1
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Plaugher D, Murrugarra D. Cancer mutationscape: revealing the link between modular restructuring and intervention efficacy among mutations. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:74. [PMID: 39003264 PMCID: PMC11246485 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00398-6] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that biological systems are modular in both structure and function. Complex biological signaling networks such as gene regulatory networks (GRNs) are proving to be composed of subcategories that are interconnected and hierarchically ranked. These networks contain highly dynamic processes that ultimately dictate cellular function over time, as well as influence phenotypic fate transitions. In this work, we use a stochastic multicellular signaling network of pancreatic cancer (PC) to show that the variance in topological rankings of the most phenotypically influential modules implies a strong relationship between structure and function. We further show that induction of mutations alters the modular structure, which analogously influences the aggression and controllability of the disease in silico. We finally present evidence that the impact and location of mutations with respect to PC modular structure directly corresponds to the efficacy of single agent treatments in silico, because topologically deep mutations require deep targets for control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Plaugher
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - David Murrugarra
- Department of Mathematics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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2
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Fu Y, Tao J, Liu T, Liu Y, Qiu J, Su D, Wang R, Luo W, Cao Z, Weng G, Zhang T, Zhao Y. Unbiasedly decoding the tumor microenvironment with single-cell multiomics analysis in pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:140. [PMID: 38982491 PMCID: PMC11232163 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02050-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Research on the tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC has propelled the development of immunotherapeutic and targeted therapeutic strategies with a promising future. The emergence of single-cell sequencing and mass spectrometry technologies, coupled with spatial omics, has collectively revealed the heterogeneity of the TME from a multiomics perspective, outlined the development trajectories of cell lineages, and revealed important functions of previously underrated myeloid cells and tumor stroma cells. Concurrently, these findings necessitated more refined annotations of biological functions at the cell cluster or single-cell level. Precise identification of all cell clusters is urgently needed to determine whether they have been investigated adequately and to identify target cell clusters with antitumor potential, design compatible treatment strategies, and determine treatment resistance. Here, we summarize recent research on the PDAC TME at the single-cell multiomics level, with an unbiased focus on the functions and potential classification bases of every cellular component within the TME, and look forward to the prospects of integrating single-cell multiomics data and retrospectively reusing bulk sequencing data, hoping to provide new insights into the PDAC TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Fu
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
- 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jinxin Tao
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Tao Liu
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yueze Liu
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jiangdong Qiu
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Dan Su
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ruobing Wang
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wenhao Luo
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhe Cao
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Guihu Weng
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Taiping Zhang
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- General Surgery Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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3
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Norgard RJ, Budhani P, O'Brien SA, Xia Y, Egan JN, Flynn B, Tagore JR, Seco J, Peet GW, Mikucka A, Wasti R, Chan LC, Hinkel M, Martinez-Morilla S, Pignatelli J, Trapani F, Corse E, Feng D, Kostyrko K, Hofmann MH, Liu K, Kashyap AS. Reshaping the Tumor Microenvironment of KRASG12D Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma with Combined SOS1 and MEK Inhibition for Improved Immunotherapy Response. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1548-1560. [PMID: 38727236 PMCID: PMC11191876 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
KRAS inhibitors have demonstrated exciting preclinical and clinical responses, although resistance occurs rapidly. Here, we investigate the effects of KRAS-targeting therapies on the tumor microenvironment using a library of KrasG12D, p53-mutant, murine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma-derived cell lines (KPCY) to leverage immune-oncology combination strategies for long-term tumor efficacy. Our findings show that SOS1 and MEK inhibitors (SOS1i+MEKi) suppressed tumor growth in syngeneic models and increased intratumoral CD8+ T cells without durable responses. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed an increase in inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAF), M2 macrophages, and a decreased dendritic cell (DC) quality that ultimately resulted in a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment driven by IL6+ iCAFs. Agonist CD40 treatment was effective to revert macrophage polarization and overcome the lack of mature antigen-presenting DCs after SOS1i+MEKi therapy. Treatment increased the overall survival of KPCY tumor-bearing mice. The addition of checkpoint blockade to SOS1i+MEKi combination resulted in tumor-free mice with established immune memory. Our data suggest that KRAS inhibition affects myeloid cell maturation and highlights the need for combining KRAS cancer-targeted therapy with myeloid activation to enhance and prolong antitumor effects. SIGNIFICANCE Combination of SOS1 and MEK inhibitors increase T cell infiltration while blunting pro-immune myeloid cell maturation and highlights the need for combining KRAS cancer-targeted therapy with myeloid activation to enhance and prolong anti-tumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Norgard
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Pratha Budhani
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Sarah A. O'Brien
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Youli Xia
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Jessica N. Egan
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Brianna Flynn
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Joshua R. Tagore
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Joseph Seco
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Gregory W. Peet
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Ania Mikucka
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Ruby Wasti
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Li-Chuan Chan
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Melanie Hinkel
- Late Stage Cancer Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Martinez-Morilla
- Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Jeanine Pignatelli
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Francesca Trapani
- Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emily Corse
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Di Feng
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Kaja Kostyrko
- Late Stage Cancer Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marco H. Hofmann
- Cancer Pharmacology and Disease Positioning Department, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kang Liu
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Abhishek S. Kashyap
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut
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4
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Liu M, Ren Y, Zhou Z, Yang J, Shi X, Cai Y, Arreola AX, Luo W, Fung KM, Xu C, Nipp RD, Bronze MS, Zheng L, Li YP, Houchen CW, Zhang Y, Li M. The crosstalk between macrophages and cancer cells potentiates pancreatic cancer cachexia. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:885-903.e4. [PMID: 38608702 PMCID: PMC11162958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
With limited treatment options, cachexia remains a major challenge for patients with cancer. Characterizing the interplay between tumor cells and the immune microenvironment may help identify potential therapeutic targets for cancer cachexia. Herein, we investigate the critical role of macrophages in potentiating pancreatic cancer induced muscle wasting via promoting TWEAK (TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis) secretion from the tumor. Specifically, depletion of macrophages reverses muscle degradation induced by tumor cells. Macrophages induce non-autonomous secretion of TWEAK through CCL5/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway. TWEAK promotes muscle atrophy by activating MuRF1 initiated muscle remodeling. Notably, tumor cells recruit and reprogram macrophages via the CCL2/CCR2 axis and disrupting the interplay between macrophages and tumor cells attenuates muscle wasting. Collectively, this study identifies a feedforward loop between pancreatic cancer cells and macrophages, underlying the non-autonomous activation of TWEAK secretion from tumor cells thereby providing promising therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Liu
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Yu Ren
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Jingxuan Yang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Xiuhui Shi
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Yang Cai
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Alex X Arreola
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Wenyi Luo
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Kar-Ming Fung
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Chao Xu
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Ryan D Nipp
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Michael S Bronze
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yi-Ping Li
- Department of Integrative Biology & Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Courtney W Houchen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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5
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D'Amico S, Kirillov V, Petrenko O, Reich NC. STAT3 is a genetic modifier of TGF-beta induced EMT in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer. eLife 2024; 13:RP92559. [PMID: 38573819 PMCID: PMC10994661 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92559] [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] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in KRAS are among the most common in cancer. Classical models suggest that loss of epithelial characteristics and the acquisition of mesenchymal traits are associated with cancer aggressiveness and therapy resistance. However, the mechanistic link between these phenotypes and mutant KRAS biology remains to be established. Here, we identify STAT3 as a genetic modifier of TGF-beta-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Gene expression profiling of pancreatic cancer cells identifies more than 200 genes commonly regulated by STAT3 and oncogenic KRAS. Functional classification of the STAT3-responsive program reveals its major role in tumor maintenance and epithelial homeostasis. The signatures of STAT3-activated cell states can be projected onto human KRAS mutant tumors, suggesting that they faithfully reflect characteristics of human disease. These observations have implications for therapeutic intervention and tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D'Amico
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookUnited States
| | - Varvara Kirillov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookUnited States
| | - Oleksi Petrenko
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookUnited States
| | - Nancy C Reich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookUnited States
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6
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Ash LJ, Busia-Bourdain O, Okpattah D, Kamel A, Liberchuk A, Wolfe AL. KRAS: Biology, Inhibition, and Mechanisms of Inhibitor Resistance. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:2024-2046. [PMID: 38668053 PMCID: PMC11049385 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31040150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS is a small GTPase that is among the most commonly mutated oncogenes in cancer. Here, we discuss KRAS biology, therapeutic avenues to target it, and mechanisms of resistance that tumors employ in response to KRAS inhibition. Several strategies are under investigation for inhibiting oncogenic KRAS, including small molecule compounds targeting specific KRAS mutations, pan-KRAS inhibitors, PROTACs, siRNAs, PNAs, and mutant KRAS-specific immunostimulatory strategies. A central challenge to therapeutic effectiveness is the frequent development of resistance to these treatments. Direct resistance mechanisms can involve KRAS mutations that reduce drug efficacy or copy number alterations that increase the expression of mutant KRAS. Indirect resistance mechanisms arise from mutations that can rescue mutant KRAS-dependent cells either by reactivating the same signaling or via alternative pathways. Further, non-mutational forms of resistance can take the form of epigenetic marks, transcriptional reprogramming, or alterations within the tumor microenvironment. As the possible strategies to inhibit KRAS expand, understanding the nuances of resistance mechanisms is paramount to the development of both enhanced therapeutics and innovative drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard J. Ash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Ottavia Busia-Bourdain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Daniel Okpattah
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Avrosina Kamel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ariel Liberchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrew L. Wolfe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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7
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Song N, Cui K, Zeng L, Li M, Fan Y, Shi P, Wang Z, Su W, Wang H. Advance in the role of chemokines/chemokine receptors in carcinogenesis: Focus on pancreatic cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176357. [PMID: 38309677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The chemokines/chemokine receptors pathway significantly influences cell migration, particularly in recruiting immune cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME), impacting tumor progression and treatment outcomes. Emerging research emphasizes the involvement of chemokines in drug resistance across various tumor therapies, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. This review focuses on the role of chemokines/chemokine receptors in pancreatic cancer (PC) development, highlighting their impact on TME remodeling, immunotherapy, and relevant signaling pathways. The unique immunosuppressive microenvironment formed by the interaction of tumor cells, stromal cells and immune cells plays an important role in the tumor proliferation, invasion, migration and therapeutic resistance. Chemokines/chemokine receptors, such as chemokine ligand (CCL) 2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL20, CCL21, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL4, CXCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12, CXCL13, CXCL14, CXCL16, CXCL17, and C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand (CX3CL)1, derived mainly from leukocyte cells, cancer-related fibroblasts (CAFs), pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), contribute to PC progression and treatment resistance. Chemokines recruit myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and M2 macrophages, inhibiting the anti-tumor activity of immune cells. Simultaneously, they enhance pathways like epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), Akt serine/threonine kinase (AKT), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), etc., elevating the risk of PC metastasis and compromising the efficacy of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. Notably, the CCLx-CCR2 and CXCLx-CXCR2/4 axis emerge as potential therapeutic targets in PC. This review integrates recent findings on chemokines and receptors in PC treatment, offering valuable insights for innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Song
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China; Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Liqun Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Mengxiao Li
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China
| | - Yanwu Fan
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Pingyu Shi
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Wei Su
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China.
