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Williams V, Sakr L, Bejarano P. Devil in the Dedifferentiated Details: A Rare Case of Primary Pulmonary Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma. Cureus 2024; 16:e66540. [PMID: 39252749 PMCID: PMC11381132 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66540] [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] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary liposarcoma of the lung is an exceedingly rare phenomenon, with fewer than ten cases reported in prior literature as of 2024. Rarer still, dedifferentiated liposarcoma of pulmonary origin is even less frequently reported, with only two cases having been described. Here, we detail the case of a 66-year-old female who presented with a large left-sided obstructing lung mass and underwent bronchoscopy with tumor cryoprobe debulking. Histological examination revealed a spindle cell sarcoma corresponding to a dedifferentiated liposarcoma with leiomyosarcomatous features as murine double minute 2 translocation was identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization and desmin by immunohistochemistry. The patient completed multiple radiotherapy sessions followed by pneumonectomy and a relatively uncomplicated postoperative course. As pulmonary liposarcoma tends to be poorly responsive to typical chemotherapy, standard management of pulmonary liposarcoma in the absence of metastases is surgical intervention to improve patient survival. Thus, we maintain that pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists should have a heightened awareness of this unique pathology in patients presenting with solitary lung mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Williams
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, USA
| | - Lewjain Sakr
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, USA
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2
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Klein K, Kollmann S, Hiesinger A, List J, Kendler J, Klampfl T, Rhandawa M, Trifinopoulos J, Maurer B, Grausenburger R, Betram CA, Moriggl R, Rülicke T, Mullighan CG, Witalisz-Siepracka A, Walter W, Hoermann G, Sexl V, Gotthardt D. A lineage-specific STAT5BN642H mouse model to study NK-cell leukemia. Blood 2024; 143:2474-2489. [PMID: 38498036 PMCID: PMC11208297 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Patients with T- and natural killer (NK)-cell neoplasms frequently have somatic STAT5B gain-of-function mutations. The most frequent STAT5B mutation is STAT5BN642H, which is known to drive murine T-cell leukemia, although its role in NK-cell malignancies is unclear. Introduction of the STAT5BN642H mutation into human NK-cell lines enhances their potential to induce leukemia in mice. We have generated a mouse model that enables tissue-specific expression of STAT5BN642H and have selectively expressed the mutated STAT5B in hematopoietic cells (N642Hvav/+) or exclusively in NK cells (N642HNK/NK). All N642Hvav/+ mice rapidly develop an aggressive T/NKT-cell leukemia, whereas N642HNK/NK mice display an indolent NK-large granular lymphocytic leukemia (NK-LGLL) that progresses to an aggressive leukemia with age. Samples from patients with NK-cell leukemia have a distinctive transcriptional signature driven by mutant STAT5B, which overlaps with that of murine leukemic N642HNK/NK NK cells. To our knowledge, we have generated the first reliable STAT5BN642H-driven preclinical mouse model that displays an indolent NK-LGLL progressing to aggressive NK-cell leukemia. This novel in vivo tool will enable us to explore the transition from an indolent to an aggressive disease and will thus permit the study of prevention and treatment options for NK-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Klein
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Kollmann
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angela Hiesinger
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia List
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonatan Kendler
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thorsten Klampfl
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mehak Rhandawa
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jana Trifinopoulos
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Maurer
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard Grausenburger
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christof A. Betram
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Animal Breeding and Genetics, Unit for Functional Cancer Genomics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Charles G. Mullighan
- Department of Pathology, Hematological Malignancies Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Agnieszka Witalisz-Siepracka
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | | | | | - Veronika Sexl
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dagmar Gotthardt
- Department for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Webster KL, Mirmira RG. Beta cell dedifferentiation in type 1 diabetes: sacrificing function for survival? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1427723. [PMID: 38904049 PMCID: PMC11187278 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1427723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathogeneses of type 1 and type 2 diabetes involve the progressive loss of functional beta cell mass, primarily attributed to cellular demise and/or dedifferentiation. While the scientific community has devoted significant attention to unraveling beta cell dedifferentiation in type 2 diabetes, its significance in type 1 diabetes remains relatively unexplored. This perspective article critically analyzes the existing evidence for beta cell dedifferentiation in type 1 diabetes, emphasizing its potential to reduce beta cell autoimmunity. Drawing from recent advancements in both human studies and animal models, we present beta cell identity as a promising target for managing type 1 diabetes. We posit that a better understanding of the mechanisms of beta cell dedifferentiation in type 1 diabetes is key to pioneering interventions that balance beta cell function and immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raghavendra G. Mirmira
- Kovler Diabetes Center and the Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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4
