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Oñate MK, Oon C, Bhattacharyya S, Low V, Chen C, Zhao X, Yan Z, Hang Y, Kim SK, Xia Z, Sherman MH. Stromal KITL/SCF promotes pancreas tissue homeostasis and restrains tumor progression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.29.605485. [PMID: 39131374 PMCID: PMC11312444 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.29.605485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Components of normal tissue architecture serve as barriers to tumor progression. Inflammatory and wound-healing programs are requisite features of solid tumorigenesis, wherein alterations to immune and non-immune stromal elements enable loss of homeostasis during tumor evolution. The precise mechanisms by which normal stromal cell states limit tissue plasticity and tumorigenesis, and which are lost during tumor progression, remain largely unknown. Here we show that healthy pancreatic mesenchyme expresses the paracrine signaling molecule KITL, also known as stem cell factor, and identify loss of stromal KITL during tumorigenesis as tumor-promoting. Genetic inhibition of mesenchymal KITL in the contexts of homeostasis, injury, and cancer together indicate a role for KITL signaling in maintenance of pancreas tissue architecture, such that loss of the stromal KITL pool increased tumor growth and reduced survival of tumor-bearing mice. Together, these findings implicate loss of mesenchymal KITL as a mechanism for establishing a tumor-permissive microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Kathrina Oñate
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Chet Oon
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sohinee Bhattacharyya
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Vivien Low
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Canping Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Xiaofan Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ziqiao Yan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Yan Hang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Seung K. Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Zheng Xia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Mara H. Sherman
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Talia M, Cesario E, Cirillo F, Scordamaglia D, Di Dio M, Zicarelli A, Mondino AA, Occhiuzzi MA, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Miglietta AM, Di Dio M, Capalbo C, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) gene signatures predict outcomes in breast and prostate tumor patients. J Transl Med 2024; 22:597. [PMID: 38937754 PMCID: PMC11210052 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05413-2] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last two decades, tumor-derived RNA expression signatures have been developed for the two most commonly diagnosed tumors worldwide, namely prostate and breast tumors, in order to improve both outcome prediction and treatment decision-making. In this context, molecular signatures gained by main components of the tumor microenvironment, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), have been explored as prognostic and therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, a deeper understanding of the significance of CAFs-related gene signatures in breast and prostate cancers still remains to be disclosed. METHODS RNA sequencing technology (RNA-seq) was employed to profile and compare the transcriptome of CAFs isolated from patients affected by breast and prostate tumors. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) characterizing breast and prostate CAFs were intersected with data from public datasets derived from bulk RNA-seq profiles of breast and prostate tumor patients. Pathway enrichment analyses allowed us to appreciate the biological significance of the DEGs. K-means clustering was applied to construct CAFs-related gene signatures specific for breast and prostate cancer and to stratify independent cohorts of patients into high and low gene expression clusters. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were employed to predict differences in the outcome parameters of the clusters of patients. Decision-tree analysis was used to validate the clustering results and boosting calculations were then employed to improve the results obtained by the decision-tree algorithm. RESULTS Data obtained in breast CAFs allowed us to assess a signature that includes 8 genes (ITGA11, THBS1, FN1, EMP1, ITGA2, FYN, SPP1, and EMP2) belonging to pro-metastatic signaling routes, such as the focal adhesion pathway. Survival analyses indicated that the cluster of breast cancer patients showing a high expression of the aforementioned genes displays worse clinical outcomes. Next, we identified a prostate CAFs-related signature that includes 11 genes (IL13RA2, GDF7, IL33, CXCL1, TNFRSF19, CXCL6, LIFR, CXCL5, IL7, TSLP, and TNFSF15) associated with immune responses. A low expression of these genes was predictive of poor survival rates in prostate cancer patients. The results obtained were significantly validated through a two-step approach, based on unsupervised (clustering) and supervised (classification) learning techniques, showing a high prediction accuracy (≥ 90%) in independent RNA-seq cohorts. CONCLUSION We identified a huge heterogeneity in the transcriptional profile of CAFs derived from breast and prostate tumors. Of note, the two novel CAFs-related gene signatures might be considered as reliable prognostic indicators and valuable biomarkers for a better management of breast and prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Eugenio Cesario
- Department of Cultures, Education and Society, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Marika Di Dio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Adelina Assunta Mondino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Annunziata Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Michele Di Dio
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
- Complex Operative Oncology Unit, Annunziata Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
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Chhabra Y, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in cancer: Unity in heterogeneity. Cell 2023; 186:1580-1609. [PMID: 37059066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells do not exist in isolation in vivo, and carcinogenesis depends on the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of a myriad of cell types and biophysical and biochemical components. Fibroblasts are integral in maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, even before a tumor develops, pro-tumorigenic fibroblasts in close proximity can provide the fertile 'soil' to the cancer 'seed' and are known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In response to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, CAFs reorganize the TME enabling metastasis, therapeutic resistance, dormancy and reactivation by secreting cellular and acellular factors. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries on CAF-mediated cancer progression with a particular focus on fibroblast heterogeneity and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Qian H, Shan Y, Gong R, Lin D, Zhang M, Wang C, Wang L. Fibroblasts in Scar Formation: Biology and Clinical Translation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4586569. [PMID: 35602101 PMCID: PMC9119755 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4586569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Scarring, which develops due to fibroblast activation and excessive extracellular matrix deposition, can cause physical, psychological, and cosmetic problems. Fibroblasts are the main type of connective tissue cells and play important roles in wound healing. However, the underlying mechanisms of fibroblast in reaching scarless wound healing require more exploration. Herein, we systematically reviewed how fibroblasts behave in response to skin injuries, as well as their functions in regeneration and scar formation. Several biocompatible materials, including hydrogels and nanoparticles, were also suggested. Moreover, factors that concern transformation from fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts are mentioned due to a tight association between scar formation and primary skin cancers. These findings will help us better understand skin fibrotic pathogenesis, as well as provide potential targets for scarless wound healing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Qian
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihan Shan
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | | | - Danfeng Lin
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affifiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengwen Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Starbody plastic surgery Clinic, Hangzhou, China
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Gardiner JC, Cukierman E. Meaningful connections: Interrogating the role of physical fibroblast cell-cell communication in cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 154:141-168. [PMID: 35459467 PMCID: PMC9483832 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As part of the connective tissue, activated fibroblasts play an important role in development and disease pathogenesis, while quiescent resident fibroblasts are responsible for sustaining tissue homeostasis. Fibroblastic activation is particularly evident in the tumor microenvironment where fibroblasts transition into tumor-supporting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), with some CAFs maintaining tumor-suppressive functions. While the tumor-supporting features of CAFs and their fibroblast-like precursors predominantly function through paracrine chemical communication (e.g., secretion of cytokine, chemokine, and more), the direct cell-cell communication that occurs between fibroblasts and other cells, and the effect that the remodeled CAF-generated interstitial extracellular matrix has in these types of cellular communications, remain poorly understood. Here, we explore the reported roles fibroblastic cell-cell communication play within the cancer stroma context and highlight insights we can gain from other disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaye C Gardiner
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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