| | - Haijun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China; Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China.
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8
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Wei D, Wang L, Zuo X, Maitra A, Bresalier RS. A Small Molecule with Big Impact: MRTX1133 Targets the KRASG12D Mutation in Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:655-662. [PMID: 37831007 PMCID: PMC10922474 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations drive oncogenic alterations in numerous cancers, particularly in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). About 93% of PDACs have KRAS mutations, with G12D (∼42% of cases) and G12V (∼32% of cases) being the most common. The recent approval of sotorasib (AMG510), a small-molecule, covalent, and selective KRASG12C inhibitor, for treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer represents a breakthrough in KRAS targeted therapy. However, there is a need to develop other much-needed KRAS-mutant inhibitors for PDAC therapy. Notably, Mirati Therapeutics recently developed MRTX1133, a small-molecule, noncovalent, and selective KRASG12D inhibitor through extensive structure-based drug design. MRTX1133 has demonstrated potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy against KRASG12D-mutant cancer cells, especially in PDAC, leading to its recent initiation of a phase I/II clinical trial. Here, we provide a summary of the recent advancements related to the use of MRTX1133 for treating KRASG12D-mutant PDAC, focusing on its efficacy and underlying mechanistic actions. In addition, we discuss potential challenges and future directions for MRTX1133 therapy for PDAC, including overcoming intrinsic and acquired drug resistance, developing effective combination therapies, and improving MRTX1133's oral bioavailability and target spectrum. The promising results obtained from preclinical studies suggest that MRTX1133 could revolutionize the treatment of PDAC, bringing about a paradigm shift in its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Xiangsheng Zuo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Robert S. Bresalier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
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Kast RE. IPIAD- an augmentation regimen added to standard treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using already-marketed repurposed drugs irbesartan, pyrimethamine, itraconazole, azithromycin, and dapsone. Oncoscience 2024; 11:15-31. [PMID: 38524376 PMCID: PMC10959018 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.594] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This short note presents the data and rationale for adding five generic non-oncology drugs from general medical practice to gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, a current standard cytotoxic chemotherapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The regimen, called IPIAD, uses an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) irbesartan indicated for treating hypertension, an old antimicrobial drug pyrimethamine indicated for treating toxoplasmosis or malaria, an old antifungal drug itraconazole, an old broad spectrum antibiotic azithromycin and an old antibiotic dapsone. In reviewing selected growth driving systems active in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma then comparing these with detailed data on ancillary attributes of the IPIAD drugs, one can predict clinical benefit and slowing growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by this augmentation regimen.
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10
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Yousef A, Yousef M, Chowdhury S, Abdilleh K, Knafl M, Edelkamp P, Alfaro-Munoz K, Chacko R, Peterson J, Smaglo BG, Wolff RA, Pant S, Lee MS, Willis J, Overman M, Doss S, Matrisian L, Hurd MW, Snyder R, Katz MHG, Wang H, Maitra A, Shen JP, Zhao D. Impact of KRAS mutations and co-mutations on clinical outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:27. [PMID: 38310130 PMCID: PMC10838312 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00505-0] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The relevance of KRAS mutation alleles to clinical outcome remains inconclusive in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We conducted a retrospective study of 803 patients with PDAC (42% with metastatic disease) at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Overall survival (OS) analysis demonstrated that KRAS mutation status and subtypes were prognostic (p < 0.001). Relative to patients with KRAS wildtype tumors (median OS 38 months), patients with KRASG12R had a similar OS (median 34 months), while patients with KRASQ61 and KRASG12D mutated tumors had shorter OS (median 20 months [HR: 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.0, p = 0.006] and 22 months [HR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3, p < 0.001], respectively). There was enrichment of KRASG12D mutation in metastatic tumors (34% vs 24%, OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4, p = 0.001) and enrichment of KRASG12R in well and moderately differentiated tumors (14% vs 9%, OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.05-2.99, p = 0.04). Similar findings were observed in the external validation cohort (PanCAN's Know Your Tumor® dataset, n = 408).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman Yousef
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mahmoud Yousef
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Saikat Chowdhury
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kawther Abdilleh
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Knafl
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul Edelkamp
- Department of Data Engineering & Analytics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristin Alfaro-Munoz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ray Chacko
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Peterson
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brandon G Smaglo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert A Wolff
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shubham Pant
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael S Lee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason Willis
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Overman
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sudheer Doss
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lynn Matrisian
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark W Hurd
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca Snyder
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew H G Katz
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John Paul Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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11
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Luo W, Wen T, Qu X. Tumor immune microenvironment-based therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: time to update the concept. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:8. [PMID: 38167055 PMCID: PMC10759657 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02935-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal solid tumors. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) formed by interactions among cancer cells, immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and extracellular matrix (ECM) components drives PDAC in a more immunosuppressive direction: this is a major cause of therapy resistance and poor prognosis. In recent years, research has advanced our understanding of the signaling mechanism by which TIME components interact with the tumor and the evolution of immunophenotyping. Through revolutionary technologies such as single-cell sequencing, we have gone from simply classifying PDACs as "cold" and "hot" to a more comprehensive approach of immunophenotyping that considers all the cells and matrix components. This is key to improving the clinical efficacy of PDAC treatments. In this review, we elaborate on various TIME components in PDAC, the signaling mechanisms underlying their interactions, and the latest research into PDAC immunophenotyping. A deep understanding of these network interactions will contribute to the effective combination of TIME-based therapeutic approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), adoptive cell therapy, therapies targeting myeloid cells, CAF reprogramming, and stromal normalization. By selecting the appropriate integrated therapies based on precise immunophenotyping, significant advances in the future treatment of PDAC are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Ti Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
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12
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Liu Y, Wei D, Deguchi Y, Xu W, Tian R, Liu F, Xu M, Mao F, Li D, Chen W, Valentin LA, Deguchi E, Yao JC, Shureiqi I, Zuo X. PPARδ dysregulation of CCL20/CCR6 axis promotes gastric adenocarcinoma carcinogenesis by remodeling gastric tumor microenvironment. Gastric Cancer 2023; 26:904-917. [PMID: 37572185 PMCID: PMC10640489 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-023-01418-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) promotes inflammation and carcinogenesis in many organs, but the underlying mechanisms remains elusive. In stomachs, PPARδ significantly increases chemokine Ccl20 expression in gastric epithelial cells while inducing gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). CCR6 is the sole receptor of CCL20. Here, we examine the role of PPARδ-mediated Ccl20/Ccr6 signaling in GAC carcinogenesis and investigate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The effects of PPARδ inhibition by its specific antagonist GSK3787 on GAC were examined in the mice with villin-promoter-driven PPARδ overexpression (PpardTG). RNAscope Duplex Assays were used to measure Ccl20 and Ccr6 levels in stomachs and spleens. Subsets of stomach-infiltrating immune cells were measured via flow cytometry or immunostaining in PpardTG mice fed GSK3787 or control diet. A panel of 13 optimized proinflammatory chemokines in mouse sera were quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS GSK3787 significantly suppressed GAC carcinogenesis in PpardTG mice. PPARδ increased Ccl20 level to chemoattract Ccr6+ immunosuppressive cells, including tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T regulatory cells, but decreased CD8+ T cells in gastric tissues. GSK3787 suppressed PPARδ-induced gastric immunosuppression by inhibiting Ccl20/Ccr6 axis. Furthermore, Ccl20 protein levels increased in sera of PpardTG mice starting at the age preceding gastric tumor development and further increased with GAC progression as the mice aged. GSK3787 decreased the PPARδ-upregulated Ccl20 levels in sera of the mice. CONCLUSIONS PPARδ dysregulation of Ccl20/Ccr6 axis promotes GAC carcinogenesis by remodeling gastric tumor microenvironment. CCL20 might be a potential biomarker for the early detection and progression of GAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Daoyan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yasunori Deguchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Weiguo Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rui Tian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fuyao Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fei Mao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Donghui Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Weidong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lovie Ann Valentin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Eriko Deguchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - James C Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Imad Shureiqi
- Rogel Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xiangsheng Zuo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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13
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Li J, D’Amico S, Kirillov V, Petrenko O, Reich NC. Oncogenic dependency plays a dominant role in the immune response to cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308635120. [PMID: 37782788 PMCID: PMC10576078 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308635120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest human malignancies. Advanced PDAC is considered incurable. Nearly 90% of pancreatic cancers are caused by oncogenic KRAS mutations. The mechanisms of primary or acquired resistance to KRAS inhibition are currently unknown. Here, we propose that oncogenic dependency, rather than KRAS mutation per se, plays a dominant role in the immune response to cancer, including late-stage PDAC. Classifying tumor samples according to KRAS activity scores allows accurate prediction of tumor immune composition and therapy response. Dual RAS/MAPK pathway blockade combining KRAS and MEK inhibitors is more effective than the selective KRAS inhibitor alone in attenuating MAPK activation and unblocking the influx of T cells into the tumor. Lowering KRAS activity in established tumors promotes immune infiltration, but with a limited antitumor effect, whereas combining KRAS/MEK inhibition with immune checkpoint blockade achieves durable regression in preclinical models. The results are directly applicable to stratifying human PDAC based on KRAS dependency values and immune cell composition to improve therapeutic design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Li
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY11794
| | - Stephen D’Amico
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY11794
| | - Varvara Kirillov
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY11794
| | - Oleksi Petrenko
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY11794
| | - Nancy C. Reich
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY11794
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14