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Wills A, Dibbern M, Frierson HF, Raghavan SS. Metastatic Undifferentiated Melanoma Mimicking a Primary Bone Tumor: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall. Am J Dermatopathol 2024; 46:170-172. [PMID: 38170737 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Undifferentiated melanoma (UM) is defined by the loss of classic morphologic and immunohistochemical melanocytic markers. Reports in the literature are rare and show that UM usually occurs as a metastasis in the setting of a known primary cutaneous melanoma. The most common mutations in UM include those involving BRAF , NRAS , and KIT , which are almost invariably present in the parent melanoma. In this study, we report a case of a primary sinonasal melanoma with metastatic UM presenting with osteoclast-like giant cells and resembling a primary bone tumor. The retention of an unusual KRAS mutation in UM that was also present in the primary lesion provided critical information for the diagnosis. Our report highlights the importance of considering mutational analysis to identify undifferentiated melanomas in patients with metastatic tumors which do not have the typical histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Wills
- Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA; and
| | - Megan Dibbern
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Henry F Frierson
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Shyam S Raghavan
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
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Almorox L, Antequera L, Rojas I, Herrera LJ, Ortuño FM. Gene Expression Analysis for Uterine Cervix and Corpus Cancer Characterization. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:312. [PMID: 38540371 PMCID: PMC10970626 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The analysis of gene expression quantification data is a powerful and widely used approach in cancer research. This work provides new insights into the transcriptomic changes that occur in healthy uterine tissue compared to those in cancerous tissues and explores the differences associated with uterine cancer localizations and histological subtypes. To achieve this, RNA-Seq data from the TCGA database were preprocessed and analyzed using the KnowSeq package. Firstly, a kNN model was applied to classify uterine cervix cancer, uterine corpus cancer, and healthy uterine samples. Through variable selection, a three-gene signature was identified (VWCE, CLDN15, ADCYAP1R1), achieving consistent 100% test accuracy across 20 repetitions of a 5-fold cross-validation. A supplementary similar analysis using miRNA-Seq data from the same samples identified an optimal two-gene miRNA-coding signature potentially regulating the three-gene signature previously mentioned, which attained optimal classification performance with an 82% F1-macro score. Subsequently, a kNN model was implemented for the classification of cervical cancer samples into their two main histological subtypes (adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). A uni-gene signature (ICA1L) was identified, achieving 100% test accuracy through 20 repetitions of a 5-fold cross-validation and externally validated through the CGCI program. Finally, an examination of six cervical adenosquamous carcinoma (mixed) samples revealed a pattern where the gene expression value in the mixed class aligned closer to the histological subtype with lower expression, prompting a reconsideration of the diagnosis for these mixed samples. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of uterine cervix and corpus cancers. The newly identified gene signatures demonstrate robust predictive capabilities, guiding future research in cancer diagnosis and treatment methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ignacio Rojas
- Department of Computer Engineering, Automatics and Robotics, C.I.T.I.C., University of Granada, Periodista Rafael Gómez Montero, 2, 18014 Granada, Spain; (L.A.); (L.A.); (L.J.H.); (F.M.O.)
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6
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Chen Y, Sun J, Liu J, Wei Y, Wang X, Fang H, Du H, Huang J, Li Q, Ren G, Wang X, Li H. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2-mediated aldehyde metabolism promotes tumor immune evasion by regulating the NOD/VISTA axis. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007487. [PMID: 38088186 PMCID: PMC10711917 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a crucial enzyme involved in endogenous aldehyde detoxification and has been implicated in tumor progression. However, its role in tumor immune evasion remains unclear. METHODS Here, we analyzed the relationship between ALDH2 expression and antitumor immune features in multiple cancers. ALDH2 knockout tumor cells were then established using CRISPR/Cas9 system. In immunocompetent breast cancer EMT6 and melanoma B16-F10 mouse models, we investigated the impact of ALDH2 blockade on cytotoxic T lymphocyte function and tumor immune microenvironment by flow cytometry, mass cytometry, Luminex liquid suspension chip detection, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and luciferase reporter assays were employed to explore the detailed mechanism of ALDH2 involved in tumor immune evasion. Lastly, the synergistic therapeutic efficacy of blocking ALDH2 by genetic depletion or its inhibitor disulfiram in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) was investigated in mouse models. RESULTS In our study, we uncovered a positive correlation between the expression level of ALDH2 and T-cell dysfunction in multiple cancers. Furthermore, blocking ALDH2 significantly suppressed tumor growth by enhancing cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells and reshaping the immune landscape and cytokine milieu of tumors in vivo. Mechanistically, inhibiting ALDH2-mediated metabolism of aldehyde downregulated the expression of V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) via inactivating the nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. As a result, the cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells was revitalized. Importantly, ALDH2 blockade markedly reinforced the efficacy of ICB treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our data delineate that ALDH2-mediated aldehyde metabolism drives tumor immune evasion by activating the NOD/NF-κB/VISTA axis. Targeting ALDH2 provides an effective combinatorial therapeutic strategy for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuru Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiazheng Sun
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiazhou Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuxian Wei
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huiying Fang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Breast Disease, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Huimin Du
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guosheng Ren
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongzhong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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7
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Liu Y, John P, Nishitani K, Cui J, Nishimura CD, Christin JR, Couturier N, Ren X, Wei Y, Pulanco MC, Galbo PM, Zhang X, Fu W, Cui W, Bartholdy BA, Zheng D, Lauvau G, Fineberg SA, Oktay MH, Zang X, Guo W. A SOX9-B7x axis safeguards dedifferentiated tumor cells from immune surveillance to drive breast cancer progression. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2700-2717.e12. [PMID: 37963469 PMCID: PMC10842074 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
