345. [PMID: 33338426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
At odds with conventional chemotherapeutics, targeted anticancer agents are designed to inhibit precise molecular alterations that support oncogenesis or tumor progression. Despite such an elevated degree of molecular specificity, many clinically employed and experimental targeted anticancer agents also mediate immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive effects that (at least in some settings) influence therapeutic efficacy. Here, we discuss the main immunomodulatory effects of targeted anticancer agents and explore potential avenues to harness them in support of superior clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Petroni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aitziber Buqué
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France; INSERM U1015, Villejuif, France; Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer (CICBT) 1428, Villejuif, France; Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France; Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France; Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, China; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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48
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Chen Y, Wang B, Yuan X, Lu Y, Hu J, Gao J, Lin J, Liang J, Hou S, Chen S. Vitexin prevents colitis-associated carcinogenesis in mice through regulating macrophage polarization. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 83:153489. [PMID: 33571919 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at increased risks of developing ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Vitexin can suppress the proliferation of colorectal carcinoma cells in vitro orin vivo. However, different from colorectal carcinoma, CAC is more consistent with the transformation from inflammation to cancer in clinical chronic IBD patients. Therefore, we aim to investigated that vitexin whether possess benefic effects on CAC mice. PURPOSE We aimed to determine the beneficial effects of vitexin on CAC mice and reveal its underlying mechanism. METHODS The mouse CAC model was induced by Azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) and CAC mice were treated with vitexin. At the end of this study, inflammatory cytokines of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 as well as nitric oxide (NO) were detected by kits after long-term treatment of vitexin. Pathological changes and macrophage polarization were determined by H&E and immunofluorescence in adjacent noncancerous tissue and carcinomatous tissue respectively of CAC mice. RESULTS Our results showed that oral administration of vitexin could significantly improve the clinical signs and symptoms of chronic colitis, relieve colon damage, regulate colonic inflammatory cytokines, as well as suppress tumor incidence and tumor burden. Interesting, vitexin caused a significant increase in serum level of NO and a higher content of NO in tumor tissue. In addition, vitexin significantly decreased M1 phenotype macrophages in the adjacent noncancerous tissue, while markedly up-regulated M1 macrophage polarization in the tumor tissue in the colon of CAC mice. CONCLUSION Vitexin can attenuate chronic colitis-associated carcinogenesis induced by AOM/DSS in mice and its protective effects are partly associated with its alternations in macrophage polarization in the inflammatory and tumor microenvironment .
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonger Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, PR China
| | - Bingxin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, PR China
| | - Xin Yuan
- National Engineering Research Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Guangzhou Branch), Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, PR China
| | - Yingyu Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, PR China
| | - Jiliang Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, PR China
| | - Jie Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, PR China
| | - Jizong Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, PR China
| | - Jian Liang
- National Engineering Research Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Guangzhou Branch), Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, PR China
| | - Shaozhen Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, PR China.
| | - Shuxian Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, PR China.
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49
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Han C, Zhang C, Wang H, Zhao L. Exosome-mediated communication between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages: implications for tumor microenvironment. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1887552. [PMID: 33680573 PMCID: PMC7901554 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1887552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles released from numerous types of cells that are involved in multiple tumors development. Exosomes contribute to the modulation of tumor microenvironment (TME) through intercellular communication. As essential immune stromal cells in the TME, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) participate in tumor development by mediating angiogenesis, metastasis, chemoresistance, and immune escape. Due to communication with multiple cells in the TME, they exhibit plasticity and heterogeneity during the progress of polarization from monocytes to macrophages. Previous studies suggest that targeting TAMs is a promising therapeutic strategy; however, the detailed mechanism by which TAMs regulate tumor development still remains unclear. In this review, we provide an overview of the roles of exosomes as messengers in the communication between tumor cells and polarization of TAMs; we also describe the effects of their interaction on tumor development. Finally, we comprehensively discussed the potential application of exosomes as the promising tumor immunotherapy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Han
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hengxiao Wang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Lianmei Zhao
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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50
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Cummings M, Freer C, Orsi NM. Targeting the tumour microenvironment in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 77:3-28. [PMID: 33607246 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.02.007] [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: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer typically presents at an advanced stage, and although the majority of cases initially respond well to platinum-based therapies, chemoresistance almost always occurs leading to a poor long-term prognosis. While various cellular autonomous mechanisms contribute to intrinsic or acquired platinum resistance, the tumour microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in resistance to therapy and disease progression by providing cancer stem cell niches, promoting tumour cell metabolic reprogramming, reducing chemotherapy drug perfusion and promoting an immunosuppressive environment. As such, the TME is an attractive therapeutic target which has been the focus of intense research in recent years. This review provides an overview of the unique ovarian cancer TME and its role in disease progression and therapy resistance, highlighting some of the latest preclinical and clinical data on TME-targeted therapies. In particular, it focuses on strategies targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumour-associated macrophages, cancer stem cells and cancer cell metabolic vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cummings
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - C Freer
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - N M Orsi
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom; St James's Institute of Oncology, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom.
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