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Wu Q, He X, Liu J, Ou C, Li Y, Fu X. Integrative evaluation and experimental validation of the immune-modulating potential of dysregulated extracellular matrix genes in high-grade serous ovarian cancer prognosis. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:223. [PMID: 37777759 PMCID: PMC10543838 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03061-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a challenging malignancy characterized by complex interactions between tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment. Understanding the immune landscape of HGSOC, particularly the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM), is crucial for improving prognosis and guiding therapeutic interventions. METHODS AND RESULTS Using univariate Cox regression analysis, we identified 71 ECM genes associated with prognosis in seven HGSOC populations. The ECMscore signature, consisting of 14 genes, was validated using Cox proportional hazards regression with a lasso penalty. Cox regression analyses demonstrated that ECMscore is an excellent indicator for prognostic classification in prevalent malignancies, including HGSOC. Moreover, patients with higher ECMscores exhibited more active stromal and carcinogenic activation pathways, including apical surface signaling, Notch signaling, apical junctions, Wnt signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, TGF-beta signaling, and angiogenesis. In contrast, patients with relatively low ECMscores showed more active immune-related pathways, such as interferon alpha response, interferon-gamma response, and inflammatory response. The relationship between the ECMscore and genomic anomalies was further examined. Additionally, the correlation between ECMscore and immune microenvironment components and signals in HGSOC was examined in greater detail. Moreover, the expression of MGP, COL8A2, and PAPPA and its correlation with FAP were validated using qRT-PCR on samples from HGSOC. The utility of ECMscore in predicting the prospective clinical success of immunotherapy and its potential in guiding the selection of chemotherapeutic agents were also explored. Similar results were obtained from pan-cancer research. CONCLUSION The comprehensive evaluation of the ECM may help identify immune activation and assist patients in HGSOC and even pan-cancer in receiving proper therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihui Wu
- Department of Gynecology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, 410008, China
- Departments of Ultrasound Imaging, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Chunlin Ou
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Yimin Li
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 197, Ruijin Er Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xiaodan Fu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China.
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15
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Wei Y, Liu M, Yen EY, Yao J, Nguyen PT, Wang X, Yang Z, Yousef A, Pan D, Jin Y, Theady MS, Park J, Cai Y, Takeda M, Vasquez M, Zhou Y, Zhao H, Viale A, Wang H, Zhao D, DePinho RA, Yao W, Ying H. KRAS inhibition activates an actionable CD24 'don't eat me' signal in pancreas cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.21.558891. [PMID: 37790498 PMCID: PMC10542501 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.21.558891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
KRAS G12C inhibitor (G12Ci) has produced encouraging, albeit modest and transient, clinical benefit in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Identifying and targeting resistance mechanisms to G12Ci treatment is therefore crucial. To better understand the tumor biology of the KRAS G12C allele and possible bypass mechanisms, we developed a novel autochthonous KRAS G12C -driven PDAC model. Compared to the classical KRAS G12D PDAC model, the G12C model exhibit slower tumor growth, yet similar histopathological and molecular features. Aligned with clinical experience, G12Ci treatment of KRAS G12C tumors produced modest impact despite stimulating a 'hot' tumor immune microenvironment. Immunoprofiling revealed that CD24, a 'do-not-eat-me' signal, is significantly upregulated on cancer cells upon G12Ci treatment. Blocking CD24 enhanced macrophage phagocytosis of cancer cells and significantly sensitized tumors to G12Ci treatment. Similar findings were observed in KRAS G12D -driven PDAC. Our study reveals common and distinct oncogenic KRAS allele-specific biology and identifies a clinically actionable adaptive mechanism that may improve the efficacy of oncogenic KRAS inhibitor therapy in PDAC. Significance Lack of faithful preclinical models limits the exploration of resistance mechanisms to KRAS G12C inhibitor in PDAC. We generated an autochthonous KRAS G12C -driven PDAC model, which revealed allele-specific biology of the KRAS G12C during PDAC development. We identified CD24 as an actionable adaptive mechanisms in cancer cells induced upon KRAS G12C inhibition and blocking CD24 sensitizes PDAC to KRAS inhibitors in preclinical models.
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D’Amico S, Kirillov V, Petrenko O, Reich NC. STAT3 is a genetic modifier of TGF-beta induced EMT in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.01.555946. [PMID: 37732258 PMCID: PMC10508731 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.01.555946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in KRAS are among the most common in cancer. Classical models suggest that loss of epithelial characteristics and the acquisition of mesenchymal traits are associated with cancer aggressiveness and therapy resistance. However, the mechanistic link between these phenotypes and mutant KRAS biology remains to be established. Here we identify STAT3 as a genetic modifier of TGF-beta-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Gene expression profiling of pancreatic cancer cells identifies more than 200 genes commonly regulated by STAT3 and oncogenic KRAS. Functional classification of STAT3 responsive program reveals its major role in tumor maintenance and epithelial homeostasis. The signatures of STAT3-activated cell states can be projected onto human KRAS mutant tumors, suggesting that they faithfully reflect characteristics of human disease. These observations have implications for therapeutic intervention and tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D’Amico
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Varvara Kirillov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Oleksi Petrenko
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Nancy C. Reich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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17
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Sharma S, Tyagi W, Tamang R, Das S. HDAC5 modulates SATB1 transcriptional activity to promote lung adenocarcinoma. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:586-600. [PMID: 37400677 PMCID: PMC10421875 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02341-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of histone deacetylases has been linked to diverse cancers. HDAC5 is a histone deacetylase belonging to Class IIa family of histone deacetylases. Limited substrate repertoire restricts the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying its role in tumorigenesis. METHODS We employed a biochemical screen to identify SATB1 as HDAC5-interacting protein. Coimmunoprecipitation and deacetylation assay were performed to validate SATB1 as a HDAC5 substrate. Proliferation, migration assay and xenograft studies were performed to determine the effect of HDAC5-SATB1 interaction on tumorigenesis. RESULTS Here we report that HDAC5 binds to and deacetylates SATB1 at the conserved lysine 411 residue. Furthermore, dynamic regulation of acetylation at this site is determined by TIP60 acetyltransferase. We also established that HDAC5-mediated deacetylation is critical for SATB1-dependent downregulation of key tumor suppressor genes. Deacetylated SATB1 also represses SDHA-induced epigenetic remodeling and anti-proliferative transcriptional program. Thus, SATB1 spurs malignant phenotype in a HDAC5-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the pivotal role of HDAC5 in tumorigenesis. Our findings provide key insights into molecular mechanisms underlying SATB1 promoted tumor growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalakha Sharma
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Witty Tyagi
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Rohini Tamang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Sanjeev Das
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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18
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Han J, Xu J, Liu Y, Liang S, LaBella KA, Chakravarti D, Spring DJ, Xia Y, DePinho RA. Stromal-derived NRG1 enables oncogenic KRAS bypass in pancreas cancer. Genes Dev 2023; 37:818-828. [PMID: 37775182 PMCID: PMC10621596 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351037.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Activating KRAS mutations (KRAS*) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) drive anabolic metabolism and support tumor maintenance. KRAS* inhibitors show initial antitumor activity followed by recurrence due to cancer cell-intrinsic and immune-mediated paracrine mechanisms. Here, we explored the potential role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in enabling KRAS* bypass and identified CAF-derived NRG1 activation of cancer cell ERBB2 and ERBB3 receptor tyrosine kinases as a mechanism by which KRAS*-independent growth is supported. Genetic extinction or pharmacological inhibition of KRAS* resulted in up-regulation of ERBB2 and ERBB3 expression in human and murine models, which prompted cancer cell utilization of CAF-derived NRG1 as a survival factor. Genetic depletion or pharmacological inhibition of ERBB2/3 or NRG1 abolished KRAS* bypass and synergized with KRASG12D inhibitors in combination treatments in mouse and human PDAC models. Thus, we found that CAFs can contribute to KRAS* inhibitor therapy resistance via paracrine mechanisms, providing an actionable therapeutic strategy to improve the effectiveness of KRAS* inhibitors in PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Han
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 USA
| | - Jiaqian Xu
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 USA
| | - Yonghong Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 USA
| | - Shaoheng Liang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 USA
| | - Kyle A LaBella
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 USA
| | - Deepavali Chakravarti
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 USA
| | - Denise J Spring
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 USA
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 USA
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 USA;
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19
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Sans M, Chen Y, Thege FI, Dou R, Min J, Yip-Schneider M, Zhang J, Wu R, Irajizad E, Makino Y, Rajapakshe KI, Hurd MW, León-Letelier RA, Vykoukal J, Dennison JB, Do KA, Wolff RA, Guerrero PA, Kim MP, Schmidt CM, Maitra A, Hanash S, Fahrmann JF. Integrated spatial transcriptomics and lipidomics of precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer identifies enrichment of long chain sulfatide biosynthesis as an early metabolic alteration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.14.553002. [PMID: 37645752 PMCID: PMC10462088 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.14.553002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Background The development of diverse spatial profiling technologies has provided an unprecedented insight into molecular mechanisms driving cancer pathogenesis. Here, we conducted the first integrated cross-species assessment of spatial transcriptomics and spatial metabolomics alterations associated with progression of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), bona fide cystic precursors of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods Matrix Assisted Laster Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS)-based spatial imaging and Visium spatial transcriptomics (ST) (10X Genomics) was performed on human resected IPMN tissues (N= 23) as well as pancreata from a mutant Kras;Gnas mouse model of IPMN. Findings were further compared with lipidomic analyses of cystic fluid from 89 patients with histologically confirmed IPMNs, as well as single-cell and bulk transcriptomic data of PDAC and normal tissues. Results MALDI-MS analyses of IPMN tissues revealed long-chain hydroxylated sulfatides, particularly the C24:0(OH) and C24:1(OH) species, to be selectively enriched in the IPMN and PDAC neoplastic epithelium. Integrated ST analyses confirmed that the cognate transcripts engaged in sulfatide biosynthesis, including UGT8, Gal3St1 , and FA2H , were co-localized with areas of sulfatide enrichment. Lipidomic analyses of cystic fluid identified several sulfatide species, including the C24:0(OH) and C24:1(OH) species, to be significantly elevated in patients with IPMN/PDAC compared to those with low-grade IPMN. Targeting of sulfatide metabolism via the selective galactosylceramide synthase inhibitor, UGT8-IN-1, resulted in ceramide-induced lethal mitophagy and subsequent cancer cell death in vitro , and attenuated tumor growth of mutant Kras;Gnas allografts. Transcript levels of UGT8 and FA2H were also selectively enriched in PDAC transcriptomic datasets compared to non-cancerous areas, and elevated tumoral UGT8 was prognostic for poor overall survival. Conclusion Enhanced sulfatide metabolism is an early metabolic alteration in cystic pre-cancerous lesions of the pancreas that persists through invasive neoplasia. Targeting sulfatide biosynthesis might represent an actionable vulnerability for cancer interception.