How dedifferentiated stem-like tumor cells evade immunosurveillance remains poorly understood. We show that the lineage-plasticity regulator SOX9, which is upregulated in dedifferentiated tumor cells, limits the number of infiltrating T lymphocytes in premalignant lesions of mouse basal-like breast cancer. SOX9-mediated immunosuppression is required for the progression of in situ tumors to invasive carcinoma. SOX9 induces the expression of immune checkpoint B7x/B7-H4 through STAT3 activation and direct transcriptional regulation. B7x is upregulated in dedifferentiated tumor cells and protects them from immunosurveillance. B7x also protects mammary gland regeneration in immunocompetent mice. In advanced tumors, B7x targeting inhibits tumor growth and overcomes resistance to anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. In human breast cancer, SOX9 and B7x expression are correlated and associated with reduced CD8+ T cell infiltration. This study, using mouse models, cell lines, and patient samples, identifies a dedifferentiation-associated immunosuppression mechanism and demonstrates the therapeutic potential of targeting the SOX9-B7x pathway in basal-like breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Peter John
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Kenta Nishitani
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jihong Cui
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Christopher D Nishimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - John R Christin
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Nicole Couturier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xiaoxin Ren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yao Wei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Marc C Pulanco
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Phillip M Galbo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xusheng Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Wenyan Fu
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Boris A Bartholdy
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Gregoire Lauvau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Susan A Fineberg
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Maja H Oktay
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Gruss-Lipper Biophotonic Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Integrated Imaging Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Wenjun Guo
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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8
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Galvin RT, Jena S, Maeser D, Gruener R, Huang RS. Revealing Pan-Histology Immunomodulatory Targets in Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5455. [PMID: 38001715 PMCID: PMC10670190 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of immunotherapy for pediatric CNS malignancies has been limited by the poorly understood immune landscape in this context. The aim of this study was to uncover the mechanisms of immune suppression common among pediatric brain tumors. METHODS We apply an immunologic clustering algorithm validated by The Cancer Genome Atlas Project to an independent pediatric CNS transcriptomic dataset. Within the clusters, the mechanisms of immunosuppression are explored via tumor microenvironment deconvolution and survival analyses to identify relevant immunosuppressive genes with translational relevance. RESULTS High-grade diseases fall predominantly within an immunosuppressive subtype (C4) that independently lowers overall survival time and where common immune checkpoints (e.g., PDL1, CTLA4) are less relevant. Instead, we identify several alternative immunomodulatory targets with relevance across histologic diseases. Specifically, we show how the mechanism of EZH2 inhibition to enhance tumor immunogenicity in vitro via the upregulation of MHC class 1 is applicable to a pediatric CNS oncologic context. Meanwhile, we identify that the C3 (inflammatory) immune subtype is more common in low-grade diseases and find that immune checkpoint inhibition may be an effective way to curb progression for this subset. CONCLUSIONS Three predominant immunologic clusters are identified across pediatric brain tumors. Among high-risk diseases, the predominant immune cluster is associated with recurrent immunomodulatory genes that influence immune infiltrate, including a subset that impacts survival across histologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T. Galvin
- Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Sampreeti Jena
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.J.); (R.G.)
| | - Danielle Maeser
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Robert Gruener
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.J.); (R.G.)
| | - R. Stephanie Huang
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.J.); (R.G.)
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9
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Grolleau E, Candiracci J, Lescuyer G, Barthelemy D, Benzerdjeb N, Haon C, Geiguer F, Raffin M, Hardat N, Balandier J, Rabeuf R, Chalabreysse L, Wozny AS, Rommelaere G, Rodriguez-Lafrasse C, Subtil F, Couraud S, Herzog M, Payen-Gay L. Circulating H3K27 Methylated Nucleosome Plasma Concentration: Synergistic Information with Circulating Tumor DNA Molecular Profiling. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1255. [PMID: 37627320 PMCID: PMC10452235 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081255] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular profiling of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a helpful tool not only in cancer treatment, but also in the early detection of relapse. However, the clinical interpretation of a ctDNA negative result remains challenging. The characterization of circulating nucleosomes (carrying cell-free DNA) and associated epigenetic modifications (playing a key role in the tumorigenesis of different cancers) may provide useful information for patient management, by supporting the contributive value of ctDNA molecular profiling. Significantly elevated concentrations of H3K27Me3 nucleosomes were found in plasmas at the diagnosis, and during the follow-up, of NSCLC patients, compared to healthy donors (p-value < 0.0001). By combining the H3K27Me3 level and the ctDNA molecular profile, we found that 25.5% of the patients had H3K27Me3 levels above the cut off, and no somatic alteration was detected at diagnosis. This strongly supports the presence of non-mutated ctDNA in the corresponding plasma. During the patient follow-up, a high H3K27Me3-nucleosome level was found in 15.1% of the sample, despite no somatic mutations being detected, allowing the identification of disease progression from 43.1% to 58.2% over molecular profiling alone. Measuring H3K27Me3-nucleosome levels in combination with ctDNA molecular profiling may improve confidence in the negative molecular result for cfDNA in lung cancer at diagnosis, and may also be a promising biomarker for molecular residual disease (MRD) monitoring, during and/or after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Grolleau