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Yousef A, Yousef M, Chowdhury S, Abdilleh K, Knafl M, Edelkamp P, Alfaro-Munoz K, Chacko R, Peterson J, Smaglo BG, Wolff RA, Pant S, Lee MS, Willis J, Overman M, Doss S, Matrisian L, Hurd MW, Snyder R, Katz MH, Wang H, Maitra A, Shen JP, Zhao D. Impact of KRAS Mutations and Co-mutations on Clinical Outcomes in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3195257. [PMID: 37609177 PMCID: PMC10441514 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3195257/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The relevance of KRAS mutation alleles to clinical outcome remains inconclusive in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We conducted a retrospective study of 803 PDAC patients (42% with metastatic disease) at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Overall survival (OS) analysis demonstrated that KRAS mutation status and subtypes were prognostic (p<0.001). Relative to patients with KRAS wildtype tumors (median OS 38 months), patients with KRASG12R had a similar OS (median 34 months), while patients with KRASQ61 and KRASG12D mutated tumors had shorter OS (median 20 months [HR: 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.0, p=0.006] and 22 months [HR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3, p<0.001], respectively). There was enrichment of KRASG12D mutation in metastatic tumors (34% vs 24%, OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4, p=0.001) and enrichment of KRASG12R in well and moderately differentiated tumors (14% vs 9%, OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.05-2.99, p=0.04). Similar findings were observed in the external validation cohort (PanCAN's Know Your Tumor® dataset, n=408).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman Yousef
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mahmoud Yousef
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Saikat Chowdhury
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kawther Abdilleh
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Knafl
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul Edelkamp
- Department of Data Engineering & Analytics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristin Alfaro-Munoz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ray Chacko
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Peterson
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brandon G. Smaglo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert A. Wolff
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shubham Pant
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael S. Lee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason Willis
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Overman
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sudheer Doss
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lynn Matrisian
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark W. Hurd
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca Snyder
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew H.G. Katz
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John Paul Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Tavares-Valente D, Cannone S, Greco MR, Carvalho TMA, Baltazar F, Queirós O, Agrimi G, Reshkin SJ, Cardone RA. Extracellular Matrix Collagen I Differentially Regulates the Metabolic Plasticity of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Parenchymal Cell and Cancer Stem Cell. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3868. [PMID: 37568684 PMCID: PMC10417137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153868] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a 5-year survival rate of less than 10 percent largely due to the intense fibrotic desmoplastic reaction, characterized by high levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen I that constitutes a niche for a subset of cancer cells, the cancer stem cells (CSCs). Cancer cells undergo a complex metabolic adaptation characterized by changes in metabolic pathways and biosynthetic processes. The use of the 3D organotypic model in this study allowed us to manipulate the ECM constituents and mimic the progression of PDAC from an early tumor to an ever more advanced tumor stage. To understand the role of desmoplasia on the metabolism of PDAC parenchymal (CPC) and CSC populations, we studied their basic metabolic parameters in organotypic cultures of increasing collagen content to mimic in vivo conditions. We further measured the ability of the bioenergetic modulators (BMs), 2-deoxyglucose, dichloroacetate and phenformin, to modify their metabolic dependence and the therapeutic activity of paclitaxel albumin nanoparticles (NAB-PTX). While all the BMs decreased cell viability and increased cell death in all ECM types, a distinct, collagen I-dependent profile was observed in CSCs. As ECM collagen I content increased (e.g., more aggressive conditions), the CSCs switched from glucose to mostly glutamine metabolism. All three BMs synergistically potentiated the cytotoxicity of NAB-PTX in both cell lines, which, in CSCs, was collagen I-dependent and the strongest when treated with phenformin + NAB-PTX. Metabolic disruption in PDAC can be useful both as monotherapy or combined with conventional drugs to more efficiently block tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tavares-Valente
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Portugal
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
| | - Stefania Cannone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago Miguel Amaral Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Portugal
| | - Odília Queirós
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
| | - Gennaro Agrimi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Stephan J. Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
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22
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Di Molfetta D, Cannone S, Greco MR, Caroppo R, Piccapane F, Carvalho TMA, Altamura C, Saltarella I, Tavares Valente D, Desaphy JF, Reshkin SJ, Cardone RA. ECM Composition Differentially Regulates Intracellular and Extracellular pH in Normal and Cancer Pancreatic Duct Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10632. [PMID: 37445810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310632] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular pH (pHi) regulation is a challenge for the exocrine pancreas, where the luminal secretion of bicarbonate-rich fluid is accompanied by interstitial flows of acid. This acid-base transport requires a plethora of ion transporters, including bicarbonate transporters and the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1), which are dysregulated in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC progression is favored by a Collagen-I rich extracellular matrix (ECM) which exacerbates the physiological interstitial acidosis. In organotypic cultures of normal human pancreatic cells (HPDE), parenchymal cancer cells (CPCs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) growing on matrices reproducing ECM changes during progression, we studied resting pHi, the pHi response to fluxes of NaHCO3 and acidosis and the role of NHE1 in pHi regulation. Our findings show that: (i) on the physiological ECM, HPDE cells have the most alkaline pHi, followed by CSCs and CPCs, while a Collagen I-rich ECM reverses the acid-base balance in cancer cells compared to normal cells; (ii) both resting pHi and pHi recovery from an acid load are reduced by extracellular NaHCO3, especially in HPDE cells on a normal ECM; (iii) cancer cell NHE1 activity is less affected by NaHCO3. We conclude that ECM composition and the fluctuations of pHe cooperate to predispose pHi homeostasis towards the presence of NaHCO3 gradients similar to that expected in the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Cannone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Caroppo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Piccapane
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Saltarella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Tavares Valente
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Jean Francois Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stephan J Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
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23
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Xie Z, Zhou Z, Yang S, Zhang S, Shao B. Epigenetic regulation and therapeutic targets in the tumor microenvironment. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:17. [PMID: 37273004 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial to neoplastic processes, fostering proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Epigenetic regulations, primarily including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA, have been generally recognized as an essential feature of tumor malignancy, exceedingly contributing to the dysregulation of the core gene expression in neoplastic cells, bringing about the evasion of immunosurveillance by influencing the immune cells in TME. Recently, compelling evidence have highlighted that clinical therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic machinery modulate carcinogenesis through targeting TME components, including normalizing cells' phenotype, suppressing cells' neovascularization and repressing the immunosuppressive components in TME. Therefore, TME components have been nominated as a promising target for epigenetic drugs in clinical cancer management. This review focuses on the mechanisms of epigenetic modifications occurring to the pivotal TME components including the stroma, immune and myeloid cells in various tumors reported in the last five years, concludes the tight correlation between TME reprogramming and tumor progression and immunosuppression, summarizes the current advances in cancer clinical treatments and potential therapeutic targets with reference to epigenetic drugs. Finally, we summarize some of the restrictions in the field of cancer research at the moment, further discuss several interesting epigenetic gene targets with potential strategies to boost antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Zirui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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24
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Gurreri E, Genovese G, Perelli L, Agostini A, Piro G, Carbone C, Tortora G. KRAS-Dependency in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Mechanisms of Escaping in Resistance to KRAS Inhibitors and Perspectives of Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119313. [PMID: 37298264 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119313] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still one of the deadliest cancers in oncology because of its increasing incidence and poor survival rate. More than 90% of PDAC patients are KRAS mutated (KRASmu), with KRASG12D and KRASG12V being the most common mutations. Despite this critical role, its characteristics have made direct targeting of the RAS protein extremely difficult. KRAS regulates development, cell growth, epigenetically dysregulated differentiation, and survival in PDAC through activation of key downstream pathways, such as MAPK-ERK and PI3K-AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, in a KRAS-dependent manner. KRASmu induces the occurrence of acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and leads to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In this context, the oncogenic mutation of KRAS induces an epigenetic program that leads to the initiation of PDAC. Several studies have identified multiple direct and indirect inhibitors of KRAS signaling. Therefore, KRAS dependency is so essential in KRASmu PDAC that cancer cells have secured several compensatory escape mechanisms to counteract the efficacy of KRAS inhibitors, such as activation of MEK/ERK signaling or YAP1 upregulation. This review will provide insights into KRAS dependency in PDAC and analyze recent data on inhibitors of KRAS signaling, focusing on how cancer cells establish compensatory escape mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Gurreri
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA
| | - Giannicola Genovese
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA
- Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA
| | - Luigi Perelli
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77025, USA
| | - Antonio Agostini
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Geny Piro
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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25
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Tsai YS, Chareddy YS, Price BA, Parker JS, Pecot CV. An integrated model for predicting KRAS dependency. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011095. [PMID: 37141389 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical approvals of KRAS G12C inhibitors have been a revolutionary advance in precision oncology, but response rates are often modest. To improve patient selection, we developed an integrated model to predict KRAS dependency. By integrating molecular profiles of a large panel of cell lines from the DEMETER2 dataset, we built a binary classifier to predict a tumor's KRAS dependency. Monte Carlo cross validation via ElasticNet within the training set was used to compare model performance and to tune parameters α and λ. The final model was then applied to the validation set. We validated the model with genetic depletion assays and an external dataset of lung cancer cells treated with a G12C inhibitor. We then applied the model to several Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. The final "K20" model contains 20 features, including expression of 19 genes and KRAS mutation status. In the validation cohort, K20 had an AUC of 0.94 and accurately predicted KRAS dependency in both mutant and KRAS wild-type cell lines following genetic depletion. It was also highly predictive across an external dataset of lung cancer lines treated with KRAS G12C inhibition. When applied to TCGA datasets, specific subpopulations such as the invasive subtype in colorectal cancer and copy number high pancreatic adenocarcinoma were predicted to have higher KRAS dependency. The K20 model has simple yet robust predictive capabilities that may provide a useful tool to select patients with KRAS mutant tumors that are most likely to respond to direct KRAS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihsuan S Tsai