- Center for Innovation in Cancerology of Lyon (CICLY) EA 3738, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
- Pulmonology Department, Lyon Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Julie Candiracci
- Belgian Volition SRL, Parc Scientifique Créalys, 5032 Isnes, Belgium
| | - Gaelle Lescuyer
- Center for Innovation in Cancerology of Lyon (CICLY) EA 3738, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences (ISPB), Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69373 Lyon, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Circulating Cancer (CIRCAN) Program, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Cancer Institute, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - David Barthelemy
- Center for Innovation in Cancerology of Lyon (CICLY) EA 3738, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences (ISPB), Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69373 Lyon, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Circulating Cancer (CIRCAN) Program, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Cancer Institute, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Nazim Benzerdjeb
- Center for Innovation in Cancerology of Lyon (CICLY) EA 3738, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
- Pathology Department, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron, France
| | - Christine Haon
- Center for Innovation in Cancerology of Lyon (CICLY) EA 3738, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Circulating Cancer (CIRCAN) Program, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Cancer Institute, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Florence Geiguer
- Center for Innovation in Cancerology of Lyon (CICLY) EA 3738, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences (ISPB), Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69373 Lyon, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Circulating Cancer (CIRCAN) Program, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Cancer Institute, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Margaux Raffin
- Center for Innovation in Cancerology of Lyon (CICLY) EA 3738, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences (ISPB), Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69373 Lyon, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Circulating Cancer (CIRCAN) Program, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Cancer Institute, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Nathalie Hardat
- Belgian Volition SRL, Parc Scientifique Créalys, 5032 Isnes, Belgium
| | - Julie Balandier
- Center for Innovation in Cancerology of Lyon (CICLY) EA 3738, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences (ISPB), Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69373 Lyon, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Circulating Cancer (CIRCAN) Program, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Cancer Institute, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Rémi Rabeuf
- Belgian Volition SRL, Parc Scientifique Créalys, 5032 Isnes, Belgium
| | - Lara Chalabreysse
- Pathology Department, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Wozny
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Circulating Cancer (CIRCAN) Program, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Cancer Institute, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Cellular and Molecular Radiobiology Laboratory UMR CNRS5822/IP2I, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
| | | | - Claire Rodriguez-Lafrasse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Circulating Cancer (CIRCAN) Program, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Cancer Institute, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Cellular and Molecular Radiobiology Laboratory UMR CNRS5822/IP2I, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
| | - Fabien Subtil
- Statistic Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
- LBBE, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, UMR 5558, CNRS, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Sébastien Couraud
- Center for Innovation in Cancerology of Lyon (CICLY) EA 3738, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
- Pulmonology Department, Lyon Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Marielle Herzog
- Belgian Volition SRL, Parc Scientifique Créalys, 5032 Isnes, Belgium
| | - Lea Payen-Gay
- Center for Innovation in Cancerology of Lyon (CICLY) EA 3738, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutic Lyon Sud, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69921 Oullins, France
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences (ISPB), Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69373 Lyon, France
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
- Circulating Cancer (CIRCAN) Program, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Cancer Institute, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
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10
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Xu C, Ju D, Zhang X. Editorial: Community series in combinational immunotherapy of cancer: novel targets, mechanisms, and strategies, volume II. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1256691. [PMID: 37638018 PMCID: PMC10455921 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1256691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuyao Zhang
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Prummer M, Bertolini A, Bosshard L, Barkmann F, Yates J, Boeva V, Stekhoven D, Singer F. scROSHI: robust supervised hierarchical identification of single cells. NAR Genom Bioinform 2023; 5:lqad058. [PMID: 37332656 PMCID: PMC10273189 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqad058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying cell types based on expression profiles is a pillar of single cell analysis. Existing machine-learning methods identify predictive features from annotated training data, which are often not available in early-stage studies. This can lead to overfitting and inferior performance when applied to new data. To address these challenges we present scROSHI, which utilizes previously obtained cell type-specific gene lists and does not require training or the existence of annotated data. By respecting the hierarchical nature of cell type relationships and assigning cells consecutively to more specialized identities, excellent prediction performance is achieved. In a benchmark based on publicly available PBMC data sets, scROSHI outperforms competing methods when training data are limited or the diversity between experiments is large.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Bertolini