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yogitha S Chareddy
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brandon A Price
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Joel S Parker
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Chad V Pecot
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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26
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Barry ST, Gabrilovich DI, Sansom OJ, Campbell AD, Morton JP. Therapeutic targeting of tumour myeloid cells. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:216-237. [PMID: 36747021 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00546-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid cells are pivotal within the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. The accumulation of tumour-modified myeloid cells derived from monocytes or neutrophils - termed 'myeloid-derived suppressor cells' - and tumour-associated macrophages is associated with poor outcome and resistance to treatments such as chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Unfortunately, there has been little success in large-scale clinical trials of myeloid cell modulators, and only a few distinct strategies have been used to target suppressive myeloid cells clinically so far. Preclinical and translational studies have now elucidated specific functions for different myeloid cell subpopulations within the tumour microenvironment, revealing context-specific roles of different myeloid cell populations in disease progression and influencing response to therapy. To improve the success of myeloid cell-targeted therapies, it will be important to target tumour types and patient subsets in which myeloid cells represent the dominant driver of therapy resistance, as well as to determine the most efficacious treatment regimens and combination partners. This Review discusses what we can learn from work with the first generation of myeloid modulators and highlights recent developments in modelling context-specific roles for different myeloid cell subtypes, which can ultimately inform how to drive more successful clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon T Barry
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Jennifer P Morton
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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27
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Watterson A, Coelho MA. Cancer immune evasion through KRAS and PD-L1 and potential therapeutic interventions. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:45. [PMID: 36864508 PMCID: PMC9979509 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01063-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic driver mutations have implications that extend beyond cancer cells themselves. Aberrant tumour cell signalling has various effects on the tumour microenvironment and anti-tumour immunity, with important consequences for therapy response and resistance. We provide an overview of how mutant RAS, one of the most prevalent oncogenic drivers in cancer, can instigate immune evasion programs at the tumour cell level and through remodelling interactions with the innate and adaptive immune cell compartments. Finally, we describe how immune evasion networks focused on RAS, and the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1 can be disrupted through therapeutic intervention, and discuss potential strategies for combinatorial treatment. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Watterson
- Translational Cancer Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.,Open Targets, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew A Coelho
- Translational Cancer Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK. .,Open Targets, Cambridge, UK.
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28
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Zhang J, Huang L, Ge G, Hu K. Emerging Epigenetic-Based Nanotechnology for Cancer Therapy: Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206169. [PMID: 36599655 PMCID: PMC9982594 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated epigenetic modifications dynamically drive the abnormal transcription process to affect the tumor microenvironment; thus, promoting cancer progression, drug resistance, and metastasis. Nowadays, therapies targeting epigenetic dysregulation of tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment appear to be promising adjuncts to other cancer therapies. However, the clinical results of combination therapies containing epigenetic agents are disappointing due to systemic toxicities and limited curative effects. Here, the role of epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, post-translational modification of histones, and noncoding RNAs is discussed, followed by detailed descriptions of epigenetic regulation of the tumor microenvironment, as well as the application of epigenetic modulators in antitumor therapy, with an emphasis on the epigenetic-based advanced drug delivery system in targeting the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular PharmaceuticsEshelman School of PharmacyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Guangbo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
| | - Kaili Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai201203China
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Liu T, Chen Z, Chen W, Evans R, Xu J, Reeves ME, de Vera ME, Wang C. Dysregulated miRNAs modulate tumor microenvironment associated signaling networks in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2023; 6:pbad004. [PMID: 37007745 PMCID: PMC10052370 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbad004] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The desmoplastic and complex tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has presented tremendous challenges for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Strategies targeting tumor stroma, albeit with great potential, have met with limited success due to the lack of knowledge on the molecular dynamics within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In pursuit of a better understanding of the influence of miRNAs on TME reprogramming and to explore circulating miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PDAC, using RNA-seq, miRNA-seq, and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), we investigated the dysregulated signaling pathways in PDAC TME modulated by miRNAs from plasma and tumor tissue. Our bulk RNA-seq in PDAC tumor tissue identified 1445 significantly differentially expressed genes with extracellular matrix and structure organization as the top enriched pathways. Our miRNA-seq identified 322 and 49 abnormally expressed miRNAs in PDAC patient plasma and tumor tissue, respectively. We found many of the TME signaling pathways were targeted by those dysregulated miRNAs in PDAC plasma. Combined with scRNA-seq from patient PDAC tumor, our results revealed that these dysregulated miRNAs were closely associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, cell-ECM communication, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, as well as immunosuppression orchestrated by different cellular components of TME. The findings of this study could assist the development of miRNA-based stromal targeting biomarkers or therapy for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Liu
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Zhong Chen
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Wanqiu Chen
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Ryan Evans
- Transplant Institute, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Jane Xu
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Mark E Reeves
- Cancer Center & School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Michael E de Vera
- Transplant Institute, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Charles Wang
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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30
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Zhang Z, Wang X, Hamdan FH, Likhobabina A, Patil S, Aperdannier L, Sen M, Traub J, Neesse A, Fischer A, Papantonis A, Singh SK, Ellenrieder V, Johnsen SA, Hessmann E. NFATc1 Is a Central Mediator of EGFR-Induced ARID1A Chromatin Dissociation During Acinar Cell Reprogramming. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1219-1246. [PMID: 36758798 PMCID: PMC10064440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Loss of AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A) fosters acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) and pancreatic carcinogenesis by down-regulating transcription programs controlling acinar cell identity. However, how ARID1A reacts to metaplasia-triggering environmental cues remains elusive. Here, we aimed to elucidate the role of ARID1A in controlling ductal pancreatic gene signatures and deciphering hierarchical signaling cues determining ARID1A-dependent chromatin regulation during acinar cell reprogramming. METHODS Acinar cell explants with differential ARID1A status were subjected to genome-wide expression analyses. The impact of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, NFATc1 activity, and ARID1A status on acinar reprogramming processes were characterized by ex vivo ADM assays and transgenic mouse models. EGFR-dependent ARID1A chromatin binding was studied by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis and cellular fractionation. RESULTS EGFR signaling interferes with ARID1A-dependent transcription by inducing genome-wide ARID1A displacement, thereby phenocopying ARID1A loss-of-function mutations and inducing a shift toward ADM permissive ductal transcription programs. Moreover, we show that EGFR signaling is required to push ARID1A-deficient acinar cells toward a metaplastic phenotype. Mechanistically, we identified the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) as the central regulatory hub mediating both EGFR signaling-induced genomic ARID1A displacement and the induction of ADM-promoting gene signatures in the absence of ARID1A. Consequently, pharmacologic inhibition of NFATc1 or its depletion in transgenic mice not only preserves genome-wide ARID1A occupancy, but also attenuates acinar metaplasia led by ARID1A loss. CONCLUSIONS Our data describe an intimate relationship between environmental signaling and chromatin remodeling in orchestrating cell fate decisions in the pancreas, and illustrate how ARID1A loss influences transcriptional regulation in acinar cell reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Feda H Hamdan
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Anna Likhobabina
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shilpa Patil
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lena Aperdannier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Madhobi Sen
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jacobe Traub
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Albrecht Neesse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit 5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - André Fischer
- Department for Systems Medicine and Epigenetics, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Argyris Papantonis
- Clinical Research Unit 5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shiv K Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit 5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit 5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Lower Saxony, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit 5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Lower Saxony, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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31
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Ferguson LP, Gatchalian J, McDermott ML, Nakamura M, Chambers K, Rajbhandari N, Lytle NK, Rosenthal SB, Hamilton M, Albini S, Wartenberg M, Zlobec I, Galván JA, Karamitopoulou E, Vavinskaya V, Wascher A, Lowy AM, Schürch CM, Puri PL, Bruneau BG, Hargreaves DC, Reya T. Smarcd3 is an epigenetic modulator of the metabolic landscape in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:292. [PMID: 36653361 PMCID: PMC9849267 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35796-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by extensive resistance to conventional therapies, making clinical management a challenge. Here we map the epigenetic dependencies of cancer stem cells, cells that preferentially evade therapy and drive progression, and identify SWI/SNF complex member SMARCD3 as a regulator of pancreatic cancer cells. Although SWI/SNF subunits often act as tumor suppressors, we show that SMARCD3 is amplified in cancer, enriched in pancreatic cancer stem cells and upregulated in the human disease. Diverse genetic mouse models of pancreatic cancer and stage-specific Smarcd3 deletion reveal that Smarcd3 loss preferentially impacts established tumors, improving survival especially in context of chemotherapy. Mechanistically, SMARCD3 acts with FOXA1 to control lipid and fatty acid metabolism, programs associated with therapy resistance and poor prognosis in cancer. These data identify SMARCD3 as an epigenetic modulator responsible for establishing the metabolic landscape in aggressive pancreatic cancer cells and a potential target for new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Paige Ferguson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Matthew L McDermott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mari Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kendall Chambers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nirakar Rajbhandari
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nikki K Lytle
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sara Brin Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael Hamilton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sonia Albini
- Genethon, 91000, EVRY, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare research unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry, France
| | - Martin Wartenberg
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Inti Zlobec
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - José A Galván
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eva Karamitopoulou
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vera Vavinskaya
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alexis Wascher
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew M Lowy
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christian M Schürch
- Department of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pier Lorenzo Puri
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Benoit G Bruneau
- Gladstone Institutes, Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Tannishtha Reya
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Pandey S, Gupta VK, Lavania SP. Role of epigenetics in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Epigenomics 2023; 15:89-110. [PMID: 36647796 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers, associated with poor survival outcomes. Lack of early diagnosis, resistance to conventional therapeutic treatments (including immunotherapy) and recurrence are some of the major hurdles in PDAC and contribute to its poor survival rate. While the risk of genetic predisposition to cancers is widely acknowledged and understood, recent advances in whole-genome and next-generation sequencing techniques have led to the acknowledgment of the role played by epigenetics, especially in PDAC. Epigenetic changes are heritable genetic modifications that influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., DNA methylation, post-translational modification of histone complexes and ncRNA) that result in reversible changes in gene expression are increasingly understood to be responsible for tumor initiation, development and even escape from immune surveillance. Our review seeks to highlight the various components of the epigenetic machinery that are known to be implicated in PDAC initiation and development and the feasibility of targeting these components to identify novel pharmacological strategies that could potentially lead to breakthroughs in PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somnath Pandey
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Vineet K Gupta
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Shweta P Lavania
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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33
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Yang Y, Zhang H, Huang S, Chu Q. KRAS Mutations in Solid Tumors: Characteristics, Current Therapeutic Strategy, and Potential Treatment Exploration. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020709. [PMID: 36675641 PMCID: PMC9861148 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Kristen rat sarcoma (KRAS) gene is one of the most common mutated oncogenes in solid tumors. Yet, KRAS inhibitors did not follow suit with the development of targeted therapy, for the structure of KRAS has been considered as being implausible to target for decades. Chemotherapy was the initial recommended therapy for KRAS-mutant cancer patients, which was then replaced by or combined with immunotherapy. KRAS G12C inhibitors became the most recent breakthrough in targeted therapy, with Sotorasib being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on its significant efficacy in multiple clinical studies. However, the subtypes of the KRAS mutations are complex, and the development of inhibitors targeting non-G12C subtypes is still at a relatively early stage. In addition, the monotherapy of KRAS inhibitors has accumulated possible resistance, acquiring the exploration of combination therapies or next-generation KRAS inhibitors. Thus, other non-target, conventional therapies have also been considered as being promising. Here in this review, we went through the characteristics of KRAS mutations in cancer patients, and the prognostic effect that it poses on different therapies and advanced therapeutic strategy, as well as cutting-edge research on the mechanisms of drug resistance, tumor development, and the immune microenvironment.
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34
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Zhang Z, Zhang H, Liao X, Tsai HI. KRAS mutation: The booster of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma transformation and progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1147676. [PMID: 37152291 PMCID: PMC10157181 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1147676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It has a poor response to conventional therapy and has an extremely poor 5-year survival rate. PDAC is driven by multiple oncogene mutations, with the highest mutation frequency being observed in KRAS. The KRAS protein, which binds to GTP, has phosphokinase activity, which further activates downstream effectors. KRAS mutation contributes to cancer cell proliferation, metabolic reprogramming, immune escape, and therapy resistance in PDAC, acting as a critical driver of the disease. Thus, KRAS mutation is positively associated with poorer prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. This review focus on the KRAS mutation patterns in PDAC, and further emphases its role in signal transduction, metabolic reprogramming, therapy resistance and prognosis, hoping to provide KRAS target therapy strategies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zining Zhang
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiang Liao
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Liao, ; Hsiang-i Tsai,
| | - Hsiang-i Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Liao, ; Hsiang-i Tsai,
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35
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Yu Z, Ouyang L. Identification Of key prognostic genes in ovarian cancer using WGCNA and LASSO analysis. ALL LIFE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2087107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Ouyang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Higher Education of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
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36
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Drosten M, Barbacid M. KRAS inhibitors: going noncovalent. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3911-3915. [PMID: 36383067 PMCID: PMC9718111 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13341] [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: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
KRASG12D is the most frequent KRAS mutation in human cancer with particularly high frequencies in pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Informed by the structure of the KRASG12C inhibitor adagrasib, Hallin et al. have now, through multiple rounds of structure-based drug design, identified and validated a potent, selective, and noncovalent KRASG12D inhibitor, MRTX1133. This study demonstrated that MRTX1133 inhibited both the inactive and active state of KRASG12D and showed potent antitumor activity in several preclinical models of pancreatic and colorectal cancer, especially when combined with cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody against the EGFR, or BYL-719, a potent PI3Kα inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Drosten
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer ProgramCentro de Investigación del Cáncer (CIC) and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), CSIC‐USALSalamancaSpain
| | - Mariano Barbacid
- Molecular Oncology ProgramCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)MadridSpain
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Parker AL, Bowman E, Zingone A, Ryan BM, Cooper WA, Kohonen-Corish M, Harris CC, Cox TR. Extracellular matrix profiles determine risk and prognosis of the squamous cell carcinoma subtype of non-small cell lung carcinoma. Genome Med 2022; 14:126. [PMID: 36404344 PMCID: PMC9677915 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01127-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) is a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer for which patient prognosis remains poor. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical in regulating cell behavior; however, its importance in tumor aggressiveness remains to be comprehensively characterized. METHODS Multi-omics data of SqCC human tumor specimens was combined to characterize ECM features associated with initiation and recurrence. Penalized logistic regression was used to define a matrix risk signature for SqCC tumors and its performance across a panel of tumor types and in SqCC premalignant lesions was evaluated. Consensus clustering was used to define prognostic matreotypes for SqCC tumors. Matreotype-specific tumor biology was defined by integration of bulk RNAseq with scRNAseq data, cell type deconvolution, analysis of ligand-receptor interactions and enriched biological pathways, and through cross comparison of matreotype expression profiles with aging and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung profiles. RESULTS This analysis revealed subtype-specific ECM signatures associated with tumor initiation that were predictive of premalignant progression. We identified an ECM-enriched tumor subtype associated with the poorest prognosis. In silico analysis indicates that matrix remodeling programs differentially activate intracellular signaling in tumor and stromal cells to reinforce matrix remodeling associated with resistance and progression. The matrix subtype with the poorest prognosis resembles ECM remodeling in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and may represent a field of cancerization associated with elevated cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this analysis defines matrix-driven features of poor prognosis to inform precision medicine prevention and treatment strategies towards improving SqCC patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia L. Parker
- grid.415306.50000 0000 9983 6924Matrix and Metastasis Lab, Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2052 Australia ,grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052 Australia
| | - Elise Bowman
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Adriana Zingone
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Brid M. Ryan
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA ,Present address: MiNA Therapeutics, London, UK
| | - Wendy A. Cooper
- grid.413249.90000 0004 0385 0051Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050 Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050 Australia ,grid.1029.a0000 0000 9939 5719Discipline of Pathology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Liverpool, NSW 2170 Australia
| | - Maija Kohonen-Corish
- grid.417229.b0000 0000 8945 8472Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2037 Australia ,grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Microbiome Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052 Australia ,grid.415306.50000 0000 9983 6924Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Curtis C. Harris
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Thomas R. Cox
- grid.415306.50000 0000 9983 6924Matrix and Metastasis Lab, Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2052 Australia ,grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052 Australia
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Cao C, Zhao W, Chen X, Shen B, Wang T, Wu C, Rong X. Deciphering the action mechanism of paeoniflorin in suppressing pancreatic cancer: A network pharmacology study and experimental validation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1032282. [PMID: 36339551 PMCID: PMC9630940 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1032282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Paeoniflorin (PF) is the main active component of Chinese herbaceous peony that has been shown to have an anti-tumor effect. However, there are few studies on the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer with PF. Methods: We gathered Microarray data pertaining to paeoniflorin intervention in pancreatic cancer by utilizing the GEO database (GSE97124). Then, the DEGs were filtered by the 33R program. RNA-seq data of pancreatic cancer and normal tissue samples were taken from the TCGA and GTEx databases, respectively, and the WGCNA technique was utilized to examine the pancreatic cancer-specific genes. Paeoniflorin target genes for the treatment of pancreatic cancer were determined based on the overlap between DEGs and WGCNA. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were then performed on paeoniflorin target genes to discover which biological processes were impacted. Using the 3 hierarchical methods included in the Cytohubba plugin, we re-screened the hub genes in the target genes to find the genes most relevant to paeoniflorin treatment. The overall survival effects of hub genes were confirmed using the TCGA database. Finally, the paeoniflorin targets identified by the network pharmacology analysis were validated using PANC-1 and Capan-2 cells. Results: We identified 148 main potential PF targets, and gene enrichment analysis suggested that the aforementioned targets play a crucial role in the regulation of MAPK, PI3K-AKT, and other pathways. The further screening of the prospective targets resulted in the identification of 39 hub genes. Using the TCGA database, it was determined that around 33.33% of the hub gene’s high expression was linked with a bad prognosis. Finally, we demonstrated that PF inhibits IL-6 and IL-10 expression and p38 phosphorylation in pancreatic cancer cells, thereby reducing inflammation. Conclusion: PF may regulate inflammatory factors mainly through the p38 MAPK signal pathway. These findings provide theoretical and experimental evidence suggesting the PF as a promising natural source of anti-tumor compounds for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhao Cao