- Nexus Personalized Health Technologies, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lars Bosshard
- Nexus Personalized Health Technologies, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florian Barkmann
- Institute for Machine Learning, Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Josephine Yates
- Institute for Machine Learning, Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Boeva
- Institute for Machine Learning, Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris Descartes University UMR-S1016, Paris 75014, France
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniel Stekhoven
- Nexus Personalized Health Technologies, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Singer
- Nexus Personalized Health Technologies, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Cao Y. Neural induction drives body axis formation during embryogenesis, but a neural induction-like process drives tumorigenesis in postnatal animals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1092667. [PMID: 37228646 PMCID: PMC10203556 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1092667] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterization of cancer cells and neural stem cells indicates that tumorigenicity and pluripotency are coupled cell properties determined by neural stemness, and tumorigenesis represents a process of progressive loss of original cell identity and gain of neural stemness. This reminds of a most fundamental process required for the development of the nervous system and body axis during embryogenesis, i.e., embryonic neural induction. Neural induction is that, in response to extracellular signals that are secreted by the Spemann-Mangold organizer in amphibians or the node in mammals and inhibit epidermal fate in ectoderm, the ectodermal cells lose their epidermal fate and assume the neural default fate and consequently, turn into neuroectodermal cells. They further differentiate into the nervous system and also some non-neural cells via interaction with adjacent tissues. Failure in neural induction leads to failure of embryogenesis, and ectopic neural induction due to ectopic organizer or node activity or activation of embryonic neural genes causes a formation of secondary body axis or a conjoined twin. During tumorigenesis, cells progressively lose their original cell identity and gain of neural stemness, and consequently, gain of tumorigenicity and pluripotency, due to various intra-/extracellular insults in cells of a postnatal animal. Tumorigenic cells can be induced to differentiation into normal cells and integrate into normal embryonic development within an embryo. However, they form tumors and cannot integrate into animal tissues/organs in a postnatal animal because of lack of embryonic inducing signals. Combination of studies of developmental and cancer biology indicates that neural induction drives embryogenesis in gastrulating embryos but a similar process drives tumorigenesis in a postnatal animal. Tumorigenicity is by nature the manifestation of aberrant occurrence of pluripotent state in a postnatal animal. Pluripotency and tumorigenicity are both but different manifestations of neural stemness in pre- and postnatal stages of animal life, respectively. Based on these findings, I discuss about some confusion in cancer research, propose to distinguish the causality and associations and discriminate causal and supporting factors involved in tumorigenesis, and suggest revisiting the focus of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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13
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Li J, Li B, Zhao R, Li G. Systematic analysis of the aberrances and functional implications of cuproptosis in cancer. iScience 2023; 26:106319. [PMID: 36950125 PMCID: PMC10025971 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis is a novel form of cell death driven by a copper-dependent proteotoxic stress response whose comprehensive landscape in tumors remains unclear. Here, we comprehensively characterized cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) across 33 cancers using multi-omic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), showing complicated and diverse results in different cancers. We also explored the relationships between CRGs and cancer metabolic patterns, pathway activity, and tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting that they played critical roles in tumor progression and TME cell infiltration. We further established the cuproptosis potential index (CPI) to reveal the functional roles of cuproptosis, and characterized multi-omic molecular features associated with cuproptosis. In clinical applications, we performed a combined analysis of the sensitivity of CRGs and CPI to drug response and immunotherapy. This study provides a rich resource for understanding cuproptosis, offering a broad molecular perspective for future functional and therapeutic studies of multiple cancer pathways mediated by cuproptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangbing Li
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021 Shandong, China
| | - Boyan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Rongrong Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Corresponding author
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14
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Zhou X, Ni Y, Liang X, Lin Y, An B, He X, Zhao X. Mechanisms of tumor resistance to immune checkpoint blockade and combination strategies to overcome resistance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:915094. [PMID: 36189283 PMCID: PMC9520263 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.915094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has rapidly transformed the treatment paradigm for various cancer types. Multiple single or combinations of ICB treatments have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, providing more options for patients with advanced cancer. However, most patients could not benefit from these immunotherapies due to primary and acquired drug resistance. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms of ICB resistance is urgently needed to improve clinical outcomes. Here, we focused on the changes in the biological functions of CD8+ T cells to elucidate the underlying resistance mechanisms of ICB therapies and summarized the advanced coping strategies to increase ICB efficacy. Combinational ICB approaches and individualized immunotherapies require further in-depth investigation to facilitate longer-lasting efficacy and a more excellent safety of ICB in a broader range of patients.