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliate Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenting Zhao
- Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Bin Shen
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Teng Wang
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaoxu Wu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliate Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaofeng Rong, ; Chaoxu Wu,
| | - Xiaofeng Rong
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliate Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaofeng Rong, ; Chaoxu Wu,
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Deng D, Patel R, Chiang CY, Hou P. Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Regulating Pancreatic Cancer Therapy Resistance. Cells 2022; 11:cells11192952. [PMID: 36230914 PMCID: PMC9563251 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has a notoriously poor prognosis, exhibits persistent drug resistance, and lacks a cure. Unique features of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment exacerbate tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Recent studies emphasize the importance of exploiting cells in the tumor microenvironment to thwart cancers. In this review, we summarize the hallmarks of the multifaceted pancreatic tumor microenvironment, notably pancreatic stellate cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, and neutrophils, in the regulation of chemo-, radio-, immuno-, and targeted therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. The molecular insight will facilitate the development of novel therapeutics against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiyong Deng
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Riya Patel
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Cheng-Yao Chiang
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Pingping Hou
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Correspondence:
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Yang H, Zhang W, Ding J, Hu J, Sun Y, Peng W, Chu Y, Xie L, Mei Z, Shao Z, Xiao Y. A novel genomic instability-derived lncRNA signature to predict prognosis and immune characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:970588. [PMID: 36148233 PMCID: PMC9486402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.970588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor of the digestive system. Its grim prognosis is mainly attributed to the lack of means for early diagnosis and poor response to treatments. Genomic instability is shown to be an important cancer feature and prognostic factor, and its pattern and extent may be associated with poor treatment outcomes in PDAC. Recently, it has been reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in maintaining genomic instability. However, the identification and clinical significance of genomic instability-related lncRNAs in PDAC have not been fully elucidated. Methods Genomic instability-derived lncRNA signature (GILncSig) was constructed based on the results of multiple regression analysis combined with genomic instability-associated lncRNAs and its predictive power was verified by the Kaplan-Meier method. And real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used for simple validation in human cancers and their adjacent non-cancerous tissues. In addition, the correlation between GILncSig and tumor microenvironment (TME) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was investigated by Pearson correlation analysis. Results The computational framework identified 206 lncRNAs associated with genomic instability in PDAC and was subsequently used to construct a genome instability-derived five lncRNA-based gene signature. Afterwards, we successfully validated its prognostic capacity in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. In addition, via careful examination of the transcriptome expression profile of PDAC patients, we discovered that GILncSig is associated with EMT and an adaptive immunity deficient immune profile within TME. Conclusions Our study established a genomic instability-associated lncRNAs-derived model (GILncSig) for prognosis prediction in patients with PDAC, and revealed the potential functional regulatory role of GILncSig.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weiwen Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin Ding
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingyi Hu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weijun Peng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Chu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lingxiang Xie
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zubing Mei
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Anorectal Disease Institute of Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuo Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Xiao, ; Zhuo Shao,
| | - Yang Xiao
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Xiao, ; Zhuo Shao,
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Liu X, Xu X, Wu Z, Shan Q, Wang Z, Wu Z, Ding X, Huang W, Wang Z. Integrated single-cell RNA-seq analysis identifies immune heterogeneity associated with KRAS/TP53 mutation status and tumor-sideness in colorectal cancers. Front Immunol 2022; 13:961350. [PMID: 36172359 PMCID: PMC9510840 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.961350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe main objective of this study was to analyze the effects of KRAS/TP53 mutation status and tumor sideness on the immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer using integrated scRNA-seq data.MethodsA total of 78 scRNA-seq datasets, comprising 42 treatment-naive colorectal tumors, 13 tumor adjacent tissues and 23 normal mucosa tissues were included. Standardized Seurat procedures were applied to identify cellular components with canonical cell marks. The batch-effect was assessed and corrected using harmony algorithm. The scMetabolism algorithm was used for single-cell metabolic analysis. The results and clinical significance were further validated using immunofluorescent-staining and TCGA-COAD datasets. Immune-infiltration scores of bulk-RNA-seq data were estimated using ssGSEA. The presto-wilcoxauc algorithm was used to identify differentially enriched genes or pathways across different subgroups. Two-sided p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsWe refined the landscape of functional immune cell subtypes, especially T cells and myeloid cells, across normal mucosa, tumor adjacent and tumor tissue. The existence and function of two states of exhausted CD8+ T (Tex) subtypes in colorectal cancer, and FOLR2+ LYVE1+ macrophages indicating unfavorable prognosis in colorectal cancer were identified and validated. The diverse tumor mutation status reshaped the immune cell function and immune checkpoint ligands/receptors (ICLs/ICRs) expression pattern. Importantly, the KRAS/TP53 dual mutations significantly reduced the major energy metabolic functions in immune cells, and promoted the cell-to-cell communications towards immunosuppression in colorectal cancers. The results revealed LAG3, CD24-SIGLEC10 and HBEGF-CD9 pathways as potential therapeutic targets for dual mutant colorectal cancers.ConclusionsWe revealed that the immune microenvironment underwent a gradual remodeling with an enrichment of immunosuppressive myeloid cells from normal mucosa to tumor regions in colorectal cancers. Moreover, we revealed the metabolic heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and suggested that the KRAS/TP53 dual mutation may impair antitumor immunity by reducing T and myeloid cell energy metabolism and reshaping cellular interactions toward immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuozhuo Wu
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qungang Shan
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyi Ding
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongmin Wang, ; Wei Huang,
| | - Zhongmin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongmin Wang, ; Wei Huang,
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Yu Z, Ouyang L. Identification of prognosis-related hub genes of ovarian cancer through bioinformatics analyses and experimental verification. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30374. [PMID: 36086731 PMCID: PMC10980417 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a lethal and highly prevalent disease in women worldwide. The disease is often diagnosed in late stages, which leads to its rapid progression and low survival rate. This study aims to identify new prognostic genes for OC. Based on 2 datasets from the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus public database, we constructed 2 Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis networks. Then, we selected and intersected 2 key modules to screen key genes. Enrichment analyses were performed, and a protein-protein interaction network was constructed. The cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape and survival analysis were used to screen hub genes related to prognosis. The expression of hub genes was analyzed by GEPIA and verified by quantitative Real-Time PCR. Gene alteration frequency analysis, gene set variation analysis, immune infiltration analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, tumor mutation burden, and neoantigen analyses were conducted to determine the prognostic value and molecular mechanisms of the hub genes. In total, 214 key genes were selected from 2 Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis networks, and 3 hub genes, namely ALDH1A2, CLDN4, and GPR37, were identified as prognostic candidates through cytoHubba and survival analysis. Three hub genes were significantly associated with overall survival of OC patients. GEPIA and quantitative Real-Time PCR indicated that ALDH1A2 expression was significantly downregulated, while expression of CLDN4 and GPR37 was upregulated in OC samples compared with normal samples. CIBERSORT showed that 3 hub genes were closely associated with the infiltrating immune cells. GDSC showed that hub genes expression influenced IC50 values of chemotherapeutic drugs. OC patients with high expression of ALDH1A2 and CLDN4 had lower TMB and low ALDH1A2 expression could produce a larger number of neoantigens. In conclusion, the 3 hub genes (ALDH1A2, CLDN4 and GPR37) identified through bioinformatics analyses in the present study may serve as OC prognosis biomarkers. The study findings offer valuable insights into OC progression and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ling Ouyang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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PIM3-AMPK-HDAC4/5 axis restricts MuERVL-marked 2-cell-like state in embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:2256-2271. [PMID: 36150380 PMCID: PMC9561635 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A minority of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) marked by endogenous retrovirus MuERVL are totipotent 2-cell-like cells. However, the majority of ESCs repress MuERVL. Currently, it is still unclear regarding the signaling pathway(s) repressing the MuERVL-associated 2-cell-like state of ESCs. Here, we identify the PIM3-downstream signaling axis as a key route to repress MuERVL and 2-cell-like state. Downregulation, deletion, or inhibition of PIM3 activated MuERVL, 2-cell genes, and trophectodermal genes in ESCs. By screening PIM3-regulated pathways, we discovered AMPK as its key target. The loss of Pim3 caused an increase in AMPK phosphorylation, which phosphorylated HDAC4/5 and triggered their transfer out of the nucleus in Pim3−/− ESCs. The reduction of nuclear HDAC4/5 caused increased H3K9ac and reduced H3K9me1/2 enrichment on MuERVL, thus activating MuERVL and 2-cell-like state. In summary, our study uncovers a novel axis by which PIM3 suppresses 2-cell marker MuERVL and totipotent state in ESCs. PIM3 signaling pathway represses MuERVL and 2-cell-like state Pim3 loss promotes AMPK phosphorylation, which activates MuERVL Phosphorylated AMPK mediates HDAC4/5 export from the nucleus HDAC4/5 repress MuERVL through modulating H3K9ac and H3K9me1/2
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A positive feedback loop of ARF6 activates ERK1/2 signaling pathway via DUSP6 silencing to promote pancreatic cancer progression. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1431-1440. [PMID: 36017891 PMCID: PMC9827993 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
ERK1/2 are essential proteins mediating mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling downstream of RAS in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our previous study reveals that ARF6 plays a positive regulatory role in ERK1/2 pathway in a feedback loop manner. A significant part of the literature on ARF6 has emphasized its oncogenic effect as an essential downstream molecule of ERK1/2, and no research has been done on the regulation mechanisms of the feedback loop between ARF6 and the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In the present study, we explore the gene network downstream of ARF6 and find that DUSP6 may be the critical signal molecule in the positive feedback loop between ARF6 and ERK1/2. Specifically, to elucidate the negative correlations between ARF6 and DUSP6 in pancreatic cancer, we examine their expressions in pancreatic cancer tissues by immunohistochemical staining. Then the impact of DUSP6 on the proliferation and apoptosis of PDAC cells are investigated by gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches. Mechanism explorations uncover that ARF6 suppresses the expression of DUSP6, which is responsible for the dephosphorylation of ERK1/2. Altogether, these results indicate that DUSP6 plays a tumor-suppressive role and acts as an intermediate molecule between ARF6 and ERK1/2 in PDAC cells, thereby forming a positive feedback loop.