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15
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Han T, Jiang Y, Wang X, Deng S, Hu Y, Jin Q, Long D, Liu K. 3D matrix promotes cell dedifferentiation into colorectal cancer stem cells via integrin/cytoskeleton/glycolysis signaling. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:3826-3837. [PMID: 36052705 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential for tumor occurrence triggered by cancer stem cells (CSCs) has emerged as a significant challenge for human colorectal cancer therapy. However, the underlying mechanism of CSC development remains controversial. Our study provided evidence that the bulk of tumor cells could dedifferentiate to CSCs and reacquire CSCs-like phenotypes if cultured in the presence of extracellular matrix reagents, such as Matrigel and fibrin gels. In these 3D gels, CD133- colorectal cancer cells can regain tumorigenic potential and stem-like phenotypes. Mechanistically, the 3D extracellular matrix could mediate cytoskeletal F-actin bundling through biomechanical force associated receptors integrin β1 (ITGB1), contributing to the release of E3 ligase Tripartite motif protein 11 (TRIM11) from cytoskeleton and degradation of the glycolytic rate-limiting enzyme phosphofructokinase (PFK). Consequently, PFK inhibition resulted in enhanced glycolysis and upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1α), thereby promoting the reprogramming of stem cell transcription factors and facilitating tumor progression in patients. This study provided novel insights into the role of the extracellular matrix in the regulation of CSC dedifferentiation in a cytoskeleton/glycolysis-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Han
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuhong Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuangya Deng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongjun Hu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianqian Jin
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongju Long
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kuijie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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16
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Vulin M, Jehanno C, Sethi A, Correia AL, Obradović MMS, Couto JP, Coissieux MM, Diepenbruck M, Preca BT, Volkmann K, der Maur PA, Schmidt A, Münst S, Sauteur L, Kloc M, Palafox M, Britschgi A, Unterreiner V, Galuba O, Claerr I, Lopez-Romero S, Galli GG, Baeschlin D, Okamoto R, Soysal SD, Mechera R, Weber WP, Radimerski T, Bentires-Alj M. A high-throughput drug screen reveals means to differentiate triple-negative breast cancer. Oncogene 2022; 41:4459-4473. [PMID: 36008466 PMCID: PMC9507968 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02429-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Plasticity delineates cancer subtypes with more or less favourable outcomes. In breast cancer, the subtype triple-negative lacks expression of major differentiation markers, e.g., estrogen receptor α (ERα), and its high cellular plasticity results in greater aggressiveness and poorer prognosis than other subtypes. Whether plasticity itself represents a potential vulnerability of cancer cells is not clear. However, we show here that cancer cell plasticity can be exploited to differentiate triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Using a high-throughput imaging-based reporter drug screen with 9 501 compounds, we have identified three polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitors as major inducers of ERα protein expression and downstream activity in TNBC cells. PLK1 inhibition upregulates a cell differentiation program characterized by increased DNA damage, mitotic arrest, and ultimately cell death. Furthermore, cells surviving PLK1 inhibition have decreased tumorigenic potential, and targeting PLK1 in already established tumours reduces tumour growth both in cell line- and patient-derived xenograft models. In addition, the upregulation of genes upon PLK1 inhibition correlates with their expression in normal breast tissue and with better overall survival in breast cancer patients. Our results indicate that differentiation therapy based on PLK1 inhibition is a potential alternative strategy to treat TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Vulin
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charly Jehanno
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Atul Sethi
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ana Luísa Correia
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Milan M S Obradović
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joana Pinto Couto
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marie-May Coissieux
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maren Diepenbruck
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bogdan-Tiberius Preca
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Volkmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Priska Auf der Maur
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Schmidt
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simone Münst
- Institute of Pathology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Sauteur
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michal Kloc
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marta Palafox
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Britschgi
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Olaf Galuba
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Claerr
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Giorgio G Galli
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Ryoko Okamoto
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Savas D Soysal
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Breast Cancer Center, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Mechera
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Breast Cancer Center, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Walter P Weber
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Breast Cancer Center, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Mohamed Bentires-Alj
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
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17
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Li W, Wang F, Guo R, Bian Z, Song Y. Targeting macrophages in hematological malignancies: recent advances and future directions. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:110. [PMID: 35978372 PMCID: PMC9387027 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01328-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that the detection and clearance of cancer cells via phagocytosis induced by innate immune checkpoints play significant roles in tumor-mediated immune escape. The most well-described innate immune checkpoints are the "don't eat me" signals, including the CD47/signal regulatory protein α axis (SIRPα), PD-1/PD-L1 axis, CD24/SIGLEC-10 axis, and MHC-I/LILRB1 axis. Molecules have been developed to block these pathways and enhance the phagocytic activity against tumors. Several clinical studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of CD47 blockades, either alone or in combination with existing therapy in hematological malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and lymphoma. However, only a minority of patients have significant responses to these treatments alone. Combining CD47 blockades with other treatment modalities are in clinical studies, with early results suggesting a synergistic therapeutic effect. Targeting macrophages with bispecific antibodies are being explored in blood cancer therapy. Furthermore, reprogramming of pro-tumor macrophages to anti-tumor macrophages, and CAR macrophages (CAR-M) demonstrate anti-tumor activities. In this review, we elucidated distinct types of macrophage-targeted strategies in hematological malignancies, from preclinical experiments to clinical trials, and outlined potential therapeutic approaches being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Rongqun Guo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhilei Bian
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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18
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Burkhardt DB, San Juan BP, Lock JG, Krishnaswamy S, Chaffer CL. Mapping Phenotypic Plasticity upon the Cancer Cell State Landscape Using Manifold Learning. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1847-1859. [PMID: 35736000 PMCID: PMC9353259 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Phenotypic plasticity describes the ability of cancer cells to undergo dynamic, nongenetic cell state changes that amplify cancer heterogeneity to promote metastasis and therapy evasion. Thus, cancer cells occupy a continuous spectrum of phenotypic states connected by trajectories defining dynamic transitions upon a cancer cell state landscape. With technologies proliferating to systematically record molecular mechanisms at single-cell resolution, we illuminate manifold learning techniques as emerging computational tools to effectively model cell state dynamics in a way that mimics our understanding of the cell state landscape. We anticipate that "state-gating" therapies targeting phenotypic plasticity will limit cancer heterogeneity, metastasis, and therapy resistance. SIGNIFICANCE Nongenetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity have emerged as significant drivers of tumor heterogeneity, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Herein, we discuss new experimental and computational techniques to define phenotypic plasticity as a scaffold to guide accelerated progress in uncovering new vulnerabilities for therapeutic exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Burkhardt
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Cellarity, Somerville, Massachusetts
| | - Beatriz P. San Juan
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John G. Lock
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Smita Krishnaswamy
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Computer Science, Computational Biology Bioinformatics Program, Applied Math Program, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Christine L. Chaffer
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
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19
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Staros R, Michalak A, Rusinek K, Mucha K, Pojda Z, Zagożdżon R. Perspectives for 3D-Bioprinting in Modeling of Tumor Immune Evasion. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133126. [PMID: 35804898 PMCID: PMC9265021 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In a living organism, cancer cells function in a specific microenvironment, where they exchange numerous physical and biochemical cues with other cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Immune evasion is a clinically relevant phenomenon, in which cancer cells are able to direct this interchange of signals against the immune effector cells and to generate an immunosuppressive environment favoring their own survival. A proper understanding of this phenomenon is substantial for generating more successful anticancer therapies. However, classical cell culture systems are unable to sufficiently recapture the dynamic nature and complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to be of satisfactory use for comprehensive studies on mechanisms of tumor immune evasion. In turn, 3D-bioprinting is a rapidly evolving manufacture technique, in which it is possible to generate finely detailed structures comprised of multiple cell types and biomaterials serving as ECM-analogues. In this review, we focus on currently used 3D-bioprinting techniques, their applications in the TME research, and potential uses of 3D-bioprinting in modeling of tumor immune evasion and response to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Staros
- Department of Immunology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland; (R.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Agata Michalak
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.M.); (K.R.); (Z.P.)
| | - Kinga Rusinek
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.M.); (K.R.); (Z.P.)
| | - Krzysztof Mucha
- Department of Immunology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland; (R.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Zygmunt Pojda
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.M.); (K.R.); (Z.P.)
| | - Radosław Zagożdżon
- Department of Immunology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland; (R.S.); (K.M.)
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.M.); (K.R.); (Z.P.)
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-502-14-72; Fax: +48-22-502-21-59
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20
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Cereceda K, Bravo N, Jorquera R, González-Stegmaier R, Villarroel-Espíndola F. Simultaneous and Spatially-Resolved Analysis of T-Lymphocytes, Macrophages and PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint in Rare Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2815. [PMID: 35681797 PMCID: PMC9179863 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Penile, vulvar and anal neoplasms show an incidence lower than 0.5% of the population per year and therefore can be considered as rare cancers but with a dramatic impact on quality of life and survival. This work describes the experience of a Chilean cancer center using multiplexed immunofluorescence to study a case series of four penile cancers, two anal cancers and one vulvar cancer and simultaneous detection of CD8, CD68, PD-L1, Cytokeratin and Ki-67 in FFPE samples. Fluorescent image analyses were performed using open sources for automated tissue segmentation and cell phenotyping. Our results showed an objective and reliable counting of objects with a single or combined labeling or within a specific tissue compartment. The variability was below 10%, and the correlation between analytical events was 0.92-0.97. Critical cell phenotypes, such as TILs, PD-L1+ or proliferative tumor cells were detected in a supervised and unsupervised manner with a limit of detection of less than 1% of relative abundance. Finally, the observed diversity and abundance of the different cell phenotypes within the tumor microenvironment for the three studied tumor types confirmed that our methodology is useful and robust to be applicable for many other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Cereceda
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Instituto Oncologico Fundacion Arturo Lopez Perez, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (K.C.); (R.J.); (R.G.-S.)
| | - Nicolas Bravo
- Medical Informatics Unit, Department of Cancer Research, Instituto Oncologico Fundacion Arturo Lopez Perez, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Roddy Jorquera
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Instituto Oncologico Fundacion Arturo Lopez Perez, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (K.C.); (R.J.); (R.G.-S.)
| | - Roxana González-Stegmaier
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Instituto Oncologico Fundacion Arturo Lopez Perez, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (K.C.); (R.J.); (R.G.-S.)
| | - Franz Villarroel-Espíndola
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Instituto Oncologico Fundacion Arturo Lopez Perez, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (K.C.); (R.J.); (R.G.-S.)