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Zhu C, Guan X, Zhang X, Luan X, Song Z, Cheng X, Zhang W, Qin JJ. Targeting KRAS mutant cancers: from druggable therapy to drug resistance. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:159. [PMID: 35922812 PMCID: PMC9351107 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01629-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) is the most frequently mutated oncogene, occurring in a variety of tumor types. Targeting KRAS mutations with drugs is challenging because KRAS is considered undruggable due to the lack of classic drug binding sites. Over the past 40 years, great efforts have been made to explore routes for indirect targeting of KRAS mutant cancers, including KRAS expression, processing, upstream regulators, or downstream effectors. With the advent of KRAS (G12C) inhibitors, KRAS mutations are now druggable. Despite such inhibitors showing remarkable clinical responses, resistance to monotherapy of KRAS inhibitors is eventually developed. Significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance to KRAS-mutant inhibitors. Here we review the most recent advances in therapeutic approaches and resistance mechanisms targeting KRAS mutations and discuss opportunities for combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Zhu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.,School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Xiaoqing Guan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Xinuo Zhang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengbo Song
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Xiangdong Cheng
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China. .,Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China. .,School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China. .,Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
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Xu ZH, Wang WQ, Liu L, Lou WH. A special subtype: Revealing the potential intervention and great value of KRAS wildtype pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188751. [PMID: 35732240 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188751] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the predominant form of pancreatic cancer and has devastating consequences on affected families and society. Its dismal prognosis is attributed to poor specificity of symptoms during early stages. It is widely believed that PDAC patients with the wildtype (WT) KRAS gene benefit more from currently available treatments than those with KRAS mutations. The oncogenic genetic changes alternations generally found in KRAS wildtype PDAC are related to either the KRAS pathway or microsatellite instability/mismatch repair deficiency (MSI/dMMR), which enable the application of tailored treatments based on each patient's genetic characteristics. This review focuses on targeted therapies against alternative tumour mechanisms in KRAS WT PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hang Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Quan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wen-Hui Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Liu Y, Deguchi Y, Wei D, Liu F, Moussalli MJ, Deguchi E, Li D, Wang H, Valentin LA, Colby JK, Wang J, Zheng X, Ying H, Gagea M, Ji B, Shi J, Yao JC, Zuo X, Shureiqi I. Rapid acceleration of KRAS-mutant pancreatic carcinogenesis via remodeling of tumor immune microenvironment by PPARδ. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2665. [PMID: 35562376 PMCID: PMC9106716 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30392-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) is a precursor of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which commonly occurs in the general populations with aging. Although most PanIN lesions (PanINs) harbor oncogenic KRAS mutations that initiate pancreatic tumorigenesis; PanINs rarely progress to PDAC. Critical factors that promote this progression, especially targetable ones, remain poorly defined. We show that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta (PPARδ), a lipid nuclear receptor, is upregulated in PanINs in humans and mice. Furthermore, PPARδ ligand activation by a high-fat diet or GW501516 (a highly selective, synthetic PPARδ ligand) in mutant KRASG12D (KRASmu) pancreatic epithelial cells strongly accelerates PanIN progression to PDAC. This PPARδ activation induces KRASmu pancreatic epithelial cells to secrete CCL2, which recruits immunosuppressive macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells into pancreas via the CCL2/CCR2 axis to orchestrate an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and subsequently drive PanIN progression to PDAC. Our data identify PPARδ signaling as a potential molecular target to prevent PDAC development in subjects harboring PanINs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yasunori Deguchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Daoyan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fuyao Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Micheline J Moussalli
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Eriko Deguchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Donghui Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lovie Ann Valentin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer K Colby
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Haoqiang Ying
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mihai Gagea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Baoan Ji
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - James C Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiangsheng Zuo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Imad Shureiqi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Adhikari S, Bhattacharya A, Adhikary S, Singh V, Gadad S, Roy S, Das C. The paradigm of drug resistance in cancer: an epigenetic perspective. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:BSR20211812. [PMID: 35438143 PMCID: PMC9069444 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate and acquired resistance towards the conventional therapeutic regimen imposes a significant challenge for the successful management of cancer for decades. In patients with advanced carcinomas, acquisition of drug resistance often leads to tumor recurrence and poor prognosis after the first therapeutic cycle. In this context, cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered as the prime drivers of therapy resistance in cancer due to their 'non-targetable' nature. Drug resistance in cancer is immensely influenced by different properties of CSCs such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a profound expression of drug efflux pump genes, detoxification genes, quiescence, and evasion of apoptosis, has been highlighted in this review article. The crucial epigenetic alterations that are intricately associated with regulating different mechanisms of drug resistance, have been discussed thoroughly. Additionally, special attention is drawn towards the epigenetic mechanisms behind the interaction between the cancer cells and their microenvironment which assists in tumor progression and therapy resistance. Finally, we have provided a cumulative overview of the alternative treatment strategies and epigenome-modifying therapies that show the potential of sensitizing the resistant cells towards the conventional treatment strategies. Thus, this review summarizes the epigenetic and molecular background behind therapy resistance, the prime hindrance of present day anti-cancer therapies, and provides an account of the novel complementary epi-drug-based therapeutic strategies to combat drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swagata Adhikari
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
- Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Apoorva Bhattacharya
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Santanu Adhikary
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Vipin Singh
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
- Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Shrikanth S. Gadad
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, U.S.A
- Mays Cancer Center, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, U.S.A
| | - Siddhartha Roy
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Chandrima Das
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India
- Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
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49
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HDACs and the epigenetic plasticity of cancer cells: Target the complexity. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 238:108190. [PMID: 35430294 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells must adapt to the hostile conditions of the microenvironment in terms of nutrition, space, and immune system attack. Mutations of DNA are the drivers of the tumorigenic process, but mutations must be able to hijack cellular functions to sustain the spread of mutant genomes. Transcriptional control is a key function in this context and is controlled by the rearrangement of the epigenome. Unlike genomic mutations, the epigenome of cancer cells can in principle be reversed. The discovery of the first epigenetic drugs triggered a contaminating enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the complexity of the epigenetic machinery has frustrated this enthusiasm. To develop efficient patient-oriented epigenetic therapies, we need to better understand the nature of this complexity. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in understanding the contribution of HDACs to the maintenance of the transformed state and the rational for their selective targeting.
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50
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Xiong W, He W, Wang T, He S, Xu F, Wang Z, Wang X, Guo H, Ling J, Zhang H, Liu Y, Xing K, Li M, Zhang H, Li J, Niu N, Xue J, Zhan Q, Liu Z, Bei J, Huang P, Liu J, Xia L, Xia X. Smad4 Deficiency Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Immunogenicity by Activating the Cancer-Autonomous DNA-Sensing Signaling Axis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2103029. [PMID: 35064757 PMCID: PMC8895117 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Smad4, a key mediator of the transforming growth factor-β signaling, is mutated or deleted in 20% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cancers and significantly affects cancer development. However, the effect of Smad4 loss on the immunogenicity and tumor immune microenvironment of PDAC is still unclear. Here, a surprising function of Smad4 in suppressing mouse PDAC tumor immunogenicity is identified. Although Smad4 deletion in tumor cells enhances proliferation in vitro, the in vivo growth of Smad4-deficient PDAC tumor is significantly inhibited on immunocompetent C57BL/6 (B6) mice, but not on immunodeficient mice or CD8+ cell-depleted B6 mice. Mechanistically, Smad4 deficiency significantly increases tumor cell immunogenicity by promoting spontaneous DNA damage and stimulating STING-mediated type I interferon signaling,which contributes to the activation of type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1) and subsequent CD8+ T cells for tumor control. Furthermore, retarded tumor growth of Smad4-deficient PDAC cells on B6 mice is largely reversed when Sting is codeleted, or when the cells are implanted into interferon-alpha receptor-deficientmice or cDC1-deficientmice. Accordingly, Smad4 deficiency promotes PDAC immunogenicity by inducing tumor-intrinsic DNA damage-elicited type I interferon signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Wenzhuo He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
- VIP RegionSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Shuai He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Feifei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Zining Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Hui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Jianhua Ling
- Department of Molecular and Cellular OncologyThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Huanling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Yongxiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Kaili Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
- Department of Pancreatobiliary SurgerySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Mengyun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Jiahui Li
- College of Food Science and EngineeringDalian Polytechnic UniversityLiaoning116034P. R. China
| | - Ningning Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesStem Cell Research CenterRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200127P. R. China
| | - Jing Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesStem Cell Research CenterRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200127P. R. China
| | - Qiuyao Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Ze‐Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Jin‐Xin Bei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Jinyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Liangping Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
- VIP RegionSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
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