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21
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Bie F, Tian H, Sun N, Zang R, Zhang M, Song P, Liu L, Peng Y, Bai G, Zhou B, Gao S. Research Progress of Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Immunotherapy Related Mechanisms and Predictive Biomarkers in NSCLC. Front Oncol 2022; 12:769124. [PMID: 35223466 PMCID: PMC8863729 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.769124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an important pair of immune checkpoints (IC), which play an essential role in the immune escaping process of tumors. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy can block the suppression effect of the immune system produced by tumor cells through the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and restore the pernicious effect of the immune system on tumor cells. The specific mechanism of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy is closely related to PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/AKT (AKT serine/threonine kinase 1), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), NF-kB (nuclear factor-kappa B subunit 1), and other complex signaling pathways. Patients receiving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy are prone to drug resistance. The mechanisms of drug resistance mainly include weakening recognition of tumor antigens by immune cells, inhibiting activation of immune cells, and promoting the production of suppressive immune cells and molecules. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy plays a vital role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is essential to find better efficacy prediction-related biomarkers and screen patients suitable for immunotherapy. At present, common biomarkers related to predicting immune efficacy mainly include PD-L1 expression level in tumors, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI)/mismatch repair (MMR), mutations of driver gene, etc. However, the screening efficacy of each indicator is not ideal, and the combined application of multiple indicators is currently used. This article comprehensively reviews anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy-related mechanisms, drug resistance-related mechanisms, and therapeutic efficacy-related predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglong Bie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - He Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ruochuan Zang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Moyan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyu Bai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bolun Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shugeng Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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22
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Single-Cell Proteomic Analysis Dissects the Complexity of Tumor Microenvironment in Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215440. [PMID: 34771607 PMCID: PMC8582554 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment (TME) is considered to play a key role in the development of many types of tumors. Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), which is well known for its heterogeneity, has a highly complex TME. Herein, we integrated mass cytometry and imaging mass cytometry to systematically investigate the complexity of the MIBC TME. Our investigation revealed tumor and immune cells with diverse phenotypes. We identified a specific cancer stem-like cell cluster (ALDH+PD-L1+ER-β−), which is associated with poor prognosis and highlighted the importance of the spatial distribution patterns of MIBC TME components. The present study comprehensively elucidated the complexity of the MIBC TME and provides potentially valuable information for future research. Abstract Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is a malignancy with considerable heterogeneity. The MIBC tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly complex, comprising diverse phenotypes and spatial architectures. The complexity of the MIBC TME must be characterized to provide potential targets for precision therapy. Herein, an integrated combination of mass cytometry and imaging mass cytometry was used to analyze tumor cells, immune cells, and TME spatial characteristics of 44 MIBC patients. We detected tumor and immune cell clusters with abnormal phenotypes. In particular, we identified a previously overlooked cancer stem-like cell cluster (ALDH+PD-L1+ER-β−) that was strongly associated with poor prognosis. We elucidated the different spatial architectures of immune cells (excluded, infiltrated, and deserted) and tumor-associated collagens (curved, stretched, directionally distributed, and chaotic) in the MIBC TME. The present study is the first to provide in-depth insight into the complexity of the MIBC TME at the single-cell level. Our results will improve the general understanding of the heterogeneous characteristics of MIBC, potentially facilitating patient stratification and personalized therapy.
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23
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Tackling cancer cell dormancy: Insights from immune models, and transplantation. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 78:5-16. [PMID: 33582171 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Disseminated non-dividing (dormant) cancer cells as well as those in equilibrium with the immune response remain the major challenge for successful treatment of cancer. The equilibrium between disseminated dormant cancer cells and the immune system is reminiscent of states that can occur during infection or allogeneic tissue and cell transplantation. We discuss here the major competing models of how the immune system achieves a self nonself discrimination (pathogen/danger patterns, quorum, and coinhibition/tuning models), and suggest that taking advantage of a combination of the proposed mechanisms in each model may lead to increased efficacy in tackling cancer cell dormancy.
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24
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Reva BA, Omelchenko T, Nair SS, Tewari AK. Immune Escape in Prostate Cancer: Known and Predicted Mechanisms and Targets. Urol Clin North Am 2021; 47:e9-e16. [PMID: 33446324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2020.10.004] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Complex immune evasion mechanisms and lack of biomarkers predicting responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade therapies compromise immunotherapy's therapeutic efficacy for patients with prostate cancer. The authors review established and nominated immune evasion mechanisms in prostate cancer and discuss how the precise treatment strategies can be developed to improve efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris A Reva
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Tatiana Omelchenko
- Cell Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sujit S Nair
- The Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1272, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ashutosh K Tewari
- The Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1272, New York, NY 10029, USA
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25
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Leiendecker L, Jung PS, Krecioch I, Neumann T, Schleiffer A, Mechtler K, Wiesner T, Obenauf AC. LSD1 inhibition induces differentiation and cell death in Merkel cell carcinoma. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e12525. [PMID: 33026191 PMCID: PMC7645387 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202012525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive, neuroendocrine skin cancer that lacks actionable mutations, which could be utilized for targeted therapies. Epigenetic regulators governing cell identity may represent unexplored therapeutic entry points. Here, we targeted epigenetic regulators in a pharmacological screen and discovered that the lysine‐specific histone demethylase 1A (LSD1/KDM1A) is required for MCC growth in vitro and in vivo. We show that LSD1 inhibition in MCC disrupts the LSD1‐CoREST complex leading to displacement and degradation of HMG20B (BRAF35), a poorly characterized complex member that is essential for MCC proliferation. Inhibition of LSD1 causes derepression of transcriptional master regulators of the neuronal lineage, activates a gene expression signature resembling normal Merkel cells, and induces cell cycle arrest and cell death. Our study unveils the importance of LSD1 for maintaining cellular plasticity and proliferation in MCC. There is also growing evidence that cancer cells exploit cellular plasticity and dedifferentiation programs to evade destruction by the immune system. The combination of LSD1 inhibitors with checkpoint inhibitors may thus represent a promising treatment strategy for MCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Leiendecker
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Pauline S Jung
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Izabela Krecioch
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Neumann
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Schleiffer
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl Mechtler
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wiesner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna C Obenauf
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
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